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Overnight Trips for 2006:

Jan 14-20

Ride em - Texas Hills

Time to saddle up and ride the roads of Texas Hill Country. Our 4th annual trip is again headquatered out of Marble Falls, Texas, which is approximately 50 miles west of Austin. Leaders: Sue Blum, Susan Evan

Mar 1-7

Cruising California's Coast 2006

Join us for the 4th annual scenic and challenging ride round-trip by bicycle from Santa Monica to San Diego, California. Bask in the sun during a winter week of warmth along the Pacific Ocean. We’ll have five full days of bicycling although the third day of riding is optional. 

Leaders: Kristine Poelzer & Tom Sullivan

Mar 6-10

Sideways Solvang Tour 2006

2nd annual Solvang, CA, ride. We will meet in Solvang on Sunday, March 5, for an evening group dinner meeting. Then we will ride from March 6-10. Solvang is located about 43 miles north of Santa Barbara. The movie “Sideways” was filmed there. If you are the least bit interested in this ride, you really must see the movie first. It will give you an idea of the beautiful countryside in and around Solvang. It is dotted with horses, wineries, nice restaurants, and lovely green hills. Above all, there is wonderful biking on good country roads. Did I mention the wineries? We’ll be headquartered at the Svendsgaard’s Danish Lodge in Solvang, with daily rides beginning and ending there. If the Danish Lodge is full, you could also stay at the King Frederick Motel, which is nearby. There is a possibility of a short drive out of Solvang for a starting point on one or two days, but no changing motels will be necessary.  There will be regular TCBC A/B rides of 30 to 60 miles. Of course, self-sufficient B riders are welcome to join us. You will be responsible for your own transportation, lodging, and meals. There are several bike shops in the Solvang area where you can ship your bike. Last year we had a great time on this ride. We are limiting this ride to 25 riders.

Ride leaders: Susan Evan, Sue Blum

May 19-21

Spring Loomis Mountain Bike Weekend, Cable, WI

The Spring 2006 Jerry Loomis Mountain Bike Weekend (JLMBW) in the woods outside of Cable, WI, on Fri-Sun, May 19-21, is the time for mountain bikers to enjoy the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) Off-Road Bike Trail System. There are 300 miles of marked and mapped routes for mountain bikers including 30 miles of sweet single track.

May 20-21

Cruisin' the Coulees Overnight

Explore the winding byways of southwest Wisconsin. The Saturday ride of 60 miles or 57 less hilly miles will depart from Pepin, Wisconsin at 10:30 AM. Pepin is about 70 scenic miles southeast of the Twin Cities on WI Hwy. 35. In Pepin, turn right on Prairie St. for two blocks to 1st St. Veer left, cross the R.R. tracks, and park in the lot along the river front by the Pickle Factory Restaurant. After the ride, we'll head south 10 miles to Wabasha, Minnesota in search of dinner, and then we'll overnight there. The AmericInn Lodge & Suites of Wabasha (1-800-634-3444) is one possible choice. Do a web search of Wabasha, MN for other lodging possibilities. The Sunday ride of 62 or 42 miles will depart from Alma, Wisconsin at 10:30 AM. Alma is about 12 miles south of Wabasha on WI Hwy. 35. Meet and park on Main St. (WI 35) at the north end of town near Lock and Dam #4. The official breakfast will be at the Pier 4 Cafe, 600 North Main St. in Alma, just north of the Lock and Dam. The leaders will meet there around 9:00 AM. Some long climbs will be encountered, but the incredible views and glorious descents make it worth every bit of effort. Spring time cycling in "coulee country" is something that words really can't describe... it's simply a "feeling" you must experience. Come along! Bob Hoffman, Rebecca Lawrence and Tony "The Mapmaker" Wanschura.

May 20-21

Spring Camping Ride

A self-supported camping ride. Participants carry their own camping gear from Saint Paul to Interstate State Park.  Will probably eat in restaurants, but single-burner chefs welcome.  Leaders: Leon Webster or Margaret Kelly. 

