Cedar Valley Trails Festival Starts Thursday: Here's What You Need to Know

Are you ready for the 2013 Cedar Valley Trails Festival, Cedar Falls? Whether your a bike enthusiast, casual cycler or just enjoy taking Fido for a walk on the over 100 miles of paved trails that the Cedar Valley offers, the festival has something for everyone.

Here's the schedule, pulled from the Cedar Trails Partnership website.

Thursday, August 8:

5:45 p.m. SCHEELS Running, Walking & Biking Clubs Sponsored by SCHEELS. Calling all running and biking enthusiasts! All levels of runners, walkers, and bikers are welcome to join SCHEELS associates at the front of the store at 5:45 p.m. and head out on the Cedar Prairie Trail. Helmets are required for bikers. Refreshments and snacks provided. These clubs meet every Thursday through September. Location: SCHEELS, 402 Viking Plaza Drive, Cedar Falls

Friday, August 9:

7 p.m. Friday Night Loops and Movies Under the Moon, Coordinated by Cedar Valley Cyclists and Community Main Street.
Meet with members of Cedar Valley Cyclists for brief instructions regarding safe cycling and then embark on a ride on the streets of Cedar Falls demonstrating the community’s Bicycle Friendliness. Return to the park for a free outdoor viewing of the movie “Gremlins”. Coolers are welcome and free valet bicycle parking service will be provided by Bike Tech. Location: Overman Park, 220 Clay Street, Cedar Falls.

Saturday, August 10, 8am 5K-Nine Doggie Run/Walk, Coordinated by the Cedar River Runners Club and sponsored by Advanced Pet Care Clinic.
Start off your morning with a run/walk in the company of your dog along the scenic Big Woods Lake Trail. Go for speed or take your time and enjoy this beautiful part of the Cedar Valley Trails. For the “smaller dogs” that can’t quite go the distance, there will be a 1 ½ K walk available. Everyone is welcome! Bringing a dog is not required to join in the fun, although dogs must have a human to participate! Event proceeds will benefit several pet rescues in the Cedar Valley area. Preregistration is encouraged. Registration includes a goodie bag and is $15 before August 1, $20 after. Details are at www.CedarValleyTrails.org. Location: Gateway Park, Main and Lincoln Streets, Cedar Falls.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fourth Annual Cedar Valley Pet Fest, Hosted by Advanced Pet Care Clinic and Pet Agreed Canine Academy.
The annual Cedar Valley Pet Fest will once again be joining the Cedar Valley Trails Festival for a day of festivities! This is a day that friends, family and pets can get out and enjoy the park and trail system in a variety of ways other than biking. The event raises awareness and money for the many animal rescues in the area, and they will be on hand with adoptable pets for you to meet! Veterinarians, trainers, groomers, breeders and vendors will also be there to help educate you on your pet’s needs. K-9 Play House will be there showing agility training and obedience, as well as Pet Agreed Canine Academy LLC, specializing in animal behavior. There will be face painting for the kids and food available for purchase. We ask that all pets be current on their vaccines and on a leash, as leashes are required on the trails. Donations will be accepted at various stations throughout the festival for the rescues. Location: Gateway Park, Main and Lincoln Streets, Cedar Falls.

10 a.m. Tour de Valley Ride, Sponsored by SCHEELS 
Bring the little ones for a 5-mile Family Fun Ride, enjoy the Cedar Valley’s most popular trails on the 25-mile Recreation Ride, or explore new trails on the 40-mile Explorer’s Round! The Recreation Ride and Explorer’s Round will highlight trails located in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. All registered riders will be eligible to win SCHEELS gift cards! Location: Gateway Park, Main and Lincoln Streets, Cedar Falls.

1:30 p.m. Dirty Ride, Coordinated by the Cedar Valley Association for Soft Trails and Bike Tech
Explore the Cedar Valley’s soft trails system and get a little dirty! Bring your mountain bike and enjoy some single track fun through the woods, gullies, and floodways of the Cedar River Valley. This ride will take you places you may not have seen before! Bring the whole family! Location: Mulligan’s Brick Oven Grill & Pub, 205 E. 18th Street, Cedar Falls.

5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Family Bicycle Safety Rodeo, Sponsored by Bike Tech, Coordinated by Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective
Come test your cycling safety skills with local park rangers and law enforcement officers. Free bicycle inspections to make sure your ride is in top condition! Also face painting and food prepared by United Church of Christ. Location: Gateway Park, Main and Lincoln Streets, Cedar Falls.

7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Light Up the Night Ride, Sponsored by Europa Cycle & Ski, Coordinated by Cedar Valley Cyclists. Music sponsored by the Hearst Center for the Arts
Gather at 7 p.m., before dusk to enjoy the pre-ride music of Fat Cat and sample the culinary delights of United Church of Christ. A three to four mile family ride designed for the youngsters and their families will begin at 8 p.m. Then at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.) enjoy a magical bike ride along nine miles of trails lined by glow sticks! Ride includes trails in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Bike lights and helmets are required. Cedar Trails Patrol members will monitor the trails for safety. Location: Gateway Park, Main and Lincoln Streets, Cedar Falls.

Sunday, August 11

11 a.m. Poker Ride, Sponsored by Bike Tech and Mulligan’s, Coordinated by the Waverly Friends of the Trails
Ride to designated points of interest along the trails collecting playing cards and return to Mulligan’s to reveal your poker hand. Fabulous prizes will be awarded for the best hands. Registration takes place at 11 a.m. and the cost is $15 or $10 if you have a 2013 festival t-shirt. Location: Mulligan’s Brick Oven Grill & Pub, 205 E. 18th Street, Cedar Falls.