Mark Powell

While the Raccoon River Valley Trail offers 56 miles of great cycling, it is after all, almost flat since it is built on a former railroad bed. Over the years, we’ve heard from some cyclists that they like to ride the trail out into the countryside, then jump off on different “loop rides,” which can take you through varied terrain. One of those cyclists is the author of the following column, in which he introduces you to two of his favorite loop rides off the RRVT.

By MARK POWELL

PERRY, Iowa, May 4, 2007 – Christopher Morley wrote, “April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks ‘Go.’” With temperatures creeping higher and higher on the thermometer from April into May, it became apparent that spring was finally upon us. For me, it meant I could finally extract my bike from the trainer and start enjoying rides in the beautiful west central Iowa outdoors.

For some, a casual ride around town, or along the scenic Raccoon River Valley Trail, beckon. For me who loves to find any excuse to be on my bikes, I am always looking for the next epic ride.

Epic ride? Iowa? You bet!

Being a native Iowan and having also lived in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, I have heard my share of flatlander jokes. What I most enjoy, is bringing those same mountain folks to our beautiful state and showing them just how flat our state really is. While we may not have a mountain range running through our neck of the woods, west central Iowa offers some challenging riding conditions with its never ending “rollers.”

In this article, I’m going to share a couple of the routes that I enjoy most, and are right off of the northwestern edge of the RRVT. Both of these routes take riders off of the friendly confines of our railroad-grade trail and put them in my favorite playground, the varied gradients of Iowa’s farm-to-market roads.

Before you read any further, please be advised that these roads, while lightly traveled, are narrow two-laners with motor vehicle traffic – even the occasional semi. If you do not feel comfortable riding on roadways without wide shoulders, these routes probably aren’t for you. For those that don’t mind the “narrows” and are experienced at riding on county highways, these routes will allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of rural Iowa and its inhabitants.

I typically start both of these routes by exiting the trail in the tiny burg of Yale in Guthrie County. Obviously these routes can be altered to fit your journey, but I will be describing them based on my typical route. When getting off of the trail in Yale, you will head west on county road F-25.

The first ride, which I’ve dubbed “Sunday with Grandma,” is a leisurely ride. It is approximately 21 miles without many BIG hills, and it takes the rider north, ending in Jefferson, which is the county seat of Greene County and the northern trailhead of the RRVT.

Again, I exit the trail in Yale and head west on F-25. From the trail, travel west for a leisurely 4.3 miles to county road P-18. Head north on P-18 for 7.1 miles, spinning past the bountiful farmland in northeast Guthrie County. When you come to the little town of Bagley, continue north past Iowa Highway 141 until reaching the junction of E-63. Head west for 1.0 mile to P-14. Travel north on P-14 for 9.2 miles until reaching E-53/240th Street. Turn east on E-53/240th Street. While only traveling 3.8 miles on this section, the scenery is gorgeous, though the road surface is a bit rough, taking you into Jefferson. Turn north on Grimmel Road and then east on Lincolnway. Lincolnway will take you past the Greene County Courthouse and several great restaurants and bars, to the trailhead of the RRVT.

The second ride, is very different than my “Sunday with Grandma” route and is my favorite. I affectionately have dubbed this one “Concrete Blocks,” because that’s exactly what your legs will feel like they’re lugging. It will leave even the hardiest of riders with screaming quads. While only 37.1 miles in distance, “Concrete Blocks” features a series of steep climbs and continuous rolling hills. Be sure to have plenty of energy and water, so that you can enjoy this butt kicking.

The route goes from Yale to Redfield, in a southeasterly direction. Again starting from Yale, head west on F-25 for approximately 8.4 miles on a steep descent through Springbrook State Park. Before you decide to turn around and ride back up that hill, which the locals know as “Mockingbird Hill,” be warned that there are plenty more climbs to enjoy on the route ahead of you. West of Springbrook State Park, at the intersection with Iowa Highway 25, turn south and right there, make sure you thank our RRVT site on the Internet for putting you on this odyssey. The ride along Highway 25 is a grueling 10.6 miles of steep climbs. Again, the shoulder is narrow and you may find more traffic than on the other roads.

Highway 25 takes you in and through Guthrie Center, where it is advisable to stop and grab replenishments at Casey’s or Sparky’s. After 10.6 miles on Highway 25, head east on F-51 for 8.2 miles. This stretch will provide riders with ample opportunity to refine their cattle calls, as the route is lined with livestock and farm ground. Head south on P-28 for 2.6 miles of more climbs. The homestretch is 7.3 miles of rollers, heading east on F-59 and into the town of Redfield.

When reaching Redfield you have a number of options – (a) turn around and ride back to Yale (bad idea); (b) get back on the RRVT (with your head held high); or (c) cruise into town and stop for your favorite beverage and some grub (I suggest Harry’s Pizza & Pub or the Dexfield Diner, both located in uptown Redfield, a couple blocks off the trail).

Both of the described routes are on roads with light to moderate traffic, as such, riders should remember to “Ride Right” and remain aware of their surroundings. I hope that you enjoy these routes as much as I do.

Please let us know what you think and enjoy your ride!

Mark Powell, the author is a member of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association board of directors. The 32-year-old Powell is an experienced cyclist who has ridden all over Iowa, and in 1998 he did a bicycle tour of Vietnam. He has also ridden the famous “Going to the Sun Highway” in Glacier National Park in Montana three different times. He is an attorney in Perry and also serves as a judicial magistrate in Dallas county. You can write to him at mpowell@spflaw.com.

Article Published: 05-04-2007