Stretching 32 miles between Elroy and Sparta, Wisconsin, the Elroy-Sparta Bike Marathon is a ride that challenges your stamina and rewards your spirit. The route follows a converted rail-trail, famed for its three long, dark tunnels that test your courage as much as your cycling skills. Packed gravel paths wind through rolling farmland and forest patches where trees lean close, as if daring you to speed up or slow down and take it all in.

Elevation fluctuates moderately with gentle grades—nothing technical, but enough to make the ride feel purposeful. The three tunnels, each about half a mile long, muffled and cool, are the key landmarks. Bike lights or headlamps aren’t just handy here—they’re essential. The tunnel walls squeeze the light until all you notice is your breath and the pulse of your wheels on rock.

Outside the tunnels, prairie grass shivers alongside the trail, and the views open toward soft hills that roll into the horizon. The wind often picks up, pushing riders either forward or back, a reminder that nature holds the pace. For hydration, pack at least two liters—water stops are limited, and the summer sun can press down fiercely.

Arrive early or mid-morning to avoid peak heat and enjoy calmer winds. Footwear with stiff soles helps pedal efficiency, and layered clothing manages temperature shifts between shaded tunnels and open stretches. For less experienced riders, plan your pace to avoid fatigue, particularly in the second half where the hills may feel sharper after long miles.

The towns of Elroy and Sparta bookend the ride, offering well-earned spots to refuel and rest. Both pride themselves on local hospitality, from Sparta’s charming diners to Elroy’s bike-friendly cafes. Plan logistics carefully—shuttle services or bike transport options can help if you’re tackling the route one way.

The Elroy-Sparta Bike Marathon isn’t an easy spin in the park, but it’s not an extreme race either. It’s an invitation to engage with a landscape that’s fiercely itself, a trail where worn rails once heard the rumble of trains now replaced by the steady rhythm of pedaling wheels and the quiet dare of tunnels cutting through rock.

This event demands prep and respect: know your bike, pack well, and tune your mind into the trail’s ebb and flow. Whether you race the clock or ride for the thrill, the Elroy-Sparta Bike Marathon promises a memorable journey where adventure meets practical challenge—a true test of endurance on two wheels.