Rippey will welcome the 43rd BRR (Bike Ride to Rippey) event on Saturday, Feb. 1. Always weather dependent, there may be as many as 2,000 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-riders 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 grown into a major fundraising event for the Perry Chamber and several organizations in Rippey.
The Thirsty Pig, under contract with the Friends of Rippey, will sell beer, shots, and soft drinks on the Main Street of the town. Profits will be shared and added to the Rippey sesquicentennial fund.
Rippey United Methodist Church members will serve 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 Lions Club will serve 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 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 fundraiser for the Lions Club, as they use the dollars to provide Christmas gifts, contribute to Camp Hertko, and aid 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 Facebook posts and the donation will go to the Community celebration.
Fourteen 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 Aug. 1, 2020, sesquicentennial celebration and will urge them to return for the parade, ball game, children’s games, car show, band concert and fireworks.
