About WOW
Weekend on Wheels is a three-day weekend with a veritable midwestern smorgasboard of options. Ride one, two, or three days, with your choice of mileages. Choose dorm-style lodging at Winona State, or choose locally available hotels and B&B options.
Lodging
TCBC arranges for lodging with Winona State University. This low-cost alternative to staying in a hotel is available through standard registration. Staying with WOW includes a hot breakfast each morning of your stay.
Rooms will be available the nights of July 30, July 31, and August 1.
Other lodging options can be explored via the Winona Visitor’s Bureau. There are several camping options near Winona as well.
Rides, Rest Stops & Route Support
Weekend on Wheels offers several routes each day, specially mapped by local experts. Routes feature staffed and stocked rest stops every 15-20 miles.
- Friday Rides: Friday Rides allow riders to leave throughout the afternoon to explore routes of 25-62 miles.
- Friday Night: As part of the Friday night welcome social, we’ll be offering all riders signed up for either the 2-day or 3-day WOW packages an opportunity to take part in a traditional TCBC ‘Night’ ride. Bring a front light and a rear blinky for a 15-20 mile group ride through Winona at twilight and into the night! Per TCBC Night Ride rules, each group will stay together and ride at a very relaxed social pace, so this is a great chance to make some new friends!
- Saturday Rides: Saturday’s routes include rides of 25, 29, 49, 62, and 100 miles. Routes are designed as touring opportunities, with departure supported through mid-morning. (Century riders will be asked to make an early departure.) An MTB option will be offered in the afternoon
- Sunday Rides: Sunday offers an EZ25 option, as well as longer rides of 39 and 62 miles. The 62 mile route includes the famous Apple Blossom Parkway, and is well worth the trip!
All mileages are approximate. Exact routes subject to change based on local conditions during summer 2009.
All routes will be fully supported by HAM radio, SAG, and mechanical assistance.
What’s a typical rest stop like at WOW? Depends! The first rest stop of the day is typically more breakfast oriented, with bagels and muffins, fruit and snacks. Later rest stops provide a multitude of options: Make your own sandwich and grab some chips and salsa or carrot sticks for a mid-day fueling. Grab a cookie or two, or some string cheese, hummus and pita. And every stop has water, energy drink, fruit, and take-along snacks that carry easily in a jersey pocket or bike bag for on-the-road munching.
As far as liquids go, be aware: Southeastern Minnesota in August can be hot, so we encourage all riders to plan accordingly. We recommend traveling with two bottles or a hydration pack, and be sure to need to fill them at each rest stop!
Dinners & Social Opportunities
Bikers live not on rest stops alone, so WOW has group dining options on both Friday and Saturday night.
New this year, WOW will have a Friday night spaghetti feed. Tickets can be purchased via event registration. Dinner will include spaghetti, salad, rolls, dessert, and beverages, and will benefit a local Winona organization.
Also on Friday, join us for a social near Lake Winona. Meet other attendees, visit the League tent, and have a little bit of fun!
Saturday evening is the WOW banquet, a long-time WOW tradition. Join your fellow cyclists after a day in the saddle for food, fun, and a chance to meet and greet new friends.
More
Weekend on Wheels will also offer more opportunities this year, including:
- LAB Traffic Skills 101 class on Friday
- Welcome Social on Friday evening
- Special keynote speaker at Saturday’s banquet
- Information from regional cycling organizations
