The day begins at Beaverdale Park in Des Moines. From there we will take the Inter-Urban Trail across the Historic Wakonsa Bridge and join the Neal Smith Trail heading north.

The stage concludes at the intersection of Main St and Valley View Rd in Marshalltown.

It's a delightful ride from the capital today, following the Neal Smith Trail along the Des Moines River and then around the eastside of Saylorville and Big Creek Lakes, along with a journey through Polk City. Two short blocks on NW 142nd Ave will carry you from there to the next trail network, as you'll quickly join the High Trestle Trail northward through Sheldahl and neighboring Slater.

If you weren't aware of Iowa's impressive cycling infrastructure, you're starting to learn. In Slater, the ADT transitions over to another trail, the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, taking us eastward through Huxley, Cambridge, Maxwell, and Collins. There might be too many places to stop for snacks on this stage!

While that trail concludes in Rhodes, forcing us back to a paved road as we cross Iowa 330, fear not. There's tet another trail to join soon after, skirting the edge of Melbourne. First, though, it's time for a break!

Refreshment Stop - Melbourne - Details TBA

The highway-side trail carries us northeastward, until U.S. 30 forces us back to the east for a spell. One last northward push is all that remains before we reach the western outskirts of Marshalltown.

Support: A support vehicle will be available for assistance throughout the day. 

Take Heed: TBD