• Two family routes (22 miles round trip, entirely on the WGWL Trail)
• Intermediate Routes (40 miles or 50 miles, on WGWL Trail and county hard-surface roadways)
• Advanced Route (56 miles, on WGWL Trail, Shooting Star Trail, and paved county roadways)

Ride highlights

The Border Bike Ride crosses the Wapsipinicon River twice.

Experience a biking environment that includes the following scenic views:

• With miles of winding trail, the former WGWL railroad bed travels through the towns of Riceville and McIntire and twice crosses the Wapsipinicon River. Along the way also experience an 800-foot boardwalk that hovers over the flood plain that borders the river.
• Also along the trail, take a peek at two ghost towns of the former villages of Acme and Bailey.
• An added opportunity may include exploring the side trail that runs through the park next to Lake Hendricks.
• As you pedal, travel next to Mennonite and Amish farms with a view of dairy cows and draft horses grazing in the pasture. You will also pass by several Mennonite greenhouses that supply the area resident and visitors with flowers, fruit and vegetable products.
• Seasoned cyclists on the 56-mile route will cross the border from Iowa into Minnesota with pleasant views of lady slipper flowers, Lake Louise State Park and the Upper Iowa River while riding along the Shooting Star Trail.

Some of the sweet treats along your ride

The Border Bike Ride allows all levels of cyclists the opportunity to ride, visiting several towns along the way.

The delicious Heavenly Apples will be included with registration and served at Bailey station. Further along, enjoy homemade bars and ice cream at Lylah’s Marsh from 2-5 p.m. Then upon your return, ice cream sundaes/floats will be available for purchase at WGWL Trailhead/Welcome Center, from 2-6 p.m.  With maps provided you will find further refreshments and treats available at bike sponsor stations along the routes.