High Trestle Trail ~

 The High Trestle Bridge, rather than just the trail itself, had been on my bucket list for a while.  We made a weekend trip to Mason City & planned a detour to include the bridge.  We decided on an access point at Flat Tire Franks, near Madrid, IA.  This business was like Tobey Jack's on steroids.  Admittedly, we were there mid-day on a Saturday, the place was booming.  

Far end of the large parking area~

Madrid was a small town & the trail parking lot was easy to find.  The bridge itself is located half-way between Madrid & Woodward, the western end of the 25-mile trail.  Signage pointed the way to the bridge, about 3.5-miles west on the trail.

Partly shaded trail~

The day had warmed into the high 80's with plenty of humidity.  It seemed more like a mid-summer day than one close to the beginning of fall.  For whatever reason I didn't think I'd need to wear my usual riding clothes.  My street clothes were soaked in sweat before we even reached the bridge, riding the downhill grade.

Construction detour~

There was only one detour, where the trail is under repair.  It was paved & super easy.  On the drive down, we could see sections of the trail, most were in full sun.  Here though, there were enough trees to provide some shade in spots.

Plenty of rude riders~

The Tall Dog Bike Club did nothing to impress us...  They overwhelmed the trail in places & most, obviously, had spent too much time at the bar.  As Butch arrived at this spot, the riders had completely closed the trail.  He cleared the way, but I still had difficulty avoiding riders who had forgotten polite trail etiquette. 

East end of the bridge~

We were also surprised to see horses were allowed along the side of the trail, but not over the span of the bridge.  The bridge itself is so impressive!  Thirteen stories high, the fifth largest trail bridge in the world!

From an overlook~

We met a hiker from the area, who told us normally the Des Moines river would reach from one side of the valley to the other.  Leaving the pull-outs, you had to watch for bikes speeding along as though they were in a race.  People trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll across the 1/2-mile bridge found it difficult.  It was almost embarrassing to be on a bike!

Mid-span~

I waited for a clearing of the traffic before taking this photo.  The interpretative displays were full of information & fun to read.  I can't imagine how difficult the work in the local coal mines were for both the men & the mules...

No head room here!

As we approached the west end of the bridge, the air was full of wasps!  We peddled faster!  Once across the view from the overlook is amazing!   You can appreciate the full size & impact of the bridge on the landscape.

Looking back east from the overlook~

We took a short break before riding back the way we'd come.  Next time, we'll plan to do the entire trail, probably leaving from Ankeny. Late afternoon & mid-week to hopefully avoid the bike traffic & see the bridge with it's lights on!