A bike ride and a cold one is possibly the best summer combination. These rides will keep you pedaling on even the hottest of days.
Tacopocalypse at Cumming Tap
Every Tuesday: Hosted each Tuesday, delicious Tacopocalypse tacos will lure you to the Cumming Tap for dinner, a few beers and a nice ride to break up a monotonous week. The trail (take the Great Western Trail south from Park Avenue) is just eight miles and the terrain is flat. Plus, tacos are two for just $5. 3-9 p.m. every Tuesday through September.
Cyclo de Mayo VI
May 12: This poker run on bikes will take you on a tour of Des Moines through a series of secret checkpoints where you’ll collect playing cards. The fastest finishers get trophies, and door prizes will be awarded to the best poker hands built during the race. $15 registration includes a souvenir flask. Check in from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Shorty’s, 208 Court Ave. Race starts at noon. Race ends at el Bait Shop, 200 S.W. Second St. Email drcranknstein@gmail.com to register.
Bike to Work 10th Anniversary Celebration
May 18: It’s Bike to Work Day, so hop on your two-wheeled steed and pedal to work, then bike to Gray’s Lake for an evening with Jasper Winery wines and Madhouse Brewery beers, live music and prizes throughout the evening. Event held at the Overlook Terrace, at the southwest corner of Gray’s Lake. 4-8 p.m.
Fat Tire Fun Ride
Third Saturday of the month: The ultimate joy ride in Des Moines? The Fat Tire Fun Ride. Held the third Saturday of each month through October, this ride always kicks off at el Bait Shop, and then continues to another specified bar via Des Moines’ lovely trail system. Next up on May 19, Saints Pub and Patio, 4041 Urbandale Ave.
Team Haze Bar Blaze
June 2: The 14th annual party ride will kick off at the Waveland Tap, 4708 University Ave., then stop at Capital Pub & Hot Dog and Mullets before finishing up at Orlondo’s on Park Bar & Grill, 4337 Park Ave. Ride kicks off at 1 p.m.
Tour the Raccoon
June 9-10: Tour the Raccoon ride starts in Des Moines and continues down the Raccoon River Trail to Jefferson. Participants enjoy the Bell Tower Festival (live music, beer garden, food, etc.), then camp and return to Des Moines on Sunday. The ride is 65 miles one way, over flat, easy terrain. Registration is $30 per rider at dmcycleclub.com.
Clips of Faith Film and Beer Tour
June 15: This event combines film, beer and bikes, and features an evening of unique films chosen by New Belgium Brewing. The films are created by amateur film enthusiasts from around the country. Western Gateway Park, 1200 Grand Ave. Go to newbelgium.com.
RAGBRAI
July 22-28: In its 40th year, the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa will take more than 10,000 riders from Sioux Center to Clinton. Overnight towns include Cherokee, Lake View, Webster City, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids and Anamosa before finishing in Clinton. It’s 471 miles, but a more leisurely route than last year. Go to ragbrai.com for maps, pass-through towns, tips, FAQs and more.
Urban Assault
Aug. 12: The Urban Assault Ride is part obstacle course, part bike race, part raffle prize contest. The event tests your knowledge of Des Moines’ bike trails through a series of checkpoints (which you must figure out). At each checkpoint, you dismount your bike and complete an obstacle. At the end of the race, stick around for a prize raffle drawing and plenty of beer from New Belgium Brewing Co. Go to urbanassaultride.com/desmoines.
