Tag: Bicycle Touring

The midwestern United States is sometimes maligned as too boring, too conservative, and too cold. But believe it or not, the region plays host to some great cycling locations, such as Minneapolis, Minnesota. But another place that draws cyclists from around the country is Wisconsin.

Wisconsin is primarily known for its cheese and beer, not so much for being a hub of great cycling. Turns out that is a false impression. So, if you are a cyclist who loves both cheese and beer, you are in luck! You can ride a special multi-day bicycle tour of Wisconsin called the Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows Bicycle Tour.

History of The Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows Bicycle Tour

The Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows Bicycle Tour began around 2010 (no specific date could be found) and was organized by the Twin Cities Bicycle Club. The goal of the event is to celebrate Wisconsin’s “...agricultural heritage, Swiss traditions, and local craft brews,” according to the tour’s director Mary Derks.

The event takes place over 5 days with a looped route that starts and ends in Sauk, Wisconsin, which is 25 miles from Wisconsin’s capital city of Madison, and is capped at 50 cyclists. Each day, cyclists pedal from one hotel to the next and pass through the towns of Sauk City, New Glarus, Madison, and then back to Sauk City where the ride began.

Along the way, participants put in around 60 miles each day with some moderate climbing mixed in and the chance to sample a lot of cheese. The tour gets its odd name from the Swiss cheese factories that once populated the route.

Route and Mileage For The Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows Bicycle Tour

If you choose to ride this bicycle tour, you will be riding a lot of backcountry farm roads. However, if you think this ride will be short and easy, then think again. You will be riding a little over 60 miles each day with close to 2,ooo feet of climbing. The event website even states that this ride is not for a beginning cyclist.

The first day of riding, in fact, features a lot of climbing at almost 2,400 feet. The nice thing is that cyclists will be spending two nights in New Glarus where “the tour” part of the event kicks in. Riders can visit New Glarus Brewing and see the town itself, which contains an historic Swiss village.

Madison is the other town where participants will be spending an additional night. The last day of the event is the ride from Madison back to Sauk City, which turns out to be the lowest mileage day of the five at 52 miles.

Registration and Inclusions for The Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows Bicycle Tour

This event lasts 5 days and, as already mentioned, is capped at 5o riders. The cost is $1,360 per person with double occupancy. If you want a solo room, then add $450. If you register early, you can get a free event shirt. That may seem like a high price tag, but, as you will see, there are a lot of amenities included.

• Five free nights lodging
• 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners
• Swiss entertainment in New Glarus
• Farm and dairy tours
• Baggage transport to each night’s destination
• RWGPS route files,
• SAG & mechanical support
• All the scenery and fun you can pack in!

Of course, your fees to get to Sauk City and transport of your bike and gear to the start point of the tour fall to you.

Last Thoughts

The Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cows Bicycle Tour looks to be a fun and casual way to get in some good miles, eat some good food, drink some good beer, and take in some heartland scenery. Though the price tag might seem high, once you register, all your concerns are taken care of, so all you have to do is show up and ride your bike.

The nice thing about this event ride is that you will be part of the 50 cyclists allowed to participate. That means you won’t feel that stressful competition factor that’s present at some event rides, or that you’ll be bumping into tons of other riders.

The goal of this event is a relaxed and fun ride each day. The Swiss Cheese and Spotted Cows Bicycle Tour happens on June 26th and is a popular event that often sells out, so make sure to register early.