Update as of Thursday, June 19:
The weather forecast for Saturday's bike ride is 106 heat index and 20-30 mile an hour south winds. We are cancelling the bike ride.
To give an alternative event, Big Creek Lake has a beach, concessions and rentals available, from paddleboards up to pontoon boats. This might be a fun way to spend a hot day.
Big Creek Lake website
Big Lake Park driving location
Big Creek Rentals for paddleboards to pontoon boats
Click here for camping details
If you think you want to ride, go ahead and register so that we have your name in case there are important details especially when we get close to the ride day. Just click the Register Now button.
The EISC Camping Committee and Bicycle riders are getting ready for the weekend of June 20 – 22 (riding on Saturday June 21st) for a High Trestle Bridge Trail to Perry and back - bike ride. Starting in either Slater or Madrid and riding to Perry for lunch, then returning with several stops in between. There is a new nine paved mile trail from Woodward to Perry we will be able to try along with the scenic, fun and flat High Trestle Bridge Trail. (see map).
Distances are as follows:
• Ankeny to Sheldahl – 11.45 miles • Sheldahl to Slater – 1.4 miles
• Slater to Madrid – 6.6 miles
• Madrid to Woodward – 5.6 miles – Woodward to Perry is 9 miles.
Starting in Ankeny would be a long haul
(if going all the way to Perry; Woodward to Perry is another nine miles) but maybe some riders with e-Bikes will like the challenge. Most will likely start in Slater or Madrid, and ride to Woodward & back or even to Perry & back. Establishments to stop at would include the Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid, The Nite Hawk Bar & Grill in Slater, and the Whistlin’ Donkey in Woodward. For details go to: https://www.traveliowa.com/trails/high-trestle-trail/28/ and make sure you scroll all the way down the page.
The plan for those who prefer hotels kind of fell apart with the state speech competition causing a price jump in the hotels near Ankeny. We do have several members staying at the Holiday Inn Express near the trail in Ankeny. Some have found other accommodations in the Ankeny area. Some decided to stay at the boutique Hotel Pattee in Perry that we stayed at a few years ago on the RRVT ride. It is a very cool and unique hotel, but is expensive and probably not for everyone. Be sure and use your discounts (AARP, AAA, etc.) when reserving your hotel room. Since we are all starting at the trailheads in either Slater or Madrid it should work out. We are planning on a 10:00 am start. This will be a fun, flat ride on concrete & asphalt surfaced trails. It is easy riding on this type of trail. Hope everyone is able to join us for this fun EISC group bicycle ride!
Article by Steve Cummings