I went to school with Ed from 6th grade through graduation. He lived down the street in the town of about 700 people that we grew up in. Ed was one of my brother’s best friends through school and adulthood. Ed contacted me about 2 months ago with a bladder problem following a knee replacement. I helped Ed understand the what and why of his problem and helped him get the care that he needed. It was not the type of problem that would likely have a quick solution so I was in communication with Ed once or twice a week for several weeks as he was managing his problem with the help of a local urologist. Ed liked to cycle and we talked about how good the cycling trails were around Des Moines and we planned on doing a ride together when I was in Iowa He said the best trail was the High Trestle Trail north of Des Moines and he described the incredible bridge on the trial. I was hoping that Ed’s bladder problem would be resolved by the time I got to Iowa for our ride.
About a month ago, a few days after a conversation with Ed, I got an email from my sister-in-law telling me that Ed had died. I couldn’t believe it and still do not understand what happened. I am heart-broken for his family and close friends.
Yesterday I rode the High Trestle Trail for a total of 30 miles and wished I had been able to ride with Ed. It was a beautiful sunny day. Below is a view from the bridge looking south over the Des Moines River.
The quality of the trail was outstanding. Smooth pavement with intermittent shade. The quality of the paved trail is a reflection of how far back from the edge of the trail the trees were planted. There appeared to be no trees closer than 10 feet from the edge of the trail. There was not much shade along the part of the trail that I rode, but it was the smoothest trail I have ever been on – like a newly paved road.
I look forward to returning to Iowa for more rides, however I think I will take riding RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) off of my bucket list. The ri is always the last full week of July. As much of the ride would be in direct sun with minimal shade along the route, I am not inclined to expose my skin to that much direct sun. I am glad to have ridden in Iowa this past week to gain a better understanding of what I would be facing with RAGBRAI.
Ed’s life ended too soon. I greatly appreciate that he suggested riding the High Trestle Trial. I will return to do it again.
Tamara Unleashed 