The Ride Bike Shop

09/12/2026

Hello all, are you ready for a Sunday Drive-n-Ride? Weather looks a lot cooler and there's a small chance of rain, but I think it will still work. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, I will post a cancellation tomorrow morning, but let's plan and hope for the best.

We'll gather up at the convenience store at Douds and explore the scenic Des Moines River Valley tomorrow.

High temp around 70 so maybe wear long sleeves as we're all acclimated to much hotter weather.

We depart from the parking lot of the Douds convenience store at 1pm. All routes return there.

See ya',
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes: 14.9 and 27.1 miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57098148

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57097988

09/03/2026

Hello all, I know it's hot, but if you're feeling cooped up come join me for another edition of Thursday Night Gravel.

Please note that this will be the last Thursday ride of the season. With shorter days we'll move to Sundays, beginning Sept. 13, at 1/1:30pm for the fall rides. We'll continue our 'Drive-n-Ride' series which has proven popular with riders and gets our eyes on some new country.

Also, Fairfield's Annual 'Harvest Rush' Gravel Ride is fast approaching so be sure to check it out here: https://iowagravelseries.com/fairfield/ and sign up. This year we'll have 50K (~32 mi.), and 100K (~64 mi.) distances and I'm dialing in the routes now and they're looking good!

We depart Chautauqua Park at 5:30pm today, Sept. 3rd.

See ya',
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes: 14.1 and 24.7 miles

Remember: Departing from Chautauqua Park at 5:30pm

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56978401

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56978388

Fairfield is unique and so is the Harvest Rush. With a cash purse for the podium and lots of support from the community that is so excited to invite gravel adventurers from all over the midwest and…

08/26/2026

Hello all, the weather looks top notch for tomorrow's rendition of Thursday Night Gravel!

We depart Waterworks Park at 5:30pm on Thursday, 8/27/26.

This week's route names are dedicated to Dolly Parton, a bittersweet remembrance for sure.

See ya',
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes: 13.9 and 24.4 miles

Remember: We depart from WATERWORKS PARK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ixrje2rXLMA&list=PLnkt0vFXIkAK7y0MgkJVNGCGpXgFHhT4v&index=2

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56868597

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56868585

"Jolene" by Dolly PartonListen to Dolly Parton: https://DollyParto...

08/20/2026

Hello all, after some weeks off for a chronic injury and near biblical flooding, Thursday Night Gravel is Back! Come join us as we toodle around the back roads of Southeast Iowa before they fill up with data centers and Flock cameras.

ZZ Top's drummer, Frank Beard, passed this week. Bummer. Route names are dedicated to the Biggest Little Band in Texas. Love those guys.

We depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm today.

See ya',
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes: 15.1 and 22.2 miles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUDcTLaWJuo&list=RDeUDcTLaWJuo&start_radio=1

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56759631

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56759583

You're watching the official music video for ZZ Top - "Legs" remast...

08/14/2026

Big News! We Now Have E-Bike Rentals!

Looking for a little extra help on the hills or wanting to explore a little farther? Our new e-bike rentals are here and ready to ride!

They're a great way to cruise around town, check out the local trails, and enjoy the ride without working quite so hard.

E-bike rentals are $60/day.
At this time, e-bike rentals are not available at a weekly rate.

Stop by The Ride Bike Shop or give us a call if you'd like to reserve one. We can't wait for you to try them out! https://www.theridefairfield.com/bicycle-rental

08/06/2026

Hello all, no Thursday Night Gravel tomorrow. My back is givin' me heck. See you all next week.

Mark of The Ride...

07/29/2026

Hello all! Short fun, Medium fun, Long fun. Fun, Fun Fun! FUN!! Wow! Ride, Ride, Ride! Go, Go, Go! GO!!

When? Tomorrow, 7/30/26 at 5:30pm

Where? Maasdam Barns

Why? FUN!

Ride, Ride, Go,Go!
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes: 11.6, 20.4, 33.2

Remember: Maasdam Barns

Fun! Go! Ride!

Wow!

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56392739

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56392726

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56392699

07/23/2026

Hello all, if you're not on RAGBRAI then come join us tomorrow evening for Thursday Night Gravel. The weather looks to be fantastic, and the Level B roads are in fine shape!

We depart from Chautauqua Park at 5:30pm tomorrow July 23rd.

Repeat: Chautauqua Park, (the parking lot)

See ya,'
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes: 17.1, 27 and 43.7 miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56276277

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56276218

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56276250

07/15/2026

Hello all, a 6pm start tomorrow for Thursday Night Gravel due to the heat. It shouldn't be too bad, we're used to it by now, right?

Anyway, I'm pumped!

We depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 6pm on Thursday, July 16th at 6pm.

See ya'!
Mark of The Ride...

The routes: 12.8,18.1 and 35.3 miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56147800

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56147865

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56147842

07/09/2026

Hello all, here are the route links for tonight's version of Thursday Night Gravel. We depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm this evening.

Remember, it's all about the ride, so have a good one!
Mark of The Ride...

The routes: 10.9, 19 and 31.6 miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56042428

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56042393

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56042457