The Friends are a non-profit group of bicycling enthusiasts dedicated to the promotion, development, and maintenance of bikeways throughout central Iowa for recreation fitness, and transportation.

ADVOCACY

Members of FCIB are highly motivated in the progress of trail development and maintenance. They have been involved in voluntary work on the Heart of Iowa Trail, Skunk River Greenbelt, and McFarland Park, building trails and bridges. The Members are strong advocates of the Ames-ISU Bicycle committee, Ames Parks and Recreation and the Story County Conservation Board. This year the club is involved in co- sponsoring a volunteer project to open the Zumwalt trail to hiking and biking by cutting trail through current unused park lands.

City promotion of bicycling is an objective of the Friends. This is accomplished by involvement with the Ames City Council on the Bike to Work Day, and the Mayor's Bike Ride. Other community activities include maintenance clinics and safety programs.

The Friends of Central Iowa Biking also work with Iowa State University student organizations including the Student Environmental Council and the Iowa State University Mountain Biking Association. In past years they have co-sponsored the Earth Day Ride with SEC and are currently co-sponsoring a volunteer trail project with ISUMBA..

RIDES AND EVENTS

A Special Note!! Work days Sept. 7th to repair flood damage! 9am on Saturday Co-sponsored by FCIB and Story Trails. Meet at Sopers Mill Bridge. Bring gloves.

Local rides and trails news as well as news relating to cycling interests in the state and nation are covered monthly in the club newsletter, "Chainmail". We are planning on including the newsletter items on the home page. The projected Ames master plan for bikeways provides for both fitness and commuting.