Overnight Trips for 2009:

(All participants of Overnight Trips must be current TCBC members)

Jan 9-16

6th Annual Marble Falls, Texas Trip

This trip has been cancelled.

Feb 7-12

Bike Las Cruces

Announcing the first Land of Enchantment bike ride in Las Cruces, NM . Enjoy five or six days of riding under the deep blue February skies of southern New Mexico with an optional day devoted to a local hike or a trip to the White Sands Monument . This event is scheduled from Saturday February 7, 2009 to Thursday February 12, 2009 and is coordinated with BikeAZona.

Las Cruces lies in the Mesilla Valley at approximately 4000 feet in southern New Mexico approximately 50 miles northwest of El Paso , TX .  Average day time high temperature during this period is 63 ºF, with an overnight low temperature of 36 ºF.  Driving distances from the Twin Cities and Tucson , AZ are 1350 miles and 420 miles, respectively.  Interstates I-10 and I-25 both pass through the city limits.  Flight options to Las Cruces include landing at either Albuquerque , NM (220 miles), El Paso , TX (52 miles).  Alternatively, those doing BikeAZona, might consider flying into Phoenix and driving to Las Cruces .

There are numerous motel options, most of which are within an easy bike ride to the start location at the Old Mesilla Plaza. Several nearby options include: La Quinta Inn, 575-524-0331, Ramada Las Cruces, 575-526-4411, Best Western Mission Inn, 575-524-8591 and Super 8 Motel Las Cruces, 575-523-8695. For those planning to stay 7 days, there is Value Place 575-382-5759, which charges a weekly rate of approximately $200. Each participant is expected make his or her own arrangements for both transportation to and from Las Cruces and for accommodations.

This will be a regular TCBC A/B or B/C ride. Routes will vary in length: approximately 20 – 40 miles for B/C rides and 30 – 70 miles for A/B rides. Most days will include two ride options, one at a B/C level and a second at the A/B level. B/C rides will be on flat roads with some hills whereas A/B rides will be longer and will usually include climbing. One or two rides may require a short drive to an alternate start location. Depending upon the desires of the A/B participants, climb options may be either somewhat aggressive or very aggressive.

Trip leaders will be Tom and Dona Devine, 575-647-0757, cell: 651-398-6778, tdevine12@juno.com for B/C rides and Lee Thielman, 575-521-1164, cell: 651-717-5249, lthielman@msn.com for A/B rides. If you are interested in coming or definitely planning on coming, please contact one of the ride leaders.

Feb 14-21

BikeAZona - Arizona Winter Break

Leave your winter layers behind and join us for a week of biking in sunny Arizona. We’ll plan the routes, you find a place to stay (we can help with hotel suggestions). Some rides start in Scottsdale, others will require a short drive to get out of town. A/B ride distances will be around 50 miles per day with a few good climbs and longer route options. Self-sufficient B-riders welcome. Jim Pederson and Kate Kovar.  If you are interested, please e-mail us to be placed on a list for further trip information. katekovar-at-hotmail-cot-com More Info

Mar 14-20

Texas Hill Country, Fredricksburg, Texas.

Riding Days: March 14 through March 20, 2009.

Summer is over; winter is here, so it is time to begin thinking of where you will be riding next spring. Since ’98 I have been going to Texas Hell Week in Fredricksburg, Texas (http://www.fbgtx.org/), or to the PAC Tour’s Desert Camp (www.pactour.com) . It is amazing how a week of riding in warm temps will help you get you off to a good start, no matter what type of riding you do.

I am going to ‘Fred’, again, this year and am organizing an Extended Trip for other TCBC members wishing to enjoy a week of cycling in the Texas Hill Country.

Details: The Extended Trip will offer 7 riding days, but you are welcome to arrive early or leave later and ride on your own if you have the time. ‘B’ riders who are self-sufficient, i.e., can repair flats and handle on-the-road problems without ride leader assistance, are also welcome. Each day’s route will be in the range of 80 to 100 miles, with longer and shorter options. Two days will involve driving to the ride’s start. The other rides will begin at the house Geri and I are renting. This house is located close to downtown ‘Fred’ and easily accessible from any motel in ‘Fred’. The routes are those that I have ridden for years while going to Hell Week, or visiting the area with friends from Dallas. However, the Hill Country is known for its unique concrete ‘water crossings’ and detours may be necessary in case of flash flooding. There will not be any sag service, but we will be in Texas where almost everyone drives a truck and are more than happy to help a stranded cyclist. Nevertheless, it helps to be sure that your bike is in good working order.

