In from St Louis and did the one day. 100K/65 M. The ride is well supported, and run by a really great staff, has beautiful scenery, ending at Lake Geneva for day 1. Apparently day 2 and 3 are even more impressive. also an 18 mile option for those who want a simpler version. great spots to stop for snacks, ice cream, and instagram pics. Definitley worth the time and effort. I'll be back. pro tip: if you are only doing the one day, consider staying at Lake Geneva. it's activities and dining it dont disappoint. If you are doing more. You stay there already!! read more

See all

This will be my third year as a three day rider for CowaLunga. As someone who has ridden in other multi-day charity rides, I can attest that this one is top notch! There are routes available for all levels. Do as little as 18 miles or ride all three days. You will feel an amazing sense of accomplishment at the end of a 190 mile bike ride. All routes are great, but I recommend considering the 2 or 3 day option. With a little training, it is an attainable challenge for even beginning riders. It is a well-supported ride. You will have fully stocked rest stops along the route, SAG vehicles always checking on you, and medical staff available should you need it. If you choose to do 2 or 3 days, your registration fee includes lodging. The first stop being in Lake Geneva at Conference Center Point and the second overnight being at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. You will have a bed! You don't have to camp, sleep on air mattresses, or pay extra for a hotel. Your registration also includes two meals each day. The route is well marked with interesting places to stop along the way. And the minimum fundraising commitment is not daunting - it is very achievable. Spend 3 days riding your bike in the summer warmth while riding up into scenic Wisconsin, all while raising money for healthy lungs and clean air........how can you go wrong! read more

Felt I should update my review, as I'll be riding my 9th Cow in the past 10 years, and my last reviews were after my first and second rides back in 2010 and 2011. The only year I missed was when I moved back to California for a spell and missed the event. Everything that I said in my two prior reviews is still true, so there's no need to repeat anything here - this is an event that consistently delivers. read more

The CowaLUNGa bike tour is just so awesome. It is really well organized, full of friendly spirit, and the sense of community is palpable, with variety of ages and other diversity to enjoy. Every year there are a few people receiving recognition for completing their 20th Cow, which says alot. The routes are gorgeous, the rural rolling hills of Wisconsin, well marked on the road surface as well as on the cue sheets. The snacks are great. The stops in small towns make for friendly informal lunches. The convenience of free parking for the whole event just north of Chicago, and the bus ride back at the end (after the finish party) is great. And of course, the cause is really important (respiratory health) while having an achievable and not overwhelming minimum. You can choose the distance and number of days that suit you. I say go for it! I'll be back next year. read more

3-day, 190+-mile biking vacation... and fundraiser. this is a great athletic fundraiser for those who aren't good at asking for money (like me). the minimum fund-raising amount is $295 which is easily attainable. i've surpassed that goal several times with a simple mass email to friends and family. if you are unable to take the time off, there is also a 1-day and 2-day option (but the 3-day is highly encouraged!) now onto the ride - a wonderfully supported 3-day, challenging (but not impossible) bike ride through the hillier sides of illinois and wisconsin. you do not need to own a $10,000 bike nor have years of riding experience as all levels are represented and all are welcomed by the veterans. there are 2 rest steps (with bountifuls of food) and marked lunch stops each day plus SAG vehicles ride the course to make sure you are safe and hydrated. the route is clearly marked with arrows so you do not need to follow a map (great for the directionally impaired like me!) each evening you are treated to dinner, discounted massages and entertainment. plus, of course, the chance to make new friends. all gear is transported for you to your accommodations. really a great ride - i've done it 7 times and will be back next year. read more

You can't have any more fun on your bike than this three day tour through southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois. Plus the night fun with fellow riders is more than you can expect. Plenty of rest stops, with all the snacks you need to keep you energized and refreshed. Plus plenty of vans driving the route should you need support. It doesn't get much better than this ride. You would not regret your decision to join this well organized and well supported fun tour. Hope to see you on the route. read more

Riding the Cow is a highlight of my summer. I will ride my fifth Cowalunga this August. Think of riding through the rolling hills of Wisconsin, spending nights in Lake Geneva and Whitewater, WI. Exceptionally well SAG'd. Riders of all profiles and ages. So much fun and a great workout! read more

I just completed my 10th Cowalunga, this time August 1-3,2015. So, it may seem that I'm a bit biased about this ride, since I've chosen to do it so many times. Well, I am biased, which is why I am sharing my thoughts about Cowalunga on Yelp. I'm a 50+ year old male who loves to bike 40-70 miles on a typical weekend day. I also love the camaraderie of biking with other solid, recreational bikers. I also love to stop and eat every 15-25 miles. If this sounds like the kind of biking experience you are looking for, then consider Cowalunga. The Respiratory Health Association (RHA) puts together a great route and offers great volunteer/SAG support. The best SAG I've experience on any ride I've ever done, which includes rides like MS150 and Ragbrai. The rest stops are every 15-25 miles, stocked with fruit, snacks, and Gatorade. (personally I carry my own Gatorade since I think the stuff they mix with the powder tastes like crap). The lodging is basic. I love a good 4 or 5 star hotel, but when I am on this ride through the farmland and Kettle Morraine in southern Wisconsin, I am just looking for a decent bed and shower and that is all I get. The dorms we stay in on Night #2 tend to be pretty warm, but they provide fans (yet I bring my own). The RHA arranges for your bikes to be loaded on a truck for the return to Gurnee Mills (starting point). They also haul your luggage, so that's all handled. It's all included in the registration fee. One of the highlights is the ice cream stops each day, if that is what you need to keep you motivated. Especially great is Wholly Cow in Delafield on Day 3. Yes, there is a fundraising component of this. My personal feeling is that since you are likely asked to support your friends' when they do fundraisers, this is the chance for them to reciprocate to help you. Most people have enough friends/coworkers/family to scare up $300. The registration fee is about $150. Frankly, for many years I simply covered the fundraising and registration on my own. So, for less than $500 I have a freaking blast for three days. read more

Go at your own pace! It is as short as an 18 mile ride to a challenging and fun 3 day 190 mile ride with an option of 30 more miles on day two. Check www.cowalunga.com for details because I could be on here all day! In short, this is the friendliest organized ride I've every been on. SAG is excellent, rest stops are fully stocked with fruit, drinks, snacks and even a variety of cheese and more. Sign up for a great cause, have a great ride, and meet some nice people along the way! read more

2019 will be my 3rd CowaLUNGa Bike Tour. Not only does it help a great charity, it is great exercise, a great way to spend time with my friends, and a great way to meet new people. The ride itself is lovely. Scenic. Not crazy hills but you do go thru the Kettle Moraine which is rolling. Probably one big hill per day I would guess. Lots of little towns to ride thru. Well supported with rest stops with plenty of food to keep you moving. Lunches are on your own and recommendations are given for stopping points. We now have our favorites :) Breakfast and evening meals are buffet style and tasty. You will not lack for food. We refer to the camp in Lake Geneva as 'dirty dancing camp' as it is really cool old wood buildings. I believe it was the first camp for girls in WI. The second overnight is in the dorms at Whitewater. Whitewater is a popular stop for multiple bike rides, so we have stayed there before. Cant say I am a fan of the dorms or walking around campus but that is the item I like least. Gearing up for this years ride! Game on. read more