Cyclists from nine states participate in Bike Van Buren

VAN BUREN COUNTY – Bike Van Buren has developed a strong regional following as evidence by this year's ride which drew bicyclists from nine states.

The Villages of Van Buren, which founded and has sponsored the event for 33 years, reports that the following states were represented besides Iowa: Nebraska, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri and Minnesota.

Dynessa and Steve Nordrum drove all the way from Rose Creek, MN to pedal the 109 mile ride.

Why?

'Because Iowa travel recently named Bike Van Buren as one of the 10 rides people must do. That was on our bucket list,” said Steve Nordrum.

'We have really enjoyed the ride,” Dynessa added. 'Very good hospitality.”

A total of 133 bicyclists participated in this year's Bike Van Buren, 128 on Saturday and 102 on Sunday.

Both days started and finished in Keosauqua.

It's one of the events that brings the county close together.

On Saturday, riders traveled to Bentonsport, Bonaparte, Farmington, Stockport and Birmingham. In addition to those villages, there were hospitality stops at Harrisburg church and Harmony elementary.

Bentonsport served fruit, muffins, snacks and drinks, at the stone house. Bonaparte served hard-boiled eggs, veggies and juice at the Aunty Green Museum. Riders also had an interesting side trip to the Bonaparte boat ramp for the aquatic life demonstration.

Farmington served cinnamon rolls, fruit, baked goods and water at the Pioneer Historical Museum.

Harmony school offered dill pickles, gatorade and water. Harrisburg church had self-serve bottled water.

Stockport served lunch at the American Legion building, offering a build-your-own deli sandwich, sides, chips, desserts and drinks. Birmingham served homemade cookies and bars, soft serve ice cream and drinks. Pearson house in Keosauqua served 1840s period snacks: switchel and mint tea, old-fashioned molasses cookies and offered musical entertainment.

On Sunday, cyclists traveled to Douds-Leando, Lebanon, Milton and Cantril.

The white school northeast of Douds served fruit and water.

Douds served coffee cake and water and Leando offered tours of Valley School #3.

There was a hospitality stop at the Lebanon United Methodist Church, which offered self-serve bottled water.

Lunch was at the Hunny Hole Restaurant in Milton, which served loose meat sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, desserts and drinks. Cantril offered watermelon and water at Waubonsie Park. On the return trip back to Lebanon, the UMC church served homemade ice cream and water.

The 34th Annual Bike Van Buren is slated for August 15-16, 2020.