Category Archives: Biking

Area Recreation bed and breakfast Bike Trails Biking

Customer Service and Biking in Sparta, WI

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Hello to our past, current and future bed and breakfast guests. We know how smart you all are and that you expect the best. Our industry, you expect high standards and high standards in customer service. We want you to know that we promise that high level of service and we keep our promise – for all our past, current and future bed and breakfast guests. We understand the importance of social media, so you are able to find us in Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and the most recent Pinterest. We have spent a lot of time to provide top-notch service to all. We know you have high expectations and we want to make sure we do too. Come and stay with us!

With spring just a few days away, we hope you are starting to think about where your next Staycation will be and that you find us in Sparta, WI. The bicycling capital of the world and home to the famous Sparta-Elroy Bike trail. We have many stories about the bike trail and how 100’s of our guests have ridden the beautiful trail. We provide a shuttle service to the other end of the trail so you are able to ride the whole trail and then back to the B&B. This trail can be biked no matter how many miles you would like to ride. You can always keep going on connecting trail also. So, dust off your bike or rent a bike from a local bike shop and come experience great customer service, relax and get your exercise all in one place.
See you soon!

Bike Trails Biking Fun Ideas Sparta fun Activities State Bike Trails Uncategorized

Biking, Along the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trails and More!

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Biking trail tunnelPick your ride based on your skill level! Because along the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail there are over 101 miles of connecting trails for all levels. You can get a bike shuttle from the Franklin Victorian Bed & Breakfast when you are our guests and we will shuttle you to any of the small towns along the trail depending on your level and the miles you would like to go. It is more down hill from the Elroy end back to Sparta. We have the daily and annual bike passes on-site for you to purchase also. Come join the fuel-efficient adventure! “Biking” and come to Sparta, Wisconsin. It is a great individual, group or family activity. Plus, a healthy way to enjoy your summer! Give us a call if you would like more information and see our website for more Biking Trails and Back Roads to travel.

Armed Forces Day Bike Trails Biking Calendar of Events graduation parade

Sparta Wisconsin May Events: Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast

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Its official Bike season is here!  The tunnels are open and the tourist will be biking into town.  With the gas prices falling come and plan a family, friends event on the bike trail.  We have some of the most beautiful country side in Wisconsin, go bike the trails and see why so many come here.  The Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast offers a bike shuttle service, inside secure bike storage, flashlights for the tunnels and bike trail pass are available.

Fort McCoy Armed Forces Day Open House, Saturday, May 19 form 9 am to 3 pm. Located off Hwy 21 Between Sparta & Tomah, WI Enter Gate 15, Adults must have Photo ID
  • Free Admission and Parking
  • Narrated Bus Tours
  • World Ware II Building Displays
  • Military Equipment and Demonstrations
  • Camouflage Face Painting
  • Personalized Dog Tags
  • Refreshments Available for Purchase
Memorial Day parade will  start at 10:30 am at the corner of Blake and Water Streets, just a block away from the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast.  At noon the VFW will have a Wreath ceremony at Blyton Park.  The American Legion will host a chicken Q beginning at noon.
High school Graduation is on May 25th.  If you have a senior who is graduating come stay with us during this busy time for the friends and family and give them a break by spending your overnight stays here. On behalf of the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast we congratulate all the seniors and their families on their achievements.  Best Wishes to All.
Franklin Victorain Bed and Breakfast
220 E. Franklin ST
Sparta, WI
608-366-1427
Area Recreation Bike Trails Biking Sparta fun Activities Spring Specials State Bike Trails

Sparta, Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, Biking the Back Road and Trails

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Come and enjoy the WARM SPRING weather we are having in Sparta, Wisconsin “The Bicycling Capital of America”. This week we will enjoy the first day of Spring on Tuesday March 20.  But like many of you know Spring weather has been here for a few weeks.  We are all asking, is this going to last?  I sure love it and I am sure you all do too!
To celebrate spring 2012 with you, we are rolling out a fantastic promotion – stay two nights in April and get your third night for just $20.12! Especially when there’s so much to explore during the spring, two nights just isn’t enough, so stay for a third while staying right on budget. Plus, with nightly rates starting at just $115, and includes a full breakfast and so much more, these prices just can’t be beat!

So, give us a call at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast and mention our Spring 2012 deal.  Pack up your bikes and ride the back road and trails. We can’t wait to meet you, give a call at
888-594-FVBB or see our website!

Bike Trails Biking reviews

Review of the Week: Franklin Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Sparta, WI

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Franklin Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Sparta, Wisconsin is a wonderful place for a romantic, relaxing, exciting getaway. It’s only 25 minutes from historic La Crosse, Wisconsin. We are in the driftless area of South Western Wisconsin where the first state bike trail was created. The Elroy-Sparta State bike trail has over 101 connecting miles of bike trails. Canoeing, walking, horseback riding, and so many more wonderful silent sports to do. As a guest, you can enjoy many restaurants, and a wonderful four course breakfast. We have four guest rooms available.

The B&B currently has 217 reviews and on overall perfect rating on BedandBreakfast.com and we are very excited and delighted to inform you that we have been named “Best of the Midwest & Great Lakes” for the third time based upon the excellent reviews posted by our guests during the past three years. The following review was left for a stay, August 2011.

“Awesome B&B”
Franklin Victorian B&B in Sparta, WI is an awesome place to stay while visiting Sparta. Jennifer and Steve are very gracious and welcoming. From the history to all the little touches, Jennifer goes out of her way to make sure your stay at FVBB is everything you want it to be. She is fantastic cook. We will definitely stay there again when we are in Sparta. Thanks Jennifer and Steve for being such great hosts!

