News

With a visual of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge as the unofficial start of the first ever River Ride ‘09, a dozen cyclists took over the trails on a bike ride through parts of Nebraska and Iowa.
Despite the heavy rain and chilly temperatures providing the backdrop for the event, many area residents didn’t miss the opportunity to partake in a bike ride while also checking out all that living at Riverfront can provide.
“It was just perfect,” remarked Mark Goodman, a resident of Riverfront Place since October 2006.
River Ride ‘09, sponsored by Riverfront Place, was held Saturday, April 18. The ten or twenty mile ride included passing by the Council Bluffs Recreation Complex and Lake Manawa State Park.
Sales and Marketing Manager of Riverfront Place Ben Proctor said he was pleased to see the dozen people turn out despite the weather, and looks forward to having more rides in the near future.
“There is a lifestyle element to Riverfront Place we want to show. We are selling condos but want to show the lifestyle that comes with it,” said Proctor. “By having people down for the bike ride, we can show what there is to offer here at Riverfront. Hopefully this first event gets the buzz started. The rain may have slowed us down, but the interest is there.”
Riverfront Place Developer Kim McGuire was on hand for the event, and rode the trails the previous night to get a taste for what the cyclists were going to get to enjoy.
“It was a great ride,” said McGuire.
McGuire noted that 50 percent of Riverfront Place Tower II had been sold, so he was pleased with the continuing development at Riverfront Place.
Rick Shever, another Riverfront Place resident since October 2006 said him and Goodman always enjoy any chance to do something active downtown, as typically you can find them running or walking their two dogs.
“It was just perfect,” said Shever, after Goodman and him returned; wet but in great spirits.
“We just thought it would be fun.”
Riverfront Place residents weren’t the only ones who came to the first ever event, as ten others took to the trails, including Tyler Loewens of Millard.
“This gave us a chance to come ride a trail we hadn’t done before,” said Loewens, who had also never crossed over the pedestrian bridge. “The rain just adds another element of fun.”
Not only was he impressed with the bridge that he viewed from the townhome, he also really liked the look of the Riverfront Place property.
“It looks great,” he said while checking out the layout.
Tony Sillman of Millard said cycling for him is a great stress reliever, and often seeks out rides in the area, so when he saw one that gave him a chance to see a bit more of downtown Omaha, he jumped at the chance.
“I would definitely do this again,” said Sillman. “It’s a chance to get together outside of work and do something we all enjoy.”
Brett Mjelde of Council Bluffs also joined Sillman and Loewens for the ride, and enjoyed checking out Riverfront Place, often checking out the window at the raining falling hard and fast.
“I just am not wanting to fall,” he said laughing. “This is all pretty cool though.”
Doug Schmidt of Bellevue came down for the ride as he enjoys cycling for exercise, and comes downtown as often as possible.
“I come to all the concerts down at the riverfront and walked across the bridge during the lighting ceremony. I am looking forward to riding across it today,” Schmidt said.
Dan and Michaella Wittmann of downtown Omaha also decided to brave the rain and do the ride together.
“I’m going no matter what,” said Dan. “This rain won’t stop me.”
Indeed, the two took off effortlessly a bit after 9 a.m., and upon the end of the race, were still smiling.
“It was great,” said Michaella; wet and cold, but pleased to have joined the start of a bike event that will no doubt showcase the many opportunities Riverfront Place offers.