[Kohlsdorf] Next, we're getting off the road and onto the trails.

Iowa has a massive network of bike trails connecting town and country all over the state.

Today, we're pedaling the High Trestle Trail, a popular route named for its awe inspiring bridge.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] We're here with Luke Hoffman with the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

Let's start with where are we right now?

[Luke Hoffman] Yeah, we're here in Woodward, right next to the Whistling Donkey, which is an awesome spot for cyclists next to the Trestle Trail, which is one of the best trails in the entire country, simply iconic.

And we're just excited to be here on a really beautiful day and get a bike ride in.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] How is the state of Iowa improving its trail system?

It seems like it's getting bigger all the time.

[Luke Hoffman] Yeah, yeah.

In fact, we work with Iowa Economic Development Authority to talk about how we are the world capital of trails, because there's no other place in the entire world that we know of that has more trails, whether it's water trails or bike trails, than Iowa.

[Kohlsdorf] How would you convince someone to get off the road, get out of their car, and experience this part of the state on a bike trail?

[Luke Hoffman] One of the things I love about biking is the interconnectivity that that mode of transportation has.

90% of cyclists own a license and are a car driver too.

If you just think of yourself in a different mode of transportation and about the interconnectivity of all these different things, where this highway can take you, where this byway can take you, and how it can actually get you to a new fun experience that you can unlock for yourself and having that sense of adventure and excitement and just taking that pause to experience that.

I think it's just something that anyone would cherish if they took a moment to experience it.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] Let's go hit the trails.

What do you say?

[Luke Hoffman] Awesome.

I'm excited.

Let's go check out the trail and the trestle bridge and then head to the Flat Tire.

[Kohlsdorf] Okay, let's do it.

[Luke Hoffman] Cool.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] The High Trestle Trail stretches 25 miles along a path that was once an old railroad line.

The ride from Woodward to Madrid is just under six miles, allowing almost anyone to explore Iowa's nature in the open air.

Along the way, cyclists will pass through quiet stretches of woods and open countryside, the kind of ride where cyclists can slow down and enjoy the scenery.

But there's one spot along this route that everyone looks forward to, the High Trestle Bridge.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] Stretching nearly half a mile across the Des Moines River Valley, the High Trestle Bridge transforms an ordinary bike ride into something unforgettable.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] Allowing travelers to take it all in and enjoy one of Iowa's most remarkable views.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] The end of our ride takes us into Madrid to the Flat Tire Lounge, welcoming trail riders with cold drinks, hearty bites and a laid back atmosphere, the perfect stop at the end of our journey.

[Holly Kilstrom] This is Flat Tire, the best place to get a flat tire.

We've been here since the High Trestle Bridge opened in 2011, and we are a hometown establishment.

Everybody here is family.

We love the biking community.

They bring such diversity and such fun with them.

[Kohlsdorf] How do you encourage people to get off the trail and stop here?

[Holly Kilstrom] Well, I think some of the best views are off of the beaten path, right.

And some of the best views in Iowa can only be seen from a bike seat.

We are very blessed to have such an expansive trail network that goes right by the Flat Tire Lounge, and it's just a great place to stop, grab a cold beverage.

We have a ton of food options, ice cream for the kids.

Our misters are typically on cooling everybody off, so it's a great place to just chill and relax.

Everybody's welcome here and it's just a big family.

[Kohlsdorf] Get enough energy to keep moving on down the road.

[Holly Kilstrom] That's right, that's right.

We want to be your pit stop for refueling.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] You rode along with us today.

Is this, one of your favorite spots?

[Bill Waggoner] Absolutely.

It's a great trail.

There's lots to see.

I like the the bridge.

It's wonderful.

If you've got short segments you can do so you can you can park your car or whatever, you can get on a bike and you can go a short distance to go across the High Trestle.

So you can see a lot of things without necessarily having to, to ride for a long distance.

Yeah, you can do it.

Anybody can do it.

You just need to put their mind to it.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] The High Trestle Trail, sometimes the best road trips aren't driven.

They're pedaled.

♪♪