Bicyclists will be hitting the trails and roads of rural Washington and Johnson counties tomorrow for the 17th annual Courage Ride for sarcoma cancer research.

The ride which raises funds for the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Research Center has two options this year for participants to begin and end at the Washington County Fairgrounds or Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City, with route options ranging from five to 107 miles. Courage Ride Board Member Dave Jackson has been involved for 15 years and is excited to incorporate the Kewash Nature Trail for the first time in this event, especially as the portion east of the Crooked Creek Bridge will be closed for several months for paving beginning Monday. Besides the stops for food and live music, Jackson shares an important aspect of the ride, “One of the hallmarks of this ride has always been that we have a whole group that works together on safety. Road safety, rider safety, and talking with [Washington County Engineer] Jacob Thorius it was very important to us. They had a certain amount of caution and highway signs they could loan us but we went out and bought 16 more from a qualified vendor that makes highway signs just for this ride.”

In terms of COVID-19 safety, organizers are asking those who are sick or are experiencing any COVID related symptoms to please stay home, and they recommend that all participants and volunteers wear face masks when indoors or when in close proximity to each other at rest stops. For more information on Courage Ride, visit here.