Lodging: Geri and I will be renting a 3-bedroom house with significant amenities and have room for 3 or 4 other people. Please contact me for details.

‘Fred’ is at the intersection of several major highways and is a tourist destination. There are numerous lodging opportunities, from motels, to B & B’s to campgrounds, and I will be happy to help with your search and make recommendations.

Transportation: I have traveled to ‘Fred’ by air and have driven. Each mode has trade-offs. If you fly, there is a question of how to take your bike and how much gear you can bring or ship. If you drive, you can bring lots of stuff, but need extra travel days. Geri and I will be driving and will leave the morning of Thursday, March 12 and return the afternoon of Sunday, March 22. We have space for one or two others.

Contact Information:

Steve Scholl
Srs428@msn.com
651-699-1203 (home)
651-341-0597 (cell)

MAY 8-9

TREMPEALEAU TRAILS & OUTREACH TREMEALEAU HIP BREAKER BIKE TOUR.

Two rides around the charming little river town of Trempealeau, a lock and dam, wildlife refuges, and state park. Friday, will feature a slow paced ride with lots of stopping to view birds (fly-way) and scenery. Next day we do an Outreach ride featuring the Famous Trempealeau Hip Breaker Tour. Please make your own lodging arrangements. EARLY RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED. Lodging alternatives; Pleasant Knoll Inn, 608-534-6615; The Inn on the River. 608-534-7784; Trempealeau Hotel, 608-534-6898. Trempealeau is located on Wisconsin Hwy 35, 18 miles SE of Winona, MN or 15 Miles North of LaCrosse, about 2.5 to 3 hours from the Metro. (see daily and outreach ride listings for details).

May 16-17

Cruisin' the Coulees-- Spring

SAT 9:30 am & SUN 9:30 am. A/B

Don't miss this special two day cruise through the famed "Coulee Country" of southwest Wisconsin. Spectacular views on country roads seemingly made for cycling.

A new start and revised route for Saturday means less highway and more unexplored backroads.

We'll meet in Nelson, WI which is about 75 scenic miles southeast of downtown St. Paul on WI Hwy. 35. Once in Nelson, stay on Hwy. 35 south where it splits left from Hwy. 25. (25 goes to Wabasha) Proceed a short distance to Castleberg City Park on the left. The entrance is just north of Beth's Twin Bluff Cafe. We'll meet in the pavilion, but please park along Hwy. 35 (Main St.)

Saturday's ride will depart at 9:30 with options of 29, 35, 63 or 69 miles. All share the first 15 miles. The 29 and 35 mile routes do not have a rest stop, so be sure to bring adequate food and drink. For the 63 and 69 mile riders, the lunch stop will be in Durand at the 29 mile point. The 69 mile route will surely test your mettle with an altitude gain estimated to be 6,500 feet or more. You'll love it!

Plans for Saturday's dinner will be finalized about a week before the rides. Please check the TCBC message board at that time.

Overnight accommodation's are best found with a Google search of the larger nearby towns of Wabasha, Minnesota or Alma and Pepin, Wisconsin. On the Wabasha Chamber of Commerce website, you will find details on lodging in the area and links to their websites. Wabasha is three miles west of Nelson. The AmericInn of Wabasha offers the most rooms in the area.

On Sunday morning we'll meet in Alma, Wisconsin. Alma is 7 miles south of Nelson on Hwy. 35. As always, we'll gather around 8 am for a most excellent breakfast at the Pier 4 Cafe, 600 N. Main St. in Alma. It's located one block north of the Lock and Dam #4 parking lot.
After breakfast you'll have options of 42, 65 or 77 miles, departing from the Lock and Dam lot in Alma at 9:30 AM. Please park on Main St. adjacent to the Dam lot. Most choose to ride the 65 and all routes have the initial 27 miles to the first rest stop in common. Lunch stop will be at Hansen's Hold-up on the 65 and 77 mile routes. The scenic views on this day are spectacular, especially at lunch.

