Bacoon Ride

The Bacoon Ride is a highly anticipated annual bike ride that winds through several central Iowa towns along the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The name itself is a clever play on words that combines “bacon” (a beloved food in Iowa) and “Raccoon” (the trail’s namesake).

During the ride, cyclists stop at each town to indulge in bacon-themed food and drinks, making for a delicious and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the event supports local charities, making it both fun and philanthropic.

The Bacoon Ride has gained immense popularity over the years and attracts participants from all over the country. When you register for the ride, you’ll receive a range of perks, including numerous bacon stops featuring delicious bacon snacks and samples throughout the day, a commemorative PassPORK (a punch card for your bacon treats!), a custom Bacoon Ride t-shirt, and a commemorative Bacoon Ride coozie.

This ride is part of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition's official training rides for RAGBRAI. Join the fun and experience the excitement of the Bacoon Ride – sign up today!

Your Registration Includes

• Breakfast at the start of the ride - a bacon breakfast taco!
• delicious bacon snacks and treats at stops along the route: a bacon donut, pulled pork sandwhich, pork burger and much more!
• a custom Bacoonritavile theme t-shirt
• a commemorative PassPORK punch card for all your bacon treats

Your Impact on Iowa Bicycling

The final thing to mention is how much of a role you have played in bicycle advocacy. We look forward to sharing with you how these events grow bicycling AND play a role in funding our advocacy work at the legislature, policy advancements at the DOT, and putting more kids on bikes with our Safe Routes to School Program. When you bicycle on Iowa’s trails or roadways, you want an enjoyable ride taking you safely to your destination. We work to make Iowa bicycling safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all. Donate at www.iowabicyclecoalition.org/gives

Bacoon Stops & Menu:

Waukee: Bacon Breakfast Taco

Dallas Center: Maple Bacon Donut at the Town Center

Minburn: TBA

Perry: Pulled pork sandwich at the Proletariat

Jamaica: Hydration Station

Herndon: Berkwood Farms Hot Dog

Redfield: Berkwood Farms Pork Burger at city park

Adel: Thelma's Ice Cream Sandwiches at Brickyard Cafe

Waukee: Desert Bar Item at Mickey's Irish Pub

Map/Route

Bacoon Ride Route (the same counter clockwise route like 2017!):

• Waukee
• Dallas Center (6)
• Minburn (6)
• Perry (7)
• Dawson (6)
• Jamaica (5)
• Herndon (2)
• Yale (5)
• Panora (6)
• Linden (6)
• Redfield (6)
• Adel (10)
• Waukee (6)

Ride with GPS Route Link

Here is the Bacoon Ride Route Maps with BACON STOPS!

Lodging

Sleep Inn Waukee
2885 Grand Prairie Parkway, Building A, Waukee, IA, 50263
Book online

Hotel Renovo
11167 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA, 50322
Book online

Revel Hotel
11211 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA, 50322
Book online

PACKET PICK-UP

You will need to bring your printed receipt or be prepared to show the receipt on your mobile device.

Friday, June 14
Packet Pickup: 5 pm – 8 pm
Mickey's Irish Pub
Music by TBA from 5-8 PM.

Saturday, June 15
Packet Pickup: 7 am – 9 am
Mickey's Irish Pub

CAMPING

Camping in Centennial Park (opens at 5 pm Friday thru Sunday morning) Tent camping or RV/Bus camping is free for registered riders.

SAG VEHICLES

SAG will stop at designated areas near the food stop and bike shop in towns at the time of service closure. Please remember SAG is not “on-call” service. Riders with non-traditional bike frames (tandems and trike recumbents) may need to consider alternate plans for bike transport. You cannot call the number to request a ride. When the SAG is full, they will return to the start in Waukee. SAG cannot pick up riders on the trail. If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have problems that we can help with, call 515-309-2867.

SAG Service Times:
10:45 – 11:00 AM in Dallas Center
11:45 – 12:00 AM in Minburn
1:45 – 2:00 PM in Perry (if full, SAG will return to Waukee)
3:15 – 3:30 PM in Jamaica
4:15 – 5:00 PM in Panora
5:15 – 5:30 PM in Redfield
5:45 – 6 PM in Adel (return to Waukee)

Jersey

Bacoon Primal jerseys are available to order through the offical team store linked here.

