Highway 61 going up the Mississipi
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Highway 61 going up the Mississipi
I am planning a road bike trip in July in which I would like to go up the Mississipi River from Winona MN to Red Wing MN. My first idea is to take Highway 61. I know the traffic is bad in July and I don't know whether the shoulder is in good condition. If somebody already experienced this road, please give me your advice? Thanks.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: White Bear Lake Mn
Posts: 764
Bikes: 88 Schwin Voyageur, 84 Schwinn World Sport, 85 Univega Alpina Uno, 85 Fuji Espree, 09 Novara Strada, 06 Jamis Durango, 03 Specialized Expediton Sport, 09 Surly LHT, 12 Novara Gotham
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Try CGOB. Here is one..
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p...ng&context=all
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p...ng&context=all
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Right where I'm supposed to be
Posts: 1,634
Bikes: Franklin Frames Custom, Rivendell Bombadil
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 116 Post(s)
Liked 209 Times
in
127 Posts
While I don't currently live there, as I recall State Hwy. 61 has a nice large shoulder. Traffic is never high, but even modest highway traffic can be distracting from the fantastic view. You always have the option of the less traveled Wisconsin side. It's a 2 lane road, but much less traffic.
#4
ah.... sure.
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Whidbey Island WA
Posts: 4,107
Bikes: Specialized.... schwinn..... enough to fill my needs..
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I went through those towns when using the Northern Tier route. I didn't find it all that bad in regards to traffic and also shoulders. I can't tell you how much I was actually on Hwy 61 though. You might consider purchasing the map from ACA. The information included with the map should be well worth the cost.
I really enjoyed riding along the Mississippi.
I really enjoyed riding along the Mississippi.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,243
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18419 Post(s)
Liked 15,560 Times
in
7,332 Posts
I should still have my AC map. I will look at it tonight and let you know what it shows.
#6
Senior Member
Its hard to go wrong on either side. I've ridden WI S to N and enjoyed it. As other's have posted MN will have more traffic and farther spaced towns, but I think it generally has a good shoulder as does WI.
You may consider if you would like the river and views on your right or left. I think the WI side may offer more camping options and is a little more quaint.
You may consider if you would like the river and views on your right or left. I think the WI side may offer more camping options and is a little more quaint.
__________________
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Right where I'm supposed to be
Posts: 1,634
Bikes: Franklin Frames Custom, Rivendell Bombadil
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 116 Post(s)
Liked 209 Times
in
127 Posts
Its hard to go wrong on either side. I've ridden WI S to N and enjoyed it. As other's have posted MN will have more traffic and farther spaced towns, but I think it generally has a good shoulder as does WI.
You may consider if you would like the river and views on your right or left. I think the WI side may offer more camping options and is a little more quaint.
You may consider if you would like the river and views on your right or left. I think the WI side may offer more camping options and is a little more quaint.
I agree. Having grown up on the MN side, I was always amazed at the different "feel" the WI side has. There is much more of a river feel to it. All the towns are small, some feel like fishing villages.
Highway 61 is as close to a freeway as you can get without being called a freeway. It's not limited access, and not high traffic, but it's meant to get you from point A to B fast. The WI side is leisurely at best.
#9
Senior Member
There are nice public pools in Trempeleau and Fountain City if you encounter the typical hot humid weather of July. Also the Great River trail from Onalaska past Trempeleau is a nice break and keeps you close to the river.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
__________________
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: White Bear Lake Mn
Posts: 764
Bikes: 88 Schwin Voyageur, 84 Schwinn World Sport, 85 Univega Alpina Uno, 85 Fuji Espree, 09 Novara Strada, 06 Jamis Durango, 03 Specialized Expediton Sport, 09 Surly LHT, 12 Novara Gotham
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nice maps and info ,,
https://www.wigreatriverroad.org/maps/maps_bike.htm
https://www.wigreatriverroad.org/maps/maps_bike.htm