After an exhilarating Alpe d'Huez style plunge back into Alma, we'll check out some Wisconsin-made ice cream from the Fire and Ice Shop. Got to have a little reward for all the climbing!

The emphasis for this weekend is on social group riding. We'll average around 15 mph in the main group. Both days will feature sit down lunch stops. Don't miss your chance to get in on all the fun!!!

Questions? Call Bob Hoffman 651-430-2676, Tony Wanschura 651-224-8360 or Rebecca Lawrence 612-481-4145.

June 5-7

Tour of Lakes 2009

5th Anniversary Ride!
Join us for 3 days of bicycling and socializing in the Brainerd Lakes area June 5-7, 2009 on our 5th anniversary of participating in the Tour of Lakes ride!

Mark your calendars for June 5-7, 2009 (Fri-Sun) for a weekend of biking in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area! If you’ve never biked in this area before, you are going to love it! The roads are low-traffic and very scenic, passing by many area lakes and forests. The Paul Bunyan trail is also nearby. We’ll do rides all three days. The rides on Friday & Sunday will be regular “TCBC” A/B and B rides and the ride on Saturday will be a TCBC Outreach Ride---Tour of Lakes, my all-time favorite 1-day ride! Plan to not only bike with the group, but eat, socialize, and relax by the lake and around the campfire with us as well at Good Ol’ Days Resort in Nisswa! I hope you can join us! More Info

June 8-10

Ride The Raccoon

Join us for three days of fun riding on Iowa's Raccoon River Valley Trail. This three-day midweek B/C biking adventure near Des Moines will lead off with a 58-mile warm-up ride on Monday June 8 on the scenic, mostly flat, paved Neal Smith trail to Saylorville Lake out and back. Our feature ride on Tuesday leaves from Clive, just west of Des Moines, to Jefferson on the splendid 56-mile paved Raccoon River Valley Trail and stay overnight at either the Trailside Lodging or the Super 8 in Jefferson, with bags sagged to the motels. Next day we'll head back.The RRVT is one of Iowa's most scenic trails and goes through several small Iowa towns. A special attraction is the Bunker's Dunkers Bakery in Jefferson, reputed to have the best glazed doughnuts in Iowa and environs. (View a 6-minute video of trail highlights @ http://www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org ) You should make early reservations.Two RRVT recommended facilities, close to the trail: Butler House B&B @ 515-255-4096/866-455-4096 (www.butlerhouseongrand.com) and the Courtyard Marriott @ 515-225-1222.

In Jefferson RRVT recommends Trailside Lodging ($50/night) adjacent to trail (leave a message and owners will return call). The Little House on Russell @ $70 can sleep four is an alternative offered by the same owners. Checks or Cash only payable on departure. A Super 8 is another option, about 2 miles from trail. Lodging phone contacts; Super 8- (515-386-2464) Redwood Motel- (515-386-3116); Limburg House B&B. (515-386-4699)

More details will follow in the May Ride Schedule but circle the dates now for a great midweek Iowa Adventure. Don Picard, 952-894-3431; John Hoffmann, 715-834-7897; Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381.

JUNE 16-17

RIDE AROUND PEPIN

Please join us for this midweek 2-day ride around Lake Pepin with an overnight stay in the majestic and historic river town, Wabasha,MN. Total trip mileage will be 75-85 miles. (40 mi on 16th and 35-45 mi. on 17th). The route features many markers explaining area history and the overlooks provide stunning views of Lake Pepin and bluffs. We will depart from Bay Point Park in Red Wing, Mn @ 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday June 16, cross Mississippi bridge and ride down scenic WI Hwy 35.We will pass through quaint river towns of Maiden Rock, Stockholm, Pepin and Nelson, with opportunities for eating and shopping needs. We finish the day with a stop at Nelson Creamery and cross the river to our overnight stop in Wabasha. Special TCBC room rate @ $79.90 includes 2 Queen beds and excellent breakfast buffet. Make your own reservation 651-565-5366. (ask for TCBC rate). Sag service is provided for your luggage ) Wednesday June 17 we ride back to Red Wing on Hwy 61 and other county roads. Our return takes us through Lake City and Frontenac for food/rest stops. Co Leaders, John Avoles, 651-437-3974; Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381; Don Picard, 952-894-3431; Cell Phone at ride, 952-334-5382.

