Spring has finally settled in with a few days of 70 degree weather and it’s time to get those bikes ready to experience the more than 50 rails-to-trails throughout the State of Wisconsin.

Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail which was the first rails-to-trails bike trail in the nation which opened to the public in 1967.  The Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail is exceptionally beautiful and has three tunnels.  Since you will have to walk your bike through the tunnels a flashlight, bike lights and a light rain jacket is recommended.  The longest tunnel is approximately ¾ of a mile long located between the towns of Sparta and Norwalk and will more than likely take 15 minutes or longer to walk through.  In the middle of the tunnel you will find a small waterfall spring.

A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for bicyclists age 16 and older.  The daily pass fee is $4.00.  An annual pass is also available for $20.00 which covers all the rails-to-trails in the State of Wisconsin for the whole summer.  Trail passes are available at Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast and other businesses in the area.

May 1 is the official opening of the Elroy-Sparta Trail for the 2013 biking season.  The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a day of celebration on May 1.  There will be a community ride from Norwalk to the Sparta Depot.  A shuttle will pick up riders at the Sparta Depot (111 Milwaukee Street) at 9:00 AM.  At 12:00 noon, a ribbon cutting will be followed by a Department of Tourism speaker, refreshments and biking information from the Wisconsin Bike Federation.

So get those bikes dusted off and oiled up and we hope to see you at Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast this summer!  Safe travels!