COWs Fall Rally–Green Bay, WI

Friday, September 27, 2013

Because we were not able to leave home until 12:30pm, we didn’t arrive in Green Bay until 5pm—too late to bike the Friday Ice Cream Ride. Many team members did bike and they reported that they had a great ride. Dennis and I enjoyed sitting on the deck of the Fajita Republic restaurant watching the teams roll in. This also gave us time to pick up our registration packet from hosts Barb and Steve Derenne and gather information about our upcoming weekend in Green Bay.

We chose Mackinaws for supper which was in walking distance from our hotel. We shared our plans with others and by evening, we had 10 teams joining us. Mackinaws did a super job taking care of our last-minute, large group. One delightful gentleman offered to take a photo of our group. We later found out he was the owner of Mackinaws. Not only were they friendly here but the food was awesome!

Saturday, September 28, 2013
COWs Fall Rally Day #2: 40.66 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 3 hours 14 minutes, average speed 12.5

28 tandem teams gathered in the parking lot of the Country Inn & Suites to chat before the 9:00am mass start onto the roads east of Green Bay. The sky was blue and the temperature rose into the 80’s by ride’s end. The planned route was fabulous and included not only road riding but also put us on a bike path along the shores of Green Bay with its fabulous views.

We continued pedaling along this beautiful route until we came to the town of Dykesville. In this town was a wonderful resting spot where we stopped for a mid-morning treat. As we sat in the outdoor seating section of Sweet Seasons, we could watch and wave to all the tandem teams passing by. Many stopped to join us and soon the complete outside deck of the restaurant was full of red and white jerseys.

Well-fed and rested, we pedaled back towards Green Bay. We encountered one very steep hill near route’s end. The treat we had at Sweet Seasons gave us the energy we needed to keep the pedals moving. We reached the top, gathered our breath and continued on towards our end point. After washing up and packing our bike away for the day, we, along with 4 other teams decided to return to Mackinaws for an early supper. Because it was so tasty on Friday night, I ordered the same meal of pan fried walleye—YUM!

Our rally hosts were planning an evening social and we finished at Mackinaws in time to attend. After visiting with many COWs members, we settled in to play a serious game of Spinner Dominoes—a great way to end this busy day.

Sunday, September 29, 2013
COWs Fall Rally Day #3: 31.10 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 2 hours 18 minutes, average speed 12.9

On the last day of the COWs Fall rally we usually bike a few miles to breakfast returning to the hotel in time for the required check out. This year we were on route by 8am and chose to bike the ice cream route which we missed on Friday. We had breakfast at our hotel and then joined a few teams that wanted to repeat this route with us.

What made this route so special, other than the company joining us, was the chance to bike the Fox River Trail, named because of its beautiful views of the Fox River. In the past this has been a well-traveled route: First by Native Americans, then French explorers and traders and later the Milwaukee and Northern Railway. The Fox River State Recreational Trail stretches 20 miles from downtown Green Bay to the Brown/Calumet County line.

Back at the hotel, we packed everything up and said good-bye to many we wouldn’t see again until spring. We really enjoyed this biking adventure in and around Green Bay, a part of the USA we haven’t yet biked. We are grateful to have such dedicated club members volunteer to organize events that allow the club to come together.

COWS Wrangler Ride–Lanesboro, Minnesota

RRT Lanesboro to Harmony: 45.78 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 4 hours 1 minute, average speed 11.3

The continued threat of storms caused this Wrangler group to gather at the Veerkamp farm to discuss if biking today would be an option. We missed our planned ride start by one hour which allowed the storms to clear out of the area giving us 4 hours of dry riding.

The trail was showing much damage caused by recent storms that hit southeastern Minnesota. We needed to be especially cautious around the areas covered with mud. Keeping the bike upright through each mudslide was a challenge for each captain.

The temperature was really heating up as we reached the trail signs warning us of the steep hills we needed to climb before reaching our lunch stop. Dennis and I placed ourselves ahead of the group to secure seating for 8 at the Crunchy Side in Harmony and make sure plenty of water would be waiting as each team arrived.

Pedaling back to Lanesboro was effortless. The wind was at our back and the trail rewarded us for our earlier climbing efforts. We all made it back to the start dry, safe and ready to eat again.

Back at the farm, we shared another meal together before saying good-bye to the 2013 Root River Wrangler Riders.

