7 Biking Events During Johnson County Bike Month
Most places with a bicycling community are known for their Bike Week. Here in Johnson County, we love biking so much that we took that Bike Week and turned it up a notch into a Bike Month. In the month of May, Johnson County is home to over 70 biking events. Bike lovers will be able to enjoy something every single day from road rides to gravel and singletrack. Here are just a few of those events. You can see all of them at bikeiowacity.com.
1. New Pi's Co-op to Co-op Ride
We are starting with a ride that has become a Bike Month staple, the New Pi’s Co-op to Co-op Ride. Hosted by New Pioneer Food Co-op, this ride is on Saturday, May 13 starting at 10:00 am. Riders meet at Chauncey Swan Park in Downtown Iowa City and take a family- friendly ride to New Pioneer in Coralville. Goosetown Racing leads the way through the trails. At the finish, participants will be greeted with live music, free food and drinks, a bounce house, raffles, and more!
2. Bike To Work Week
Bike to Work Week is May 15-21. It is exactly what it sounds like – the Johnson County community is encouraged to ride their bike to work. Each day, Monday – Thursday, bike-friendly breakfasts will be hosted and sponsored by different area businesses. Stop by Big Grove Brewery, Johnson County Administration Building, the Seamans Center, and Neumann Monson to fuel up on your way to work!
3. try it! Singletrack and flow trail mountain bike riding
Riders looking for a new experience can take part in Try It! Singletrack and Flow Trail Mountain Bike Riding. On May 16 from 6:00-7:30 pm at Coralville Creekside Flow Trail newer riders will be able to learn from more experienced riders to gain tips and knowledge about mountain biking. Don’t have a mountain bike? No problem! Loaner bikes will be available thanks to World of Bikes. Helmets are required.
4. Sugar cubed marathon 2023
For the more experienced riders, the Sugar Cubed Marathon is a fun event at Sugar Bottom in rural Johnson County. Riders will go around the 12 mile singletrack at 1400 feet elevation three times for an overall 36 miles and 4,200 feet elevation. Cash prizes go to the first five places. There is a men and women’s division all taking place on Friday, May 19. You can register here.
5. GRAVEL CURIOUS
Want to take a spin at biking on gravel? This is your moment! Gravel Curious is a shorter, no one gets left behind ride, meant for those looking at giving gravel biking a try. Put on by the Gravel Scouts and Big Grove Brewery, this special night will be on Monday, May 22 at 6:30 pm. Riders start at World of Bikes and end at Big Grove for a free pint. So bring your friends, neighbors, kids, family, co-workers, or just you, and get Gravel Curious!
6. bike and BBQ
Bike on down to World of Bikes in Iowa City to celebrate Bike Month with Bikes and BBQ on May 24 at 6:30 pm. Local BBQ joint Pop’s BBQ will be providing some of their delicious smokes meats, portobello mushroom caps, and sides. Ice cold beverages will also be available. Remember, if you drive to this event you will get heckled!
7. spokes & scoops
Celebrate the newest bike-friendly renovations in North Liberty at the Spokes & Scoops ride. In recognition of the Ranshaw Way project, completion of improvements to Cherry, Front, and Dubuque streets, and the City of North Liberty’s new on-street bikeways program. The ride starts at the new underpass near City Hall to Old Town Park where riders will be greeted with ice cream.
