DMU has a bit of a cycling culture, and for several years now, we have sponsored a group of riders on the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), which takes place the last full week of July – often the hottest week of the year. So it seems somehwat fitting to invite DMU friends to join together for another Iowa classic cycling event – one that often takes place on one of the coldest days of the year.
BRR is not just an expression to describe the current weather – it’s also a fun winter outing, where lots of local bicycle enthusiasts gather for a 22-mile ride from Perry, IA, to Rippey, IA, and back. I have been on the BRR a number of times over the past 15 years or so – although I am not ashamed to say I have sat it out on some exceptionally cold, sub-zero wind chill days!
Anyway, if you’re a rider (and you don’t have to be a “good” rider – this is a flat, easy route), you may want to consider embracing winter by taking your bike down off the hooks in the garage, airing up the tires, and making the drive to Perry to join in on the fun.
As with most Iowa group rides, there will be several common elements:
– Meeting up with friends you haven’t seen since RAGBRAI
– Adult beverages, served in open, fenced-in areas (not necessarily climate controlled)
– Outrageous costumes – Mardi Gras is just around the corner, which may explain some of the colorful outfits!
Like many Midwesterners, Iowans tend to take winter in stride, which is all well and good – but then some of us take it a bit further and do really silly things like this!
So check it out!
Maybe we’ll see you there!
Happy trails,
Margie in Enrollment
