Winding through the back roads of Iowa, bikers put more than 270 mi. on their odometers during the seventh annual Road Machinery & Supplies (RMS) Adventure Tour on Aug. 13. This year’s route went from Ottumwa to Emmetsburg.

More than 70 riders made the annual trip, which began at 8 a.m. from the parking lot of the Days Inn in Ottumwa and ended at the Wild Rose Casino & Resort about eight hours later. The route included several curvy and hilly roads that took bikers through scenic countryside and quiet, rural towns.

“Central Iowa offers some great roads that many people do not even know exist,” said event organizer Larry Smith, RMS sales manager for Iowa and Illinois. “I believe it was great fun for riders and passengers alike. I know it was for me.”

Riders also had fun before and after the ride. A kickoff event at the home of Norris Asphalt President Brady Meldrem and his wife, Julie, also honored Julie’s 50th birthday. The event was held on the 12th and featured a live band and catered dinner. Following the ride the next day, attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in a Wild Rose banquet room.

Along the route, bikers had two rest stops — one near Lake Red Rock at Pella and one at Dolliver State Park near Otho — and had lunch at Ledges State Park close to Boone. Two gas stops were part of the ride as well.

“Our customers gave us almost two days of their time and we’re very grateful to each and every one of them,” said Smith. “The relationships forged on the ride are some of the best we could hope for. Everyone rode safely, and the ride was beautiful.”

RMS and Komatsu America sponsored the ride, while gas stops were sponsored by the Astec Companies, KPI/JCI and RMS.

(This story originally appeared in the October issue of “Road Signs” and is reprinted with permission from RMS and Construction Publications Inc.)