‘Rollercoaster for bikes’ opens at Mount Trashmore

CEDAR RAPIDS - Hundreds of cyclists and hikers tested the new trails and overlook pavilion at the top of Mount Trashmore, which opened to the public on Thursday.

Susan Lloyd, 55, of Cedar Rapids, pedaled an e-fat tire bike up an old service road to the top then rumbled down the winding flow trail called the Trashmore Trail, which is designed as downhill only and just for bikes.

'Cedar Rapids has a large mountain biking community, and this is a big playground for them,” Lloyd said. 'It's an absolute blast. It almost feels like a rollercoaster for bikes.”

Lloyd, a marketing director for Northtowne Cycling and Fitness in Cedar Rapids, represented one of several local bike shops that showed up of support for the opening.

Local officials from the Solid Waste Agency, county, city and other public agencies gathered to mark the opening, calling it a recreation destination for the area.

Mount Trashmore, 2250 A St. SW, now features three trails, also including the Stumptown Trail for hiking and the Overlook Trail for bikes and walkers. The pavilion includes benches, a partially shaded pergola, a terraced grassy seating area, and a panoramic view of downtown Cedar Rapids.

'The climb will get you, but the way down is worth it,” said Logan Anton, 27, of Cedar Rapids.

Because Mount Trashmore remains a regulated site, people must register at the scale house to access the trails and overlook. Amenities at this point are only accessible during hours of operation for the landfill, which vary daily, and vehicles are not allowed accept for those with disabilities.

Visit solidwasteagency.org/mount-trashmore for details.

l Comments: (319) 398-8310; brian.morelli@thegazette.com