Day 1 - Thursday, August 23: Park Rapids to Walker (65 miles): Let the fun begin! Meander along forested roads and around many of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes as we make our way to Walker with stops en route at an emu farm and the Forestedge Winery. Once in Walker, check out all that this lively town, sitting on Leech Lake, has to offer including the beautiful lakefront, many shops and restaurants, and a tour/tasting at the recently opened Leech Lake Brewing Company (limited to the first 90 participants to sign up).
Day 3 - Saturday, August 25: Pequot Lakes to Wadena (73 miles). Ride around beautiful Gull Lake, with stops at the Chocolate Ox and other local places, as we make our way to Staples for their annual Railroad Days town celebration. Taste some chili at their chili cook-off, view the many cars in their antique car show, and take in all that this great festival has to offer. Don't dawdle too long or eat too much, as we're headed to another local festival---the New England Prairie Days festival. Here you can see steam engines, a live threshing demonstration, antique tractors and their "Country Fair" exhibit. Don't forget a piece of pie or root beer float to fuel you to Wadena, our host town for the evening.
Route
Day 2 - Friday, August 24: Walker to Pequot Lakes (67 miles). Today's ride takes us to the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area with scenic panoramas as big as Paul Bunyan himself. Ride past glistening blue lakes,through dense forests and on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway and Trail. Now THAT'S no tall tale! Listen to toe-tapping music at the Lakes Area Bluegrass Festival in Pine River, then head to our evening's destination--Pequot Lakes. No tour in the heart of lake country would be complete without a cruise on one of the beautiful lakes of the area, so we've arranged one for you. Join your friends, or meet some new ones, as you refuel and unwind on the 2-story Breezy Belle paddle boat on beautiful Pelican Lake (limited to the first 90 registrants). Guaranteed to be a fun time!
Day 0 - Wednesday, August 22: Meet in the lively tourist town of Park Rapids to pick up your rider packets and check out all that this great town has to offer. Come early or stay late and take a side trip to the Mississippi Headwaters in Itasca State Park, one of Minnesota's most visited state parks.
Day 4 - Sunday, August 26: Wadena to Park Rapids (65 miles). In case you're not festival'd out yet, stop at the local Finn Fest for local Finnish fare and displays, then continue to Menahga and then back to Park Rapids for the end of the 2012 tour. Showers provided.
Thank you
to our partners
August 23-26, 2012
We hope you can join us!