Jun 2-4

Brainerd Lakes Weekend

Join us for 3 days of cycling, eating and socializing in the Brainerd Lakes area June 2-4, 2006!

Jun 9-11

Velo Trempealeau

9 FRI VELO-TREMPEALEAU SUMMER, DAY 1. A/B 35-45 Depart 2 PM from Oak Park Inn, 18224 Ervin St., Whitehall, WI. The "OPI" is 2 hours southeast from the Twin Cities, 1-877-479-7024. www.oakparkinn.com Rooms also available at The Relax Inn @1-715-985-2323. Mention TCBC to secure your room. For another option in the town of Trempealeau, call The Pleasant Knoll Inn @1-888-210-8790. Don't forget, tell them you're with TCBC! John Murphy for route Info; Ron Plinske for add'l lodging info & Kristine Poelzer for general info.

10 SAT VELO-TREMPEALEAU SUMMER, DAY 2. A/B 30-40, 50-60, 70-80 Depart at 9:00 AM. From Hanson's Holdup, HWY-XX Arcadia, Wisconsin. Join us for a newly designed Saturday Multi-Route option!!.

11 SUN VELO-TREMPEALEAU SUMMER, DAY 3. A/B 32, 49, & 63 Depart at 9:00 AM. Oak Park Inn, Whitehall, Wisconsin. See Jun. 3.

Jun 23-25

Paul Bunyan & Heartland Trail Weekend

Join in on a three-day trek of C(+) trail rides and after-ride fun activities. Trails are railroad grade with 10-foot blacktopped surface and generally level. Routes pass through northern hardwood forests and stands of jack, red, and white pine. On Friday we bike 34 miles from Pine River to Hackensack and return. We set up our accommodations for the weekend in Walker and get acquainted at a local eatery. Saturday is 43 miles from Walker to Cass Lake and back. Fun options include dining at Brauhaus German Restaurant and an evening out at the Woodtick Musical Comedy Revue at Akeley. Sunday we wind up with a 42-mile trek from Walker to Dorset, with a feature lunch stop at the famous Mexican restaurant in Dorset. You will book your own accommodations (motel, camping, etc.). Come for one, two, or preferably all three days. Early bookings are suggested. Ambassadors: Diana and Duane Kasper, 952-448-1608, or kasperddt@chaska.net for motel, camping, theater and evening information. Co-Leaders: Herb Schultz; Clareyse Nelson

Jul 7-9

Bayfield Biking Bash

Join us for a three-day set of B/C rides on paved roads around the gorgeous Bayfield, WI, area. Come for one, two, or all three. On Friday we’ll bike a particularly scenic, though short, 16-mile loop from nearby Red Cliff with views of Lake Superior, and a stop at the Apostle Island National Lakeshore Museum (rated at moderate difficulty). Saturday is a special treat; we’ll ferry our bikes over to Madeline Island and ride about 25 miles of trails and paved roads on this historic island (rated easy to moderate). Sunday we’ll head back toward the Twin Cities, stopping at Cable, WI, for an easy 28-mile ride, the Cable-Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Loop (easy to moderate) and then head home. There’s lots to do and see in this popular resort area, including the famous Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua tent shows, Bayfield Maritime Museum, and much more. Plenty of hotels, motels, resorts, and campgrounds are available, but make your reservations early. Bayfield is a very popular summer destination for vacationers and boaters. Details in the June issue. Don Picard, Herb Schultz; John Hoffman

Jul 15-16

La Crosse - Killer Hill Revisited

SAT-SUN AB 75/50 mi.  See ride's web page for directions. Ride the Maiden Rock ride Saturday the 15th (see separate schedule listing), then spend the evening out with us in La Crosse. 2 great rides staying overnight in La Crosse the night of the 15th. Meet at Myrick Park in La Crosse @ 9am on Sunday the 16th. Part of the ride is the old Killer Hill ride but also included are the Grand Dad Bluff climb & 5 other coulee climbs. The view from Grand Dad Park is part of the route. Bill Simon

Jul 21-23

Elroy Was Here

A trio of B/C rides on former railroad beds centered on Elroy, WI. Friday’s ride will be on “the 400” trail, about 40 miles, crushed limestone with one tunnel. Saturday’s ride will be the “granddaddy”, the Sparta-Elroy Trail, also crushed limestone, with three tunnels. We’ll do the 30-mile trail one-way, with a shuttle. Sunday we’ll finish up with the Omaha Trail, also out of Elroy, about 25 miles, paved. Great trails with great scenery. Don Picard; Herb Schultz; John Hoffman.

