Mike Brownlee
WORLD-HERALD NEWS SERVICE wrote:MINEOLA, Iowa — The odometer on the Taco Ride clicks “600” Thursday night.
Bicyclists who ride the weekly event on the Wabash Trace from Council Bluffs to Mineola will celebrate the milestone the only way possible — by cycling the trail, drinking a few beers, eating some tacos and partying with friends old and new.
Mike Brownlee
WORLD-HERALD NEWS SERVICE wrote:The ride originally went to a Silver City bar. But after it closed, the destination was changed to Mineola, a shorter ride that helped draw more riders.
Starting in 2000, the weekly crowd grew to 100 to 150. “The last few years, it averages 500 to 900 people weekly,” Losh said. “For special rides, we average about 1,500 to 2,000.”
Bill Good took over the Mineola Steakhouse — now Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse — in April. Good has hired bands and held street dances, giving an even bigger festival feel to the ride, Karlson said.
The 600th ride celebration will include music performed by the regional band the Fishheads.
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail—the newest member of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Rail-Trail Hall of Fame—winds 63 miles from the outskirts of Council Bluffs, Iowa, southeast to the small town of Blanchard near the border with Missouri. . .
Whether it's the tasty food, the beautiful scenery or the unique natural history that brings you out, you're certain to be rewarded—and maybe even find yourself at a loess for words—when you experience the Wabash Trace Nature Trail.
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
This is a fun ride. The ride back can be a little scary though as there are lots of riders and no light. I love it when you end up near someone pulling a stereo behind their bike!
2 weeks ago the Sheriff was out biking the trail. It was bad weather (storms came in late), and there weren't many people. They parked at the trailhead and waited at margaritaville. Once they realized that nobody was acting a fool (8pmish?), and it was a down night, they slid back to their car.
I wasn't on the "out of control" ride last year, but I heard stories weeks after. Last I kept track, it's a private trail, hence the "entry fee" and boozing. Not the case eh?
So what's the deal, can you "conceal" your beer in a koozie, red solo cup, are they checking bags? ?? How does this work?
I usually wear my sunglasses at night and bike my huffy with flip flops. So say hi next time. I've been riding taco for about 8 years, so I know my way around.
I can only do it maybe 4 times a year, because my old men in spandex tolerance maxes out at around that point.
"First rule about the taco ride: Don't order the tacos........"
I have seen the Sheriff every time I go there. Â They are always nice, and I never see them bothering anyone. Â They are probably glad this is all taking place on a bike and not in your car.
