The CowaLUNGa routes have been expertly designed using safe, scenic roads with limited traffic. You’ll experience just the right combination of flats and hills to challenge the newer rider and keep the experienced cyclist interested. It’s the view from your saddle that makes the tour so enjoyable. From farms and lakes to small country towns, there is plenty to see. Ride at your own pace, enjoy the tastes of Wisconsin (lunch each day is on your own), and keep an eye out for those cows! Note: route is subject to change if road work or any conditions require a slight reroute.
All Cow riders depart as a mass start at 9:00 AM on Day 1 from the Gurnee Mills parking lot in Gurnee, Illinois, conveniently located just off I-94 — approximately 40 miles north of Chicago. An earlier start time is not feasible as it will not align with rest stop locations and restaurant schedule availability.
18 Miles
GURNEE, ILLINOIS TO BRISTOL, WISCONSIN
Saturday, July 30, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. start – 12 p.m. return (approximately)
This is the perfect ride option if you want to be part of CowaLUNGa but are looking for a shorter distance. It’s also a great way to get the entire family involved! See our Child Rider Policy for more information.
Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. in the Gurnee Mills parking lot J. Restrooms are available and you can register your vehicle for free parking for the duration of your ride. Bring your cheering section – family and friends are welcome. After a short program and send-off, all riders depart for Wisconsin at 9:00 a.m. as a mass start. Spectators can enjoy shopping at Gurnee Mills following the send-off.
Please note that CowaLUNGa riders are required to wear helmets at all times on their bikes. NO HELMET, NO RIDE.
The 18 Mile Ride registration includes:
- Fully supported route (bike, SAG, medical) from start line in Gurnee to finish line at Bristol School in Bristol, Wisconsin
- Registration fee and small fundraising requirement (No registration fee for children 4 and under!)
- Event shirt
- Finisher’s medal
- Event photographer and digital photo access
- Snacks and drinks at the finish line in Bristol
- Group photo opportunity
- Free parking at Gurnee Mills
- Bus ride for you and transportation for your bike back to Gurnee, arriving at approximately 12 p.m.
1 Day – 65 Miles
GURNEE, ILLINOIS TO WILLIAM’S BAY, WISCONSIN
Saturday, July 30, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. start – 8:00 p.m. return (approximately)
Cycle approximately 65 miles from Gurnee Mills through fully-supported rest stops in Bristol, Hebron, and into Conference Point Center, located in William’s Bay outside of Lake Geneva.
Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. in Gurnee Mills Parking Lot J. Indoor restrooms are available and you can register your vehicle for free parking for the duration of your ride. Bring your cheering section – family and friends are welcome! After a short program and send-off, all riders depart for Wisconsin at 9:00 a.m. as a mass start. Spectators can enjoy shopping at Gurnee Mills following the send-off.
Lunch is on your own at one of many recommended restaurants. Once you arrive at Conference Point, you can check-in and turn in your bike to be loaded, then hit the showers, grab a snack, or visit the on-site Ice Cream Shoppe. Dinner will be available from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and after the Cow Gathering (a short program including the day’s highlights and a medal ceremony), you’ll board the bus to return to Gurnee Mills.
Please note that CowaLUNGa riders are required to wear helmets at all times on their bikes. NO HELMET, NO RIDE.
One Day Ride registration includes:
- Fully supported route (bike, SAG, medical) from start line in Gurnee to finish line at Conference Point Center in William’s Bay, Wisconsin
- Single day registration fee and fundraising requirement
- Event shirt
- Finisher’s medal
- Event photographer digital photo access
- Start line snacks, morning and afternoon rest stops with food and beverages
- Dinner at Conference Point Center
- Shower facilities at Conference Point Center
- Riders are invited to bring their personal bag for transport onto the gear truck.
- Free parking at Gurnee Mills
- Bus ride and transportation for your bike back to Gurnee, arriving at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Saturday evening. If you prefer to arrange your own transportation, you can depart as soon as you’ve checked in at Conference Point Center. Personal vehicles are not permitted overnight.
2 Day – 130 Miles
GURNEE, ILLINOIS TO WHITEWATER, WISCONSIN
Saturday, July 30, 2022, 9:00 a.m. start – Sunday, August 1, 2021, 8:30 p.m. return (approximately)
PLEASE NOTE: Advance proof of vaccination is required if you register for the 2-day ride. Participants and volunteers who are at least 16 years of age and wish to participate in or volunteer for Day 2 of the event are required to have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. See section 5 of event waiver for more.
