The Iowa Bicycle Coalition will be hosting their second annual Bike Banquet following the Iowa Bike Expo on Saturday, January 24th at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, IA. The Iowa Bike Expo & Banquet serves as the annual celebration for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, bringing together cyclists and trail lovers, advocates, vendors, donors, supporters, and partner organizations to advance the Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s mission to promote safe, accessible and enjoyable cycling for everyone in Iowa. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is excited to announce both Ayesha McGowan and Connor Fields as the dynamic dual keynote speakers for the event:
● Ayesha McGowan is a pioneering professional road cyclist and a leading advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport. Now retired, she was the first ever African-American woman pro road cyclist in the world, and is still using her platform to inspire and create pathways for others. Beyond her athletic pursuits, Ayesha is the founder of The Abundance Project, an initiative dedicated to addressing
the racial disparity in cycling by providing resources, opportunities, and community to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) cyclists with a focus on Women. She is also the founder of A Quick Brown Fox, where she works to create content and build community aimed at making cycling more accessible. Ayesha is also a board member of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a national organization working on the Great American Rail Trail.
● Connor Fields is a three-time Olympian, two-time World Champion, and the only American to win Olympic BMX Gold. At the 2021 Tokyo Games, he suffered a severe crash resulting in life-threatening injuries, requiring extensive rehabilitation. Connor emphasized focus on resilience and gained new appreciation for the importance of mental health through his recovery. He is now a motivational speaker,
the host of PBS’s “Outdoor Nevada,” and an Emmy award winning NBC sports BMX commentator. His inspiring story has been featured on The Today Show, Sports Illustrated, and in Vanity Fair. Connor is also a board member of USA Cycling & USA BMX.
COMMUNITY ACTION SPORTS COMPLEX PROJECT
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition, 80/35 BMX, Skate DSM, and Central Iowa Trails Association (CITA) are proposing to bring a year-round indoors Olympic grade project, called the Community Action Sports Complex to Southridge Mall. This facility, once built, will serve as the hub for the bike community in Iowa. This event will serve as the hard launch for the 26M capital campaign to fundraise for the project.
TICKET & EVENT INFO
● Iowa Bike Expo & Banquet | January 24th, 2026
● Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
● Iowa Bike Expo runs from 9AM – 3PM EMC Expo Showroom | Bike Banquet 3 – 6PM in Jr. Ballroom
● Iowa Bike Expo info is available here and free and open to the public, featuring 120+ vendors
● Individual tickets for Bike Banquet early bird rate are $45 and tables of 10 for $450 until Dec. 15
● Each ticket comes with free food and beer, access to the silent auction, opportunity to hear both keynote
speakers, and a commemorative item from Primal
● Tickets can be purchased here on Eventbrite
