Rolling Through the Villages: Why Bike Van Buren is More Than a Ride

There’s something magical about waking up early in mid-August, walking through Keosauqua City Park as bicycles roll in, and hearing the hum of excitement in the air. As the organizer of Bike Van Buren for the past several years, I get a front-row seat to something truly special—not just a cycling event, but a community-powered experience that’s been going for 39 years.

When Bike Van Buren began, it was about bringing people together to enjoy the scenic beauty of our Villages, and that spirit hasn’t changed. What’s grown is the connection. Each year, we welcome riders from across Iowa and beyond—many return year after year, and some are discovering us for the very first time. What they all have in common is a sense of awe and appreciation for what this weekend represents.

They often tell us how impressed they are with the well-marked routes, the hospitality at every stop, and the genuine friendliness of the community members who pitch in to help. What they may not see is that this entire event is coordinated by just two of us in the Villages of Van Buren office—myself and our amazing Office Manager, Megan—with some extra help this year from our summer assistant, Sofia. From planning and coordinating to checking every turn and color-coded arrow twice. From organizing and registration to sag wagons and filling coolers with bottled water. We work for months to bring it all to life. They don’t always know that someone’s grandma baked those cookies at the hospitality stop, or that the volunteers serving them are neighbors who set aside their weekend just to welcome strangers with a smile.

But they feel it. That’s what makes this event so powerful.

From the Keosauqua Lions flipping pancakes at sunrise to the Lebanon Church serving their famous homemade ice cream (and a delicious lunch this year), every detail is an extension of our communities saying, “Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.”

I’ve seen strangers bond over snacks, seasoned cyclists help first-timers fix a chain, and out-of-towners pause to take in the view from a roller coaster of hills they didn’t expect to climb (or love as much as they do). I’ve had riders stop me mid-event to say, “This is my favorite ride every year. It’s the people. It’s the way it feels.”

That feeling is what we try to protect each year. Yes, the stops rotate, routes are adjusted, and different groups may host lunch—but the heartbeat of Bike Van Buren stays the same: community, connection, and the shared joy of moving through beauty together.

So whether you’re planning to join us for the first time or returning for your 10th or 20th ride, know this: you are not just signing up for a cycling event. You’re becoming part of a tradition that we’re honored to carry forward, year after year.

Here’s to 39 years of something meaningful—and to many more miles of memories made together.

See you on the ride,
Emily

---

READY TO RIDE?

Registration for Bike Van Buren XXXVIX is open now through Tuesday, August 5 at villagesofvanburen.com.
Walk-up registration will also be available each morning at Keosauqua City Park.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of 39 years of biking, bonding, and breathtaking views.
Join us August 16–17, 2025, and make your own two-wheeled story in the Villages!

 

---

SAVE THE DATE!

In 2026, we’ll be marking 40 years of Bike Van Buren—and we can't wait to
celebrate four decades of riders, roads, and the communities that have made this event such a beloved tradition.

     August 15–16, 2026
     40 Years. Countless Memories. One unforgettable ride.

Stay tuned… you won’t want to miss this milestone! 🚴‍♀️

Posted: July 29, 2025