Iowa High Trestle Trail
 

R0de the length of the trail (out and and back, 50 miles total) with billydonn on Saturday. Definitely worth the trip. Whatever you think afdter seeing photographs of the bridge, the reality is better because in addition to being a high place, it's also a real work of art.

The Flat Tire Inn is the kind of place every bike rider should visit at least once. Really great grilled pork loin sandwiches.

The rest of the trail is about what you'd expect. It's hard surface paved. There aren't any real hills but you are constantly riding either up or down those little 3% grades. Your eyes tell you it's flat but your speed is continually changing either up or down. Billydonn said we climbed 500' in 50 miles. Since we started and ended in the same place I guess that we also coasted down 500'. Lots of recumbents, by the way. I'd guess that maybe 10% of the bikes we saw were recumbents. We saw quite a few more tandems than I expected too.

Ankeny, at the eastern end of the trail was a disappointment. The trail ends in a parking lot with no place to buy a sandwich or a Gaterade. I think we guessed right starting in Woodward. Starting at 9:00AM we rode to the Ankeny end and got back to the Flat Tire Inn right at noon for a good lunch and beverage.

I'm up for doing it again sometime next summer. Anybody game?

We need pictures !!!!!
Glad you enjoyed your ride.

You know I gave momentary consideration to driving down to join with you, however, my brother chose that week to come up from Ohio. So if you do it next year keep us posted.

billydonn has plenty of pictures. I imagine he'll be posting shortly. He's a pleasant guy to ride with too.

I am headed to Ames in early October with my road bike.
High Trestle Trail is near top of my to-do list.
Hope the weather favors riding, will plan accordingly.
Please arrange for some nice conditions for me. Temps 65-70F with sunshine, low humidity and gentle breezes. :)