Minnesota Root River Ride 2026

Date: Sep 8-10, 2026, Tuesday-Thursday with possible add-on of Elroy-Sparta Trail on Fri and Sat.

Time: See ride description below

Start Location: Cottage House Inn, 209 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN 55949

Event Leaders: Jack & Cindy Lichtenauer

Event Leader Contact Phone : (815) 978-2504

Event Leader Email: jack.lichtenauer@gmail.com

RSVP: Please RSVP directly to Jack Lichtenauer using the above contact information.

Event Description:

The Root River Trail is made up of smooth, paved former railway trails that are mostly flat, with a few hills. It’s a great ride at an easygoing pace—we usually average 10–12 mph. All rides are out-and-back, so it’s easy to turn around early if you’d like a shorter day.

We typically stay at the Cottage House Inn, but Lanesboro has plenty of other great lodging options, plus nearby camping.

Planned Rides

• Tuesday: Meet at 2:30 PM for a 22-mile ride from Lanesboro to Fountain and back

• Wednesday: Breakfast at Pastry Shoppe at 8:00 AM, then a 64-mile ride from Lanesboro to Houston and back

• Thursday: Breakfast at Pastry Shoppe at 8:00 AM, followed by a 46-mile ride from Lanesboro to Harmony and back

Semi-planned Rides

• Friday: Meet at Elroy-Sparta midtrial at TBD for one half and back, which depends on the wind.

• Saturday: Meet at Elroy-Sparta midtrial at TBD for the other half and back.

We plan to have dinner together after riding each evening.

If you’re thinking of joining us, please RSVP directly to Jack Lichtenauer, and we’re always happy to answer questions.

Root River Trail website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/root_river/index.html 

Trail map: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/rootriver_harmonypreston.pdf 

RWGPS: Ride leader will provide route guidance.

Ride Start Location