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Riding a Big Wheel

Reprinted Courtesy Of The Grinnell Herald-Register, June 17, 2010

The Iowa Transportation Museum is offering Grinnellians the chance to ride in good company to and from Rock Creek Lake, to support construction of the museum with a monetary donation and to marvel at people who ride very tricky bikes for fun. It's all part of the ITM Second Annual Bike Ride, scheduled from9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 26.

Not a race but a ride, registrants can contribute $20 and join fellow riders pedaling from Fourth Ave. by Central Park to Rock Creek and back. ITM will provide water and energy snacks at the park and also at the Rock Creek end of the venture.

The Iowa Chapter of the Wheelmen from Muscatine will join this year's event. ITM Executive Director Chuck Brooke explains that the Wheelmen ride the two-wheeled bikes with the huge front wheel and tiny rear wheel which appeared on American roads in the last two decades for the 19th century, sturdy enough to permit trans-continental riding as early as 1884 despite poor roads. Wheelmen reportedly preferred the course now followed by Interstate 80 across the country, so many a rider traversed Iowa on those ungainly bicycles long before anyone did do so on today's sleek 21-gear models. The Wheelmen wear period costumes, Brooke says and will provide several demonstrations of their skill with their bikes on Fourth Ave. for spectators. He also expects some Wheelmen to ride at least part of the way to the lake with ITM supporters.

Anyone wishing to ride, to see the Wheelmen or to contribute toward the ITM even if not riding can come to Fourth Ave. by Central Park the morning of June 26 and join in the fun.