Jul 30-31

Hello Hinckley

TCBC overnight trip with pre-registration required. This is our 3rd year of riding about 75 miles Sunday & Monday from the Twin Cities to/from Hinckley on Hwy 61 and a few paved trails. Option of 100 mi on Sunday with additional route beyond Hinckley. Volunteer co-leaders are seeking fun-loving comrades who enjoy riding/dining in a group. Must be self-sufficient cyclists who have group riding experience & skills plus cycling equipment in riding 75 miles per day for two consecutive days. No sag. Fix your own flats. Call for trip details including information about luggage transport (about $4 each) and how to reserve your room at place of lodging. Co-leaders: Dave Swaab and Kristine Poelzer.

Aug 4-6

Central Lakes Trail (C rides)

If you haven’t experienced this trail, you will not want to let the opportunity pass. And if you were on this ride last year, you understand the need for a return visit. The trail runs through a scenic blend of lakes, prairie potholes, and open farmland and wooded lots, with small towns at 7-10 mile intervals. The 14-foot trail is paved and is fairly new and smooth. We will divide the 3-day ride into nearly equal round-trip segments and accomplish a century plus in the three days. Day 1 is Osakis to Garfield and return; Day 2 is Garfield to Ashby and return; Day 3 is Ashby to Fergus Falls and return. Optional post-ride activities centered in and around Alexandria. You will make your own lodging accommodations. EARLY IS BETTER. Alexandria Lakes Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-235-9441 is a good contact. Come for 1, 2, or all 3 days. Co-leaders: Clareyse Nelson; Herb Schultz.

Aug 11-13

Weekend On Wheels (WOW)

WOW held again in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Expect similar great routes to last year, with some new surprises in the mix.

Aug 18-20

Summer Wobegon Days

Do your thing on the Lake Wobegon Trail, including the St. Joseph and Holdingford spurs, over three sultry summer days/nights. This C+ ride features paved 10-foot paved trails and offers some extra mile options. The trail passes through towns that could have been the model for the famed Lake Wobegon. The trail is mostly flat and has both open and wooded stretches. Come for 1, 2, or 3 days. Each day will feature activities en route and/or after ride. You will book your own lodging accommodations in or around Albany, MN. Country Inn and Suites is an option at 320-845-2145. Don Picard; Herb Schultz

Sep 8-10

Tour De Trempealeau

TCBC meets BCTC (Bicycle Club of Trempealeau County). There's no "Fall Velo" this year. Instead join the locals as they showcase the highlights of their region. Routes are mapped and marked, and rest stops are well stocked and plentiful. Come for one day, two, or all three. Friday's ride is a regular TCBC ride - just out-of-town.

Saturday and Sunday are outreach rides, so you must pay and register on your own. The advance outreach ride cost is $15 for one day; $25 for two days. Day-of -ride registration is acceptable, but more. Also, make your own lodging arrangements. To register, and obtain additional info, go to www.ridebctc.com

Schedule: 9/8 FRI 2pm A/B 40mi. Depart from Oak Park Inn in Whitehall, Wi for scenic TCBC ride. Co-Leaders: Sue Blum and Susan Evan.

9/9 SAT 8:35 AM 25/50/70 mi. Depart from Oak Park Inn in Whitehall, Wi Meet and sign up for TCBC ride credit at 9:40am. Actual ride leaves promptly at 10am. TCBC "Outreach Ride" regulations apply. Receive credit for whichever distance you ride. PLEASE wear your new TCBC jersey, if you have one - so we can make our presence known.

