Rippey will be welcoming the 43rd BRR (Bike Ride to Rippey) event on Saturday, February 1st. Always weather dependent there may be as many as 2000 riders dressed in winter biking garb, or outlandish crazy costumes.
Rippey will bring out the Welcome Mat for these hardy souls by offering beverages, including adult beverages, roast beef sundaes, a baked potato bar, and tempting sweets to replenish the calories burned on that northwest 12 mile trip. Non-biker gawkers are also welcomed to partake in the food and observe the frivolity.
Begun in 1976 with a few riders, the first BRR was initiated and guided by Jim Walstrom of Perry. Billed as the first bike ride of the season, and to break his “cabin fever” it has morphed into a major fund raising event for the Perry Chamber and several organizations in Rippey.
The Thirsty Pig, under contract with the Friends of Rippey, will be selling beer, shots, and soft drinks on the Main Street of the town. Profits will be shared and added to the Rippey Sesquicentennial fund.
The Rippey United Methodist Church will be providing their traditional baked potato bar, with a plethora of toppings, broccoli, cheese, butter, sour cream, and chili. Chili and broccoli cheese soup will also be available. Pies, and bars, will be served along with hot chocolate, coffee, and water to provide energy and as warm up for the return trip to Perry.
The Rippey Lion’s Club will be serving their usual Roast Beef Sundaes at the Community Center. For those who question this Rippey delight, it is ROBUST. It begins with mashed potatoes, a tender slice of roast beef that is then smothered with roast beef gravy, all served in a bowl topped with a cherry tomato. This is a must for first time riders. They will also have chili and bars, along with water, coffee, and hot chocolate.
BRR is a big fund raiser for the Lion’s Club, as they use the dollars to provide Christmas gifts, contribute to Camp Hertko, and aide with numerous other Rippey community activities.
Look for the photo opportunity sponsored by the Friends of Rippey as a fundraiser for the Sesquicentennial…. “I froze my _ss on the BRR ride”. This is certain to be popular for Face Book posts and the donation will aide financially for the Community celebration.
14 portable toilets courtesy of the City of Rippey will be positioned around the town for the guests.
Rippey citizens will be reminding all visitors of the upcoming August 1, 2020 sesquicentennial celebration and will urge them to return for the parade, ball game, children’s games, car show, band concert and fireworks.
- Mary Weaver
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE RIPPEY 43rd ANNUAL BRR RIDE MAP