June 26-28

Paul Bunyan And 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 44 miles from Baxter to Pequot Lakes and return. We set up our accommodations for the weekend in Walker and get acquainted at Benson's 1896 Emporium, a local eatery. Saturday we bike 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 Review in Akeley. (tickets $15.50 or $14.50/seniors). Sunday we wind up with a 42-mile trek from Walker to Dorset with a feature lunch stop at Mexican Campaneros Restaurant (12:00 PM). Come for one, two or preferably all three days. You will make your own lodging accommodations, (Early bookings recommended.) Contact Diana and Duane Kasper 952-448-1608 or kasperddt@chaska.net for motel, camping, theater and evening information. Co Leaders:Duane Kasper, 952-448-1608; Clareyse Nelson, 612-623-3009; Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381; Cell Phone At Ride, 952-412-5654.

June 30 / July 1

John's Birthday Ride

Join John for two fun B/C rides on Wisconsin trails. Tuesday's ride, 25 or 50 mile option, is on the Old Abe paved trail (some segments newly paved). Leaves from Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls with lunch stop in Cornell. After ride vist at Leinenkugel Brewery and dinner in the area.

Next day we Celebrate John's Birthday with a ride on the Red Cedar packed limestone trail departing from Menomonie. Trail ride is 28 miles plus optional 15 miles on paved roads. We will Celebrate John's Birthday with a Fish Fry at Bullfrog Fish Farm. Trail pass required: $4/day, $15/annual. You will make your own overnight lodging accommodations. (Details in the June Ride Schedule). John Hoffmann, 715-834-7897; Don Picard, 952-894-3431; Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381.

July 17-19

Bayfield/Ashland/Madeline Island Weekend

Join us on a three-day trek of B/C rides on paved roads around Bayfield and Ashland County. Come for one, two, or all three days. Friday, we'll bike the Red Cliff-Little Sand Bay Loop. This 26 mile loop departs from Red Cliff featuring scenic views of Lake Superior with an en route stop at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Museum. (rated moderate). Saturday is a special treat; We'll ferry our bikes to Madeline Island for a full day of fun and bike rides on paved roads and trails. There are 25-30 miles of paved roads to explore plus a short unpaved discovery optional jaunt for scenic value. (rated easy to moderate). Sunday,we'll do a 25-mile get-away ride from Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center to Moquah-Out & Back. Rural scenic views of the Penokee Range (rated easy to moderate). There's lots of fun things to do and see, including the famous Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua tent shows, Bayfield Maritime Museum, Orchard tours, Wild Rice and Maggie's dining and much more. Plenty of lodging alternatives available but MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY. Ambassador; Terry Quam, 952-933-8052 will showcase Moquah Meander Ride. Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381; Don Picard, 952-894-3431; John Hoffmann, 715-834-7897.

July 28-29

Willard Munger Trail - Hinckley or Moose Lake to Duluth / Overnight at Munger Inn

B/BC RIDE CLASSIFICATION. Join in on a fun and mileage ride from Hinckley or Moose Lake to Duluth. Overnight @ Munger Inn and return next day. Departures from Hinckley Convention and Visitors Bureau parking lot @ 9:30 AM or from Moose Lake Blue Bear Cafe @ 12:30 PM (secure parking at Moose Lake police station). Distance from Hinckley is 70 + miles one way and 38 miles from Moose Lake one way. Sag services will be provided for overnight luggage and up to three disabled bikes and/or bodies.  Food services will be at Munger Inn. Orders from Take-Out menu. You will make your own reservations (based on availability). EARLY RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED.. 1-800-982-2453.
Final details will be posted in June Ride Schedule. John Hoffmann, 715-834-7897; Don Picard, 952-894-3431; Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381.

Aug 5-7

Overnight at the Creamery

Mark your calendar for a three day ride August 5, 6, 7. Overnight at the Creamery in Downsville, WI on August 5 and 6. Ride will start in Eau Claire. Day two will be excursions on the Red Cedar River by kayak, canoe, or inner tube, your choice. Day three return to Eau Claire.

Baggage, including swim suit, will be sagged. The Creamery is giving a midweek deal of $110 a night two-person occupancy. Eight rooms available, each with large whirlpool, continental breakfast.

For reservations contact John Hoffmann 715-834-7897. More details to follow.

