Thursday Taco Ride

At about this time four years ago, I experienced my very first Taco Ride.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Taco Ride is the longest running weekly bicycle ride in the U.S. Upwards of 2,000 cyclists make their way up and down the Wabash Trace Nature Trail every Thursday—or at least every Thursday that calls for mild and dry weather. 

The 10-mile leisurely jaunt each way includes several opportunities to stop and rest, including the legendary Margaritaville. About six miles into the ride, cyclists pull over to this designated pit stop, which is lined with bike racks and benches to accommodate a large crowd.

Most Taco Riders will crack open a beer, but a small percentage of truly devout ones will go to the extent of bringing a blender and fixins to mix up their own iced margaritas. 

Why Thursday, you ask? 

When the Taco Ride originated, bikers would begin at the trailhead near Lewis Central Middle School in Council Bluffs, Iowa and ride nearly 15 miles to Silver City where they would break for the Thursday night taco special. When the Silver City bar closed a few years later, the Point B destination was changed to Tobey Jack's Steakhouse in Mineola, a shorter ride that helped draw more riders.

What didn't change was the food. The majority of riders opt for the six-pack and a pitcher special, but the real (and far cheaper) way to go is with the Walking Taco. For $5, you get an individual-sized bag of Doritos loaded with all of your basic taco fixins. Sure, the copious amounts of sodium will send your blood pressure through the roof and give you a bit of bloat belly, but I just make sure to drink about nine bottles of water when I'm finished, and I'm typically fine.

Anyhow, you don't do the Taco Ride for the sub-par tacos—you do it for the ride! The laxed environment, friendly people scenic ride on that crushed limestone trail are the true reasons one should experience a taco ride. 

Tips for first time Taco Riders

Always bring:

• Helmet (I'm a stickler on this)
• Bike lights (it gets dark on the ride back)
• Water/sports drink (and beer)
• $1 per rider (to tip the volunteers at the trailhead)
• Bug spray (mosquitoes like sweat & tacos)
• Credit/debit card & ID (to pay for food & drinks)
• Extra bike tube (I have yet to get a flat, but always be prepared)
• YOUR BIKE
• YOUR FRIENDS
• YOUR WILD SIDE
• And leave your worries at home

Below are a few photos from my own personal Taco Ride adventures. If you have any interest in going on one, reach out to me. I'd love to answer any more questions you have and would always be up for some new people to join our group!

Cheers!