Iowa City in the US state of Iowa is known for its university atmosphere, book festivals and laid-back pace of life. But among cyclists, this city has long been a place of strength. Here you don’t just ride the trails, you live the bike. From dirt tracks and cross races to leisurely rides along scenic trails. Every route in these parts can be the beginning of a true story. In this article, the authors of jinglecross2.com have recounted the routes that have been memorable for a wide variety of riders, from world ultra-distance competitors to local schoolchildren.
From Gravel Roads to the Canadian Border: The Path of Andrea Cohen
Andrea Cohen’s name is well known outside of Iowa City. A resident of Iowa City, she doesn’t just race, she builds a local community of gravel riders and inspires others to push their own boundaries. She has participated in Trans Iowa, Dirty Kanza (now Unbound Gravel), Gravel Cycling World Championships and perhaps the most famous ultramarathon, the Tour Divide (4,400 kilometres from the Canadian border to the Mexican border).
But it was on the ordinary country roads and gravel loops around Iowa City that it all began. Andrea has repeatedly emphasised that her endurance and tactical thinking were shaped by the local trails: not the easiest, but consistently demanding. Once a week she would roll out with the group, checking gear, training nutrition, experimenting with pace. All of this later formed the basis of her strategy on multi-stage races.
Friendships, Helmets and Club Spirit: How Teens Find Themselves in Cycling
Not all Iowa City stories are about kilometres and records. Some are about community and how biking helps you grow. One such example is a high school cycling club based at West High School with the help of local enthusiasts. In the winter, when the trails are covered in snow, the team meets for training in the gym. And when the weather warms up, they go out on short trails in the suburbs.
What is especially valuable, teenagers ride together with adults, and there is no distance between them. Together they learn discipline, mutual assistance and support. One of the participants, Angelika Klosterboer, recalled how her son could not even complete 10 kilometres at first, but six months later he overtook the trainers in a circuit race.
It’s a story about how the bike becomes not a tool to win, but a way to grow, make friends and feel part of something bigger.
A Trip to Muscatine and the Power of Local Support
Sometimes a route that starts out as a simple day trip turns into an unexpected chapter of a cycling journey. In 2018, a blogger from Confluence Blog decided to ride from Iowa City to Muscatine (just under 80 km). The plan was to make it an easy outing. However, the hot weather, high winds, and washed out sections of the highway made the journey tedious.
Once in Muscatine, they stopped by the local bike shop, Harper’s Bicycling & Fitness, expecting to just check the brakes. In fact, they were not only serviced for free, but were escorted to a nearby motel. The owner’s son, who is a cyclist, literally drove the group to their lodging point and recommended good places to eat dinner.
The story is simple but telling. In Iowa City and surrounding areas, bike shops are not just service outlets. They’re cultural hubs and support points where novice and seasoned travellers alike can get help, advice and even an invitation to tomorrow’s group ride.
Jingle Cross: When Cyclo-Cross Becomes a Family Celebration
One of Iowa City’s most iconic events is Jingle Cross. A cross race that has grown from a local race to a UCI World Cup event since 2004. Trails with sand sections, man-made climbs, barriers and dirt turns bring together the strongest athletes from around the world.
But there is another side to the medals. Jingle Cross organises children’s races, school starts and family cycling days. Volunteers and spectators create the atmosphere of a street festival: with food, music and costumed races. Participants often refer to Jingle Cross as ‘cycling Halloween’ for the amount of themed outfits, colourful decorations and fun performances.
This format makes the sport accessible to everyone. Even if you’ve never raced, Jingle Cross can be a first step for both rider and fan.
The Power of Trails: The Iowa River Trail and Sugar Bottom
Iowa City is surrounded by trails for all tastes, from paved bike paths to technically intense trails. One of the most popular is the Iowa River Corridor Trail. This is an asphalt path that runs along the river and connects key points of the city: parks, university buildings, cultural centres. It’s comfortable to ride it alone or with the family – the route is safe and the views change smoothly and pleasantly.
For those looking for a more “wild” terrain, Sugar Bottom Recreation Area is the way to go. This is a system of trails in the neighbourhood of Solon, where there are difficult turns, narrow bridges and long climbs. This is where those who are training for races or just want to test their strength off the tarmac train.
Both routes have one thing in common: they are accessible, open and supported by local communities.
The RAGBRAI Bike Marathon: When the Entire State Becomes a Trail Run
RAGBRAI is more than just a race. It’s a cultural phenomenon. The largest multi-day bicycle race in the U.S. runs from west to east Iowa each year and draws up to 60,000 people. In 2023, Iowa City was one of the key cities on the route, and these days the city literally breathed bicycle.
Stages were set up on the streets, bike cafes opened, and fairs were held. Residents greeted participants with water, fruit, and encouraging signs. For Iowa City, RAGBRAI breathes new life into the city.
Participants note that it is stops like this that are most memorable. It’s not so much the physical effort, but the emotional involvement that makes this route special.
