Friends of Iron Belle Trail host Mother's Day walk

IRONWOOD - Friends of the Iron Belle Trail turned the pavilion at Ironwood Depot Park into a desert smorgasbord for their annual Mother's Day Walk, Run & Roll on Sunday.

The group of volunteers help keep up the trail and promote it, said Enni Gregas, member of the trail association. The event encourages people to be active and gives people a chance to see the trail, she added.

"It's beautiful and it's scenic," she said.

Little kids can learn to ride their bikes, she said, and seniors can ride safely all while staying off the highway.

Gregas said bike trails and recreation bring people into the area.

"It (the trail) contributes to the health of the community," she said.

A duet bike was at the event for those who wanted to ride, but may have physical limitations which prevent them from doing it safety.

"We are so proud of the duet bike," Gregas said.

The bike gives a person who may not feel comfortable riding the chance to experience the thrill of biking said Doug Hippe, coordinator for duet bike program.

He gave a "couple of people rides" during the event, and said the rides "aren't just for people who can't ride."

"There for people to get familiar with the bike so they get a feeling what it would be like as a passenger," he said.

Friends of the IBT have a clean-up event scheduled for Saturday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Gregas said one group will start in Ironwood and one at the trailhead in Bessemer. Once the groups meet "somewhere in the middle," she said the groups will head back to the Depot for a pot luck lunch.

"We work a little bit, then we eat," she said.

For more information about Friends of the IBT, visit the association's Facebook page.