Stillwater Cyclist Club Trying to Turn (Railroad) Spikes into Bikes for Kids

A group of Stillwater bicyclists are trying to turn 1,000 railroad spikes from the former Minnesota Zephyr tracks into 350 bikes for kids in need.

The hope is to raise $5,000 to help less fortunate kids get bikes, while promoting cycling in the valley, Program Organizer Bill Rush said.

“The idea came about when the rails were being taken out last fall,” Rush said. “I wanted one of the spikes and figured others would like one too.”

The railroad spikes—that were removed from the new Browns Creek Trail—are being sold at the Chilkoot Café for a $5 donation. The spikes will also be available at the Chilkoot Velo club’s tent on Sunday, June 16, during the Nature Valley Grand Prix in Stillwater.

After seeing the spikes, Rush started thinking of ways the spikes could be recycled as historic memorabilia to benefit a charitable cause.

Rush began talking with Minnesota Cranberry—who contracted with the DNR to remove the tracks—to donate 1,000 spikes for the cause.

All proceeds go to freeBikes4kids.com, a nonprofit organization that received, refurbished and donated 5,000 bikes last year for kids in need.

Each spike includes a free drink coupon donated by Chilkoot Café.