Tri-State Ride
July 5 - 9 , 2010
Description

You are invited to the Fourth Annual Shuttleguy Tours Tri-State Ride!
Southwestern Wisconsin – Northwestern Illinois - Northeastern Iowa

We offer you:
Genuine Midwestern Hospitality
Warm July Temperatures
A Challenging Route
Breathtaking Scenery
Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff
Five Days of Great Cycling

This ride highlights some of the most scenic areas of Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. As you ride the challenging route, you will experience spectacular hilltop vistas, ride along meandering streams, and enjoy small town charm. And the riding is only part of the draw. Riders will enjoy visiting many local highlights.

Registration Day (Sunday, July 4) 
This five day loop tour begins and ends in McGregor, Iowa, which is nestled along the Mississippi River between towering bluffs. Come early to explore the natural beauty, learn about the local history, and experience a great mix of small town charm with a touch of big city flair. Get a taste of the local favor at the winery and brewery. Visit the local casino or experience local culture at the Mar Mac Arts Center. Hike to unmatched views at Effigy Mounds National Monument and Pikes Peak State Park. Parking is available for the week.

View Larger Map

Day One (Monday, July 5)
From McGregor, you cross the Mississippi River to historic Prairie du Chien, Wis., the oldest community on the Upper Mississippi River. Explore St. Feriole Island, one of the city’s earliest settlements, or Villa Louis, a Victoria-era estate. From Prairie du Chien, you cross the Wisconsin River on the way to Wyalusing State Park. Enjoy the breath-taking view from Wyalusing atop the 500 foot bluffs overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. From Wyalusing, travel along the Mississippi River passing through the charming small towns of Bagley and Cassville on the way to Potosi, Wis. In Potosi, visit the local museum, Passage Thru Time, and learn why Potosi is known as The Catfish Capital of Wisconsin. Visit the Potosi Brewing Company and the National Brewery Museum where you can delve into the history of regional breweries, see how beer is made and sample some local brews.

Day Two (Tuesday, July 6)
You “dance on your pedals” on some challenging hills today. From Potosi, travel rural, scenic roads to Dickeyville where you find a remarkable grotto that defies words. It is a must see. More low-traffic rural roads await you on the way to Sinsinawa Mound, home of the Sinsinawa Dominicans with a beautiful chapel and grounds. From Sinsinawa, it is on to Galena, Ill., where you’ll spend two days giving you plenty of time to explore. Kayak and canoe, visit local museums and meander through downtown Galena's shops, galleries and restaurants. Discover why Forbes Traveler named Galena one of the "ten prettiest towns in America."

Day Three (Wednesday, July 7)
You have many great options today. You can take a loop ride; kayak, canoe or tube on the Galena River; shop; fish; golf or simply relax. Explore the rich history of Galena, home of the 18th president. See the oldest operating hotel in the state, The Old Market House or The Old Train Depot, just a few of the buildings in the Galena Historic District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Day Four (Thursday, July 8)
From Galena, you head west and cross the Mississippi again on the way to Dubuque, Iowa. Stop by the casino; visit the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium; take in the beauty of Iowa’s oldest church, Saint Raphael’s Cathedral; or take a ride in the old cable car elevator. From Dubuque, travel west through more quaint small Midwestern towns on the way to Dyersville, Iowa. The rich history and the beauty of the area can be seen in the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier. This Catholic church’s gothic architecture will take your breath away and is one of only 52 in the United States. Of course, Dyersville is also proud to be the home of the Academy Award nominated film Field of Dreams. Have your photo taken as you run the bases or wind up on the pitching mound to throw that special fastball. Leave time to visit the Farm Toy Museum, the Dyer-Botsford Doll Museum and Becker Woodcarving Museum.

Day Five (Friday, July 9)
From Dyersville, head north through more small hospitable towns where you can enjoy a home-cooked meal or an ice cream cone before arriving in Guttenberg, a charming town on the Mississippi River named one of America’s 20 prettiest towns by Forbes Traveler. Take time to see Lock & Dam No. 10, grab a bite to eat at one of the may restaurants, or find some of the hundred stone buildings constructed from local limestone between 1845 and 1865. After Guttenberg, take time to relax at the rest stop at the one-room school house before you get to Pikes Peak State Park, where you can enjoy the wonderful view from the overlook. Look for Wyalusing State Park across the river. From Pikes Peak, it is downhill as you return to McGregor.

Congratulations! Enjoy five days of fine memories to take home with you.
Complete information about the route, fees, amenities and our sponsors is available on this site. Please use the menu at the left to find out all the details.

Bicycle repair and mechanical support will be provided by Wheel and Sprocket of Milwaukee, Wis.