Aug 13-14

2 Days of Biking in Grand Rapids, Minnesota

August 13-14, 2009

Come join me up at the cabin on beautiful Lake Pokegama for 2 full days of scenic biking in the North Country.  It’s about a 3-1/2 hour drive from the cities. 

Lodging is available in town or you are welcome to camp at the cabin.

http://www.grandmn.com/lodging/index.html

The cabin is on Lake Pokegama on Pools Bay Road.

Rides will depart from:

Ogle’s Food Parking Lot

503 NW 4th Street (aka Hwy 2)

Grand Rapids, MN  55744
 

Route Info

Day 1  Thursday Aug 13 – Depart at 1:30 PM -   We will venture out onto some beautiful back roads taking us out of Grand Rapids into Cohasset.  We will ride around Lake Pokegama and back into Grand Rapids via the scenic “River Road”.  45-55 Miles (mainly flat terrain with a few gentle rollers)

Day 2  Friday Aug 14 – We will take the Mesabi Trail from the Itasca County Fairgrounds out to Hill Annex Mine State Park and into Penguilly.  From Penguilly we will take country windy roads around many lakes back into Grand Rapids and then out to the Forest History Center.

55-65 miles (flat to hilly terrain)

Thursday night BBQ and Pot Luck at the Cabin – Bring something to grill and a dish to share.  Don’t forget some lawn chairs.

For more information and directions to the cabin, contact Diane Ziemer at 612-247-4835 or via email at Diane.Ziemer@Comcast.net

Aug 29-30

Rochester Roll

Let's make the most of a late summer weekend by riding the scenic Cannon Valley Trail, the Goodhue Pioneer Trail, scenic farm roads, and the Douglas State Trail, as we make our way to Rochester, MN and return. After the ride, meet and greet multi-level TCBC riders and share camaraderie and experiences on this south of the metro trip.

The Rochester Roll is an overnight trip for A/B, B, B/C and C riders on 29 and 30 Aug from points along the Cannon Valley Trail and Zumbrota to Rochester, MN and return. Riders are also welcome to make this a one way ride with appropriate one way mileage and furnish their own return transportation. Please check the ride schedule for departure point and time for each group. The Cannon Valley Trail requires a daily pass @ $3.00.

Riders may bring one SMALL bag per person. Bags will be tagged according to drop point and loaded 15 minutes prior to departure time. Bags will also be tagged for drop points on Sunday. Donations for drivers are accepted, although not mandatory.

If you plan to join the Rochester Roll:
1. Please email lineskater@aol.com with names and number of persons to help determine baggage transportation.
2. Please make your own overnight accommodations. See below for suggestions within a reasonable distance from the end of Saturday’s ride and Sunday’s start. Both motels have plus and minus factors. PLEASE MAKE RESERVATIONS ASAP. Also, please note that 29 Aug is Herb Schultz’s BD - Applebee's@ 5:30p. All are welcome to help him celebrate.

Microtel Inn 507-286-8780
Distance Notes - exit .3 miles before trail’s end + 1 mile
Cost - $69.99 (mention TCBC) for a double room
Breakfast - Yes
Restaurants - Timber Lodge, Applebee's, Chipotle

Motel Six 507-282-1011
Distance Notes - exit at trail’s end + 2.2 miles (Riders will receive appropriate mileage.)
Cost - $39.99+
Breakfast - NO
Restaurants - McDonald’s, Pizza Hut

FFI: Nancy Welsh 952-456-9260 or 612-414-5217 lineskater@aol.com

Sept 11-13

DOOR COUNTY WEEKEND

Take the long drive to this scenic area of Wisconsin for an enjoyable weekend of cycling with TCBC. Ride through pastoral towns and parks by harbors, woods and fields. Look for lighthouses on Green Bay and Lake Michigan. On Sunday join in the largest single day bike ride in Wisconsin, the Door County Century. Rides are A/B level. Group style riding encouraged and self-sufficient B riders welcomed.

