The Cyclists of Greene (COG) have big plans to be more involved this year.

COG President and Jefferson Mayor Craig Berry says they have a big event almost every month from the spring through the fall.  Full Moon Bike Rides have already started and COG helped to provide volunteers and coordinators for the third annual Market-to-Market Relay earlier this month.

During the Bell Tower Festival in June, the Des Moines Cycling Club brings their members up the Raccoon River Valley Trail to Jefferson for an overnight stay at the fairgrounds.  Berry notes that it is part of the Tour of the Raccoon River Valley Trail and can have as many as 125 people.  In July, during the Greene County Fair, is when The Dream Team from Des Moines will be traveling to Jefferson.  It is a group of underprivileged youth and adults that are mentored by the Des Moines Cycling Club and they also participate in RAGBRAI.  Berry is hoping to do the same type of program in Jefferson.  Then on Labor Day weekend is a new event called the Pedaler’s Jamboree.  Berry says there could be between 2,000-4,000 bicyclists coming into Jefferson.

With all these events and programs that COG will be involved with this year, Berry is excited to see more people bicycling.

“The bike trail is very active anymore with a lot of people cycling.  And of course around town there’s a lot of bicycling going on.  And people are doing it not to just get out of the house and see what your neighbor is doing or see who’s down the street, but for exercise and its good exercise.”

Berry talks about future plans he has to bring more people to Jefferson.

“Developing a bike trail all the way out to the casino (Wild Rose Jefferson) (and) to drive some of the bike traffic up from Des Moines to spend the night at the casino and then ride back the next day, which means they would have to go through the downtown.”

Those wanting to learn more about COG, contact Berry via email at dreg123@hotmail.com.