You are viewing trails categorized under Meryl Streep.

Two Covered Bridges and a Winery

Madison County
Length: 31 miles
Terrain: Paved roads and gravel
Parking and Restrooms: Casey’s on Summit Drive

What’s more romantic than covered bridges and a winery? Bicycling to them! Imagine that you’re Meryl Streep or Clint Eastwood in the movie The Bridges of Madison County – in bike helmets. Some mornings when I ride this loop, I’ll see only two cars the entire route. How cool is that?

The ride begins in Winterset, then turns west on Hwy 322. Three miles down the road enter Pammel State Park through a tunnel carved in a steep limestone bluff (madisoncountyparks.org; camping and picnic areas). Splash through the Middle River, then wind your way through heavily wooded acres lining the road, which transitions to gravel. On the meandering Fox Trail, catch glimpses of the river. Pedaling 6 miles puts you at the Roseman Bridge, made famous by the movie. Peruse the gift shop for memorabilia. You can’t get here on paved roads!

Head north on Roseman Bridge Road, then back to Hwy 92 and north on Iowa Avenue. The roads are generally flat for next 5 miles. Plan your next break at Covered Bridges Winery at the dead end of Kiowa Lane. Relax on the lawn with a bottle of wine and a picnic lunch (call ahead; no regular tasting-room hours).

Next, cruise to Hogback Bridge located in the North River Valley. It’s a fun ride down to the bridge but a steep climb on your return. Follow 195th Street to 8th Avenue, which drops you right back to town. Winterset’s square offers specialty shopping and quiet restaurants (the Madison County Dessert Factory is popular). See MadisonCounty.com for more local info, including the birthplace of Hollywood legend John Wayne.

 

Duke, Clint, and Meryl

Madison County
Length: 37 Miles
Surface: Paved Roads
Parking and Restrooms: Winterset City Park

Big names stud Winterset’s story. Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep starred in The Bridges of Madison County (based on book by same title), filmed in this area. Better yet, John Wayne was born in Winterset in the house where the ride starts.

This route is a favorite for the Madison County Cycle Club. Head south from town on John Wayne Drive, bear left on Summit Street and continue on P71.

At 6.5 miles, turn east on Peru Road/CR G68. There’s a 7 percent downhill grade as you go into East Peru (pronounced “Pee-roo”). The Delicious apple, a variety named in 1872, stems from an apple tree that’s still growing near there. The terrain has definite ups and downs as you bike through Truro, then turn north on County Road R35. Enjoy the flat stretch to St. Charles before heading west back to Winterset on G50.

Side trip: Check out the Northside Cafe on the courthouse square in Winterset. Clint Eastwood sat on the fourth stool from the front in the scene in the movie.

Not to miss: Quilters in your group should head for Love of Quilts, the home shop of public television quilting authorities Marianne Fons and Liz Porter. The popularity of their show and magazine brings busloads of visitors in Winterset.