River Actions hosts Ride the River at LeClaire Park -- June 17.

Sunday, June 17, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

LeClaire Park, 400 West Beiderbecke Drive, Davenport IA

Now celebrating its 34th year as a Father's Day institution, River Action's June 17 Ride the River event invites participants to explore the wilds of four Quad Cities islands on a bi-state tour along riverfront bicycle trails, with special events, giveaways, and more taking place at numerous stops along the journey.

Ride the River is an opportunity for families to share a safe, fun, and healthy outdoor activity, and the first 350 youths to register receive a free, reflective Ride the River backpack compliments of the Davenport Noon Kiwanis Club. With riders using a map provided by River Action, trails, islands, and loops can be combined for rides of over 40 miles in five communities. Beginning at Davenport's LeClaire Park, cyclists proceed along their route to one of two Mississippi River crossings: the Arsenal Bridge crossing option, which may be taken any time during the 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. event, or the riverboat crossing option, which takes place only at 9:30 a.m. The former allows riders to travel from the Davenport path and ride across the historic Arsenal Bridge to Arsenal Island, or to cross over to Rock Island; with the latter option, riders cross the Mississippi on a riverboat while their bikes go on a barge, which are then retrieved at the Illinois landing.

Visits to Campbell's Island will feature roasted s'mores at the turtle fire pit, the Don Monico food truck, and a live performance about the War of 1812, while Sylvan Island will host a letter-writing activity to service men and women and food available from the Arsenal MWR Grill. Arsenal Island presents information on trail riding in its “Mountain Biking 101” presentation, with food courtesy of Meatheads, and Credit Island will offer Trail's End food along with a 1 – 3 p.m. craft in which riders can build osprey boxes with the Quad City Audubon Society. Meanwhile, at Ride the River headquarters in LeClaire Park, registrants can enjoy friendly competition with the Survivor Games and receive a free slice of Taste of Italy Pizza for collecting helmet stickers at the four islands on the trail. All dads also receive a free ticket to watch the Quad Cities River Bandits play their 1:15 p.m. Modern Woodmen Park game against the Burlington Bees.

Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 and all riders on Arsenal Island, and are strongly recommended for all riders. (Registered riders can purchase Bell helmets for $5-10 through the support of the QC Bicycle Club.) Registration is $5-20, and more information on the 2018 Ride the River is available by calling (563)322-2969 or visiting RiverAction.org.

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