Biking State Bike Trails

Wisconsin State Bike Trails

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Wisconsin State Bike Trails offer something for everyone in every season of the year. These trails are perfect for a close-to-home bike ride, a fun day trip, or an adventurous weekend getaway. These trails link urban places to country spaces and let you explore all the beauty of Wisconsin at your own pace. Historic sites, parks, lakes and creeks, and charming small towns are waiting for you to discover them!

To find trail ideas, use this link…http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/elroysparta/ or http://www.bikesparta.com/

Area Recreation bed and breakfast Bike Trails Biking Sparta fun Activities traveling green

Summer Live in Harmony at Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast

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Summer in Sparta, How to Live in Harmony with yourself, Trust your sense of Values  click on this link…

As Summer sunshine is a welcome addition to our Hidden Valleys area community.  The streets are abuzz with activity as shop owners and restaurants open their doors in anticipation of another wonderful Summer season in Sparta. 

Area Recreation Bike Trails Biking Birding Cheesemakers Tours Gas Saving

Staycations Ideas in Wisconsin Stay Closer To Home

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Is your Staycations keeping you closer to your home this year due to Gas prices?  If so, come to the Hidden Valleys of Southwest Wisconsin. Sparta, WI is close to so many things to do and see. Stay at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast and you will be able to do biking, canoeing, golfing, birding, go to cheese shops, wineries and so much more.  You may see all the area activities on our website.  We look forward to hosting you during your Wisconsin Summer “Staycations”.  Check out our gas card special and other activities specials on our website. See you soon!

Area Recreation Biking Sparta fun Activities Trips

Planning a Biking Trip to Sparta, Wisconsin

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Simple things you can do to plan a biking trip.  A fun and active way to spend quality time with your friends, family or spouse.

Spring is here and it’s time to take the bikes out of storage.  Bike riding is a fun way to stay in shape and great way to get to places you may want to go.  Riding bikes together is a good way to make sure your loved ones get the exercise they need.  This will also help you strengthen your relationships.  Before going on a bike trip it is a good idea to make plans for the outing.

A Week or Two Ahead of Time

There are many things that should be planned in Advance.

  1. Where are you going to stay at and what dates? Stay with us at the Franklin Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Sparta, WI - 608-366-1427 or website FranklinVictorianBB.com . Call to make a reservation or make a secure on-line reservation from our website.
  2. Pick which state bike trails you are interested in riding.  We recommend the Elroy-Sparta state trail.  We are located one mile from the trail head, it offers 3 awesome tunnels and nature, small bike friendly towns to stop at and it is known world wide to be the best! We sure do!
  3. We provide a bike shuttle service for our guests to so you can ride the whole trail. Talk to the innkeepers to arrange or have more questions.
  4. Bring snacks for the trail so go shopping with your lists.

The Night Before the Biking Trip

The night before the outing is a great time to prepare for the trip.  You don’t want to wait until the morning you leave to pack and get ready.
  1. Make the lunches and put them in the refrig. till morning.
  2. Gather all the biking equipment and place in near the bikes or in your car. We suggest you pack a helmet, camera, flashlights for the tunnels, and a light rain jacket.
  3. Check over the bikes to make sure they are safe to ride. Put air in the tires if necessary.
  4. Have your GPS and or maps ready to go! Let someone know where you are going to be.
The Day of Your Biking Trip and Leaving Home
There won’t be a lot to do the day that you leave for your Trip because you have planned so well in advance.
  1.  After you are out of bed and dressed, sit down to eat breakfast.
  2. While you are out on the trip, take a lot of pictures.
See you Soon!
For reservations, visit the Franklin Victorian website or call 888-594-3822. The inn is located at 220 E. Franklin Street in Sparta, WI
Area Recreation Biking Calendar of Events La Crosse area events

Marathon on the Mississippi La Crosse Fitness Festival

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The Festival Foods La Crosse Fitness Festival is a two-day celebration that gives area residents and visitors from across the country an opportunity to enjoy active, aerobic outdoor events amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Mississippi River Valley. The wide range of activities–from a full marathon to a 5-kilometer walk, youth events and cycling events–offers challenges to both experienced and novice athletes of all ages and fitness levels. Proceeds from the Festival Foods La Crosse Fitness Festival are donated to the St. Clare Health Mission, Youth Enrichment Association, and Special Olympics of La Crosse.
Marathon-A scenic 26.2 mile race through the cities of La Crosse and Onalaska. Half Marathon

A 13.1 mile race around the south side of La Crosse.
5K Run/Walk
Kick off the La Crosse Fitness Festival by racing or walking this scenic loop starting in Riverside Park.
Marathon Relay

Share the experience of a marathon by dividing the distance with your friends.
Bike Tour
Enjoy a leisurely ride through the coulee region on one of three different bike tours.
Cycling Criterium
A fast, flat, 0.7 mile loop of road bike race on closed city streets of historic downtown La Crosse.
Cycling Time Trial
Test your endurance with a 2.5 mile ride up Grandad Bluff.
Children’s Events
Free races from 100 yards to 800 yards for children up through Grade 6.
Corporate Team Challenge
A team challenge that encourages maximum participation of co-workers at all fitness levels.
Fitness Expo
Learn about fitness and health; purchase fitness gear and nutritional supplements.
For a place to stay while attending the Festival come to the Franklin Victorian Bed & Breakfast, in Sparta, WI just about 25 minutes from La Crosse. You can relax and enjoy your time while in the beautiful area of Southwest Wisconsin. 608-366-1427 or see our website for more infomation.