Along the trail, we saw rabbits, ground squirrels, cats, lots of birds, and a doe and fawn. There's plenty of wildlife. The trail goes through the town of Madrid and ends in Woodward. There's several places along the trail with benches and a few rest stops. It's quite scenic and even has a couple tunnels you ride through. When we went, we met probably 100 bikers each day on the trail among several walkers.
Before hitting the trail bottom, you come across the High Trestle Bridge which is a real sight. Next to the bridge is a lookout tower so you can get a good look at the bridge.
When we arrived in Woodward, we went to The Whistling Donkey, a bar. That's where you pay your $10 a tent to use the camping area. The camping area is a flat, grassy area with plenty of trees and a picnic table and fire ring. We got a pop at the bar, met one of the locals, then went to look for our camping spot. I brought my ENO hammock, so we made sure to find a place near trees.
We found the perfect spot and I set up the hammock while my buddy set up his tent in a nice grassy patch. It didn't take long to set up. We then, went into town to a diner called Lou's Diner, or also called the Firehouse. The food there was great and we met a local there as well.
As we rode though the town, we had some good scenery. The park area near the restrooms was quite attractive. Unfortunately, they don't have a shower house, but do have rain barrels to collect shower water. We filled a shower bag and set it up next to shelter we set up and I got my shower.
As the sun began to set, we rode back to the bridge where it is was lit up beautifully. We rode around to see different angles of it, but we didn't stay as long as we hoped because the bugs were aweful.
When we got back, he took a rinse off and we were off to bed. It was a little warm at first but began to cool off with a slight breeze. A nice night for an open hammock.
Next day, we got up and began packing. We heard a storm was supposed to come so, we wanted to get going as soon as we could. I got my coffee made as he took down the shower we set up. It didn't take long to pack up; Clif Bar for breakfast and we were off.
The trip back was just as good as was there with the exception of the tailwind which really helped our time. Luckily, we got back before it started raining.
Stay tuned for part 2!
