We ran this route for the first time in 2018 and have run it every year since. Why? Here’s the scoop:
- ACP certified so it counts for R5000, R10000 awards.
- Ideal for those chasing RUSA cups – 1000K’s are hard to find! Most are 1000K options tacked on to 1200K’s and if you’ve ridden 1000K you might as well get credit for the full Grand Randonnee.
- Goes through 4 states (WI, MN, IL, IA) for those chasing American Explorer states. How often can you do that in a single ride outside of New England?
- Low cost ($25).
- Three loops out of a hotel so no screwing around with drop bags.
- Host hotel rooms have fridge and microwave so you can stock up with whatever is your pleasure. Finish riding, throw some food in the microwave while you shower, eat, hit the sack.
- 3 days of riding in the beautiful Driftless region – does it get any better?
- Excellent training for other events!
Sold yet? OK, here are the details:
Day One: 233.6 miles, 10,170 feet of climbing. Route here
Day Two: 214.6 miles, 8,497 feet of climbing. Route here
Day Three: 180.2 miles, 5,992 feet of climbing. Route here
The ride starts in the back parking lot of the White House Ramada Inn in Richland Center (608)-647-8869 so that’s the most convenient place to stay. See the note in the FAQ, the hotel is very popular for weddings so it tends to fill up so book early. An alternate is the Center Lodge (608)-647-8988 which is about 1/2 mile away via a bike trail in the back of the hotel. Both hotels have refrigerators and microwaves in the rooms so you can stock up with your pre and post-ride beverages or food.
This is a lightly supported, low cost event. There are ample places along the route for food/water so there are no aid stations, sag support, etc.
No qualification is required for the ride and there is no rider limit.
Pre-registration is required for this event.
More info on the ride can be found here.