Chris Umscheid
Big Grove Solon was the destination for last year’s Big Rove bike ride. Cyclists departed Big Grove locations in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids and converged in Solon for fellowship and the Trophy Dads band before riding back to their starting points. The event returns to Solon Saturday, June 21 and street closures will be in effect for the happening.
SOLON — Get ready for a day of riding bikes, cold brews, and big fun—Big Rove is rolling back into Solon on Saturday, June 21, and excitement is already building around town. During the June 4 Solon City Council meeting, city officials and community members discussed the upcoming bicycle event. Big Rove, organized by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition in partnership with Big Grove Brewery, promises a unique and energetic gathering that brings riders together from both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City for a mid-ride celebration in Solon. This one-day, 36-mile out-and-back ride lets cyclists choose their starting point—either Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City—and pedal along scenic eastern Iowa trails to a midpoint stop at Big Grove Solon, where the fun continues with lunch and live music from 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Riders will then return to their original starting point for a post-ride celebration.
To accommodate the influx of riders and festivities, Main Street will be closed from the corner of Big Grove and Iowa Street to the alleyway. This year, the closure will be slightly extended to include two parking spaces, an adjustment made in anticipation of a larger turnout than in previous years.
“This is a unique opportunity where Big Grove is hosting the mid-ride event right here in Solon,” said Katie Bowen, event and outreach director at the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. “We’re excited to see the community come together for such a vibrant event.”
There are two registration options: one for riders participating in the full Big Rove ride and another for those joining only the Solon lunch and music festivities. Organizers have even rerouted part of the trail to work around summer road closures, ensuring a smooth ride into town.
Registration for the full ride includes a grab-and-go breakfast at your starting Big Grove location, a branded wristband for event access, lunch in Solon with live entertainment, and a post-ride party back in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City. Packets can be picked up the day before the event—Friday, June 20—at your chosen starting point. Saturday’s ride begins with a rolling start from 8-9:00 a.m., with music and lunch in Solon from 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and after-parties from 1-4:00 p.m.
The event is $120 and registration closes Saturday, June 14. A special discounted rate is available for returning riders by contacting Katie at [email protected].
To register or learn more about the ride and its routes, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-rove-ride-2025-tickets-1218038248189
Route maps:
• Cedar Rapids Start: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45584192?privacy_code=wY5X3A02qvBQa4WxGJFdbyQWVTPjecii
• Iowa City Start: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45584124?privacy_code=7RT0rHKZavBSkcxSFLXYYXUulaQAFFEe
With more riders, more music, and more excitement expected this year, Big Rove is shaping up to be one of Solon’s biggest summer highlights. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy views, brews, and community spirit on two wheels.