Bike Bridge Brings Business Boom

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Modified: <span id="MainContent_MainColumnContentPlaceHolder_lblModifiedBy" title="5/22/2012 8:03:46 PM by ss">May 22, 2012 by ss

Fri June 17 2011
Posted Jun 16, 2011
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Woodward, IA New numbers are in and the new High Trestle Trail is an early success. The $14 million trail and high bridge between Madrid & Woodward officially opened in April. Trail counts show more than 3,000 people are crossing the bridge each week. Businesses said people are leaving a lot of money along the trail. "We stopped in Woodward. We had lunch at this cute little cafe and it was very good, and we just had a wonderful time," said cyclist Cathy Twedt. That cafe is called Cayannes'. "We thought that business would increase, but not anything like it has," said Dean Vander Wilt, with Cayannes' Cafe. "The month of May, we were up 31 percent over last year. The month of June, we're on schedule to maybe be up 75 to 100 percent." Dean has added hours, started serving breakfast and hired four additional workers just to keep up. "On a Saturday, I probably have another additional 100 customers or so," said Vander Wilt. East of the bridge, in Madrid, ten investors took a gamble and turned an old feed store along the former rail line into the Flat Tire Bar. "It's a RAGBRAI every weekend, yes," said Mandy Nelson. "I mean, we're so busy. People are packed. Especially on a Saturday, we open at 8 in the morning. It's busy from 8:15 until 2:00 in the morning." Residents said it's all because of a bridge, and a view. "It's the best thing, I think, that's ever came here. I think the whole town's going to benefit from it," said Nelson. Madrid & Woodward are just two of the towns along the trail. Ankeny's hosting a bike-theme concert Saturday night near the trailhead. The Snus Hills Winery has also seen more bikes showing up at their outdoor concerts. WATCH VIDEO