After completing the first day ride (outlined above), dinner is available 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and is followed by the Cow Gathering, a short program with the day’s highlights and a medal ceremony for riders who are departing for home. Before and after, you’ll have time to take a swim in William’s Bay, relax with other riders, enjoy board games, grab a snack from the ice cream shop, or even make the short walk to town if you’d like to enjoy a little night life. An evening option is to come together to enjoy a fireside gathering before bed. Sleep in beautiful lakeside cabins, such as Magill Hall, Retreat, Delap Lodge and others. Cabins are preassigned based on registration date, team size and status of Lung Health Champion. Teams are assigned to be in the same cabin. Cabins with a/c are assigned first.
Get back in the saddle! On your second day, the route opens at 6:45 a.m. and covers approximately 65 miles, featuring a ride through areas of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and rest stops in the town of Lyons and at Avant Cycle Café, formerly the LaGrange General Store. Lunch is on your own again and you’ll pedal onto the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s campus to end the day. Check-in is required at each day’s finish line, and you must be off the route by dinner time. The Day Two dinner is a highlight, featuring a short program and recognitions.
Please note that CowaLUNGa riders are required to wear helmets at all times on their bikes. NO HELMET, NO RIDE.
Two Day Ride registration includes:
- Fully supported route (bike, SAG, medical) from start line in Gurnee to finish line at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Whitewater, Wisconsin
- Two day registration fee and fundraising requirement
- Event shirt
- Finisher’s medal
- Start line snacks, morning and afternoon rest stops with food and beverages, dinner on Saturday and Sunday, and breakfast on Sunday.
- Shower facilities at Conference Point Center and UW-Whitewater
- Riders are invited to bring their personal bag for transport onto the gear truck. Rider’s bags will be available each day upon check in
- Overnight accommodations (choose indoor or outdoor) at Conference Point Center
- Free parking at Gurnee Mills
- Bus ride and transportation for your bike back to Gurnee, arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m. Sunday evening. If you prefer to arrange your own transportation, you can depart as soon as you’ve checked in at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
3 Day – 190 Miles
GURNEE, ILLINOIS TO HUBERTUS, WISCONSIN
Saturday, July 30, 2022, 9:00 a.m. start – Monday, August 1, 2022, 7:00 p.m. return (approximately)
PLEASE NOTE: Advance proof of vaccination is required if you register for the 3-day ride. Participants and volunteers who are at least 16 years of age and wish to participate in or volunteer for Day 2 of the event are required to have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. See section 5 of event waiver for more.
Read 1 Day and 2 Day route descriptions above. In Whitewater on day two, spend the afternoon at the pool or on a massage table and enjoy a variety of activities after dinner including pool tables, ping pong, and bowling in the air-conditioned Rec Center. Share rider stories and enjoy an adult beverage at the late-night pizza party.
Overnight accommodations for night two are provided in the newly constructed air-conditioned dorm building on campus.
The third day’s route opens at 7:15 a.m. on Monday and is approximately 60 miles. In addition to two of the tour’s most challenging hills, you’ll want to stop in to visit a rider favorite, the Wholly Cow Frozen Custard shop in Delafield, and rest stops outside Ottawa and Stone Bank. Lunch is on your own. You’ll complete your successful CowaLUNGa journey riding into Camp Minikani in Hubertus, Wisconsin, where you can relax, buy raffle tickets and Cow souvenir items, cheer on other riders as they cross the finish line, and enjoy the celebration meal before departing for home.
Please note that CowaLUNGa riders are required to wear helmets at all times on their bikes. NO HELMET, NO RIDE.
Three Day Ride registration includes:
- Fully supported route (bike, SAG, medical) from start line in Gurnee to finish line at Camp Minikani in Hubertus, Wisconsin
- Two day registration fee and fundraising requirement
- Event shirt
- Finisher’s medal
- Start line snacks, morning and afternoon rest stops with food and beverages, dinner on Saturday and Sunday, breakfast on Sunday and Monday, and outdoor meal at finish line on Monday.
- Overnight accommodations (choose indoor or outdoor) at Conference Point Center on Saturday and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Sunday
- After dinner, activities like bowling, billiards, beverages, treats, socializing and more will continue at UWW’s Down Under space.
- Shower facilities at Conference Point Center, UW-Whitewater, and Camp Minikani
- Riders are invited to bring their personal bag for transport onto the gear truck. Rider’s bags will be available each day upon check in
- Free parking at Gurnee Mills
- Bus ride and transportation for your bike back to Gurnee, arriving at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening*. If you prefer to arrange your own transportation, you can depart as soon as you’ve checked in at Camp Minikani
*All return times are approximate.