PERRY, Iowa — The annual BRR Bike Ride is near and dear to Perry residents' hearts, and this year they are seeing a record number of registrations.
The bike ride is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Perry community. This year, the city says it will be extra powerful, as it's taking place just one month after the deadly shooting.
"People are really looking for ways to show their support for the community and rally," said Lynsi Pasutti, executive director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce. "This is one of those events that I think people can really get behind."
The bike ride on Saturday, Feb. 3 is an opportunity for the community to come together and raise money, at an event that everyone counts down to.
"Over the past month, time has both stood still and rushed forward beyond belief, and I would say almost immediately there was a call to action from all walks of life," Pasutti said.
The 47th Annual BRR Bike Ride will have food, activities, merchandise and plenty of good company.
"This one is really special in the sense that it's kind of one of many firsts for our community in terms of taking that step forward and continuing to grow and heal, and so it's just a chance for us to come together, see that physical support with so many riders coming in from all over," Pasutti said.
As thousands from all over the country make their way to Perry, the community wants to make an impact.
"Showing that this isn't a tragedy that defines us," Pasutti said. "[It's] definitely part of our history, but we have really come together to be Perry strong and to rise up from it."
The bike ride begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Find more information here.