COWs 25th Anniversary Rally—Lake Geneva, WI

Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19, 2013

Rally Day #1: Friday, May 17, 2013

Lake Geneva, WI to Richmond, IL: 31.25 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 2 hours 26 minutes, average speed 12.7

We arrived in Lake Geneva well before check in and were surprised to learn our room was ready for us. This gave us much needed time to prepare for the wild and crazy weekend ahead. Our room was wonderful with a door out to a private deck overlooking Geneva Lake. We took some time to breathe deeply and enjoy the view before joining the commotion beginning at the registration desk in the hotel lobby. The organization of our rally hosts allowed Dennis and I to take part in all rally activities.  As new secretaries of the club, we expected to be on duty during registration times but our fabulous hosts had everything covered.

After having a quick lunch at Gino’s, we rallied to ride with three Missouri teams and a few Wisconsin members. The route took us southeast through rolling farmlands and forests to Pell Lake and then on towards the Wisconsin/Illinois border. We rode through Genoa City and into the charming town of Richmond, IL, stopping at Skoopers for an ice cream treat—Moose Tracks, Yum!

A descent to Big Foot State Park held a beautiful panoramic view of Geneva Lake. Climbing out of the park, we rode past several lakeside mansions before descending back to the lake and our hotel.

We enjoyed a quite supper at Sprecher’s with Kathi and John Johnson which was followed by the COWs social hosted by Dick and Jackie Homan. We enjoyed visiting with old and new club members. Rally day one ended with a quick officer’s meeting and a final visit with Dennis and Ingrid Hughes.

Rally Day #2: Saturday, May 18, 2013

Lake Geneva, Burlington and Powers Lake: 47.16 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 3 hours 32 minutes, average speed 13.2

We awoke to another sun shining day—great for this pedaling vacation! The 59 teams were gathering in the parking lot of the host hotel for a planned start time of 9:00 a.m. We always enjoy the sea of multicolored jerseys and the excitement as the police escort sends us on our way. All routes rode together for the first 14 miles towards historic downtown Burlington, known as Chocolate City, USA. We followed the broad scenic valleys of Como Creek and the White River.

We looped around Powers Lake and the Nippersink Golf Course before returning to Lake Geneva with time to wash up and COW-pool over to Yerkes Observatory for a 3:00 p.m. private tour. The observatory was established in the 1890’s and is known for having the world’s largest lens-type telescope.

Yerkes is a 100-year-old observatory owned by the University of Chicago with five research telescopes, one of which is the largest refractor in the world. The observatory was founded in 1897 by George Ellery Hale and, using some trickery, was financed by Charles T. Yerkes.

An event social and banquet followed the Yerkes tour and was a wonderful 25-year COWs anniversary celebration and we could not have had a more appropriate setting than Celebration on Wells. We were dining in style with white linen table coverings, a chef-carved roast beef and lighting that surrounded us in an elegant atmosphere. Of the 59 couples attending the rally, 80% join the fun, food and conversation this banquet provided. The introduction of 11 new teams took place following the unveiling of a new tandem song written by Joan Laabs and Susan Pribyl and set to the tune of “Living on Tulsa Time”.

Rally Day #3: Sunday, May 19, 2013

Breakfast Ride to Twin Lakes: 28.97 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 2 hours 5 minutes, average speed 13.8

We set off on a final bike route of this Spring Rally with club members that offered their friendship back when we first joined the COWs in 2006. New members joined in and by the time we reached Twin Lakes for breakfast, the size of our group was too large to eat at the recommended diner so we pulled out our smart phones and quickly found a suitable alternative. The Corner Kitchen Family Restaurant was able to seat our group at one large table where we could enjoy this last meal together.

The packing up and good-byes began once back at our hotel. Many teams stopped to share their rally experience with us and express their thanks for a memorable 25^th anniversary rally—this one will be tough to top.

COWs 2013 Spring Rally Ride Statistics

• 5 states were represented: Wisconsin 42 teams, Illinois 6 teams, Minnesota 5 teams, Iowa 3 teams and Missouri 3 teams for a total of 59 teams
  
• 48 teams attended the Saturday banquet and social (80% of total rally attendance)
  
• 11 new teams were initiated into the club

Total Spring Rally biking miles: 107.38

Inspired Ride

Boyum Loop: 15.42 miles
Tandem Pedal Time: 1 hour 16 minutes, average speed 12.0

We decided to bike on this windy Sunday after a call from our Tandem Club presidents, Joan and John Laabs. They just reached 4000 miles on their new Volae tandem and called to let us know they were still putting on bike miles. We also had John and Kathi Johnson in mind when we decided to hit the road for some neighborhood biking. They have been biking through the Ozarks this week and taking a beating not only from the hills but also from the wind. These couples inspire Dennis and I to get out and bike. The temperature is still great for biking and we hope it continues through October.

