Labor Day Weekend: 3-Day Countryside Tour!

Introduction: Celebrating our 11th season, join us on another bike camping trip — just enough time to get away without burning through valuable vacation time! With multiple towns and quaint villages to refresh and rest in, a bird refuge, a historic bridge and dam, and beautiful urban trails, you'll likely agree that this tour has something for you! We will camp at Astico County Park near Columbus, WI, and the beautiful Crawfish River. The intent is to have an easy Day 2, Sunday, out-and-back exploring the countryside around Reeseville and Waterloo, and return on Day 3, Monday, Labor Day, but the event is flexible and may change due to weather and majority interest.

Check out photos from our prior tour here: 2023 Astico Overnight

We hope to see you there!

Cost: $40 (4-6 people), $50 (3 people). Firewood and food extra.

Skill level: Beginner-Intermediate.

Length: Day 1: 50± mi, Day 2: Out and back 40-60± mi, Day 3: 50± (150± total). Each day may be a little shorter or longer, depending on the number of optional rest stops.

Terrain: Approx. 90% paved road, 10% Paved Trail. It is mostly rolling hills with minor climbs and flat farm topography. 4 out of 10 elevation difficulty.

Parking: Middleton Park and Ride. 4400 Parmenter St, Middleton, WI 53562

**Please call the Middleton Police Dept. at (608) 824-7300 the morning of departure if you use the Park and Ride, since we will be over the allotted 48 hours. They have given us permission.**

Time: 9:00 a.m. arrival, 9:30 a.m. departure

Route:
MAD-Astico O/N_Fall26 Ready for download.
D2-Astico-O&B-26 Ready for download.

A refreshed route from the 2023 tour with a few more services.

Food Options: Please see GPS route. A nearby restaurant is an option for dinner on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Amenities: Shower, running water, modern bathroom, hiking trails

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: Riders must have signed the 2026 Waiver and Contact Form.

⚡ E-bikes are welcome, but please reach out before reserving to ensure we can provide adequate service and that goals align. ⚡

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 weather conditions are poor. 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