September Escapade™ 2010 travels over hard-surfaced roads to tour the scenic and historic sites of south central Indiana, staying at three state parks: Brown County (two nights), Spring Mill (two nights), and McCormick's Creek (one night). Terrain ranges from rolling to hilly with some challenging hills. This tour is limited to 250 participants.
Our 2010 tour offers a choice of tent camping or inn lodging at all three state parks.
All breakfasts (5) and dinners (5) are included; menus are carefully planned for sound nutrition and variety, and include options for vegetarian and diabetic participants. Our meals offer lots of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as multiple entrees and sides. Furthermore, we do not run out of food! All meals are served in the state park inn dining rooms.
Expect to ride an average 62 miles/day on the days we travel to a new state park. Three layover days offer short, medium or long loop rides. Or, take a day off the bike to explore the park instead. (Routes and mileage are subject to change.)
Sunday (50 miles) and Monday (layover day; 23, 41 or 60 miles): Fairfax Beach to Brown County State Park & Abe Martin Lodge. Enjoy the journey to Indiana's largest state park, home to beautiful hiking and mountain bike trails, and a former host of the 1987 Pan Am Games cycling road race. On the layover day, cycle to the Cordry-Sweetwater Lakes area, or visit the former artist colony of Nashville.
Tuesday (62 miles) and Wednesday (layover day; 0, 24, 65, or 97): Brown County State Park to Spring Mill State Park. Travel through through an area of Indiana known for its round barns to Spring Mill, famous for its natural caves and historic pioneer village. On the layover day, enjoy riding through Amish countryside, past the Chainsaw Cemetery and the Shoe Tree. Stop and eat at the Overlook Restaurant on the Ohio River, or visit Marengo Cave.
Thursday (62 miles): McCormick's Creek State Park. Just twelve miles west of Bloomington, McCormick's Creek is a lovely park with attractive hiking trails, caves, and a gorge. Stop in Bloomington to visit Indiana University, home of the Lilly Library & the Little 500 Bicycle Race, and enjoy the shops and ethnic restaurants along Kirkwood Avenue and the town square on your way to the park.
Friday (40 miles): McCormick's Creek State Park to Fairfax Beach. Ride with your friends through Monroe and Owen Counties, outside of Bloomington, on your way back to Fairfax Beach.
| September Escapade™ 2010 Rates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodations | Adults (10 years and older) | Youth (4-9)* | Children (3 years or younger)* |
| Camping | $385/person | $195/person | $105/person |
| Private Inn Room | $940 | $195 if rooming w/ parent | $105 if rooming w/ parent |
| Shared Inn Room (2-3 people) | $655/person | $195 if rooming w/ parents | $105 if rooming w/ parents |
*Note: Indiana child safety laws requiring restraint seats make it illegal for our support vehicles to transport children 7 and under; Therefore, all children transported by bicycle must be at least 8 years old. Younger children are welcome if a member of their party is registered as a driving participant and acts as their personal SAG each day.
Your September Escapade™ registration fee includes the following:
The Indiana State Parks offer a rich environment for hiking, photography, bird watching, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. Therefore, we welcome non-cycling family members and friends of participants who would like to join us by car. You'll receive the standard tour items and privileges, along with a special set of maps to help you avoid the official TRIRI® cycling route. Complete the regular application form and supply us with your vehicle information to receive a special pass that covers park entry and allows you to park at the September Escapade™ group campsite, if you are not staying at the inns.
There are two registration deadlines: August 1 for participants staying in the inns, and August 30 for campers.
Please read our cancellation policy carefully:
All cancellations must be in writing (triri@triri.org) and postmarked or time/date stamped by the appropriate date. Those with inn rooms who cancel on or before August 1 will receive their registration fee minus $50.00/person. Those who cancel between August 1 and August 30 will receive the camping rate minus $50.00/person. Campers who cancel on or before August 30 will receive their entry fee minus $50.00/person.
No refunds will be given after August 30 for any reason, but we will accept substitutions; notify us in writing and ask your substitute to fill out a registration form.
We know that accidents happen, from broken bicycle frames to broken arms, and urge you to consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance in case you are forced to withdraw from the tour after the deadline. Trip cancellation insurance is available through McKay Insurance at 800.942.0283.
After your entry has been received, you'll get a confirmation postcard in the mail. Please contact us if you do not receive one within two weeks of your registration.
Registration packets, with your maps for the entire week and any jerseys, vests, or extra t-shirts ordered, will be available at registration packet pick-up just prior to the ride.
Want to learn more? Get a taste of September Escapade™ 2006.