Iowa Bikepacking: Des Moines Iowa to Springbrook State Park

[@phild8095]

That bench at 12:19, I've fished that spot. I have lived just 5 blocks from the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Adel for 14 years now. It has been well maintained, and one of the best rides I've ever been on. I've lived in several states.

[@redcomusic]

Man oh man, I wish there was a proper trail between Martensdale and Osceola, which would finally connect Des Moines to an Amtrak city by bike.

[@Glownlight]

I live in Iowa and am checking out buke packing for the first time this year. Not sure where to go yet. Using my generic existing bike unless I find a deal somewhere. Thanks for sharing.

[@lifted110]

Cool video. Thanks for sharing the ride

[@HikePaddleBike]

Thanks! It was a great time, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@lazer185]

This is cool! I live off of the Greenbelt and am just now getting into biking. Fun to see some familiar spots in your video. I've really enjoyed it, but it seems like a difficult world to break into that isn't really friendly to beginners. For example, employees at the local bike shop where I purchased my bike have been pretty patronizing and condescending (post-purchase, otherwise I wouldn't have bought there). Just get the feeling that I stick out like a sore thumb on the trail sometimes. Maybe this will pass with time.

[@HikePaddleBike]

Don't sweat the uppity bike shop people, the jokes on them for living up to a disliked stereotype! All bike shops seem to have at least one of them, lol, and I have been talked down to many times before too. Sorry that happened and don't let it stand in your way of having fun! The only correct way to be into biking is the way that brings you joy and everyone has a different idea as to what that is. Happy trails and here's to warmer days ahead!

[@jogger1987]

Thanks for posting ! Looks like I'll head to Iowa from Colorado again. I've visited Iowa a few times, but didn't have time for the trails. This looks nice enough that I need to make time :)

[@HikePaddleBike]

We've got some nice trails here! iowadot.gov/iowabikes/bikemap/home.aspx

[@bradwitt7421]

Does any of the towns have tent camping so a guy/gal wouldn't have to travel so far from the trail? Boss lady and I just purchased some sweet Trek Checkpoints this weekend and are focusing on bike packing when we aren't backpacking. Nice part is that we already have all the lightweight gear!

[@HikePaddleBike]

Congrats on the new bikes! Unfortunately there's not a lot of camping options close to the trail. Lennon Mill Park in Panora, Sportsman's Park near Dawson, and Adel has a park with camping too. These are the only spots I can think of off the top of my head. Happy trails!

[@tannerduncan6191]

Doing this trip in 2 weeks for a bday celebration. Probably 10 of us. Leaving on Friday, hoping the first come sites are available!

[@HikePaddleBike]

Have fun! It's a great ride!

[@tannerduncan6191]

@@HikePaddleBike really like your videos. Pretty sure you live near the Bears Bar. 57th and University. I'll invite you over if we get football this fall!

[@LtrlGZ28]

I take it this was right after the flash floods?

[@HikePaddleBike]

It was. I had a lot of river and bike trips canceled due to high waters last summer. Hopefully this summer will be better!

[@LtrlGZ28]

Hit me up if you ever want to do some mountain biking! Or fishing!

[@kidgiven]

I just did this trail today.

[@Locojoe]

Enjoyed the video. We went bike packing for the first time about the same time you did. We've got a video on our channel if you'd like to check it out. I'll be looking over your other biking videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@HikePaddleBike]

Thanks! Just subbed to your channel :) Glad you survived your first bike camping trip, that Midwestern heat in a tent is the worst! Stay tuned this summer, I've got a lot more planned.

[@Locojoe]

@@HikePaddleBike Thanks. I subscribed to you also. Must say Iowa has really got it going on when it comes to trails. We've ridden a couple.