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Amil's Inn is a Premier Wilton, Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast in the Kickapoo Valley

Amil's Inn Bed & Breakfast in Wilton Wisconsin, is nestled in the Kickapoo Valley minutes
from the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail, Wildcat State Park and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve.

Posts Tagged ‘Rails to Trails’

Happy 50th Anniversary Elroy-Sparta State Trail

March 30th, 2015 by David Reeck

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail which is North America’s first Rails to Trails project.  This project began a ‘rails to trails’ movement across the state of Wisconsin as well as the United States.  Currently Wisconsin has 40 state trails of which 36 are rails to trails which total more than 2,000 miles of trails.  Nationwide per the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, there are more than 1,900 rails to trails covering more than 22,000 miles.

Many organizations throughout Wisconsin are planning events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the rails to trails project in Wisconsin.  The Wisconsin DNR has declared the weekend of June 6th as National Trails Day.  On this weekend all fees for trail passes, park and forest admission stickers, fishing licenses and out-of-state ATV passes are waived for the weekend.

Many events are currently being planned in towns along the Elroy-Sparta Trail on that day as well.  Also a celebration will take place at the Elroy-Sparta State Trail headquarters in Kendall, Wisconsin on June 6th.  The climax of the day will begin at 2:00 pm which will include a ribbon cutting and re-dedication of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, along with keynote speaker former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson who was instrumental in the formation of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.

This would be a great weekend to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and spend a relaxing weekend at Amil’s Inn which is located in the heart of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.

To keep abreast of the activities being planned for the 50th anniversary celebration in Kendall visit www.elroy-sparta-trail.com  and the Wisconsin DNR website and search for ‘trail news”.

Biking enthusiasts getting ready to enjoy one of the tunnels of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.

Biking enthusiasts getting ready to enjoy one of the tunnels of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.

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6th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon

November 28th, 2013 by David Reeck

 

Our marathon and half marathon guests--Roy, Randi, Charlene, Chrissy, and Rebecca

Our marathon and half marathon guests–Roy, Randi, Charlene, Chrissy, and Rebecca

As I look out my window and observe the lawn turning white, I can’t help let my mind wonder back several weeks to the 6th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon.

The 6th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon took place on Sunday, November 3, 2013. The day was a beautiful fall day, perfect for the miles that the runners would put on that day.  The Rails to Trails Marathon is not only a Boston Qualifier marathon but also a half marathon, 5K and 1 mile fun run.  The course takes runners and walkers on tour of the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail, a former railroad that’s been converted into a 32 mile recreational trail that winds through the small towns and countryside areas of southwestern Wisconsin between the towns of Elroy and Sparta.

The 6th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon had 227 marathon finishers of which 143 were male and 84 were female, 319 half marathon finishers of which 103 were male and 216 were female and 106 5K finishers of which 48 were male and 58 were female. (Results taken from www.itsracetime.com).

Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast was honored to have as guests 2 of the marathon finishers—Roy who qualified for the Boston Marathon and Charlene as well as 3 half marathon finishers—Randi, Chrissy and Rebecca.  Also your Outkeeper/Innkeeper Dave and our son Paul completed the half marathon.  It was such a joy to have Roy, Charlene, Randi, Chrissy, and Rebecca  return to Amil’s Inn after the race to shower and have some ‘serious’ runners talk.

For those running enthusiasts that enjoy running on a converted railroad bed, another marathon and half marathon to consider is the Elroy Apple Dumpling Races held the 1st Saturday after Labor Day each year in the city of Elroy, Wisconsin.  The marathon is a Boston Qualifier as well. (www.appledumplingdayraces.com)

To keep abreast of dates and information for the 2014 races, here are the websites to follow:  www.railstotrailsraces.com; www.appledumplingdayraces.com; www.elroy-sparta-trail.com or contact us at Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast.

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Icicles found at Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast

October 30th, 2013 by David Reeck

Icicles on our water fountain. Time to put away for winter.

Icicles on our water fountain. Time to put away for winter.

We have been very busy trying to cover up all our beautiful flowers in the cool of the night.  This past evening the temperature dropped into the low 20’s.  As you can see our water fountain will have to be put away for the winter months.

The vegetable gardens have been tilled and the final harvest has been made of most of the garden vegetables.  The Lord has been so good to us again this year.  We have a trailer full of butternut and spaghetti squash.  We share with our guests, neighbors and the elderly that are in need.  The only thing that is still left in the garden to feast on before the holidays is carrots and brussels sprouts.

Oh…. I still have lemon balm to dry for winter tea.  This is a plant that produces so much.  It was given to me from an Amish friend (just 3 roots).  Ha! Ha!  We have to laugh because it is a plant that wants to take over the entire garden.  In the spring, we will till circles around it and only allow a 3 foot size area for this plant.  Lemon Balm is used not only for teas but also garnishing.

Well, I better sign off for now and get a nice simmering slow crock pot ready with chicken and dumplings so we can finish the fall clean up before Jack Frost comes and breaks our water hoses!

