When and where do we pick up packets on Friday evening and Saturday?
Packet pickup for the Pigtails Ride will be held in person at the Prairie Trail Fountain. Riders can pick up their packets on Friday evening or on the morning of the event on Saturday. Please check the schedule for specific times.
During packet pickup, riders will receive their wristbands, which serve as proof of registration, along with four tear-off tabs for food and photos. Additionally, riders can pick up their official Pigtails Ride jerseys if they have ordered them in advance.
We encourage all riders to pick up their packets as early as possible to avoid delays on the day of the ride. Please note that packets cannot be mailed or delivered in advance and must be picked up in person.
If you are unable to attend packet pickup yourself, you can have someone else pick up your packet on your behalf.
Please check the schedule for specific times.
When and where is breakfast served Saturday?
Breakfast will be available at Jethro’s Lakehouse, located along the bike route to the High Trestle Trail. Please check the schedule for specific times.
The breakfast menu will feature a variety of tasty options to help riders fuel up for the day ahead. There will be something for everyone to enjoy. We recommend arriving early to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy your breakfast and get ready for the ride.
Will there be pictures on the bridge?
Our professional photographer, Christopher Maharry, will be on hand to capture the perfect shot of you and your bike against the stunning backdrop of the High Trestle bridge. We encourage all riders to take advantage of this unique and unforgettable photo opportunity and create lasting memories of their Pigtails Ride experience. Please check the schedule for specific times.
Where is lunch?
Lunch for the Pigtails Ride will be served on the west side of the Flat Tire Lounge parking lot. The lunch stop is located about halfway along the 48-mile route and will provide riders with a chance to refuel and relax before continuing on their journey.
The Flat Tire Lounge is known for its laid-back atmosphere, cold beverages, and friendly staff. In addition to the tasty food, there will be plenty of opportunities to socialize and have fun at the Flat Tire Lounge. The lounge will have a fun atmosphere with games and music for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect spot to recharge before tackling the second half of the ride.
How do I get the food and things with the ride?
During packet pickup, riders will receive their wristbands, which serve as proof of registration. Please remember to keep your wristband on at all times during the ride, as it serves as proof of registration and payment for food.
How long is this ride?
The Pigtails Ride is a one-day, 48-mile bike ride that begins and ends in Ankeny’s Prairie Trail District and travels along the beautiful High Trestle Trail.
The ride is an out-and-back route that utilizes the trails, taking riders through picturesque landscapes and charming Iowa towns. Along the way, riders will enjoy stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley and the iconic High Trestle Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges in the Midwest.
We recommend that riders prepare accordingly and have adequate training and experience to complete the 48-mile route. There will be several stops along the way, where riders can rest and refuel. This ride is flat but please note that this is still a challenging ride that requires a certain level of fitness and endurance.
We want all riders to have a safe and enjoyable experience on the Pigtails Ride, so please take the time to train and prepare yourself for the 48-mile journey ahead. We can’t wait to see you on the trail.
Can men register?
Yes, anyone can register for the Pigtails Ride, but the ride is primarily geared toward women. In previous years, the ride has been 99% women, but we welcome and encourage everyone to join us for this fun and exciting event.
While the Pigtails Ride is designed to celebrate and empower women in cycling, we recognize that cycling is a sport for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time rider, we welcome you to join us for this unique and memorable event.
Please note that both of the official Pigtails Ride jerseys are designed for women and are only available in women’s sizes. However, male riders are still welcome to purchase and wear the jerseys if they choose.
We want to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all riders, regardless of gender, age, or experience level. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting and empowering event, and we can’t wait to ride with you!
Can I register without the jersey?
Yes, you can register for the Pigtails Ride without purchasing the official jersey. While the jersey is a fun and stylish way to commemorate your participation in the event, it is not required to participate in the ride.
For riders who do wish to purchase the official Pigtails Ride jersey, they are available for order online through the official team store. Order by May 22 and the jersey is estimated to be shipped to you by The jersey is designed specifically for women and is available in a range of sizes, from small to 5XL. Please note that the Gemini tank runs small and the long sleeve jersey runs true to size.
