For nearly four decades, bicyclists from all over have gathered in Perry the first Saturday in February for the annual Bike Ride to Rippey.

Serving as the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce’s largest fundraiser of the year, BRR was a unique event when it started but new copycats continue to show up all the time.

“BRR is a very unique beast.  It continues to keep Perry on the map.  This is 38 years of doing this and there are people all over the state mimicking this ride but this is the original winter ride.  But we’re happy to continue this, we’re going to continue this with the Chamber as long as possible.”

That’s Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Wilson who says if the community does their job correctly, Perry will continue to be on the top of people’s minds when it comes to being a tourist destination.

“So come out and support the local Lions Club, support the local businesses, have a good time but while you’re there the most important thing is this is your opportunity to sell Perry to all these visitors.  A lot of them come once a year, some of them we’re seeing come more now with the BACooN Ride, other trail rides, Art on the Prairie brings them back.  So while you’re there, be an ambassador, promote it.  That’s why I love this as a fundraiser for the Chamber but what we do a really good job of I think is promoting other organizations while we’re supporting our own cause.”

So far more than 200 people have pre-registered for the ride.  If you’d like to sign up, stop by the Chamber office or CLICK HERE.