"Longest Loop" fundraiser organizers say they raised $7,500

The results are in.  Organizers of the recent "Longest Loop" fundraiser for the Neste Valley Recreational area say they raised over $7,500.

The 100-mile bike ride on the Trout Run Trail on Saturday, July 9th, was done by Dr. John Wilmes, Marc Folkedahl and Benji Nichols, with support from several other local riders including Ward Budweg, Dr. Mark Gowdy-Jaehnig, Tim Wagner, Eric Peterson, Eric Sovern, Russ Drenth, Lucas Barloon, Amalia Vagts, and others.

The Longest Loop partnered with Winneshiek County Conservation, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Decorah Rotary International Chapter to raise funds in support of the Neste Valley Recreation Area, the first new purchase in 20 years for Winneshiek County Conservation, just south of Highways 9 and 52 near Decorah on the Neste Family Farm. The Dry Run Trail will eventually connect the Trout Run Trail through Neste Valley to the Prairie Farmer Trail, allowing for access to Calmar, Ridgeway, and Cresco.

Donations to the project still can be made by visiting www.longestloop.org.