2012 Wisconsin Dells Post Tour

Monday, September 2 through Thursday, September 6, 2012

Monday, September 3, 2012–Welcome Day

As MTR 2012 came to a close, our rally responsibilities were not yet complete. We were anxious to get to Amber’s Hideaway to greet the 18 teams registered for the Dells Post Tour. A Meet & Greet was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and we wanted to surprise the group with a charming welcome under the gazebo at Amber’s. Tom & Annette Esser were our partners in planning this event and had the responsibility of not only designing the bike routes but also acted as our party planners for this 4-day extension of MTR. Upon our arrival in the Dells, the Esser vehicle came packed with groceries, supplies and festive decorations that added charm to our welcome party. As the teams began to arrive, they were given an event packet which included a daily itinerary, cue sheets and maps for each day’s ride and the usual visitor guides and area discounts. The teams were asked to gather back at the gazebo at 5:30 p.m. to meet all attending riders and enjoy snacks and beverages all included in their $40-event fee. As the teams re-gathered, we told them that we had one secret left to share—all riders were booked passage aboard a 2-hour Upper Dells Boat Tour scheduled for Tuesday evening. The announcement received cheers from all crowded under the Hideaway gazebo as each team just realized they got quite a bargain for their $40-Post MTR ride fee—let the fun begin!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012–Ride Day 1
Dells to Baraboo: 36.26 miles
Tandem Pedal Time: 2 hours 52 minutes, average speed 12.6

Rise and shine you sleepy heads—we’ve got a busy day. All teams gathered in Amber’s parking lot at 8:45 a.m. for a professional photo shoot. Two representatives from the Dells Chamber were on site to take photos of our group for possible use in future Dells advertisements. All needed to sign a model release form before posing for the shot. We were impressed to learn that the Dells chamber was excited to welcome bike groups into the area and would be using our group as proof that the Dells is a wonderful place for a bike tour.

18 teams from 9 states

More shots were taken by the photo team as we began our mass descent onto the roads towards downtown Wisconsin Dells.

Our route of 35 miles took us south of the Dells to Baraboo, famous for its Circus World Museum and then north towards Mirror Lake State Park. There were many food and attraction stops along the way including the Ho-Chunk Casino for those feeling lucky. Dennis and I treated ourselves to a healthy Subway sandwich before turning back north towards the Dells.

We truly enjoyed the day having fun in Baraboo with 34 tandem riders from various states. The route was awesome and the weather could not have been better.

Back at Amber’s, many chose to cool off in the outdoor pool. We felt like kids again as we batted a large nubby ball around the pool. It sure was nice to have this extra time to visit before getting ready for supper and our boat tour.

The fun continues with a group gathering to walk to supper before meeting at the riverside for our boat tour. I was very impressed with the promptness of this group. At 6:00 p.m., all riders were accounted for and ready to board the Marquette. The skies were threatening rain but we were assured the tour was just as fascinating rain or shine.

Only on a Dells Boat Tour will you encounter all the amazing sights and natural wonders of the Wisconsin Dells area including an awesome journey through the hidden passages of Witches Gulch and a picture perfect view of Stand Rock.

The Scenic sandstone rock formations of Wisconsin Dells have beckoned to sightseers since the mid 1850s. Hundreds of years earlier, French explorers referred to the unique cliffs as the Dalles of the Ouisconsin. The word dalles referred to the flat, layered or slab-like characteristics of the rock. Eventually the description was translated by the English to become Wisconsin Dells.

We enjoyed our stop at the world-famous Stand Rock made so through the skillful photography of H.H. Bennett. Through his creativity, Bennett captured the first stop-action photo of his son Ashley leaping the five-foot gap from the mainland cliff to Stand Rock. The image went around the world and so began Stand Rock’s moniker as the “Trademark of the Dells.”

