When was the last time you rode the Elroy Sparta trail?
07-25-16, 02:44 AM
#1
Bran Knew
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When was the last time you rode the Elroy Sparta trail?
07-27-16, 05:27 PM
#3
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10 years ago, maybe? It was okay. The tunnel on the Badger State Trail is better, and the Sugar River Trail is better all-around.
I need to hit some far northern Wisconsin state trails, however. Can hardly wait.
I need to hit some far northern Wisconsin state trails, however. Can hardly wait.
08-02-16, 05:18 PM
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2006 or earlier??? I was reading up on it the other day and reviews say it's not the same. No$$ for upkeep and lots of shade trees cut down. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has ridden it lately as well.
08-03-16, 08:26 AM
#6
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June 29, 2016. We parked our Grand Caravan at Elroy and rode our tandem (700 x 37 tires) to Sparta to celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary. We stayed at the Best Western and rode back next day. (We had phoned to make sure we could have the bike in our room overnight.) Trail has been kept in great shape. Only the first few miles from the Elroy end were not shaded. One surprise, we met a small cow on the trail as we exited one of the tunnels on the return leg. We talked to her quietly as we walked the bike slowly toward her and she climbed back up the embankment to the opening in the fence where another young cow was waiting. Most enjoyable little get away.
Last edited by 3bluebikes; 08-03-16 at 08:45 AM. Reason: additional details
08-04-16, 06:52 AM
#7
Newbie
I rode the trail yesterday. Took Speed's shuttle from Sparta to Elroy. During the drive, the driver told me that a section of the trail between tunnel 3 and Sparta was closed a few weeks ago. A lot of trees had blown down across the trail during a storm. The trees have been removed and the trail is now open.
Despite the hot and humid weather, I had a fantastic ride! I love this trail.
Despite the hot and humid weather, I had a fantastic ride! I love this trail.
08-15-16, 03:49 PM
#8
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Elroy-Sparta has been extended on both ends. In May 2012 I took the Great River State trail in Trempealeaug all the way down to Reedsburg on a self-supported tour, and then back to Madison. The only problem was finding a suitable road coming out of Reedsburg on my way to Devil's Lake State Park. I had a narrow shoulder and trucks whizzing by too close for comfort. The path is in very good shape all of the way. The limestone rocks are a bit hard on tires and you do get a lot of dust in the drivetrain.
I was there during the tail end of a recession and main streets on a lot of towns were in very rough shape with a lot of vacancies. There's such an economic and cultural contrast from city life to small towns in WI or anywhere else, and riding that stretch really drove it home to me. Hard to find decent restaurants or coffee shops for much of that stretch. There are lots of places to pitch a tent, though.
I was there during the tail end of a recession and main streets on a lot of towns were in very rough shape with a lot of vacancies. There's such an economic and cultural contrast from city life to small towns in WI or anywhere else, and riding that stretch really drove it home to me. Hard to find decent restaurants or coffee shops for much of that stretch. There are lots of places to pitch a tent, though.
09-18-16, 07:32 AM
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Yesterday! Although the leaves haven't started to change colors quite yet, it's still a memorable experience in the autumn. The weather couldn't have been nicer...
03-01-17, 02:18 PM
#10
Newbie
This past summer during the weekend when WI does not charge admission to it's parks, mid June I think. They were having an anniversary celebration of the trails as well. I think I started in Wilton, or whatever city is south of the long tunnel and rode to Elroy, then took the Hustler trail up to the tunnel and retraced my route. The celebration was in Kendall. This was the third time I have traveled this trail, every trip just a bit different. I have a bug net for my hammock, so I am hoping to do some over nighters.
03-01-17, 07:24 PM
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June 2016. I rode from Elroy to Sparta towing a little trailer I made from an old Burley kid transporter. Camped overnight right outside Sparta in WI DNR campsite and road back the next day. No problems with the trail even while pulling the trailer. The tunnels are really cool! Bring BIG powerful lights! The tunnel on the Badger State trail is REALLY nice, it has a curve in the tunnel and you really need lights in this one as the sun never goes through it.
