Biking is the new Golf - You Heard it from Wisconsin B&Bs

[caption id="attachment_1675" align="alignright" width="300"]Parkview B&B in Reedsburg Parkview B&B in Reedsburg[/caption] Are you more interested in wheeling along than walking along? You're not alone. Cycling is now being referred to as the new golf. Here in Wisconsin we have a great rails-to-trails bike system, 117 designated Rustic Roads spanning 669 miles through 59 counties,  plus lots of opportunities to log miles in state and county parks.  Wisconsin has some pretty awesome city cycling too. Take Madison, for example. They have a bike-share program, and commuter bike trails, with several connecting to excellent state trails, for those yearning for a longer-distance ride.  Of course, golf is pretty spectacular here too. The U.S. Open is coming to Wisconsin next year and that's after the state hosted the PGA last year.  We're so glad spring is here and we have a hunch we're not alone. Wisconsin is one of the top bicycling destinations in the U.S. and we're not making that up. Just ask the League of American Bicyclists - they are the ones doing the rankings. Old railroad beds converted to bike trails, including the famous Elroy-Sparta trail, have helped put Wisconsin on the national bike map in a big way. [caption id="attachment_1672" align="alignleft" width="300"]Grapevine Log Cabins in Sparta Grapevine Log Cabins in Sparta[/caption]     If you'd like to map out an extended weekend itinerary that allows you to bike during the day and pull in to B&Bs at dusk, consider one of your stops at Fountain Chateau B&B in Hustler.   The beautiful Omaha Bike Trail (originally the Omaha Railroad), connects right next door, where you can  bike all the way to the Elroy-Sparta Trail and the 400 State Park Trail. The Grapevine Log Cabins is almost within earshot of the Elroy-Sparta bike trail, a short 1 ½ miles, where it meets the La Crosse River Trail, and Justin Trails Resort tells their guests to make sure they don't miss the trail's 875' tunnel - it's awesome. [caption id="attachment_1674" align="alignright" width="300"]Justin Trails Resort in Sparta Justin Trails Resort in Sparta[/caption]             [caption id="attachment_1679" align="alignleft" width="300"]Pleasant View B&B in Chippewa Falls Pleasant View B&B in Chippewa Falls[/caption] Folks who visit Pleasant View B&B can access the Old Abe Bike Trail less than 1/2 mile away, one of 12 paved bike trails in Wisconsin, Another rail trail, Old Abe follows the Chippewa River from Chippewa Falls to Cornell, connecting Lake Wissota and Brunet Island state parks. A future addition will connect the trail with the Chippewa and Red Cedar state trails, creating a network of more than 70 miles of connected trails in the Chippewa Valley. Innkeepers who bike themselves include Heidi and Tom at the Buckingham Inn in Madison, so you'd be in great company at their B&B.  The inn provides free passes for Madison's city bike-share program for a quick ride to restaurants, the Capitol, and other Madison area attractions.   [caption id="attachment_1676" align="alignright" width="300"]Pedal'rs Inn B&B Pedal'rs Inn B&B[/caption]   We couldn't talk bicycling without mentioning the Pedal'rs Inn B&B in Wales, a bicycling inspired inn, where you can pick up the scenic Glacial Drumlin State Trail. Located just a short drive north of Milwaukee, is Hidden Serenity B&B in West Bend and the Eisenbahn, a "rails to trails" project, where you get the beauty of biking in the Kettle Moraine without the steep hills.  Many B&Bs offer relaxing massages at their inns, so inquire, just in case you need to pamper yourself after your day's ride. [caption id="attachment_1678" align="alignnone" width="300"]Hidden Serenity B&B Hidden Serenity B&B[/caption] We don't want to leave out the golfers, so here's a fun fact: There are three Hurdzan Fry-designed courses in Wisconsin and they're all public courses: Erin Hills, near Hartford, site of the 2017 U.S. Open, is just 6 miles from the Westphal Mansion Inn B&B, a restored 1913 mansion. [caption id="attachment_1669" align="alignright" width="250"]Bowman's Oak Hill B&B in Wis Dells Bowman's Oak Hill B&B in Wis Dells[/caption] Get in a few rounds before the pros descend next year; Wild Rock, the quarry course in Wisconsin Dells, chiseled around and through a former quarry, is for the golfer who embraces a challenge.  After a day on the course relax in this cottage nestled near the edge of the woods at Bowman's Oak Hill B&B; or Troy Burne, in Hudson, just 30 minutes from St. Paul and only 15 minutes from the premier Queen Anne Victorian Phipps Inn.  For more B&B options near these courses, just search by city on our website.   [caption id="attachment_1677" align="alignnone" width="280"]Phipps Inn in Hudson Phipps Inn in Hudson[/caption]

Biking Season is Nearly Here, Really, We Promise

  [caption id="attachment_1142" align="alignright" width="208"] Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail tunnel, photo courtesy of Franklin Victorian B&B, Sparta.[/caption] Most of the snow has melted, there is that unmistakable smell of spring in the air, and the birds are chirping like they’re trying out for the musical chorus of a Broadway show.  All that’s left is for the temperature to cooperate, and it will, any day now, we just know it. Rather than fixating on the mercury (remember, a watched pot never boils), take the time to tune up the Trek and make a reservation at an inn near your favorite bike trail in Wisconsin. Here’s a map to help you plan your inaugural 2013 biking getaway. [caption id="attachment_1145" align="alignleft" width="350"] Photo courtesy of Franklin Victorian B&B, Sparta[/caption]

A new map for Bikers & B&B goers

Last week we shared with you that Madison was just rated the fifth most bikeable city in the United States. Finding scenic bike trails throughout Wisconsin is easy too … it's deciding which one to ride that's tough.  A trip thru tunnels and countryside?  A spin on an urban riverfront trail?  Nearly flat rail trails or a rolling forest trail? Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for its thousands of miles of on & off road bike trails & scenic paths, and we’re a leader in converting rails to trails. We make it easy for you to B&B&B - that's Bed & Breakfast & Biking, of course.  Our bike trail map shows the asphalt or crushed limestone trails (no roads) that are accessed within 10 miles of a B&B city.  Of course, many bike trails are just a few blocks from a B&B.  Your innkeeper will be delighted to recommend the best routes. [caption id="attachment_662" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="The Interurban Trail links Mequon, Cedarburg, and Port Washington over a 30 mile route. How convenient for bikers that American Country Farm (Mequon), Stagecoach Inn and Washington House Inn (Cedarburg), and Port Washington Inn (Port Washington) are on this trail."][/caption]

Madison Continues to Rack Up Bike-Friendly Honors

Madison was just rated the fifth most bikeable city in the United States by Bike Score, a quantitative measurement of locations based on availability of bike lanes and infrastructure, hilliness, amenities and percent of people who bike to work.  Check out the heat map that shows areas best for biking in green and those areas not so accommodating in orange and red.  It would be fitting to stay at a Travel Green Wisconsin certified B&B when in Madison if you’re there to bike, don’t you agree?  There’s a nice trio to choose from: Annie’s B&B, Speckled Hen Inn, and Token Creek Eco-Inn.   [caption id="attachment_648" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Look what's waiting for you after exploring Madison's bike trails at Token Creek Eco Inn just outside of Madison."][/caption]
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