Elroy Sparta - Wisconsin

The most memorable part of this ride was riding through the first tunnel nearest to Sparta. It took us over 5 mins to ride (can't walk a recumbent trike) through and it rained ice cold water down on us, heavy in some spots, and in my mind I was thinking "I hope this thing doesn't collapse down on us" LOL I hated it, but I also loved it. On the return trip, it was also very foggy inside so it was pitch black. I would NEVER ride through this alone. It was far exceeding my comfort zone.
The other two tunnels were not as long and dryer by perspective. Piece of cake by comparison. The remainder of the trail was somewhat typical gravel rail trail, but could use some TLC in several locations. For being a fee based ride, the condition of the trail was not up to my expectations.

[@Lhaffinatu]

Beautiful trail. Thanks for sharing.

[@lizchilders4154]

Very nice video. Love all the trails.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Glad you like them!

[@richardcavin981]

Rode that trail a few years ago (2017) on my DF touring bike with my winter Texan friend. The trail was in a little better shape. Did not like the long tunnel and walking, plus I'm claustrophobic so did the road on the way back. Salem to Wilton and returned the next day. Enjoyed your video, found it since I'm considering a recumbent trike.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

That tunnel was well beyond my comfort zone too and I didn't like the water coming down on us. We switched to recumbent trikes over 4 years ago and love them for comfort and long distance.

[@happytriking]

Haha, sign says bikes must be walked, doesn't mention trikes, lol. Thanks for the ride.😀

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Near impossible to walk a trike.

[@happytriking]

@@rollingreclinerRecumbent That's for sure!😀

[@mocarver]

Please do a video showing how you load your two trikes into the Honda Odyssey. I’m considering the purchase of that van. Thanks in advance. Keep the vids coming.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Challenge accepted. I will try to make such a video.

[@mocarver]

@@rollingreclinerRecumbent thanks

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Video is up.

[@ianlindridge5378]

Been riding that system of trails since the mid '80s. 4 or 5 of us every year since 2010 from Trempealeau to Wonowok or LaValle and back -- 5 days - & have watched the trail system deteriorate since 2016 or so. Heavy rains washed out or made ruts in the trail and have been poorly or not at all repaired. There are spots of 'moon dust", very fine sand that has toppled a couple of our lads. I ride an ICE recumbent tadpole so those sections aren't too scary. Our last ride was in August 2021 when we decided to ride paved Minnesota trails (we all live in the Mpls/St. Paul metro). 2022 was the Root River Trail from Houston to Harmony, out and back for 4 days. I miss the trails and the tunnels; there was ok camping & restaurants but the Root River has just as good......and paved. I guess snowmobiles rate higher on the economic ladder than cyclists..........enjoyed the video tho'!

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Agree, the trail condition was somewhat sad and the tunnel nearest to Sparta is downright scary and wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't condemned soon. With as much water as there was pouring down on us inside, it has to weaken the structure.

[@paul-hill]

Can I ask what camera you use please.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

GoPro Hero 8

[@TheFlamingEyeball]

Wow, looks great in spots, not so much in others. And you have to pay to ride a trail? Never heard of that before; interesting.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Wisconsin has been the highest fee we've encountered so far at $5.00 per person. Some trails in Iowa requested $2.00 per person. Virginia has a single daily parking fee at their trailheads, not sure what the current amount is for that.

[@TheFlamingEyeball]

@@rollingreclinerRecumbent I live in VA and have never had to pay any fees at trailheads. Not sure where you got your info. Hopefully not from some guy at a trailhead collecting money....lol.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

@@TheFlamingEyeball New River State Trail for one. Trailheads had boxes with envelopes and the one at Foster Falls even has a gatehouse.

[@TheFlamingEyeball]

@@rollingreclinerRecumbent interesting. I'll have to watch when I visit those trails.

[@conniehoyle2669]

They should pay you. Pave your trail Wisconsin