October 8-9, 2011

Now is the time to make plans to join Deb and Dean Mathias and others for the 2011 QCBC Fall Foliage Ride in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin on October 8th and 9th. The ride starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 8th from the Military Ridge State Park Trail parking lot and will be 50 to 60 miles. The ride starts at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday from the same location and will be 40 to 50 miles. The Mathias' will drive to Mount Horeb on Friday evening, October 7th.

Can't get away for an entire weekend? Travel distance to Mt. Horeb is about 140 miles from Davenport - close enough to drive up and back the same day. You have an option to ride just one day on some new roads with spectacular scenery that is quite different from the corn and bean fields that we have been looking at all summer.

Mt. Horeb (http://trollway.com/) is known for life-size trolls carved into tree trunks scattered along its main street. Visitors are encouraged to take a leisurely "Troll Stroll" to seek out these unique characters.

A cycling route on quiet country roads promises to offer more than a few hills for both days with some flatter options. The destination is a different town each day with lunch opportunities before the return ride on different roads.

The Military Ridge Bike Trail (crushed limestone) offers an option for those cyclists that prefer a totally flat terrain. The trail runs west to Governor Dodge State Park and east to Verona, just outside of Madison. A trail pass is required.

Contact Deb and Dean Mathias at 309-787-6547 or mathiasdebdean@peoplepc.com if you plan to join the ride so that we know how many people to expect. Also give us a head count of individuals that will be joining the group for a scrumptious Italian dinner on Saturday night. Individuals that are not riding are also welcome to join us for dinner.

You are responsible for making your own room reservations. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Karakahl Country Inn (www.karakahl.com) with indoor pool. The rooms will be held until September 5th. Mention the QCBC for a group rate. Call 888-621-1884 or 608-437-5545 to reserve your room.

Rooms are also available at the Village Inn Hotel (www.littlebedder.com), which is physically attached to the Military Ridge Bike Trail. Phone: 608-437-3350

Some Bed and Breakfast facilities are also available in the area. Check out the Mt. Horeb website for more information.

2 nearby parks provide camping possibilities:

• Brigham Park - 112 acre park with a spectacular panoramic view about 7 miles west of Mt. Horeb
• Blue Mounds State Park about 10 miles west of Mt. Horeb - for information, call 608-437-5711 or 888-947-2757.

Bring along non-cycling family members to enjoy points of interest in or near Mt. Horeb:

• Troll Walk (Carved trolls)
• Military Ridge Bike Trail
• Blue Mounds State Park
• Brigham Park
• Stewart Park
• Little Norway www.littlenorway.com
• Cave of the Mounds (608-437-3038)

PLAN NOW TO ENJOY A FUN-FILLED WEEKEND OF CYCLING ADVENTURE & OTHER ACTIVITIES OF YOUR CHOICE!