APPLE BLOSSOM TOUR
Saturday August 12, 2023
Enjoy the surprises folded in the majestic Mississippi River Valley and Historic Bluff Country. Glimpse what the first westbound settlers must have encountered as you wind along the Mississippi River, once designated as the western edge of the United States.
Join us Saturday, August 12, 2023 for one of the following rides of the Tenth Annual Apple Blossom Tour.
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This is the big one; four total climbs over 74 miles. Climb the scenic Tschumper, descend “The Wall,” and grind up Apple Blossom Drive as the last hill of the day, a climb that none of the other routes complete. Start out by leaving La Crescent to the south on the shoulder along HWY 16; this will be the busiest traffic of the whole day until you get to the turn west on County 21. The rural valley has little traffic and leads you to the Tschumper climb, a beautiful heart-stopper that takes you up to the TV towers on the ridge; you’ll stay on top of the ridge until a remarkable descent known locally as “The Wall.” Back down in the valley, you’ll make a moderate climb to a rest stop at the Nature Center in Houston. Once back on the road you’ll turn north for the first of the two challenging climbs. Cross under I-190 to take a scenic descent to Pickwick, and take the shoulder of HWY 14 to a challenging climb up Apple Blossom Drive back to the top of the ridge. An optional rest stop at the Nodine Kwik Trip leads to a sweeping descent back down to Dakota. Return along the Mississippi River with a route that
spends some time on a paved, off-street trail before reconnecting to La Crescent on the shoulder of HWY 14.
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The shortest route on the list that climbs the scenic, sweeping vistas of the Tschumper hill, a local favorite and a must-see. Three total climbs make this a challenging route, but a great way to visit apple orchards, ridge views and speedy descents. Start out by leaving La Crescent to the south on the shoulder along HWY 16; this will be the busiest traffic of the whole day until you get to the turn west on County 21. The rural valley has little traffic and leads you to the Tschumper climb, a beautiful heart-stopper that takes you up to the TV towers on the ridge; you’ll stay on top of the ridge until a remarkable descent known locally as “The Wall.” Back down in the valley, you’ll make a moderate climb to a rest stop at the Nature Center in Houston. Once back on the road you’ll turn north for the first of the two remaining challenging climbs. Back on top of the ridge once again, an optional rest stop at the Nodine Kwik Trip offers a break before a swooping descent into Dakota. Return along the Mississippi River with a route that spends some time on a paved, off-street trail before reconnecting to La Crescent on the shoulder
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A great day out with two challenging climbs and a mid-ride stop at the Nature Center in Houston, this 53-mile loop is appropriate for road cyclists and those with moderate-to-good levels of fitness. Start out by leaving La Crescent to the south on the shoulder along HWY 16; this will be the busiest traffic of the whole day until you get to the turn west on County 21. This scenic and rural road has a few rollers, and a moderate climb just before the break in Houston. Then the real climbs of the day begins with challenging hills at miles 27 and 37. Once on top of the ridge an optional rest stop at the Nodine Kwik Trip offers a break before a swooping descent into Dakota and a return along the Mississippi River with a route that spends some time on a paved, off-street trail before reconnecting to La Crescent on the shoulder of HWY 14.
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Nearly thirty miles long with one challenging climb, this is a ride appropriate for road cyclists or families with older children who are up for a challenge on hybrid or exercise bikes with gears. Head south out of town on the
bike lanes along Apple Blossom Drive, turning west to begin the slow, continuous climb up Pine Creek valley. You’ll ride past dairy operations and farms for about twelve miles before turning for a challenging climb up the
ridge; the only real climb on this loop. Stop off mid-ride at the Nodine Kwik Trip convenience store if you need, then take a thrilling descent into Dakota. Take the off-street paved trail along the Mississippi River to return to
La Crescent from the north, with a brief mile and a half on the shoulder of HWY 14.
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Six miles of this family ride is on the paved, off-street trail alongside the Mississippi River; great for birdwatchers, dog-walkers and family biking! Head south to take the new elevated bike-ped bridge to cross over onto the other side of the highway. Then ride north from La Crescent towards Dakota. The busiest traffic of this route is at the very beginning, as you ride on a wide shoulder of the highway for 1.5 miles, then the rest is on protected off-street trail to Dresbach and low-traffic small-town roads through Dresbach. Return along the same route, entering La Crescent on the opposite shoulder of HWY 14. Out-and-back routes allow families to turn around at any point in case of tired legs.
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The shortest route we have, almost entirely on the off-street Wagon Wheel paved trail, this route is a good choice for families with young children or those looking for a flat and enjoyable ride through natural areas. Head through downtown La Crescent to cross over the new bike/ped bridge which avoids HWY 14. Then, some low-traffic surface roads take you to the entrance of the paved, off-street Wagon Wheel trail. It’s just under two miles to the turn-around point, and since it’s an out-and-back you can double back when anyone gets tired.
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