Pitchers of vodka soda water!
First off, get your head out of the gutter, the Taco Ride is a bicycle ride that takes place every Thursday. Most riders (including me) start at Lewis Central School and ride 10 miles on the Wabash Trail to Tobey Jack’s Steak House in Mineola, IA. That’s 10 miles there, and 10 miles back. I know what you’re thinking, “Who in the hell would ride 20 miles ‘for fun'”? It really is fun, I promise! Riders usually park in the Lewis Central parking lot starting as early as 4pm, but you can arrive whenever you like. Me and my crew usually start at around 6pm. The trail head isn’t super easy to find but you’ll without a doubt be able to follow other riders there. Since magical trolls don’t pop out at night and keep the trail in running condition, they ask a tiny fee of $1 to ride the trail, so be sure and bring singles.
The broseph-in-law and sister enjoying tacos and margs.
1) If you’re a first time rider, go with a pace that you can stick to for at least an hour. The trail has a slight uphill the way there. Don’t get scared! It really is a very slight uphill.
2) When passing people, always pass on the left and yell “On your left” to ensure that the riders know you’re coming.
3) Don’t forget your iPod, water, and a bike light. The last one is a MUST. By the time you get done gettin’ your party on at Tobey Jack’s, it will be night fall, or near it. The first time I did the Taco Ride, I didn’t know any better and didn’t have a light…it was a catastrophe. Please, please for your safety and those around you, invest in a bike light. I’ll save you the time price checking, they’re $20 at Wal-Mart and Target, and they’re usually more at bike stores. Kinda pricey, but they’re worth it.
Margaritaville!
Check out the nice tail...I mean trail 🙂
About 3/4 of the way to Tobey Jack’s you’ll run into a big group of people, fun music and some benches, this paradise is called “Margaritaville”. It’s just a fun little stop on the way, where you can socialize, have a few drinks and maybe grab a “smoke”. Margaritaville is byob.
Back on the trail from margaritaville, you’ll coast the whole way there. From here on, there is a slight downhill. Enjoy it! In no time at all you’ll hit the very small tiny minute town of Mineola, IA. You will probably see riders taking the turn up to Tobey Jack’s, but if you don’t, it’s really the only right hand turn you’ll run into. Follow the crowd, the live music, and the smell of fried food!
The common special at Tobey Jack’s is 6 tacos and a pitcher of margaritas for $18…hence the name “Taco Ride”. They also have a full menu and full bar. This is a really fun place that gets packed fast. They have indoor seating, two patios, live music, dance floor complete with DJ and the drinks are stiff!
Once you’ve had your fill, hop back on the trail and coast home. I would recommend that you not drink too much in order to be safe on the ride back…but that would make me a hypocrite. Have fun!
partylikeawaitress 
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