[OrthoPT]

I'm serious. I'm in a situation where I may have to relocate there from NYC. Plattekill and Diablo, Mountain Creek, are my main DH places. IS there anything to play with in Iowa???

 

[dump]

maybe I'm speaking out of ignorance here, but to my knowledge Iowa is about as flat as it gets.

 

[OrthoPT]

That's kinda my point. I need some HELP here!

 

[rideagainst]

Try the trail review section of Mtbr.

Heres a list of all the trails they have listed in Iowa: http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-iowa/PLS_4547CRX.ASPX

This one looks like it might have some potential:
http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-iowa/trail/PRD_167913_4547crx.aspx

Good Luck,
-mike

 

[OrthoPT]

Mike, thanks for the links. They give me a place to start looking. My possible future doesn't look as bleak as before, but I fear I may be in for some LONG drives to get to downhilling if I do have to move...

Anyone else have ideas of experience with riding in the area?

 

[MLight]

Contact Irwins bike shop in Johnston, IA and ask for Kyle. Sorry I don't have a number for ya. I used to live in the Des Moines area growing up. I hope this helps you a little.

Marvin

 

[chillindrdude]

i just moved to chicago and i'm in the same boat as you...at least i'm closer to colorado now...

 

[Bulldog]

Better learn to love road riding!

 

[barclaybotch]

I lived in Des Moines for 3 years (about 9 years ago) and hate to tell you that the mountain biking scene was non-existent. There was a trail on the west side of town that was very non-technical but fun nonetheless. It closed to mtb a year after i moved back east. It is seriously flat for hundreds of miles in any direction. If you are used to the stuff we have around here you will have serious withdrawal symptoms. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, bro.

 

[bomberboy11]

Sadly, I do know from experience, and Iowa really is about as flat as it gets...however there is an event called RAGBRAI (Rockford's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) that is a LOT of fun. It's a 500 mile bike ride across a week that goes west then east across Iowa, and it's pretty much just a big party every night stopping at different towns. I don't remember exactly how many people go every year, but I want to say around 10,000 ? Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this, but if you have the opportunity to do that, I highly recommend it.

 

[Zark]

Anyone wanna buy a topo map of Iowa?

 

[OrthoPT]

Anyone wanna buy a topo map of Iowa?

Only if you draw it on the back of a plane ticket to Whistler.