April 19, 2024

Fourth KSIB tractor ride slated for Saturday

By IAN RICHARDSON
Image 1 of 2

A string of tractors makes its way down the road during last year's KSIB tractor ride. Last year's ride was rained out on the Saturday and instead took place Sunday.

A colorful cavalcade of farm machinery will chug down Cherry Street Saturday morning as KSIB Radio begins its fourth annual tractor ride.

Since 2012, drivers young and old have brought their new and classic tractors to Creston to embark on this 70-plus mile ride around southwest Iowa. This year's route stretches about 75 miles, beginning and ending at the restored Creston Depot. Stops will include a mid-morning snack and stretch break in Lorimor, lunch at the Madison County Historical Complex and a mid-afternoon break in Macksburg.

Chad Rieck, KSIB general manager, said the drive to Madison County is what he’s looking forward to this year.

“That drive that they’ll be on in the old (U.S. Highway) 169 is probably the most scenic drive that I’ve been on in southwest Iowa,” he said. “I think that’s going to be a real neat thing.”

Rieck said participation has remained constant over the years, with 200 or more registering for each ride. Last year, however, a rainy Saturday postponed the ride to Sunday, resulting in a slightly smaller attendance.

As of Wednesday, approximately 225 drivers had preregistered for this year’s event.

“This year we’re over 200 tractors again and expecting a big turnout,” Rieck said.

Early registration is encouraged, but signup will remain open through early Saturday. Registrants can download forms online and contact KSIB at 641-782-2155 or at ksib@ksibradio.com. And, just as in previous years, there is no cost attached to the ride.

“There’s no registration fee,” said Ben Walter, KSIB program manager. “The only thing they (tractor drivers) provide is the fuel and the tractor and the time.”

The first tractor ride was planned by Rich Wenzig and Rieck’s father, Dave, in 2012. Wenzig, who has been on many tractor rides around Iowa and the U.S., said the lack of cost makes Creston’s tractor ride a unique one.

“Always it seems like when we have anything like this, the tractor participants have to pay for everything,” he said. “I wanted this thing to be for free.”

Tractors will depart in three groups according to pace: 15 mph, 12 mph and 10 mph. All tractors must be able to travel at least 10 mph to enter.

Wenzig and Dave Rieck lead the 15 mph group, where Wenzig said he’ll be driving his rebuilt 1958 Ford Deisel. All roads traveled are paved, he said, to protect the machines, especially the restored antique ones.

“A lot of guys have these tractors fixed up and don’t want to ride on gravel,” he said.

Walter said the field of drivers is often diverse, representing multiple Midwestern states. He said his favorite part of the ride is encountering people who are enthusiastic about their machines.

“Most of these tractors have stories,” Walter said. “People really enjoy them. When spectators stop by and talk to them, they will talk about it all day long.”

Walter said the public is invited to come watch the ride and interact with the drivers. Spectators can meet with drivers at any of the stopping locations.

The tractor ride is free to the drivers thanks to sponsorships from several area businesses and organizations. Creston Hy-Vee will provide breakfast and Winterset Hy-Vee will provide the lunch. Major sponsors are NAPA Auto Parts and the Union, Madison and Adair county farm bureaus. Spectators can purchase food at each of the stops, as well.