A Soggy VIP Bicycle Ride Still Successful

Riders get ready to take to the trail on Friday's VIP Ride for Bike To Work Week (photo D.Hubbard)

Riding in the rain proves you won’t melt. That was a thought given up by Jeff Wilford, owner of Bobzilla Bicycle Werks in Oskaloosa.

Oskaloosa Police Chief “Jake” McGee was on hand to lend support to the Bike to Work Week initiative. “I just thought it would be a fun worthwhile event to be involved in.” says McGee. Bicycle Riding is a normal part of his weekly exercise and enjoyment. “My wife and I ride bikes on a routine basis.”

“It would have been really easy this morning to say enough.” Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt said of the soggy morning that was plagued, at the time, with on again off again showers in the area.

Shortly after 11:30, riders took off from Bobzilla’s and rode approximately 2 miles to Edmundson Park along the scenic bike trail that twists its way throughout the city. Along the way, riders were able to enjoy the picturesque scenery that the trail is known for.

Hy-Vee had chicken and hamburgers along with chips and a can of soda for sale to the riders. One dollar, from the cost of the meal, was donated back to help maintain the trail.

Once we arrived back to Bobzilla’s, I asked owner Jeff Wilford if he was pleased with the days turnout. Wilford responded, “I figured rain would pretty much squish it like a bug.” Wilford was pleased with the turnout, and the good time the riders had.

This was the first year for the event. “I think we worked out some of the kinks, got an idea of what we need to do different, better. The idea is to help make this event grow and show the benefits that riding your bicycle can have for a person. The health benefits speak for themselves with the added exercise.” Wilford added.