Rides
11 FRI 2PM STATE PARK WARMUP A/B 45-50 miles Depart from the Lull-Abi Inn of Egg Harbor
12 SAT 9AM TIP OF THE DOOR or WHITEFISH DUNES A/B 35-65 miles Depart from Lull-Abi Inn of Egg Harbor
13 SUN 7:30 AM OUTREACH RIDE: DOOR COUNTY CENTURY 30, 64, 75, 100 mi Depart from Sevastopol School in the town of Institute,10 mi N of Sturgeon Bay, WI

REGISTRATION: Register online at www.doorcountycentury.com or by mail, downloading the form. Fee of $35 by May 31st, $40 by July 30, $50 by August 31st, $55 weekend of ride includes map, rest stop refreshments, and post-ride spaghetti dinner. Shirts and Sunday breakfast may be ordered as extras. Pick up ride packet Saturday 3-8 PM at the school.

LODGING: Lull-Abi Inn of Egg Harbor 866-251-0749 or 920-868-3135 at www.lullabi-inn.com Rates are from $85-109 per night. When preregistering, request the TCBC 10% discount.

MEALS: Group dinners Friday at Villaggios and Saturday at Mojo Rosa’s 6:30. Let Katie know, if interested.

Emergency Contact Form: Turn in one at the ride signup and keep one while riding. Form at www.biketcbc.org or here

More Info at www.doorcounty.com for other lodging, maps, weather, directions, restaurants, shopping, events, etc

Questions? Contact Katie Angle katie.jim@comcast.net 763-208-3595

Sept 18-20

Root River Valley Trails Weekend

Welcome C and BC riders to our three days in Lanesboro.  We hope you can join us for this annual trip to explore this beautiful area in SW Minnesota.  Some of us will not only ride but also go to the Commonweal Theater on Friday or Saturday night to see one of their acclaimed plays.  This is a popular area on weekends so be sure to reserve a place to stay in advance.  The Lanesboro Chamber of Commerce number is 1-888-223-4258. Some of us also camp in the park in Lanesboro. Specific ride details will follow in the next newsletters.  Call if you have questions and also let us know you will be there.  Clareyse Nelson 612-623-3009,  Nancy Welsh  952-456-9260,  Herb Schultz  952-941-4381.

Sep 19-20

ROOT RIVER STATE TRAIL: RUSHFORD ON THE ROOT

Saturday 19 Sep 9:30a
Come ride with B/C TCBC friends along the scenic Root River State Trail as it winds through the small towns of Rushford, Peterson, Whalen, Lanesboro, and Houston in southern Minnesota. Depart from the Rushford Depot in downtown Rushford, MN for a round trip to Lanesboro (36 miles). Don’t forget to refresh your body and your waistline with a pie stop along the trail. Return to Rushford, then take an optional extension to Houston and return (25 miles).

Late Saturday afternoon and early evening stop by the Windswept Inn to welcome brevet riders (375 miles) and help them find food and a place to nap as they stop in Rushford for a few hours before getting back on their bikes for a return to the Twin Cities. Enjoy sitting around a campfire, roasting meat/veggie hot dogs, marshmallows, and smores, compliments of your ride leader. (Bring a chair and add to the food fare if you wish.)

Saturday Ride Leaders: Nancy Welsh  952-456-9260   Cell  612-414-5217 (Cell may not work in this area.) If you have weather related concerns, check nws.noaa.gov John Avoles (the man with experience)  651-437-3974

Sunday 20 Sep 9:30a
Experience the Root River Trail at a B/C level one more morning - this time with an uphill to Fountain. Leave from the Lanesboro Trailhead in downtown Lanesboro, MN for a 22 mile round trip, returning via a ridgeline back road and a great controlled descent into downtown Lanesboro. From Lanesboro drive up the hill and retrace the route that you just cycled and return Rt. 52N, the country-side route, to the Twin Cities.

Sunday Ride Leader: Nancy Welsh  952-456-9260   Cell  612-414-5217 (Cell may not work in this area.) If you have weather related concerns, check nws.noaa.gov

Lodging:
Contact the City of Rushford for camping (507-864-2444) with showers. Motels in Rushford include the Windswept Inn, the River Trail Inn, and the Meadows Inn. Please make reservations ASAP. Subway, George’s, and The Creamery Pizza & Ice Cream (hand tossed, homemade) are open evenings. http://www.the-creamery.com/ (coupon)  

Directions:
From St. Paul take Rt. 52S to Interstate 90E to Rt. 43 S. The driving distance is 128 miles and/or about 2 hours, 15 minutes. See you in Rushford!

