Global Sports: Wisconsin Bicycle Tours, Routes And Trails

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Wisconsin Bicycle Tours, Routes And Trails

By Freida McCall


It's a widely held opinion, even among members of the League of American Bicyclists, that Wisconsin bicycle tours are simply the best in the nation. Everyone can find something to their liking, whether it is an outdoor getaway in the heights of the Northwoods or a scenic lakeshore holiday exploring Green Bay and the Door County Peninsula. Check out all the trails, routes and tours, and select the one which looks most interesting and doable.

The intrepid bicyclist looking to explore the Badger State on wheels and pedal power has three basic regions to choose from. Literally and figuratively at the top is the Northwoods, which covers five counties and can accurately be described as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The stunningly breathtaking trails take riders through huge forests, lakes and picture-perfect small towns. There are many spots along the way to set up camp and so some fishing and boating.

A very attractive route for bicycling groups to follow the Wisconsin River as it snakes its way through the state's central region. This route is easy and long, and ideal for tourists and ordinary bicyclists who want to explore the destinations in the region while having some fun as a group. The most scenic and popular sections can be found in the rural area around Wisconsin Rapids, and all the way from there to Baraboo.

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.

All these choices call for tour participants to set aside at least a week, if not more. It doesn't mean a whole week of hard physical exertion. On the contrary, this is an experience where the journey is supposed to be as enjoyable as the destinations, and bicyclists can set their own sweet pace as a group. It's OK to meander and smell the flowers, so to speak.

There are quite a few other choices too. The state has more than 80 trails that are a part of the rails-to-trails system operated by the state, where the trials follow abandoned railway lines. One of the most famous trails in this system is the 32-mile Elroy-Sparta Trail (an hour from Baraboo) offering spectacular rural vistas and three tunnels.

Diehard fans of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture will be thrilled by a bicycle tour of his masterpieces scattered around Spring Green and Taliesin, which was his hometown. Similarly, Civil War and history buffs may like to follow the Milton bicycling tour which includes the exciting tunnel route used by slaves heading north to Canada. The tunnel runs from the historic Milton House stagecoach inn all the way to a log cabin.

A touch of luxury with resort stays and other niceties added to Wisconsin bicycle tours makes it a lot easier. The resort can be used as a daily starting point for the group, with the tour company providing the bikes and a guide to explore all the trails in the surroundings before returning to the hotel in the evening. This is a great choice for those who want to have an outdoor experience without giving up the comforts of home and modernity.




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