The boat tour was a great success. The rain held off until our final shore landing. We enjoyed sitting back relaxing as our tour staff shared tales of the early adventurers to this region. The day ended back at Amber’s where more socializing took place under the room awnings. Our connection with each member of this group was an unexpected delight and we enjoyed getting to know them better through this extended MTR event.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012–Ride Day 2
Dells to Lyndon Station: 26.20 miles
Tandem Pedal Time: 1 hour 51 minutes, average speed 13.4

Today our riders had a choice of 3 routes all heading north of the Dells and going through the town of Lyndon Station. No mass start was planned giving the riders more freedom to explore the Dells on their own. Dennis and I began biking the short route, my favorite route of all the Dells routes planned. There are few hills on this route and the road surfaces are smooth and well maintained with little traffic. We had a wonderful breakfast with John and Kathi at Lyndon Station—no lunch would be needed today.

We were back at Amber’s with plenty of time to lounge around the pool and gazebo visiting and playing dominoes and card games. Many of us got to experience a new ride—Louise Heim made her recumbent trike available and invited those interested to take it for a spin. Each rider dismounted the bike with grins from ear to ear—will there be another bike in our family soon?

Dennis and I decided to go to Marley’s for supper and others decided to join us. We called ahead and made a reservation for 30! It was a delight to have each tandem team attend this last supper in the Dells with us.

It was close to 10:00 when we arrived back at Amber’s but our evening campfire was still awaiting us. The Hideaway was a very special home for our group for the last 3 days and we look forward to our next stay. Dennis and I were planning to arise early to escort Kathi and John down the road on their continued journey south along the Mississippi so we said good night to the group and thanked each team for joining us for this bike event in the Dells.

Thursday, September 6, 2012–Ride Day 3

At the crack of dawn, Dennis and I met Kathi and John in Amber’s parking lot. We had planned to bike to Denny’s for breakfast and then bid the Johnsons farewell as they continued their trip down the Great River Road. What Kathi and John didn’t know is that we planned a surprise goodbye ceremony—we couldn’t just let them sneak out of town. At 7:00 a.m. I began ringing Johnson’s bike bell which was the signal to all Dells Post riders to open their doors and shout: “Good luck Kathi and John.” Many came out to give them one last hug before they set out and it was a very special moment. The four of us then began pedaling towards the west of town for a final breakfast together. Goodbyes are always tough but we will be watching Kathi and John’s adventures on their blog and have made plans to see them again before they head south for the winter. As Dennis and I pedaled back to Amber’s, we had time to reflect on the wonderful friends we have made since the purchase of our Rans tandem. It has been quite a journey.

We are thankful for all the Post riders who put their faith in us and registered to attend this unique event in the land of the Wisconsin Dells. We enjoyed getting to know each team and had the time of our lives!

MTR 2012 – Middleton, WI

Friday, August 31 through Monday, September 3, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012–Rally Day 1

We spent many months planning this event along with a host of volunteers from our Couples on Wheels (COWS) tandem club. Our club presidents, Joan and John Laabs did an outstanding job organizing committees and attending meetings with the Madison Chamber and a variety of others to make sure each aspect of this “Olympic” biking event was addressed. The time has now come, so let the show begin!

We left home early Friday morning for the 3-hour trek to Middleton, WI. We had a Post MTR Tour errand in the Dells prior to meeting up with our club presidents in Middleton. We arrived at the Middleton Marriott mid-morning and our room was ready. We were upgraded to a corner suite in this up-scale establishment and this was a real treat. The Marriott was a wonderful place for this event and the staff was at our beck and call throughout this holiday weekend. We lunched at Sofra’s Family Bistro with John and Joan and then boogied back to the Marriott to get ready to ride. We had a window of 2 hours free time to get our Friday route in before our 3-6 p.m. bike storage duties which were then followed by a 5-7 p.m. assignment at registration—just a little overlap here.

We biked with the Andersens for this hilly and hot 13-mile ride. We were so happy Alan and Michelle were sharing their first MTR with us this year.

A variety of volunteers worked many months to put together this Tandem Rally in Middleton, Wisconsin. Our Co-Chairs, John and Joan Laabs, designated the following committees to aid them in making this MTR a success: Vendors & Seminars headed by the Whites, Bike Storage headed by the Peters, Registration headed by the Jordans, Decorations headed by the Olsons, MTR Booklet headed by the Petersons, SAG and Finance headed by the Dobbersteins, MTR Post Ride headed by the Veerkamps and the MTR Routes headed by the Gabelts and Bill Hauda – It all came together this Labor Day weekend.

