For those of you training for big rides this year or who want an extra bit of hill work, you are invited to join FVBSC as we head north.  We will ride the Wisconsin Ironman Cycling Course (2019) as a training ride.  The official course (all asphalt) is 110 miles with approximately 6,000’ elevation, but you can also cut it short to about 66 miles by eliminating the second loop. This is a challenging course, especially for us Illinois Flatlanders.  Although we will start as a group, this ride is a “take it as your own pace” ride, which means you may end up riding solo (there is no pressure to keep pace with the group).

We will start at Olin Park, next to the Sheraton Madison Inn, on Saturday, Aug 7 at 6:00 am.  You can drive up that morning (approximately 2.25 hours from St. Charles) or stay at a Madison-area hotel the night before.  Staying at the Sheraton Madison Inn is very convenient as it is right on the course and you can leave your car in the hotel parking lot.  This is a self-supported ride but there are 3 rest stops along the way:  Verona, Mt. Horeb and Cross Plains gas stations.

For those planning to come up the night before (Aug 6), a group dinner at Paisan’s Restaurant for Italian carb loading is planned for 6:30 pm.  Paisan’s, 131 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 608-257-3832 (parking under the restaurant or on the street) - overlooking beautiful Lake Monona.

Sheraton Inn Madison, 706 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI  608-251-2300

ROUTE_100 MILES_UPDATED

Those interested in making it a Madison weekend, we will do a casual recovery ride on the Madison-area trails on Sunday.  A state trail pass ($5) is required https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission/trailpass and here is a link to various county mapshttps://www.cityofmadison.com/bikeMadison/resources/trails.cfm