Cheap. Dirty. Fun
The Lake Ahquabi course is fast and open with quite a bit of variety. A large portion of the trail is wide double track which is open to cross country skiing and snowmobiling; additional sections ride through the open, right along the the lakeshore; and wooded single track runs up and down lung-busting hills. Surfaces include dirt, gravel, wooden bridges, grass fields, and even an old asphalt road, overgrown and decaying in the woods.
Camping available.
This trail system is an urban gem — tight trails twisting through lush woodland in the heart of the city. This 10-plus-mile system of singletrack is named for its location in the center of the Des Moines metro and its proximity to the Des Moines Art Center and the former Science Center of Iowa.
Hillside is a web of climbs and descents, switchbacks, log-overs, and bridges. Roller coaster rides just like its namesake but with wooden bridges in the valleys to test your nerves as you try to carry speed for the next uphill. J-11 is a friendly little trail to enjoy when riding between the northern trails and the southern trails. Denmans Woods is has the features: log piles, ramps, roots, tight trees, roots and tight trees together, a 30 ft skinny 4 ft high above a ravine, and even an upended tractor tire. Though not designed for beginners, it is a favorite among beginners because of the b-lines around the major features and the relatively flat terrain. Squirrel’s Nest and Rhythm offer two more loops similar to Denmans south of the railroad track.
The entire area is small enough that you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Each trail eventually comes out to a paved trail which will lead you back to the main parking lot.
Beginners will find this mostly flat, mostly wide, mostly smooth trail very welcoming. Small rocky sections, occasional log-overs, and a few short, punchy climbs offer challenges waiting to be mastered. Expert riders will want to try the “mosaic jump.” There is a BMX-style optional fun loop with lots of rollers. A new, more technical trail parallels part of the north end of the main Sycamore Trail and offers tighter trees, dips, turns, and roots.
Join us every 3rd Saturday from 9am – 12:30 pm to help build trails for CITA. Check our Calendar to see where we will be each month!
Due to the Rain, Banner Lake build/repair has been moved to April 27th from 9:00am-12:30pm
2013 Calendar for the IMBCS:
IMBCS #1 – April 14 – Sylvan Island, Moline, IL
IMBCS #2 – May 5 – Camp Ingawanis (south course), Waverly, IA
IMBCS #3 – July 7 – Seven Oaks Ski Area, Boone, IA
IMBCS #4 – July 14 – Sunderbruch, Davenport, IA
IMBCS #5 – August 10 – Moorehead Pioneer Park, Ida Grove, IA
IMBCS #6 – August 17 – George Wyth State Park, Cedar Falls, IA
IMBCS #7 – August 25 – Sugarbottom Rec Area, North Liberty, IA
IMBCS #8 – September 8 – Sycamore Trails, Des Moines, IA
IMBCS #9 – September 21 – Banner Lakes, Indianola, IA
IMBCS #10 – October 6 – Lake Ahquabi State Park, Indianola, IA
MissionVolunteer trailbuilders and merrymakers. Join us, won’t you?
Most importantly, CITA is volunteer-led; our capacity is defined largely by our board, members and volunteers – individuals and organizations who want to create quality outdoor experiences and, especially, value singletrack.
There are many ways you can support this work. Consider taking a leadership position, making a donation or enjoying the expanding value of membership today.
join our email list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/centraliowatrails/
follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/CITAtrails
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!