July 11- AM car show/PM ride in central Iowa

[thirdgenbird]

On July 11, Nate (netdewt) and I are planning to attend a car show and then participate in an easy ride.

the day will start with the Bologna Nationals car show in Pella, Iowa. Unique Dutch architecture, ~400 cars, and the best beef jerky known to man.
http://digitalgalleriadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/001ec94a1ea10f81078a57.jpg
http://co.marion.ia.us/images/windmill.jpg
After the car show, we will head to ankeny Iowa to ride the High Trestle Trail. I haven't been on it, but it is an abondond rail line converted to a trail. The scenery and night life are supposed to be worth the trip. The trail itself is 25 miles and there are places to eat along the way. At minimum, the ride will be 50 miles, but we may pick up more on a joining grass/crushed limestone trail. Dinner along the way will break things up. lights may be needed and the pace will be easy. Personally, I will be limited by a single gear, 28mm tires and a full stomach.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2505/5711729088_4b003f8236_z_d.jpg
http://dsmpublicartfoundation.org/paf/wp-content/themes/suprcore/functions/timthumb.php?src=http://dsmpublicartfoundation.org/paf/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/High-trestle-trail-for-web.jpg&h=600&w=960
Anyway, if it's just myself and Nate, that is fine. Others are free to join.

[thirdgenbird]

Bump for the day crowd

[oliver1850]

Any idea on ride start time?

[thirdgenbird]

I'm not good with details... Maybe 6-7ish?

[Netdewt]

That seems late, but it's not dark until 9 I suppose. Paved or gravel?

What are the times for the show?

[thirdgenbird]

50 miles is all paved. If we want more miles than that, we can do it on paved county highways or on a crushed limestone and grass trail.

Car show is 9-3:30. After that, the group moves out to the nearby lake for food, music and awards. We can participate in as much or as little as works.

[SpeedyChix]

Wow, some good things there. Riding RAGBRAI this year but not passing through either of those towns. The lit trestle is fantastic.

[oliver1850]

(I've been waiting for someone else to ask)

Will bologna be served, or is it BYOB?

[thirdgenbird]

I will buy a ring if desired, but the jerky is better in my opinion.

[weisan]

Is this inspired by Tdf Stage 1&2 may I ask? :P
Saw some interesting Dutch architecture on those stages, that's for sure.

Wish I could join y'all...reminds me of the time I spent riding on Katy Trail when we were living in St. Louis, also a trail converted off old railroad tracks.

[thirdgenbird]

Call it a coincidence :)

Nate may not make the 11th now. The ride may get pushed back to the 18th or I may just do it the 11th AND 18th if others decide to come the 11th.

[oliver1850]

We used to get beef jerky shipped up in the crates with the engines from VDS. It came from some locker in Midland TX. At the time, it was supposed to be the best beef jerky. It wasn't far removed from raw meat as I remember. Perhaps Wei-pal can ride out to Midland and find us some that we can compare to Pella's.