Memorial Day Weekend: 3-Day State Line Classic!

Introduction: Celebrating our 11th season, join us on a three-day tour to our neighbors to the south via gravel trails and quiet country roads. On our first day, we'll head south out of Odana Hills Golf Course to the scenic Badger State Trail, where we will pass through the towns of Belleville, Montebello, and Monroe before transitioning to the beautiful Jane Addams Trail once we cross the Illinois state line. Our first night, we'll stay at the secluded Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area (sorry, no alcoholic beverages). On Day 2, we'll meander back north on gravel and quiet country roads through the towns of South Wayne and Argyle before reaching our destination for the night, along the picturesque Pecatonica River in Blandchardville, one of the group's favorite villages over the years. The final day takes us over some hills to New Glarus, the bustling hamlet of Paoli, before heading toward Verona, where we take the Military and Southwest Commuter Path back to Madison.

If the distance from Madison is too far, or you are looking to condense the tour into two days, an optional start from New Glarus State Woods is available with a vehicle state park sticker and license plate number for the park manager. Please reach out at least 3 days in advance with this information. Note that the route and itinerary are flexible and may be adjusted due to weather or member preferences, but the intent is to offer the full route.

See highlights from the tour in 2018: 3 Day Border Classic: Badger Trail, Lake Le-Aqua-Na & Yellowstone Lake!

Whichever option you choose, you'll likely agree this tour will be rewarding, with changes in riding type each day and beautiful landscapes and food.

We hope to see you there!

Skill level: Intermediate.

Pace: Party (approx. 9-12 mph). We will have "checkpoints" for those who want to ride a little faster.

Length:
Day 1: 58± miles (38± miles option if starting from New Glarus)
Day 2: 41± miles
Day 3: 42± miles (15± miles option if starting from New Glarus)

Terrain:
The first day, while the highest in mileage, will likely be the easiest due to the very mild elevation gain and the heavy use of bike paths. Day 2 will have the most elevation gain per mile on country roads, while Day 3 will have slightly fewer hills. The max grade climb for the entire tour is still projected to be under 8.0%.

Internary/Services: Coming soon.

GPS Routes: WI-IL State Line Classic - PRELIMINARY NOT FOR DOWNLOAD

I will conduct a sweep a few days before the event to identify any road or trail closures.

Parking:
Full Route: Charles Street (just north of Odana Golf Course)

Shortened Route: New Glarus State Park w/Vehicle State Park sticker. You will also need to provide me with your vehicle information at least 3 days in advance so I can send it to the Park Manager.

Time:
Full Route: Arrival is 8:30 a.m., departure is 9:00 a.m.
New Glarus: TBD. A meeting place will be coordinated in the lead-up to the event.

Cost: $40-50 estimated for camping and optional firewood, pending attendance. Payment via cash or Venmo at the event is preferred.

Campsite Amenities: Restroom and showers at Lake Le-Aqua-Na SRA. Restrooms and village services (gas station, restaurants, grocery store, hardware store) near McKeller Park in Blandchardville.

Food: Several options on the route. Lake Le-Aqua-Na SRA is secluded, so I would suggest having dinner and breakfast in camp. Blandchardville offers full food services for breakfast and dinner near the campsite, if desired.

Pre-ride tips: Organize and pack your gear several days in advance, tune up your bike if necessary, and take your packed bike for a short ride around the block. Does it feel balanced? These few steps will help you feel more confident on the morning of departure.
A highly recommended video for a Lightweight Bike Touring Setup:
The Best Lightweight Bike Touring Setup
The 'Discussion' section contains more videos and tips on bicycle touring.

Final Notes: A trail pass is required. You can order a 2026 Trail Pass here on the Wisconsin Bike Fed: 2026 Wisconsin State Pass
Riders must have signed the 2026 Waiver and Contact Form. Helmets, lights, proper nutrition, and hydration are all encouraged. A minimum of two 16 oz. bottles of water and two energy bars daily are good starting points. Participants should be prepared to ride the entire route at their own pace. Please inform the leader if you abandon the ride or deviate significantly from the intended course.
We will cancel at least 2 hours in advance if the weather is bad. Please be courteous to the organizers by RSVPing only if you intend to attend and keep your RSVP up to date. This is for the small minority - most of you are great, but repeated no-shows occupying valuable spots may result in your ban from the group. We reserve the right to replace it with a similar event or cancel due to a lack of interest, current events, or poor trail or road conditions.

Suggested Yearly Donation: $25