This is the bicycle ride we were invited to go on this weekend up in Red Wing, Minnesota:

The Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour

Now that the fourth 3-Speed Tour is history we have realized we have created something bigger than we thought possible. This is, arguably, the most memorable cycling event you’ll find. Why? It’s simple: time travel. If you are with us next May, you will be cycling through the Golden Era of English cycle touring: the 1930s.

The Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour is based on cycle touring in pre-war England. It was a Gentlemanly time; few people owned a car and recreation based on automobiles was extremely limited. To get away for the weekend they would pack a few things, mount up and head to the country. Most every farmstead had refreshments or a room to rent, every little village had a family-run restaurant; just look for the “Cyclist Teas” or “CTC Recommended” sign. It’s a romantic image to be sure but firmly based in reality. It’s a reality that is fairly easy to reproduce given the right scenery, equipment and most important: attitude. One cyclist in a thousand will understand what I’m offering and that person, as you, will glaze over and say “I simply must go!”.

Now the funny thing is that I’ll be riding a racing-red Bianchi — kind of an entirely Italian bicycle, not English. Good thing Richard built a hub-shifting 3-speed and did a custom lacquered handlebar wrap for authenticity… 🙂

Should be a fun time for sure.

Update: Looks like we won’t be going after all due to some unavoidable work obligations for Richard and Chestnut. Hopefully next year will work out better!