This busy day ended with a jersey purchase in the vendor area, supper at Claddagh’s Irish Pub with 9 couples and a visit with Michelle and Alan in our Marriott room. Lights went out in room 401 at 11:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 1, 2012–Rally Day 2
We were up early for a McDonald’s breakfast before attending to our Bike Storage shift scheduled for 7-9 a.m. Marsha and Bill excused us a little early so that we could join the mass start beginning at 9:00. Many tandems (approximately 425) were in line awaiting final announcements, the police escort arrived and we were off. We chose the 50-mile route with its 2200 feet of climb which took us to Lodi for a delicious lunch.

Tandem bikes lined the roadways as they were escorted out of the Middleton area towards Lodi. The weather was perfect and winds were minimal which made for a fun day of riding with this amazing mass group.

Dennis and I had little time to visit at the rest stops. We needed to get back to the hotel and collect photos as riders finished their miles for the day. These photos would be used in a movie to be run during the social hour on Sunday evening. Many stopped by to share their photos of the day’s ride and I was happy with the variety of shots received. Michelle Andersen was at my side lending support for this project.

This first day of mass riding was a delightful success with miles of smiles and colorful conversations as riders reconnected with tandem teams of years past.

Today’s route ended in downtown Middleton at the site of the Mustard Museum. Many were sampling mustard and purchasing their favorite flavor wrapped in our very own MTR mustard label.

After the riding was done, a special event was planned from 3-5 p.m. at the Capital Brewery. I sent my camera over with Joan and Kathi and the following was captured while I was busy collecting pictures for the movie.

A variety of seminars were offered this evening beginning at 4:00 p.m. My favorite topics included YOGA STRETCH FOR TANDEMISTS taught by Susan Pribyl, GOING WEST & GOING EAST by Kathi and John Johnson and finally the ABC’S OF TANDEM MAINTENANCE by Jack Goertz. Following the seminars, our group of 18 gathered at Spreckers for an entertaining evening meal. With us were the Johnsons, Andersens, Hughes, Solomons, Paulsons, Petersons, Whites, and Michelle & Steve.

Lights finally went out in room 401 at midnight after some work in preparation for the Sunday Social.

Sunday, September 2, 2012–Rally Day 3
This morning began with a call for help. A detour was being announced for the medium and long routes because of road resurfacing. Dennis and I were biking the medium route from the remote start in Cross Plains so could offer help by making sure each rider leaving from this location had the route update. We finally began biking the route at 9:45 a.m. and had little time to visit at rest stops but we did get another wonderful lunch and a chance to get our picture taken with the Sauk City parade cow before heading back to the Marriott on an altered route.

We encountered many hills and lots of wind on route today but we were also surrounded by many friendly riders from many different states across the USA.

We were back at the host hotel by 1:30 p.m. to begin setting up for the production of the MTR 2012 movie to run at 5:30 p.m. during the evening social hour. Ryan from the Marriott was very helpful and knew what needed to be done to get the show up and running and promised he would be near when the doors opened to the live show. I was also thankful for the support of Gary Solomon—tandem friend and movie maniac. As the riders entered, many showed their appreciation with words of thanks and positive reviews. How special they all made me feel.

The MTR banquet was well attended with approximately 50% of the riders paying the extra $30 per person to enjoy the music, food, conversation and get the inside scoop on upcoming MTR locations. The evening was still young following the banquet allowing another gathering at Spreckers. We enjoyed winding down around the fire pit out on the patio where we discussed our future biking plans with the tandem teams we have come to call our close friends. As the evening went on, Dennis and I began to realize that we would not be able to bike our traditional sunrise ride on the last day of MTR 2012. We were exhausted and we still had the Dells Post Tour to attend. After a goodnight to all, we rode the elevator one more time up to room 401 and fell into bed for another good night’s rest.

Monday, September 3, 2012–Rally Day 4
As MTR 2012 was winding down, we watched riders getting ready to bike the breakfast route. Dennis and I met Joan and John at Sofra’s one last time before heading to the Wisconsin Dells to set up for the Post Ride. MTR 2012 continues to gather accolades as teams send their thanks for a well-run event. Way to go COWS!

MTR 2012 Ride Statistics

Riders of MTR 2012 represented 25 states and Canada (37 from MN and 55 from WI)

The state with the most teams was awarded to Illinois with 67 registered riders

A total 425 teams were in attendance as of August 31, 2012

Our total MTR 2012 ride miles: 96

Future MTRs:
MTR 2013—Fairborn, OH
MTR 2014—Fort Wayne, IN
MTR 2015—Illinois
MTR 2016—Quad Cities, IA