The jerseys will be delivered following the event and are a great way to remember your experience on the Pigtails Ride. If you choose not to purchase the jersey, you can still enjoy all the other benefits of participating in the ride, including the fun party stops, delicious food and drink, and breathtaking scenery along the route.
Will you ship my jersey?
If you ordered an official Pigtails Ride jersey before the early deadline, it will be picked up at the event. If you ordered after the deadline, it will be delivered to you following the event. The jerseys will be shipped out in early July.
Please note that jerseys cannot be picked up at packet pickup and will not be available for purchase on the day of the event. If you would like to order a jersey, please do so through the official team store before the deadline.
We encourage all riders to order their jerseys in advance to ensure timely delivery. The jerseys are designed specifically for women and are available in a range of sizes, from small to 5XL. Please remember to select the appropriate size for your comfort and fit.
We hope you’ll enjoy wearing your Pigtails Ride jersey as a symbol of your participation in this fun and empowering event. Thank you for joining us on the trail, and we can’t wait to see you next year!
Where can I park while I am on the ride?
Parking for the Pigtails Ride will be available at the DMACC Campus, located near the Prairie Trail in Ankeny, Iowa. Please park in Lots J and L, which are designated for event parking. These lots are easily accessible from the Prairie Trail Parkway, and signs will be posted to guide you to the designated parking areas.
Please note that long-term parking in the Prairie Trail area is not permitted, as these spots are reserved for customers of local businesses. We ask that all riders respect the parking restrictions and park in the designated lots to ensure that there is ample parking for everyone.
If you are driving to the event, we recommend arriving early to ensure that you have time to park, check-in, and prepare for the ride. Please remember to bring your mask, as it will be required when indoors at packet pickup and other event venues.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding, and we look forward to seeing you on the trail!
https://dmacc.edu/ankeny/maps/Pages/ankenyparkinglot.aspx
How do the jerseys fit?
The official Pigtails Ride jerseys are designed specifically for women and are available in a range of sizes, from small to 5XL. Please note that the Gemini tank runs small and the long sleeve jersey runs true to size.
We recommend checking the sizing chart provided on the official event website to ensure that you select the appropriate size for your comfort and fit. It’s important to choose a jersey that fits well to ensure that you can ride comfortably and perform at your best.
If you’re unsure about your size or have any questions about the jerseys, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the event organizers for assistance. We’re here to help you have the best possible experience on the Pigtails Ride, and that includes making sure you have the right gear.
We hope you’ll enjoy wearing your Pigtails Ride jersey as a symbol of your participation in this fun and empowering event. Thank you for joining us on the trail, and we can’t wait to see you next year!
How large do the jerseys go?
The official Pigtails Ride jerseys are designed specifically for women and are available in a range of sizes, from small to 5XL. Please note that the Gemini tank runs small and the long sleeve jersey runs true to size.
Vegetarian options?
Yes, we will have vegetarian options available at the Pigtails Ride. We understand that many of our riders have specific dietary needs or preferences, and we want to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the food and refreshments provided on the ride.
Our team has been working closely with the vendors and sponsors to ensure that there are a variety of vegetarian options available at each stop along the route. These options may include salads, vegetable sandwiches, fruit, and other plant-based options.
What if I can’t finish the ride?
If you find that you’re unable to complete the Pigtails Ride for any reason, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure that you have someone to pick you up. We will have limited SAG (support and gear) available at the trail stops in Madrid, Slater, and the Oasis, but these services may be limited or unavailable depending on demand.
Please note that vehicles are not allowed on the trail, so you’ll need to get to a cross street and wait for your ride to pick you up there. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and make arrangements for a ride before the event so that you have a backup plan in case you’re unable to finish.
If you’re not feeling well or need assistance during the ride, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our ride organizers or other event staff. We’re here to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience on the trail, and we’ll do everything we can to assist you in any way we can.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding, and we look forward to sharing a great ride with you!
Is there a host hotel?
When will I get the team store items?
If you ordered team store items, those will be shipped directly to you in late July.