I’m not from there but my wife and I did a very low key tandem tour there last year. The plan was to do a loop around Des Moines from Jefferson over the High Trestle down to Des Moines and back to Jefferson. We planned on doing as little as 25 miles a day and as much as 40 miles per day, so very low key. It was also a hotel tour per my wife’s demands. We made it to Des Moines before my knee (already damaged) gave out.

Jefferson was cool about us parking our car at their rec center. I would suggest staying at the Hotel Pattee in Perry. All their rooms are themed (the clown room is really creepy) and they have a bowling alley in the basement. They are also very bicycle accommodating. There aren’t that many places to eat in Perry but there are some.

I’d also suggest the Surety Hotel in downtown Des Moines. Very nice place and, again, very bicycle accommodating. If you are there on a Saturday, there is a giant farmers market downtown that fills the city. It’s been happening on Saturdays in the summer for more than 50 years. Worth a visit.

Can’t tell you much beyond that because that’s where my knee gave out and we had to get a ride back to my truck.

All most all of the ride was on bike paths.

We are thinking of going back this year to finish it up. Got my knee replaced and am ready to go do the whole thing this time.