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!
