Route:

• Day 1: Covers approximately 105 miles from Bettendorf to Dubuque, Iowa, crossing the mighty Mississippi River twice: once at Sabula, IA and the other coming into from Dubuque, IA from Wisconsin on US 61 with a shorter route option available. The shorter route starts at Goose Lake, IA, and is approximately 70 miles.
• Day 2: Another 100-mile return leg to Bettendorf, Iowa or opt for the shorter route stopping in Goose Lake, Iowa which is about 47 miles. Day 2 riding is all in Iowa.

 

Day 1 Highlights:

• Start: Isle Hotel/ Casino in Bettendorf or Northeast High School in Goose Lake.
• Route: Riders will depart from the starting location and traverse through the rolling countryside of Iowa, making their way to Savanna. Here, they will cross the Mississippi River into Illinois. Upon crossing the river at Savanna, riders will encounter the first Illinois SAG stop at Palisades Park, an excellent spot to rest and refuel. Continuing the ride, they will travel up the Illinois side, facing a challenging climb up Chestnut Mountain. This climb offers stunning views before descending into the historic town of Galena, IL. Next, riders will tackle the infamous Wall, a steep ascent leading into Menominee. From there, the route briefly crosses into Wisconsin, where they will enjoy a scenic descent towards the Mighty Mississippi River. The route touches a bit of Wisconsin before crossing the river again into Dubuque on US 61 from Wisconsin.

 

Rest Stops:

• Princeton, Iowa
• Miles, IA
• Palisades Park, Illinois
• Hanover, Illinois
• Galena, Illinois (Chestnut Mountain across Blackjack Road)
• Menominee, Illinois

Well-stocked with trail mix, fresh fruit, peanut butter sandwiches, and more. There is a lunch stop in Palisades Park, IL, which will include sandwiches.

 

Overnight:

• At Loras College in Dubuque, IA, with a buffet dinner. There will be a beer garden to relax in prior to dinner. The college will offer a variety of overnight accommodations from camping (tent or RV) to reserving a dorm room for a fee. The college will also have shower options and overnight secure bike storage.

Day 2 Highlights:

• Depart: Dubuque, IA, and return to your destination of choice, either Bettendorf or Goose Lake.
• Route: Gradual climbs out of Dubuque through the Mines of Spain, continuing south along the Great Mississippi Road.

The return route to Goose Lake is approximately 45 miles. The return route to Bettendorf is approximately 100 miles.

 

Rest Stops:

• Weimerskirch Farm US 52, Iowa
• Springbrook, Iowa
• Northeast High School, Goose Lake, Iowa
• McCausland, Iowa