The Ride Bike Shop

10/07/2026

Hello all, not doing a Sunday ride this weekend because we'll, (my family and I), be doing a sponsored ride on the High Trestle Trail near Des Moines. It's put on by local Fairfieldian James Freeman and his law firm. It's a super cool, chill event with catering and safety tips. Several other local riders will be going as well. If you're thinking about a cycling destination ride this weekend it's worth the drive. RSVP to [email protected] if you're going so they can adjust catering needs. Check out screenshot below for details.

See ya,
Mark of The Ride...

10/02/2026

Did the route scout today. The courses are super fast! Packed, smooth and no dust! See you tomorrow morning for the Harvest Rush!

Mark of The Ride...

09/30/2026

Hello all, believe it or not in 2 days it'll be fair winds and sunny skies for the big event on our local gravel calendar: The Harvest Rush! Routes are posted for registered riders. If you're on the fence don't be. Jump in and enjoy a day in the saddle. You can register here: https://www.movemint.cc/events/fairfield

Remember: it's all about the ride, so have a good one.
Mark of The Ride...

2026 Fairfield Harvest Rush — October 3, 2026 in Fairfield, Iowa. Fairfield has access to more B roads than any race in Iowa. Every turn will bring you back...

09/27/2026

Due to rain, NO SUNDAY GRAVEL RIDE TODAY!

09/26/2026

Hello all, watching the weather forecast this closely can weary a man, but I'm gonna call a ride tomorrow. It looks like we might even get some sunshine!

Don't forget our Harvest Rush Gravel Ride is coming up Saturday, Oct. 3rd! Come out and support a great event and enjoy getting lost in the countryside!

Check it out here: https://iowagravelseries.com/fairfield/

Register here: https://www.movemint.cc/events/fairfield

We depart the Jet Stop in Birmingham, IA at 1:30pm on tomorrow, Sept. 26th.

One route, and a good one, I might add.

See ya',
Mark of The Ride...

Remember: 1:30pm from the Jet Stop in Birmingham

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57328258

09/19/2026

No gravel ride due to forecast precipitation. John Salerno calls a road ride at 10am tomorrow. I won't be able to make it, but join if you'd like.

Mark of The Ride...

His pasted post:
Cyclists,

Lets meet for a road ride tomorrow.
So far, it looks like the rain coming in early morning will be finished or at least

09/12/2026

Hello all, are you ready for a Sunday Drive-n-Ride? Weather looks a lot cooler and there's a small chance of rain, but I think it will still work. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, I will post a cancellation tomorrow morning, but let's plan and hope for the best.

We'll gather up at the convenience store at Douds and explore the scenic Des Moines River Valley tomorrow.

High temp around 70 so maybe wear long sleeves as we're all acclimated to much hotter weather.

We depart from the parking lot of the Douds convenience store at 1pm. All routes return there.

See ya',
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes: 14.9 and 27.1 miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57098148

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57097988

09/03/2026

Hello all, I know it's hot, but if you're feeling cooped up come join me for another edition of Thursday Night Gravel.

Please note that this will be the last Thursday ride of the season. With shorter days we'll move to Sundays, beginning Sept. 13, at 1/1:30pm for the fall rides. We'll continue our 'Drive-n-Ride' series which has proven popular with riders and gets our eyes on some new country.

Also, Fairfield's Annual 'Harvest Rush' Gravel Ride is fast approaching so be sure to check it out here: https://iowagravelseries.com/fairfield/ and sign up. This year we'll have 50K (~32 mi.), and 100K (~64 mi.) distances and I'm dialing in the routes now and they're looking good!

We depart Chautauqua Park at 5:30pm today, Sept. 3rd.

See ya',
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes: 14.1 and 24.7 miles

Remember: Departing from Chautauqua Park at 5:30pm

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56978401

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56978388

Fairfield is unique and so is the Harvest Rush. With a cash purse for the podium and lots of support from the community that is so excited to invite gravel adventurers from all over the midwest and…

08/26/2026

Hello all, the weather looks top notch for tomorrow's rendition of Thursday Night Gravel!

We depart Waterworks Park at 5:30pm on Thursday, 8/27/26.

This week's route names are dedicated to Dolly Parton, a bittersweet remembrance for sure.

See ya',
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes: 13.9 and 24.4 miles

Remember: We depart from WATERWORKS PARK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ixrje2rXLMA&list=PLnkt0vFXIkAK7y0MgkJVNGCGpXgFHhT4v&index=2

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56868597

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56868585

"Jolene" by Dolly PartonListen to Dolly Parton: https://DollyParto...