Name: The Elroy Sparta Trail weekend!
Start: 2024-08-23T12:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-08-25T14:00:00-05:00

Let's ride the Elroy-Sparta Trail (http://www.elroy-sparta-trail.com/)!

The Elroy Sparta Trail is one of four linked trails!

Located approximately 3-1/2 hours northwest of central Lake County, the granddaddy of all U.S. rail-trails runs for 32 miles between Elroy and Sparta, Wisconsin, it passes through three rock tunnels and five small towns.

[https://wi-dnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=208e78896df7496b9e7f6bddad760002](https://wi-dnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=208e78896df7496b9e7f6bddad760002)

This is a pretty flat trail, with very gradual grades leading up to each of the tunnels. The trail has a very hard packed crushed limestone and clay surface. A trail bike is preferred, but a road bike could also be used. You will need to have a headlight and tail light for your bicycle to make your way as you walk through the tunnels.

For those who are able to arrive early on Friday, we can head to Elroy like last year. Everyone rides to Sparta on Saturday, and those who didn't get to Elroy on Friday can ride there Sunday morning. If you rode with us last year, riding to Elroy on Friday was a good thing!

**Please note:** this ride is strictly dependent on weather conditions and may be canceled prior to departure.

**Accommodations:**

Camping at the Village of Wilton Campground [https://wiltoncampground.com/](https://wiltoncampground.com/) located just a short distance from the trail. No reservations required.

**Camp rates:**

$20 per tent, per day

$30 per RV site per day

$5 per day for electricity

Wilton campground has a large area for tent camping and can accommodate pull-behind trailers, pickup campers and motorhomes. No pre-set check-in / check-out times. Don't forget your supply of quarters for the showers - $.50 (I think) for 4 minutes. Feel free to bring all your camping paraphernalia and supplies or "camp light", bringing only beverages and snacks and eating your meals in town.

Not a camper? Other options are available.

**Friday**: Leave home whenever you are able to. Arrive in Wilton
Early arrival ride to Elroy, with dinner stop at Dorset Valley Schoolhouse if time allows, kitchen closes at 8:
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44135686](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44135686)

Friday late arrivals:
Setup, settle in, grab some dinner at The Hitchin' Post, kitchen closes at 8:
[https://www.yelp.com/menu/hitchin-post-wilton](https://www.yelp.com/menu/hitchin-post-wilton)
and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow LCBG members around the campfire.

**Saturday**: Sparta (40 miles round-trip, 53 with side trip)
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44135209](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44135209)

BYOB \~ bring your own breakfast! Bring whatever you'd like to get your day started! Since there aren't many options for in town breakfast venues, bring whatever you'd like for your morning meal. Those not camping, meet at the Village of Wilton Campground at 8:30 a.m. / Ride time 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, everybody rides as we head to Sparta. We will stop at the famous Ben Bikin' statue for a few pictures, then *maybe* head out to the fiberglass graveyard for more pictures! How can we NOT take pictures of giant ice cream cones, cows, dinosaurs etc. The graveyard is about 4 miles off trail on a 2 lane blacktop and some neighborhood streets. There will be a stop for lunch in Norwalk on our way back to Wilton.

**Sunday**: to Elroy (33 miles round-trip) for those who couldn't ride on Friday.

BYOB \~ Same as yesterday! Meet at the Village of Wilton Campground at 8:30 a.m. / Ride time 9:00 a.m.

Sunday's ride goes to the east end of the trail - to the town of Elroy - passing through a 1/4 mile tunnel along the way. Enjoy lunch in Elroy.

Ride back to Wilton, pack up and drive home.

**NOTE: A Wisconsin state trail pass** (http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/trailpass.html) is required to ride on the Elroy-Sparta Trail. There are many places in Wilton where you may purchase a trail pass if needed; these include Wilton Hardware Hank, Wilton Fastrip, and Main Street Market.

**Items to bring:**

* tent
* light
* sleep pad/cot
* sleeping bag
* pillow
* camp chair
* bug spray
* camp games, musical instruments etc.
* the usual biking paraphernalia including a lightweight jacket for the cool wet & drippy tunnels!

**FRONT AND REAR BIKE LIGHTS MANDATORY!** You need to see to navigate through the tunnels!

This weekend dependent on weather.

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The Elroy Sparta Trail weekend!

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The Elroy Sparta Trail weekend!

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