A bike ride with a Superior view
WASHBURN, Wis. – One of the most exhilarating cycling tours in the Midwest takes riders on a picturesque woodland adventure featuring sweeping panoramic views of Lake Superior. A certified Travel Green Wisconsin event, the 11th annual Superior Vistas Bike Tour hits the road on Saturday, June 27, 2015.
This family-oriented bike tour is a non-competitive, eco-friendly, multi-loop bike ride (not a race) that is presented by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Washburn Chamber of Commerce and North Coast Cycling Association. Many riders come back year after year to enjoy Superior Vistas’ scenic, paved, low-traffic roads and cruise the gently rolling hills with gorgeous views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forest and countryside.
Cycling enthusiast Karen N. of St. Paul, Minn., described the event as “just a fabulous ride.” Karen and her husband took the Superior Vistas Bike Tour two years ago and were so impressed that they brought their two adult children and one’s girlfriend along last year.
“I've ridden a few other organized rides, including one in Taos, New Mexico,” Karen said. “The Superior Vistas Bike Tour is by far the best. And it’s so undiscovered. I keep telling friends about it.
“What’s so wonderful is that you do attract all levels,” she added. “Five of us (family members) can start out together, and although we won’t all finish at the same time, it is a family activity.”
Superior Vistas is a fully supported ride with route map, “sag wagons” (support vehicles), signs, toilet facilities, and food/beverage rest stops along the way and at the finish. Some routes overlap so participants can decide to shorten or lengthen their ride as they wish. Riders can choose from loops of 13, 19, 34, 52, and 70 miles. There is also a 40-mile "out and back" tour up to Cornucopia and a century (100-mile) ride.
In addition, new this year is a 10-mile off-road loop that follows the Brownstone Mountain Bike Race course. The route then changes to gravel, switches to a hard surface and finally a dirt trail to finish. It includes a rest stop at the Bayview Town Hall plus lots of stunning Lake Superior scenery.
The 13-mile route is hilly, but rest stops are available at miles 5 and 8. Children as young as 10 years have completed it. The 19- and 34-mile loops include a stop at Long Lake and riders often pack a swimsuit and small towel and take a dip before continuing their tour.
The 40-mile loop to Cornucopia and back and the 100-mile loop include biking past scenic Siskiwit Falls and a rest stop at the Town of Bell Lakeside Park in the quaint fishing village of Cornucopia. Riders are encouraged to bring a camera. This is also a great spot for a swim and there is fresh artesian water available at this stop.
The 52-, 70- and 100-mile loops take riders through the famed Moquah Barrens, a Wisconsin State Natural Area with over 20 miles of some of the sweetest, smoothest blacktop in the beautiful Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Whatever route they choose, all riders launch from the beautiful shores of Lake Superior at Thompson’s West End Park in Washburn and experience an exhilarating downhill run to a sheltered finish at the park. Just remember: This is a ride, not a race! Novices as well as experienced riders and families are encouraged to participate.
For more details, check out the website at www.superiorvistas.org or contact the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-284-9484/715-682-2500.