Customer Reviews

Elroy Sparta Trail Guidebook: Also includes: "400" State Trail, Omaha Trail, La Crosse River State Trail, and Great River State Trail

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Finally....the essential trail guide worthy of the scenic Elroy Sparta Trail----America's first rails-to-trails bikeway. From tunnels to trails to history to tourist attractions to accommodations, the Sobie Guide is a celebration of cycling and the natural beauty of the unglaciated regions of southwest Wisconsin.

Finally....the essential trail guide worthy of the scenic Elroy Sparta Trail----America's first rails-to-trails bikeway. From tunnels to trails to history to tourist attractions to accommodations, the Sobie Guide is a celebration of cycling and the natural beauty of the unglaciated regions of southwest Wisconsin.

As one of the Friday Riders listed in this book, I have known and ridden with Bob Sobie, the author of the Elroy Sparta Trail Guidebook, for a number of years. As a matter of fact it was my Bachelor bike ride that Bob mentions in the book. As an author and a psychologist I believe I have a unique perspective of Bob and the words he wrote in this book. If the famous analyst C.G. Jung were to meet Bob he would probably call him a "sensing" person. Let me tell you why I believe that's important for an author of a guidebook. Being a sensing person Bob writes what he gets through his senses. He writes about what sights you will see. He describes the sounds you'll hear. He includes how much the trail will incline or decline. He even includes what you should expect from sleeping and eating at various places along the trail. Though his own passion about the trail definitely does leak out, he leaves whether you ride or how much you ride up to you, as he does with all the other attractions in the area.

As one of the Friday riders listed in this book, I have known and ridden with Bob Sobie, the author of the Elroy Sparta Trail Guidebook, for a number of years. As a matter of fact it was my Bachelor bike ride that Bob mentions in the book. As an author and a psychologist I believe I have a unique perspective of Bob and the words he wrote in this book. If the famous analyst C.G. Jung were to meet Bob he would probably call him a "sensing" person. Let me tell you why I believe that's important for an author of a guidebook. Being a sensing person Bob writes what he gets through his senses. He writes about what sights you will see. He describes the sounds you'll hear. He includes how much the trail will incline or decline. He even includes what you should expect from sleeping and eating at various places along the trail. Though his own passion about the trail definitely does leak out, he leaves whether you ride or how much you ride up to you, as he does with all the other attractions in the area.

A must read for anyone interested in bicycles
This book needs to be on your must purchase list before you decide to visit the Elroy Sparta Trail. This book includes information on places to eat, where to stay, trail conditions, shuttle services, what to do with families. This book is a great reference book and well as a trip planner! A must read!!!!

If you plan on riding the Elroy Sparta trail in Wisconsin this is a must have book. Take your time and read it before venturing to the trail. The author has ridden this trail numerous times and lists all the best places to eat, sleep and visit. He mentions places that are "must sees" you will probably miss if you don't read this book. The author also did a lot of research on the construction and history of the railroad and tunnels that ran where this trail resides. This info is included in the book. Grab yourself a copy and highlight all of the places that you would like to visit then go out and hit the trail.

Ordered this book after not being able to find much current, factual information on the Elroy-Sparta tail prior to taking a trip to bike it. This book has quite a bit of information relative to most people. It even gives a little information on a few other trails in the surrounding area (La Crosse and the 700). The author gives Names, Addresses and Phone Numbers of many places along the route he found to be useful. The only downside is that the book was copyrighted in 2001 (10 years ago) so one has to wonder how many of those same vendors mentioned are still around. Not really the authors fault though. He even includes some trail maps, although some nice laminated 'break-out' ones would be nice. Not a negative for the book though. Overall a great investment if you are looking to check out this great bike trail.

After being a student of Bob Sobie's for just under two years, I quickly realized his love for bicycling and his love for the Elroy Sparta Trail. Since graduating from the college he teaches at (soon to retire, good luck Bob!) I myself began to take an interest in cycling. I figured where better to take a vacation then the Elroy Sparta Trial.

I bought this book to get myself familiar with the paths and towns that make up the trail. The book was wonderfully written and his enjoyment of the trails really shines through. He gives plenty of information on the trails, including what the expect to see on the way. The book also includes a lot of information on where to stay, eat, and other attractions to enjoy on your visit to these beautiful trails. If you plan on visiting these trails, this book is a must!