How to Create a RAWsome Bike-cation
Your family is part of RAW from the beginning. From the decision to register, through the training, up to the big day (and beyond) your crew is crucial to your success. So why leave them at home?
With a little pre-planning, your family can be your RAW support team and create great memories of a fun shared adventure! Below are our tips for keeping your whole team happy right up to the finish line:
Keep your crew well fed.
Brats, fish fry, cheese curds, ice cream, cranberries, Kringle…so many amazing treats to indulge in as you Ride Across Wisconsin. If your team wants to eat with you in the Wisconsin Dells (picnic style) or at City Lights Brewing Company (taco bar), guest wristbands for food (and beer for your significant other and adult support crew - naturally) are available when you register.
Consider adding an extra day in La Crosse or Milwaukee.
Getting to La Crosse a day early? Have everyone bring bikes and preview the course out of town. Or bike or hike the Gateway Trails on Granddad Bluff with five miles of family-friendly trails and great views. Traveling with little ones? Check out the Children's Museum of La Crosse or Jump Start Adventure Park. The night before RAW, enjoy live music and food at River Roast along the Mississippi River, conveniently near the RAW line and host hotels.
In Milwaukee, you can keep the party rolling after leaving the RAW finish line at City Lights Brewing Company and head to Milwaukee Irish Fest. Staying another day in Milwaukee? Everyone will love the Milwaukee County Zoo or Milwaukee Public Museum which are both open on Mondays.
Make a splash in the Wisconsin Dells.
For two-day or century riders, your 100 mile stopping point is in the Wisconsin Dells - Waterpark Capital of the World. Head over to our lodging page and book with our waterpark partner - Kalahari. Or, if you want to spend your vacation enjoying the outdoors, take a ride by land and water on the Original Wisconsin Ducks. You can also camp right at the RAW midpoint at Mirror Lake and enjoy activities such as biking, hiking, and beach swimming (Daily Admission required). Our friends at Wisconsin DNR are cooking up family-friendly activities for Ride Across Wisconsin guests.
Enjoy the journey!
Your support crew can safely follow you along the route by using the driving directions and timing chart posted on our website. Our timing chart is a handy tool that will help your crew plan their day, allowing them to anticipate your arrival at each of the rest stops based on how fast you plan to ride. Let us know your family is coming upon registration. There will be activity bags for the kids that includes a RAW car bingo game to help you explore some amazing sites and stops along the way!
Even though you’re bound to find many riding partners along your journey, sometimes the best motivation comes from the hugs and high fives from your loved ones. A little vacation pre-planning will ensure everyone has an epic adventure across Wisconsin!