FAQs

When does the ride start?

This is NOT a mass start ride. You can start between 7 am and 10 am on Saturday morning.

When is packet pickup?

Friday, June 14
5 pm – 8 pm
Mickey's Irish Pub

Saturday, June 15
7 am – 9 am
Mickey's Irish Pub

How do I get the food and things with the ride?

Wristbands will be for proof of registration. Each wristband has tear-off tabs for food and photos.

Are there water and bathrooms along the route?

Yes, there are free water stations in Dallas Center, Minburn, Perry, Dawson, Jamaica, Yale, Panora, Redfield, Adel, and Waukee. There is not water in Linden or Herndon, so plan accordingly. We have portapottties in each town along the way.

Who gets a t-shirt?

All riders that register by June 1st get a commemorative Bacoon Ride presented t-shirt.

How long is this ride?

The distance is 71 miles.

Do I need to follow the route?

For safety, we want all riders to ride the trail in a counter-clockwise direction. Please be on the lookout for riders going against the flow of traffic, the trails will remain open to the public on the day of the event.

Can I ride a shorter route?

This trail is a loop. There is no shortcut to ride less mileage. If you want to ride a shorter route, you need to make plans for pickup from one of the towns.

Can kids under 18 ride?

Yes, with a parent or guardian. Be aware this is a large crowd. This ride might not be for an inexperienced child.

Do I have to register two people if riding a tandem?

Yes.

Are e-bikes welcome?

Yes, however, there are limited places to charge, so bring a full battery.

Is there camping?

Yes! Camping in Waukee’s Centennial Park (opens at 5 pm Friday thru Sunday morning) Tent camping or RV/Bus camping is free for registered riders. There are no electric or water hookups. You can leave your tent in the park while you ride. There is no security for camping.

Where can I park?

Waukee Northwest High School in Waukee has plenty of parking.

Will this ride happen rain or shine?

Yes, come prepared. In the event of dangerous weather, take shelter. Otherwise, there is no rain date for this event.

Will there be SAG service if I break down or can’t make the full ride?

We will have SAG service free of charge to registered (wristband) riders who are broken down mechanically or physically. SAG will stop at designated areas near the food stop and bike shop in towns at the time of service closure. Please remember SAG is not “on-call” service. Riders with non-traditional bike frames (tandems and trike recumbents) may need to consider alternate plans for bike transport. You cannot call the number to request a ride. When the SAG is full, they will return to the start in Waukee. SAG cannot pick up riders on the trail. If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have problems that we can help with, call 515.309.2867.

SAG Service Times:
10:45 – 11:00 AM in Dallas Center
11:45 – 12:00 AM in Minburn
1:45 – 2:00 PM in Perry (if full, SAG will return to Waukee)
3:15 – 3:30 PM in Jamaica
4:15 – 5:00 PM in Panora
5:15 – 5:30 PM in Redfield
5:45 – 6 PM in Adel (return to Waukee)

SAG vehicles cannot operate on the trail. Two smaller vehicles with bike racks will be available as mini SAGs to retrieve participants that have mechanical issues along the trail. In such a case, those riders must be picked up at an intersection and not on the trail itself. A disabled bicycle and the rider will be taken to the next town with a bike shop for repair or for SAG. Riders can contact 515-309-2867 to connect with the mini SAG driver.

Can the SAG transport recumbent trikes or other nondouble diamond frame bikes?

Maybe, but not likely. We can transport the rider and they can return to the bike to pick it up. We suggest bringing a lock of that is your situation.

Partners & Sponsors

The Bacoon RIDE is presented by the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. These teams are joining forces to produce one of the greatest rides in the United States – the Bacoon Ride 2024: Wastin' Away Again on The RRVT!

It will be an EPIC event on the one of the greatest trail loops in the United States.

Contact

For more information contact:

Katie Bowden
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
P.O. Box 5562
Coralville, IA 52241
515-309-2867
katie@iowabike.org