This weekend will be the first ever Pedaler’s Jamboree Iowa.

Director Mike Denehy says the event originated in Missouri in 2009 on the Katy Trail.  The first year, there was 450 people and now there’s over 2,500 people.  The event includes bicycling and listening to music along the route.  For Pedaler’s Jamboree Iowa, the route will be on the Raccoon River Valley Trail with over 24 bands performing at 14 locations.  Denehy describes why he wanted to use the recreational trail for the inaugural event.

“When I checked out the trail, it just seemed like the perfect fit.  The towns seem great, the route was amazing and the distance was good (and) the trail was in great condition.  It just like a great adventure.  (We) got a lot of enthusiasm and support and we decided, ‘Hey, let’s give this a shot, let’s do this.’”

Registration for the two-day event will be from 7 to 9am at Mickey’s Pub in Waukee this Saturday and music will start in Dallas Center at 8am.  Other stops include Minburn, Perry, Dawson, Cooper and Jefferson on Saturday.  Sunday starts in Jefferson with stops in Cooper, Yale, Panora, Linden, Redfield, Adel and ends in Waukee.  Beer gardens will also be at each stop along with food vendors.

“What happens is, the music will start at one stage and will play for a while and that second stage will start up, riders can kind of be at two stages at once.  It’s kind of a choose your own adventure.”

Denehy notes that anyone who just wants to check out the bands and not bike, can get a reduced ticket.  Registrations will be accepted the day of the event.   For more information about Pedaler’s Jamboree, click on the link below.

http://www.pedalersjamboreeiowa.com/about.php