For those health enthusiasts, come and join us this weekend as the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail closes the tunnel doors for the winter months after the Rails to Trails Marathon which  will takes place Sunday, November 3, 2013.  The Rails to Trails Marathon consists of a full, Boston qualifier, marathon, half-marathon, 5K and 1 mile run. Visit www.railstotrailsraces.com for more information.

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Come and Experience the Elroy-Sparta Trail

April 28th, 2013 by David Reeck

The Wilton information Caboose welcomes you to the Elroy-Sparta Trail.

The Wilton information Caboose welcomes you to the Elroy-Sparta Trail.

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!

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5th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon

October 30th, 2012 by David Reeck

The 5th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon will take place Sunday, November 4, 2012.

Known for its steady and challenging uphill stretches that await runners along the first few miles of the course, the Rails to Trails Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run takes runners and walkers on a tour of the Elroy Sparta State Trail, a former railroad that’s been converted into a 32-mile paved recreational trail that winds through the small towns and countryside areas of southwestern Wisconsin between towns of Elroy and Sparta, and features three long tunnels that hikers, walkers, bikers and runners can pass through — one of which runners will run through during the race.

Marathon Summary

The Marathon start time is 8:00 AM and is a Boston Qualifier (Certification # WI-08024-DM).  The course is from Norwalk to Sparta featuring a ¾ mile train tunnel.  The course starts in the Norwalk Village Park, heads Southeast of Norwalk Village Park approx. 1.5 miles & then turns around and heads back to the Norwalk Village Park and then heads Northwest approx. 11.5 miles and then loops back to the Village Park to complete the course.

 

Half Marathon Summary

The Half Marathon start time is 9:00 AM.  The course is from Norwalk toward Sparta featuring a ¾ mile train tunnel.  The course starts in the Norwalk Village Park, heads Northwest on the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail.  The course follows an out and back configuration that returns to the Norwalk Village Park.

 

5K Run Walk Summary

The 5K Run Walk start time is 10:00 AM.  The 5K course starts in the Norwalk Village Park, heads Northwest on the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail 2.5K, turns around to a finish back in the Village Park.

 

1 Mile Fun Run Summary

The 1 mile Fun Run start time is 11:00 AM.  The 1 Mile Fun Run course will start in the Norwalk Village Park and travel ½ mile Northwest, turn around and return to the Village Park.

Race Weather & Climate

Located in the southwestern corner of the state, just over 40 miles from the border with Minnesota and about 2 1/2 hours from Madison, the town of Norwalk typically experiences cold weather conditions in the mid-fall season, with occasional wet or frozen precipitation. In November, average monthly temperatures range between 40°F and 26°F, while precipitation totals average around 2.54 inches for the month.

Websites for More Information

  Visit these websites for more information regarding Registration fees and awards:  www.railstotrailsrace.com and www.elroy-sparta-trail.com

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Reedsburg Medical Center Vet Fest

April 29th, 2012 by David Reeck

Your Half Marathon and 5K Finishers--David, Rachel and Paul

Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast has been blessed the past 2 years to have guests that were participants in the Rails to Trails Marathon which takes place each fall in Norwalk, Wisconsin which also includes a Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Run/Walk.  These guests were so positive and encouraging that your innkeepers were finishers in last year’s Rails to Trails 5K!!  The encouragement had a residual effect which resulted in your innkeepers to be participants in the 3rd Annual Reedsburg Medical Center Vet Fest.  Dave and Paul were finishers in the Half Marathon and Rachel was a finisher in the 5K.

The 3rd Annual Reedsburg Medical Center Vet Fest took place on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Reedsburg’s Nishan Park.  The Reedsburg Medical Center Vest Fest consists of a Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk and 1 mile Walk which unfolds along a hilly and challenging course throughout Reedsburg and surrounding area.

The out-and-back loop course for the Half Marathon begins and ends in Reedsburg’s Nishan Park, a recreational park with baseball fields for Little Leaguers of all ages on Reedsburg’s Viking Drive, near the Reedsburg Jaycees building. From there, runners follow the route in and around the town and through the rolling country roads of Sauk County and then make their way back to Nishan Park, past the home of the Veterans Memorial.

In 2011, just over 330 runners crossed the finish line in the Half Marathon (143) and 5K (195).  The 2012 race consisted of 166 Half Marathon runners—89 female/77 male and 266 5K runners—177 female/89 male.  Results taken from www.onlineraceresults.com.

 The Vet Fest began as a benefit for the Reedsburg Area Veterans Memorial.  100% of the 2010 and 2011 registration fees supported the completion of the Memorial.  Over $30,000.00 was donated.  Proceeds from the 2012 annual race will go to the Reedsburg Area United Fund and the Reedsburg VFW Post 1916.  The preliminary numbers indicated that over $12,000.00 will be donated.  To learn more about the Reedsburg Veterans Memorial visit www.reedsburgvfw.com/memorial.php.

Amil’s Inn would love to have any 4th Annual Reedsburg Medical Center Vet Fest participants as guests.  Mark your calendars for the 2013 Vet Fest Race which will be April 13, 2013.  A special race day breakfast is served to all participants!!!!!

