Biking to Wild Springs Festival

START AT Cycles for Change SAINT PAUL (712 University Ave, St Paul)

ARRIVE by 9:30 AM  for Check-in

DEPART at 10:00 AM

END AT Lily Springs Farm  (1930 60th Ave, Osceola, WI 54020)

Overview: The Ride is approximately 50 miles each way.  We plan about three official stops for restrooms, water and food and there are other opportunities to stop.

The route is relatively flat, however expect some hills as you approach Scandia and Osceola and during the last 5 miles as you reach Lily Springs.  About half of the ride is on trails and the other half is on roads, most of the  roads are low traffic and have a bike lane or shoulder.  

This is a really fun ride and much of the route is very scenic.  The length of this ride may be challenging, however it is very doable for folks with good levels of fitness who commute by bike regularly and/or do longer bike rides or other endurance activities regularly.  You should be comfortable riding at least 10-15 miles without stopping and able to continue riding for 3-5 hours in a day.  Ride leaders are here to support you and help make the ride enjoyable!

You might be a little tired and sweaty upon arriving at Lily Springs, but you can refresh yourself in Mud Lake!

Ride leaders include Cycles for Change and Venture North staff.  Contact Andrew with questions: [email protected] 612-787-7433
Date: Saturday July 29 and Sunday July 30th

Camping gear Luggage: This will be schlepped for you in a van (see below).  We will have you fill out a luggage tag to attach to it.  It is a good idea to have your name inside your bag (s) as well.

Festival Ticket and waiver: You need to have obtained  a Wild Spring’s festival ticket and must fill out a liability waiver to join this ride. 

Time: Arrive by 9:30 Saturday at C4C to Check in – we will leave at 10:00  AM. Please arrive by 9:30 to check in, get your camping gear/luggage to put in our gear van, fill water bottles, go to the restroom, etc.  We will have coffee available.

Expect to arrive at Lilly Springs Farm between 4 and 5 PM.  This is a no drop ride – we will have volunteers riding in the back of the group . You can ride ahead of the leader who will ride about 12 MPH, but you will be on your own .

When you arrive at the farm: 1) smile and feel accomplished 2) check in 3) get instructions on where to leave your bike 4) locate your camping gear and think about setting up your tent 5) enjoy the festival!

Route Summary: Cross Miss. River via Bridge 9, Dinkytown Greenway, U fo M transitway, Como Park, Arlington Ave. Gateway Trail, North through Scandia, East to Osceola, East and south to LSF.  you will get a map and cue card before the ride and I am working on a GPX file as well.

Planned Stops: 1) Hadley Lot, Gateway trail, water/bathroom.  2) Pine Point Park: Lunch approx 11:30 – 1 PM; 3) Scandia (optional – general store/bathrooms), 4) Osceola (optional – gas station/bathrooms; liquor store)  Snacks, (but not a full lunch) will be provided Saturday at t Pine Point Park stop.  You will be burning calories while riding, think about bringing a sandwich or some type of lunch for yourself.

For the return trip – The group  will leave the farm at 11 AM  on Sunday.  You are free to leave at another time if you prefer (please let us know if you decide to do this).  Many folks stop as a group for lunch/brunch at the Scandia cafe on Sunday.   They food is really tasty and you may want the calories.  Don’t forget a slice of pie.  They don’t take credit cards so bring cash.  (breakfast is provided Sunday morning at the farm as part of your ticket).

Things to Bring with you:

  • a working bicycle
  • bicycle helmet
  • clothes to ride in that are comfortable for you
  • appropriate footwear for riding (no flip flops)
  • water (at least one large bottle or two medium (32 oz or more total))
  • snacks
  • sunscreen
  • (optional) spare tube
  • (optional) sunglasses

Ride leaders and volunteers are prepared to help riders should they get a flat tire or have other bike issues during the ride.  There will be a support vehicle if your bike has an issue that is not repairable or if a rider needs to stop riding for some reason – you would be given a ride to the farm or back to MPLS on Sunday (space is limited – if you are only planning to ride one way, make your own arrangements).  Ride leaders or volunteers would assist you if you need the support vehicle.

Other: If you need help, find a ride leader or call numbers that will be listed on your cue sheet (directions).   If you decide to stop riding and get picked up by a friend or family member or turn around, let us know so we aren’t looking for you.

Obey all traffic laws.  Communicate with other riders and road or trail users with hand signals and your voice.  Be courteous.  Ride aware,  be visible and be prepared. We want everyone to have a great ride and get there and back safely.  Be aware of other riders, road conditions, vehicle traffic, etc.  Be prepared to stop at trail intersections and at the bottom of hills etc.  We are here to help you have a great experience.  You are responsible for staying hydrated and taking in calories along the ride as you need.  Expect to be riding for 4 – 5+ hours not including stops.