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It's time for the BRAVE Ride
Annual bike ride in Gays Mills this weekend
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On Saturday, Sept. 15, the Crawford County Tourism Council presents the Fifth Annual Kickapoo BRAVE Ride in Gays Mills. The event begins in Riverside Park on the Kickapoo River, where riders can choose between routes of 20, 40, 60 and 100 miles that tour the scenic landscapes of Crawford County. Families can also try the "Family Fun Ride," a shorter, less-challenging five-mile course along the Kickapoo River.

Longer rides will feature several rest stops where riders can get refreshments and snacks. The 60-mile route stops at the Ferryville Fall Fest and Market in the Park, an expanded version of the Market in the Park held each Saturday from May through October at Sugar Creek Park. The market offers Amish craft items such as baskets, quilts, small furniture, throw rugs, toys, and baked goods. Other products include garden plants, nursery items, home-made preserves, and flea market items.

The 20, 40, 60, and 100-mile routes will stop at the Eighth Annual Driftless Area Art Festival, where riders can peruse the fine selection of paintings, ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, wood, and other artist's creations. The Festival will also offer regional performing artists and local foods. 

Upon their return to Riverside Park, riders will be greeted with a Harvest Dinner of locally grown foods and beverages. Entertainment will be provided by "Jane and Kevin," featuring folk and bluegrass, followed by the "Tarot Card All Stars" with their blend of acoustic, old-time music. Dinner tickets are available to the general public in advance or at the door for $9 per person.

This year, the Kickapoo BRAVE Ride presents riders with a new twist: the $500 BRAVE/Potosi Challenge. Held on consecutive weekends in September - The BRAVE in Gays Mills on Sept. 15 and the Brewery Tour in Potosi on the Sept. 22 the two events offer riders a tour of the Driftless area of Southwest Wisconsin. If you register for and complete both rides, you just might win $500 for your efforts.

For further information about the Kickapoo Brave Ride and other weekend events, visit www.CrawfordCountyEvents.com. Or call the Crawford County Tourism Council at 608-326-6658.