About Farm Cycle 4 Youth
This year, the Bike Library and United Action for Youth merge their fund-rides - Farm Cycle and Ride 4 Youth into one incredible event: Farm Cycle 4 Youth!
Join 550 riders for a multi-course culinary adventure on two wheels. You’ll meet local farmers, explore Iowa acreages, and enjoy delicious local food and craft beverages al fresco. With multiple route options for families, casual riders, and cycling enthusiasts, Farm Cycle 4 Youth offers something for every rider. Stops include Colony Acres, Two Horse Farm, Wilson's Apple Orchard, and Frerich’s Alpaca Farm.
One ticket is applicable to any route: 16, 30, or 42 miles. Chef + Site pairings will be announced in the coming weeks. Riders under 18 ride for free and must register with an adult. Discounted student tickets are available.
We strongly encourage riders to have their bikes tuned up ahead of time. Visit one of our local bike shops—Geoff’s Bike & Ski, World of Bikes, Sugar Bottom Bikes, Scheels or Briar Ridge Bikes—or stop by the Bike Library’s Public Bench (Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays) to make sure you’re set for the ride.
This collaboration supports each organizations’ youth programs. Support from the Carver College of Medicine demonstrates the Boulware Learning Community’s continued commitment to bettering the lives of Johnson County residents.
We hope that you’ll join us for a day full of local scenery and farm to table food, in support of Johnson County youth!
Schedule:
9:30 - 10:30 Check-In at Bike Library - Bring your own t-shirt to have this year's design printed on it!
1 hour ride
10:45 - 12:00 Colony Acres
30 min. ride
11:30 - 2:00 Two Horse Farm ft. Golden Alexander band
45 min. ride
1:00 - 3:00 Wilson’s Orchard
30 min. ride
2:00 - 5:00 Frierich’s Alpaca Farm
1 hr ride
1:30 - 9:00 Bike Library Party ft. Tim Schulte’s Jazz 4-6 PM
Checklist:
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Mess Kit: plate/bowl, utensils, cup (we’ll provide napkins).
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T-shirt: for screen printing—label it with tape and your name (we will have tape too).
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Two water bottles (stay hydrated!).
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Small snack (especially if you’re riding extra miles — you’ll be able to purchase extra food at Colony Acres and Wilson’s Orchard).
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Light jacket or shell (weather can change fast).
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Fix-a-flat kit or spare tube (Mason will be on the route to pick up people if you absolutely need a lift).
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Charged lights (yes, even for daytime).
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Bright colors!
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Flowers: we would like to memorialize Ashlee’s beautiful life with small bouquets. If you have a garden, please bring one or two to share—we’ll place them on our handlebars in her honor.
Bike Safety Reminders
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Ride right; two abreast is fine, but keep to the right.
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Announce your pass with a callout.
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Use hand signals to communicate turns and stops.
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Stay alert—know what’s happening ahead and behind.
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In case of an emergency, call 911
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Contact our Sag-Wagon at (319)-558-8317 if you need help to your next stop and aren't experiencing an emergency
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Check your tire pressure: it's better to have slightly lower pressure ad wider tires for gravel
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Stop by a local bike shop like Geoff's Bike & Ski, World of Bikes, Sugar Bottom Bikes, Briar Ridge Bikes, or the Bike Library to ask any questions, get your bike checked out, and prepare to ride!
Featured Routes
These routes are meant for experienced riders on public trails, paths, and roads. Please choose your route with your own riding comfort and ability in mind. We'll do our best to mark the routes, but be familiar with your route and practice safe cycling!
Cherry Tomato
22 miles paved roads and trails
The Cherry Tomato route is perfect for families! 8 miles, or about 1 hour of riding, to Colony Acres with an optional bailout route for an even more approachable ride. Stay awhile to enjoy all that the Family Farm has to offer: hayrack rides, corn maze adventures and 20+ other activities. Be sure to bring panniers if you want to visit the pick-your-own pumpkin patch!
Kale-Yea
38 miles mixed surfaces
Continue on from Colony Acres through Sugar Bottom to Two Horse Farm, a Johnson County Conservation site. Sit and snack while you enjoy music by Golden Alexander among the historic buildings. From there, head to Wilson's Apple Orchard for cider and barbecue!
Lettuce Turnip
the Beet
50 miles mixed surfaces
From Wilson's Apple Orchard, you will make your way to Frerich’s Alpaca Farm. Celebrate National Alpaca Farm Weekend by appreciating the animals soft fur and handmade wool art! Baby, a bottle raised runt, will be available for petting.
