PERRY, Iowa — The 48th annual BRR Ride was held Saturday, and hundreds braved the chill and wind to partake in the winter tradition.

The ride took off in 1978 and has been held on the first Saturday in February every year since…regardless of weather. Bike Ride to Rippley, or BRR, is known as the original winter bike ride.

The trial is a 24-mile trip that takes riders on a round trip from Perry to Rippey and back, finishing with a celebration in Perry’s downtown.

Riders who partook in BRR on Saturday say the ride helps them kick off the cycling season.

 “It’s like jump a little jump start of the season, I guess, and kind of as the like RAGBRAI,” said Nolan Miller, a Des Moines cyclist. “I feel a little bit just the camaraderie always is just great, everybody’s doing the same thing. We’re all on the same mission to get there and back and just have fun along the way.”

This is Miller’s second time doing the ride and while he enjoys kicking of the season, the high wind on Saturday made the trip a bit brisk.

“It’s good when you have the tailwind behind you,” he said.” However, when it’s the opposite way, it’s not so fun.”

Anamosa residents, Robert and Stacy Ericson returned for their second and third years of the ride and say it’s all about enjoying the community and ringing in a new year of riding.

“Ride in first serve the year, get ready for RAGBRAI, and just being with people, it’s fun,” Ericson said. “We love coming down and supporting the community, Perry and Rippy, and that we love coming down here and riding on all the trails.”

BRR says 749 people registered for the event and more then 1,000 people were counted on the road. Planning for BRR 2026 is already underway and will take place on February 7th…regardless of weather.