Fifty years have passed since abandoned railroad tracks were transformed into the 52.5-mile Elroy-Sparta State Trail, America’s first rail-to-trail project, and today at least 1,900 such recreational trails crisscross the country.
The recent guide, “Rail-Trail Hall of Fame: a Selection of America’s Premier Rail-Trails” (Wilderness Press, $17), recognizes Elroy-Sparta and 28 other trails for pioneering efforts that inspired similar projects elsewhere. The nonprofit Rails-to-Trails Conservancy made the selections based on the importance and diversity of the trails.
In the recent book you can expect descriptions, directions, maps and history of the railway. “Iconic tunnels, connections to the state rail trail network, and classic Wisconsin scenery make this a beloved and unforgettable adventure,” the conservationist concludes, describing Elroy-Sparta, an unusual route because of its three senior tunnels that cut through the rock.
The crushed limestone trail was added to the hall of fame in 2008, and so far no other trail in Wisconsin has traversed it. Traillink.com
From Elroy-Sparta, which has relatively flat terrain, cyclists have simple access to the La Crosse River State Trail (21 miles), State Trail 400 (22 miles), and the Omaha Trail (14 miles). elroy-sparta-trail.com
VIDEO:Mountain bike racers compete at Wausau24
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As fall approaches, temperatures are usually frigid, which means perfect weather for cycling. Take a ride on your own or check out the organized events, including 10 in September. Note the variety of topics, from beer lovers and foodies to die-hard competitors and fall leaf peepers.
La Crosse area weekend bike festival celebrating Labor DaySeptember 2-5: Social and challenging rides ranging from 30 to 100 miles change daily and explore the Driftless region (Coon Valley, Grandad Bluff, Mississippi River shoreline). Most rides start at Cameron Park and are free to join. The event kicks off on September 1 with free Moon Tunes music at Riverside Park. explorelacrosse.com/bikefest608-782-2220
Flambeau 40 road bike raceSeptember 3-4: The 35-mile hilly race begins at Park Falls and runs along the Flambeau River on September 3. Time trials take place on September 4 on a mostly flat, 12-mile round-trip course. Registration includes lunch. Cost: $35 for the event or $60 for both. parkfalls.com/flambeau-40715-762-2703
Bike tour of the historic Milwaukee Brewery , September 10 and October 8: Hop Head Beer Tours takes cyclists to an all-star list of breweries with stops along the way. The 20 km 3.5 hour route includes hills, cycling on city streets and cycle paths. The ride begins below Brewer’s Hill and winds through downtown Milwaukee, stopping for lunch and a beer sample at the Milwaukee Ale House, then pedals along the shores of Lake Michigan and Brady Street, ending at the Lakefront Brewery. Cost: $50 or $76 includes bike rental. hopheadtours.com/milwaukee-bike-tours608-467-5707
Heat: Annual Farm Tour, Sept. 11: The annual Restaurant Supported Agriculture fundraiser is a 25-mile bike ride around the Random Lake area, including stops at farms for food and drinks, tours and lessons about farm life. The day ends with dinner, drinks, music and prizes at Braise Restaurant in Milwaukee. Cost: $115 (only spots left on waitlist). braiselocalfood.com/tour-de-farms
Bike ride at the Peninsula Century Fall ChallengeSeptember 17: All routes (25, 50, 62 and 100 miles) begin and end at Waterfront Park in Sister Bay. After riding country roads to the tip of the peninsula, riders will relax with a buffet, beer and music. This is the newest ride in Door County. Cost: $50 to $60. peninsulacenturyfallchallenge.com920-421-1518
Tyranena Oktoberfest bike rideSept. 17: Up to 1,750 registered cyclists ride Jefferson County’s rural roads for 25, 46 or 66 miles to raise money for Tomorrow’s Hope, which funds health-related research and support. Registration includes dinner and two drinks at Tyranena Brewery in Lake Mills, as well as a brewery tour and music from 1-10 p.m. Cost: $55. oktoberfestbikeride.com920-648-8699
Ride your bike around the barns, September 18: Start at Badger Prairie Park in Verona and travel 27-53 miles with stops at up to four farms for tours, refreshments, lunch and music. The terrain is hilly (elevation gain is 500 feet for one route and 3,000 feet for the other). FairShare, a network of community-supported agriculture participants, uses proceeds to support low-income families buy locally grown food. csacoalition.org (click on “events”), 608-226-0300
A bike ride around the barn, Sept. 24: Country rides wind past 8-by-8-foot quilted squares that brighten the sides of barns in this family-friendly event that includes seven trails ranging from 5 to 70 miles. Bike as part of a guided tour, family fun or independently at Memorial Park. Registrants receive a continental breakfast and lunch. Cost: $25 to $65 (for a family of four). shawanopathways.org/bike-the-barn-quilts-ride715-304-9796
Bicycle trip around KoloramaSeptember 24: 10-, 30- and 50-mile routes run along the Wisconsin River, starting at Kitchenette Park in Merrill. Registration includes a later lunch. Cost: $25 to $27. merrillparkandrec.com (click on “events”), 715-536-7313
Muni race at the Fall Color Festival, September 24: The main event is a competitive mountain biking (one unicycle event) on the rugged John Muir Bike Trails, which raises money for trail maintenance in the southern Kettle Moraine State Forest. Cost: $20-$25 (add state park fees and trail pass). The races are part of the Fall Color Festival, which also includes mountain biking workshops, children’s activities, food and a beer garden on the trails, N9097 County H, Whitewater. fallcolorfestival.org262-495-8600 (LaGrange General Store)
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The weekly “Roads Traveled” columns began in 2002. These articles, archived at www.roadstraveled.com, are the result of anonymous travel, independent travel, press trips and travel journalism conferences. What we choose to cover is not dependent on subsidized or free travel. Opinions and ideas regarding columns are welcome. Write to Midwest Features, PO Box 259623, Madison, WI 53725 or [email protected].
