In Which I Climb Mount Trashmore

Looking back from top of drive on Mount Trashmore.

For the second time, I’ve been to the top of Mount Trashmore.

While I was riding RAGBRAI, my winter bike was in the shop getting a new drive train—derailleurs, cassette and chain. On a sunny, warm Saturday afternoon, I decided to take it on a ride.

And I checked online. Mt. Trashmore was open.

I had been there when the trails first opened, and decided to go back. There was a fair amount of bike traffic on the trail on this pretty summer afternoon. When I crossed the Cedar River, there was a bit of a detour to get to the landfill site, due to levee construction.

At the base of Mount Trashmore, a tent was set up. There was someone in front of me signing in, so I had a brief wait, put in my information, and then circled the gravel lot to get my bike into granny gear.

Mount. Trashmore is best experienced on a day that isn’t too hot—on the long climb, there is no shade. I think I was at the limit on this day, but not past it. I was glad of a water station at the base of the hill, because I did need the hydration. I took it easy on the climb. It’s not steep, but it does go on and on, and is on a gravel drive. I was glad to be on my mountain bike, and would not ride up the hill on a road bike. I might on a hybrid.

There is also a walking trail, although I’ve never used it.

At the top, I stopped to take a selfie, and then sat in the sheltered seats to rest for a few minutes and each some snacks.

My Saturday selfie on top of Mount Trahsmore.

There is a mountain bike trail to head down the hill—definitely a mountain bike trail. I took it. I also slipped at some turns, and found this hill to be rather scary on the way down.

It was a fun ride, and part of a weekend of fun rides. After I got home, my wife and I went on a bike ride on the Boyson trail. We rode again today to meet grandchildren at Noelridge Park.

But the main ride of the weekend was up the local mountain.

Mount Mercy, on extreme zoom, seen from Mount Trashmore.

And the other way, Kirkwood.

Bike parked, right before I leave top of Mount Trashmore.

The mountain bike trail down.

Tent to sign in at base of Mt. Trashmore.

Detour on C Avenue to avoid levee work.

Deer on Boyson Trail during late afternoon ride Saturday--camera is not on zoom at all, this deer is right by the trail.