Manilla Madness on May 4

For the 10th year, people will be able to pedal their bikes along the rolling hills of Crawford County between Denison and Manilla and back again in the Manilla Madness ride set for next Saturday, May 4.

Some changes are in store for this year’s ride. It will have a 12 p.m. start instead of the traditional 9 a.m. kick-off. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. at the Hy-Vee parking lot along Broadway.

Crawford County Tourism Coordinator Drew Perrien said the later start was so that the bicyclists can join in the fun of the first Hot Summer Nights event of the season. That starts at 6 p.m., so the bikers will have a little downtime to rest up before the evening event.

This Friday is the last day to pre-register for Manilla Madness. This can be done through the Chamber & Development Council of Crawford County’s Facebook page, the website (cdcia.org) or by calling 712-263-5621.

People will save $5 by pre-registering.

People can also order their t-shirts online.

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As in past years, Pat Palmer and her family will have a rest stop halfway between Denison and Manilla. At Manilla, food and refreshments will be available at the wellness center.

Another event that will be going on in Denison on May 4 is the 712 Film Festival at the Donna Reed Theater. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and films will be presented from 1 to 4 p.m. A reception for filmmakers will follow at 4:15 p.m.

From the Hy-Vee parking lot the ride heads east and then south and crosses Highway 30 to the Donna Reed Road. The Denison Police will provide an escort through town and across the highway. From the Donna Reed Road the route turns east on county road M36 and then south to Manilla on M55.

The route back to Denison is almost the same. Bikers are being encouraged to turn off on 12th Avenue South, just north of Majestic Hills Golf Course in Denison, and ride west to South Main. Once across Highway 30 at the stoplight, they are advised to ride one block and turn east on 3rd Avenue South, then take 14th Street back to Broadway.

“The ride is definitely a warm up for RAGBRAI,” said Perrien.

He also encouraged riders to check out the Wheels to Heels Trail that starts in Denison and loops around Yellow Smoke Park.

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