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5th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon

November 30th, 2011 by David Reeck

Your Innkeepers--Anita, Paul, David, and Rachel--5K Finishers!!!!!!

It’s not too late to start planning for the 5th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon which takes place each fall in Norwalk, Wisconsin. 

The 4th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon took place on Sunday, November 6, 2011.  The day was a bit windy and a cool fall day-a beautiful day for a race. The Rails to Trails Marathon is not only a full marathon (Boston Qualifier) but also a half marathon, 5K and 1 Mile fun run. The course takes runners and walkers on tour of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, a former railroad that’s been converted into a 32 mile paved recreational trail that winds through the small towns and countryside areas of southwestern Wisconsin between the towns of Elroy and Sparta. 

The 4th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon had 230 marathon finishers of which 164 were male and 66 female, 436 half marathon finishers of which 170 were male and 266 female and 124 5K finishers of which 45 were male and 79 were female.(results taken from www.itsracetime.com).

Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast was honored to have 3 of the 2011 marathon finishers as guests at our inn for the event. Last year’s marathon guests were so positive and encouraging that 4 of the 2011 5K finishers were your Innkeepers, Anita, David, Rachel, and Paul.  Paul finished 28th overall, Rachel 83rd overall, and David and Anita at 104th and 105th overall.

More information will be given when it becomes available for the 5th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon.  Here are a couple websites to follow for more information as well:  www.railstotrailsrace.com and www.elroy-sparta-trail.com.

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4th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon

December 30th, 2010 by David Reeck

It’s not too late to start planning for the 4th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon which takes place each fall in Norwalk, Wisconsin. 

The 3rd Annual Rails to Trails Marathon took place on Sunday, November 7, 2010.  The day was a beautiful sunny fall day with fall color still in the trees. The Rails to Trails Marathon is not only a full marathon but also a half marathon, 5K and 1 Mile fun run. The course takes runners and walkers on tour of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, a former railroad that’s been converted into a 32 mile paved recreational trail that winds through the small towns and countryside areas of southwestern Wisconsin between the towns of Elroy and Sparta.  The 3rd Annual Rails to Trails Marathon had 273 marathon participants, 383 half marathon participants and 111 5K participants.

Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast was honored to have 6 of the participants as guests at our inn for the event. They included a dad and his teenage daughter, a mature grandfather with his daughter and grandson as well as a well maintained, dedicated marathon runner!  They were all so positive and encouraging that the innkeepers of Amil’s Inn may join them in the future.

More information will be given when it becomes available for the 4th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon.  Here are a couple websites to follow for more information as well:  www.railstotrailsrace.com and www.elroy-sparta-trail.com.

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Rails to Trails Marathon

October 30th, 2010 by David Reeck

The 3rd Annual Rails to Trails Marathon will take place Sunday, November 7, 2010.

Event Details

Known for its steady and challenging uphill stretches that await runners along the first few miles of the course, the Rails to Trails Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run takes runners and walkers on a tour of the Elroy Sparta State Trail, a former railroad that’s been converted into a 32-mile paved recreational trail that winds through the small towns and countryside areas of southwestern Wisconsin between towns of Elroy and Sparta, and features three long tunnels that hikers, walkers, bikers and runners can pass through — one of which runners will run through during the race. All four races in the event start and finish at the Norwalk Village Park on State Highway 71 in the town of Norwalk. From there, participants follow the course along a northwestern route up and out of the center of town out along the trail, and encounter what are perhaps the course’s most significant hills in the first four miles of the race. From the starting elevation of just over 1,000 feet above sea level, the course reaches nearly 1,400 feet above sea level by the time runners reach the mile 4 marker. There are a few short downhills along the way but otherwise it’s a long, steady uphill stretch from the start to the fourth mile. Shortly after crossing the mile 4 marker, runners enter the longest tunnel along the entire Elroy Sparta Trail, which is roughly three quarters of a mile long. As they’re about to enter the tunnel, course volunteers hand every runner a flashlight to carry with them through the tunnel to light their way, which they can drop off on the other end and pick up once again on the return during the second half of the race. Open to both runners and walkers, the half marathon starts at 10:00 AM, and follows an out-and-back route that turns around at about the half-way point of the full marathon course, and then runs back through the tunnel a second time for the finish in Norwalk Village Park. The one-mile “Fun Run” also starts and finishes in Norwalk Village Park, and features an 11:00 AM starting time.

Race Weather & Climate

Located in the southwestern corner of the state, just over 40 miles from the border with Minnesota and about 2 1/2 hours from Madison, the town of Norwalk typically experiences cold weather conditions in the mid-fall season, with occasional wet or frozen precipitation. In November, average monthly temperatures range between 40°F and 26°F, while precipitation totals average around 2.54 inches for the month.

Fees

$35 for the half marathon, if registered before August 15, 2009 $45 between Aug. 16 – September 15 $60 after Sept. 15

Websites for More Information

  www.railstotrailsrace.com and www.elroy-sparta-trail.com

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