Whistlin’ Bit saddling up for ride
The Whistlin’ Bit Saddle Club is saddling up for its 60th annual ride, which will start at Elkader City Park Horse Arena and reach the halfway point by Big Springs Trout Hatchery.
The October 12 ride takes place almost exactly 60 years from the date of the first ride. The first ride was on October 17, 1948, when riders from Mason City and Charles City rode from Pikes Peak to McGregor. At the time, 60 riders came and 100 with guests enjoyed the ride and potluck dinner.
During the club’s 25th annual ride, in 1973 there were 1,161 horses. In 1974, 1975, 1976 the event averaged 800 riders, but the gas crunch drove numbers down from 1976 to 1982. In recent years the annual ride draws crowds of around 300 riders of horses and mules from across the country.
This year, the ride will leave at 11 A. M. sharp, and riders will ride past Lover’s Leap and move on along the Turkey River to Muff Koehn’s bottom by Big Springs, which will be the halfway point. The riders are expected to reach the halfway point at about 1:30 or so. As usual, pop and sandwiches will be available at the halfway point.
The club has worked to obtain permission from the many generous landowners along the way to establish the trail. The trail crosses not only private lands, but also snowmobile trails, and plenty of wildlife & beautiful fall scenery is expected to be seen along the way.
The 60th Anniversary celebration will kick-off with a dance Saturday evening at CJ Lanes in Elkader followed by the ride on Sunday. The event is open to all. More information is available from any board member.
| The Clayton County Pork Producers will be serving lunch at the half way.  |