Strut your stuff!

Riding High!

 
You probably already heard about it… you might have even been there yourself!The High Trestle Trail Ride!

The much anticipated, highly talked about day finally got here.  With cold temps and rain leading up to the morning of the ride, it was pretty iffy on what the attendance would be and if the ride would even be tolerable.  To everyone’s delight and amazement, the day couldn’t have been any better for the ride (hosting aprox 5000 people) that started in Ankeny and went all the way to Woodward.  The star of the show of course was The High Trestle Bridge, hovering thirteen stories high and stretching half a mile long, making it one of the worlds largest of its kind! (Click on any photo to make it larger)

The architects who designed the bridge's artwork definitely deserve an award!  With 41 giant, rusty beams framing the pathway, you’re given the feeling of riding your bike through the ‘tunnel’ of a coal mine shaft.  After riding it myself, I can attest to that fact! It was very cool!

I didn’t realize this, but that area used to be known for its coal mines.  The towers that stand sentry at both entrances of the bridge are a commanding 42 feet tall.  You’ll see the dark, charcoal grey veins running through them to represent the coal that was once mined in that area.

The 25 mile trail connects five communities and four counties, with the bridge being the centerpiece.  It was eight years in the making and is the newest addition to the 670 mile Central Iowa Trail System, which has many claiming Iowa as the Trail Capitol of the World.

Exceptional Specialty Products was fortunate enough to be able to be the makers of 1500 souvenir bandanas provided by Polk County Conservation, BikeIowa, Kyle’s Bikes and Bike Country.

Not only are we honored to be chosen by them, but we are so excited about the newest addition added to Iowa’s already beautiful landscape and trail system!

 

The moral of this story:  Iowa IS very cool!  You GOTTA get on your bike and ride the trails!  And if you need bandanas or ANYTHING else...you simply MUST call us... Exceptional Specialty Products 866-943-4377!!

Gosh!  I can't wait to ride it at night!!

The Silent Soldiers

With all that has been in the news lately (whether you agree or disagree with it) it’s so easy to acknowledge and appreciate our men and women who are far from home, fighting for our country and taking a stand for freedom. 

We honor and have great respect for those fine men and women who sacrifice daily for us.

But what about the sacrifice of those who are left behind?  Every day, men and women here at home are holding down the home front while a spouse or loved one is away for months at a time in most cases.  They are raising and dealing with babies or children on their own.  Making house repairs, mowing lawns, making dinner, doing dishes, helping with homework, changing diapers…and….praying. 

Military spouses, past and present, are an extraordinary group of individuals. While their husbands or wives took an oath and signed on a dotted line when they joined the military, spouses were enlisted through the back door with the vows they took on their wedding day.  In choosing their mates, they inadvertently chose their way of life.

These are the silent soldiers - the ones who, for the most part go un-noticed and sometimes maybe a little unappreciated.

This coming Friday May 6^th is ‘Military Spouse Appreciation Day’.

We at Exceptional Specialty Products want to let our ‘at-home’ soldiers know just how much we appreciate them and the sacrifice they are giving.  It’s not easy being a lone solider.  Hopefully most have friends and family who are willing to help in times of need, but that still doesn’t replace the empty spot in the hearts of our military spouses when their loved one is gone.

Our country has set aside one day for much deserved recognition for these selfless, beautiful people, but how about we make it for more than just one day a year?  If you know a military spouse help give them a break every now and then.  Offer to take the kids one evening, mow their lawn, take a meal over or just be a compassionate listener.   Any kindness is appreciated – all year long!

Please don’t forget the kids!  Having mom or dad gone for such long periods of time is especially stressful on them as well.  They also deserve special treatment for the sacrifice they are making.  A little extra attention given to them always brings a smile that will melt your heart.  You’ll wonder who got the most pleasure from your kindness…them or you!

So, to all the military families at home and abroad…we love you and appreciate the sacrifices you make daily for us and our country.  It is you who help make us strong and the greatest nation on earth. 

We are so proud of you!