Join us for a fun weekend outing on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, in Wilton, Wisconsin, at the midpoint of the Elroy-Sparta Trail.

There will be both trail ride and road ride options for the weekend.

Each day, we will get together for a group breakfast and then head out for a bike ride. Afternoon and evening activities are on your own.

Trail Rides

The Elroy-Sparta Trail (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/elroysparta)

The Elroy-Sparta Trail is considered to be America’s first Rails-to-Trails conversion and is well known for its three rock tunnels. The trail is very flat, with gradual grades leading up to each tunnel. The trail has a very hard-packed crushed limestone and clay surface.

A trail or gravel bike is preferred, though a road bike could also be used. Riders will need a headlight for their bicycle, and it is recommended to bring a flashlight to help make your way through the tunnels. For safety reasons, cyclists are required to walk their bikes through the dark tunnels. The tunnels are damp and cool, with precipitation often falling from the ceiling. A light jacket may be welcome. (Elroy-Sparta State Trail – Wisconsin Bike Trails)

Saturday: Sparta (45 miles)

Saturday’s ride heads to the west end of the trail, passing through two tunnels on the way to Sparta. One tunnel is 1/4 mile long, while the other is 3/8 mile in length.

We’ll stop for lunch in Sparta, proclaimed to be the “Bicycling Capital of America,” and visit Ben Biken atop the World’s Largest Bicycle. Sparta is also home to the Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum, which you may want to visit while in the area.

Sunday: Elroy (35 miles)

Sunday’s ride heads to the east end of the trail, to Elroy, passing through another 1/4 mile tunnel along the way. We’ll stop for lunch in Elroy before returning to Wilton.

Road Rides

There are three unique and very challenging road rides planned for the weekend. These routes include several significant hills and are intended for experienced riders comfortable with climbing.

Friday: Amish Farmhouse Bakery (50 miles) – ESW-052-AFB · Ride with GPS

For those who wish to arrive early for the weekend, Friday afternoon’s ride features a stop at an Amish farmhouse bakery, where they will have a wide assortment of fresh homemade goodies available at very reasonable prices.

Saturday: Over The Tunnels (70 miles) – ESW-067-OTT · Ride with GPS

Saturday’s ride travels through Amish countryside and on the roads that go over all three tunnels of the Elroy-Sparta Trail.

Sunday: Ben Biken (50 miles) – ESW-049-BB · Ride with GPS

Sunday’s ride includes a visit with Ben Biken atop the World’s Largest Bicycle in Sparta, Wisconsin.

Wilton Accommodations and Reservations

Suggested accommodations near Wilton include:

1. Amil’s Inn B&B https://amilsinn.com/
2. Historic Bank Building on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail https://www.vrbo.com/1927405?unitId=2489924
3. Wilton Campground https://www.villageofwilton.com/campground
4. Tunnel Trail Campground https://www.tunneltrail.com/

Tomah and Sparta are the larger nearby communities and may also have additional lodging options available.

Schedule

Friday

Plan to arrive by 12:00 PM. We’ll meet at the Elroy-Sparta Trail parking area in Wilton and roll out around 12:30 PM.

Saturday and Sunday

Plan to arrive by 9:00 AM. We will push off promptly at 9:30 AM.

Trail Pass Information

Note: A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required to ride on the Elroy-Sparta Trail.

Trail pass information: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/trailpass.html

There are several places in Wilton where trail passes may be purchased if needed.

Questions?

Feel free to reach out.

Steve

608-692-2455