9/10 SUN 8:35 AM 25/50 mi. Depart from Oak Park Inn in Whitehall, Wi Meet and sign up for TCBC ride credit at 9:40am. Actual ride leaves promptly at 10am. TCBC "Outreach Ride" regulations apply. Receive credit for whichever distance you ride. PLEASE wear a different TCBC jersey, if you have one.

There has been a change in the ride start time. The Saturday and Sunday the rides depart from Whitehall, Wi at 9am (NOT 10am, as previously stated).

For TCBC sign-up, please meet at The Oak Park Inn at 8:35am...

Lodging: Riders are responsible for their own lodging whether it is motel, camping, or commuting from home. Rooms fill rapidly, so reserve soon. Here are some motel options: Oak Park Inn Whitehall, Wi 877-479-7029 Waiting list only; Relax Inn Independence, Wi 715-985-2323 (6 mi from Whitehall ride start); Hotels in Osseo, Wi (19 mi from Whitehall ride start): Osseo Super 8 Motel 715-597-5000; Red Carpet Inn 715-597-3175 Ten Seven Inn 715-597-3114 Draft Horse Inn Arcadia, Wi 608-323-7900 (17 mi from Whitehall ride start)

Fun: Enough blather, let's get to the FUN. Within a couple hour drive from the Twin Cities, you'll feel like you're in another world where time has slowed. Pastoral hillsides, quiet, low-traffic roads, and bovine sightings are the norm. Homemade ice cream, homemade wine, and homemade jams and crafts available. Sounds like a Ben & Jerry's ad, but it's much closer to home. The roads and scenery are every bit as spectacular as Brainerd, but definitely NOT as flat. You really should give it a try.

Sep 15-17

Root River Valley Trail Weekend

Welcome C riders and friends to our three days in Lanesboro. We hope you can join us again on this beautiful trip in SE Minn. We will be riding for three days, but come whenever you can. Some of us will be going to the plays at the Commonweal Theater for two different plays on Fri and Sat nights. Further info about the specific plays will be available. Call Clareyse Nelson to reserve your tickets at 612-623-3009. This is a popular biking area in the fall so be sure to reserve a place to stay soon. The Lanesboro Chamber number is 1-888-223-4258. Some of us also camp in Lanesboro. Call us with questions and to let us know you will be coming. Clareyse Nelson or Herb Schultz

Oct 14-15

Cruisin' the Coulees Overnight

SAT 10:30 AM & SUN 9:30 AM A/B Witness the splendid palette of October colors that grace the winding byways of southwest Wisconsin. The Saturday ride of 60 miles or 57 less hilly miles will depart from Pepin, Wisconsin at 10:30 AM. Pepin is about 70 scenic miles southeast of the Twin Cities on WI Hwy. 35. In Pepin, turn right on Prairie St. for two blocks to 1st St. Veer left, cross the R.R. tracks, and park in the lot along the river front by the Pickle Factory Restaurant. After the ride, we'll gather for our customary gourmet dinner. Rebecca, our culinary expert, has found a new restaurant in Alma that we may try. Details later. We'll stay overnight back in Pepin at the Pepin Motel (715-442-2012). A second option is The AmericInn Lodge & Suites of Wabasha (1-800-634-3444). Do a web search of Pepin, Alma or Wabasha, MN for further lodging possibilities. The Sunday ride of 62 or 42 miles will depart from Alma, Wisconsin at 9:30 AM. Alma is about 15 miles south of Pepin on WI Hwy. 35. Meet and park on Main St. (WI 35) at the north end of town near Lock and Dam #4. As usual, the official breakfast will be at the Pier 4 Cafe, 600 North Main St. in Alma, just north of the Lock and Dam. The leaders will meet there around 8:00 AM. Some long climbs will be encountered, but the incredible views and glorious descents make it worth every bit of effort. Just ask past participants what they think of the serpentine plunge into Alma on Sunday. I bet you'll see a big smile!!! Come with us. Day trippers most welcome! Bob Hoffman, Rebecca Lawrence and Tony "The Mapmaker" Wanschura

Trip archives

2005 Overnight Trips

2004 Overnight Trips

2003 Overnight Trips

2002 Overnight Trips

2001 Overnight Trips