Pat Staiert, of Iowa E-Bikes in Carroll came up with the idea for an event to raise funds for the Saulk Rail Trail after another proposed event fell through.
A ride, held last Sunday, April 3, gave users the opportunity to purchase their trail passes for the year and several lifetime memberships were sold at that time as well. A raffle held raised over $1,300 to help defray costs of improving and maintaining the trail and a special ceremony was also held to kick-off the cycling, running and walking season for the 33-mile trail loop from Carroll to Lake View.
Staiert added that the 2016 Friend of the Saulk Rail Trail was presented to Dr. Frank Greteman who has worked tirelessly to keep the trail in top condition.
The Budweiser bicycle raffled at the event was won by Jan Irlbeck of Mt. Carmel. This was definitely a family friendly event, Staiert said, that included babies up to 80-year-old plus participants.
