Escape to The North

Sunday, June 19, Meet in Rice Lake

After checking in at the Americinn, we’ll gather at a local restaurant for a short pre-tour information meeting to say hello to our new bicycle companions and staff before sitting down to a delicious hearty dinner at a local Rice Lake restaurant. Those who arrive early in Rice Lake may want to take a dip in the hotel’s indoor pool, visit the shops in downtown Rice Lake, or go for a short bike ride in and around this bike friendly town. The Wild Rivers State Trail and Tuscobia State Trail (limestone grade) are favorites with hikers and bikers.

Monday, June 20th, Cycle to Hayward, Approximate mileage: 50

After a continental breakfast at the hotel we’ll ride through the downtown streets of Rice Lake on our way out of town. The days scenery will include lakes and woods, occasional wildlife on quiet rural roads. We might want to take off our shoes and wade in the clear water at Long Lake. Our home for the night will be the Flat Creek Lodge in Hayward. Hayward is home to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. You may wish to take a tour of the museum, visit the shops downtown. or stop at the angry Minnow Brewing Co. In the evening, we will meet at the lodge for a private dinner to share stories of the day’s ride. After Dinner we will be entertained by a Lumberjack show.  Steeped in the logging history of Wisconsin’s north woods, the show is a blend of sport, history and comedy. Located at the site of the Lumberjack World Championships, the show includes ten events as seen on ESPN’S Great Outdoor Games.

Tuesday, June 21st, Cycle to Cable, Approximate mileage: 48

After a hot breakfast, we’ll start out towards Cable. We will travel on backroads and around scenic lakes to Cable, home of the American Birkebeiner ski race. You may want to stop in Cable at the Cable Natural History Museum or have a bite to eat at the Brick House Café which was featured on the Food Network’s top rated show Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives with Guy Fieri. The last leg of the ride is to the Lakewood Resort where we will be spending the next two nights on the shores of Lake Namakagon surrounded by 850,000 acres of Chequamegon National Forest. Deluxe condos will be our home. We will join others tonight for a well-earned dinner at the Resort. An afternoon stretching and yoga class will keep your biking legs relaxed.

Wednesday, June 22nd, Layover Day, Approximate Mileage 0 – 25+

After a hot breakfast at the resort, we’ll make some choices about how to spend our lay over day. Of course, Biking options will be available. The award winning 18-hole golf course on site gives you a true Northwoods golf experience: tree-lined fairways offer glimpses of abundant wildlife while spectacular scenery and unbelievable vistas over woodland ponds and wetlands are the norm. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards will be available to rent or swimming and just relaxing are other options. A group afternoon pontoon ride will offer the opportunity to get to know your fellow bicyclists better and as well hear about the local history of the area from the driver. This day will be a good day to rest up for the long route tomorrow.

 Thursday, June 23rd , Cycle to Trego, Approximate Mileage, 61

After a hot breakfast at the resort, we make our way to the Heartwood Resort in Trego. With road construction planned this summer, we may have to take the long route but the Sag will always be available. We will be staying in guest rooms in the Eagle Lodge overlooking beautiful Hoinville Lake. A swim or kayaking after the long bike ride will allow you to relax before a well-earned dinner at the Resort Restaurant. A camp fire will cap the last evening off.

Friday, June 24th , Cycle to Rice Lake, Approximate mileage: 55

After a hot breakfast at the resort, we will peddle our way back to Rice Lake. We will be riding on shaded backroads through the woods past lakes dotted with tourist cottages.  We’ll have a rest stop in Spooner, once a railroad town where pubs and a cafe are available if you want a longer break. A stop at the Wisconsin Railroad Museum or the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum may be a nice break off the bike. Then we will be off to Shell Lake and travel towards Rice Lake. The last few miles into Rice Lake include some challenging hills to finish the week’s ride. We’ll have a chance to shower in a couple rooms set aside for us at the hotel before saying our good-byes to our new bike friends and heading home. If we’re not in a hurry to leave, we may want to explore Rice Lake a little more or take advantage of the many hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities that abound in the area. Many local 4th of July activities will be occurring over the weekend.