Sep 25-27

WOBEGON TRAIL RIDE

Join us for a three-day set of C & B/C trail rides on 10-foot wide Wobegon paved trails. We will visit legendary trail towns en route. Our Friday ride departs from Sauk Centre and explore towns East and/or West. On Saturday we depart from Albany and go to Charlie's in Freeport (carmel rolls or pie),  then onward to Holdingford and optional trek to new Mississippi bike bridge. Our Sunday ride departs from Albany and treks to St Joseph, out-and-back with an en route lunch stop at Bo Diddly restaurant in St Joseph. Daily rides particulars will be listed in August Ride Schedule. C rides average 25-30 miles; B/C rides are 30 to 55 miles. Come for 1, 2, or all 3 days. Each day will feature activities en route and after ride. You will make your own lodging accommodation in or around Albany. Country Inn and Suites in Albany is an option, 320-845-2145. John Avoles, 651-437-3974; John Hoffmann, 715-834-7897; Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381.

Oct 9-11

Fall 2009 Chequamegon Mountain bike Weekend

The Fall 2009 Chequamegon MTB Weekend takes place just outside of Cable, WI, on Fri-Sun, October 9-11th, is the best 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. More Info 

Oct 17-18

Cruisin' the Coulees Fall

SAT 10:00 am and SUN 10:00 am. A/B

Join us for a special two day cruise through the famed "Coulee Country" of southwest Wisconsin. Spectacular views on country roads seemingly made for cycling. This is the twelfth biannual staging of this event, which has become a tradition for many, especially the hill lovers amongst us.

We'll meet in Nelson, WI, about 75 scenic miles southeast of downtown St. Paul on WI Hwy. 35. In Nelson, stay on Hwy. 35 south where it splits left from Hwy. 25. Proceed a short distance to Castleberg City Park on the left. The park entrance is just north of Beth's Twin Bluff Cafe. Park along Hwy. 35 (Main St), then meet at the park pavilion.

Saturday's ride departs at 10:00 am, with options of 29, 35, 63, or 69 miles. All routes share the first 15 miles. The 29 and 35 mile routes do not have a rest stop, so be sure to bring adequate food and drink. For the 63 and 69 mile riders, the lunch stop is at Durand at the 29 mile point. The 69 mile route will surely test your mettle, with an altitude gain estimated to be 6,000 feet or more. You'll love it!

Following Saturday’s ride, we’ll present the “Coulee Cookout”, to be held in Castleberg Park. A grill will be provided, so pack the cooler with something to grill, something to share, and your favorite beverages. Should the weather be unfavorable for grilling, we’ll dine indoors at The Nelson Creamery on Main St. in Nelson.

Overnight accommodations are best found with a Google search of the larger nearby towns of Wabasha, MN or Alma and Pepin, WI. The Wabasha Chamber of Commerce website has details on lodging in the area and links to their websites. Wabasha is three miles west of Nelson. The AmericInn of Wabasha (1-800-634-3444) is the largest in the area. The Pepin Motel (715-442-2012) is also a good choice.

On Sunday, we'll meet in Alma, WI, 7 miles south of Nelson on Hwy. 35. We'll gather at around 8:30 am for an excellent breakfast at the Pier 4 Cafe, 600 N. Main St. in Alma, one block north of the Lock and Dam #4 parking lot. Ride options of 42, 65, and 77 miles will depart from the Lock and Dam lot in Alma at 10:00 am. Park on Main St. adjacent to the Dam lot. Most riders choose the 65-mile option, and all routes have the initial 27 miles to the first rest stop in common. The lunch stop on the 65 and 77 mile routes will be Hansen's Hold-up.

Once again, after our exhilarating Alpe d'Huez style plunge back into Alma, we'll “investigate” the Wisconsin-made ice cream at the Fire and Ice Shop. Their coconut version has been found guilty of being “best of class”.

The emphasis for the weekend is on social group riding. The main group will average around 15 mph. Both days feature sit down lunch stops. This is cycling at its very best. Come and see for yourself why so many of us return year after year to these magical coulee-country roads!

Questions? Call Bob Hoffman 651-430-2676 or Tony Wanschura 651-224-8360.

Trip archives

2008 Overnight Trips

2007 Overnight Trips

2006 Overnight Trips

2005 Overnight Trips

2004 Overnight Trips

2003 Overnight Trips

2002 Overnight Trips

2001 Overnight Trips