Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Wisconsin Bicycle Tours, Routes And Trails

By Freida McCall


Wisconsin bicycle tours are widely acknowledged as being the nation's best, even by the exacting standards set by the League of American Bicyclists. Riders of all stripes will find something to their liking. The choices vary from a serene lakeshore ride along the Door County Peninsula to a challenging and thrilling outdoor adventure among the lakes and forests of the Northwoods. There are many such tours and trails, so take a look at what looks doable and interesting before picking one.

The intrepid Badger State bicyclist can start by choosing from among three main categories or regions. Literally at the state's top is the five-county area called the Northwoods, an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true with lakes, forests and quaint small towns dotting the landscape. Trails in this region are breathtakingly scenic, with any number of places to relax, do some boating and fishing, and even camp out if necessary.

A rather appealing option for bicycling groups is a route following the Wisconsin River which runs through the central region in the state. This is a long but easy route that anyone can tackle as part of a tourist holiday combined with some group fun on bicycles. The most interesting and popular sections can be found within the rural patches between Baraboo and Wisconsin Rapids.

A lakeshore ride along Lake Michigan is quite popular among tourists. This trip can start from as far away as Sheboygan. Tear along the lakeshore right up to Sturgeon Bay. Turn around at this point and continue the ride on the other side of Door County Peninsula before ending up in Green Bay.

These are all good choices, but require a week or so to complete. Of course, it's not an endurance test because each tour sets its own pace based on the physical abilities of the participants. There's no rush, and the primary aim is to enjoy the bicycling and the pleasures of the journey just as much as the destinations along the way.

There are easier options which do not require so much time and dedication. As an example, consider one of the shorter routes from the 80 trails that are included in the state-operated rails-to-trails system. These are all trails which follow railway tracks that are now abandoned. The most popular and arguably the most scenic trail in this system is the Elroy-Sparta Trail, about an hour from Baraboo. Riders will go through 32 miles of spectacular rural scenery with three tunnels adding to the unique experience.

A Frank Lloyd Wright bicycle tour in and around Spring Green (including his hometown of Taliesin) comes highly recommended for architecture buffs. Civil War historians may likewise enjoy the experience of following the Milton House slave escape route. This route follows a secret tunnel between the legendary stagecoach inn and a log cabin slaves used as a hideaway while attempting to escape to Canada.

Wisconsin bicycle tours can also be booked as a luxury holiday inclusive of a resort stay. Guests would be using the resort as a base, with daily sorties out to explore the nearby trails. The tour operator would be providing the bikes and a guide, with the group setting off from the hotel in the morning and returning back in the evening. It makes for a wonderful outdoor holiday in Wisconsin while still being in contact with civilization and its creature comforts.




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