2026 Heartland Rally 8/29-9/5, 2026 Official Thread

[The A-man]

Wow! Looking at those routes on the map makes me think that there's a ton of great riding to be done in this area. Many, many options to make a day's mileage as long or as short as you wish. Thanks MTC! I'm getting excited. Bike is at the shop right now getting some needed service in preparation for Rally Week.

[emptysea]

Hello!

Just finished a 2000 mile moto-vacation through Wisconsin, Canada, and Minnesota so now I can focus in earnest on the Heartland/Driftless Rally.

Today's update is mainly on attendees. I just got off the phone with Pam at round Barn Lodge and here are the names that she has on the reservation list along with the days that each room is reserved for. Let me know if your name isn't on the list. Let the hotel know if you want to reserve (there are still several rooms available now, but room will be released from the block soon).

Matt C. Saturday - Saturday
Amos M. Saturday - Saturday
Paul P. Saturday - Saturday
David P. Thursday only
Aaron R. Sunday - Saturday
Ken M. Saturday - Sunday (note: this is an extra day. not sure if this was intentional on Ken's part or not)
Ray L. Sunday - Saturday
David C. Saturday - Saturday
Ron T. Saturday - Saturday

There were a few questions about the first "Official" group ride. I have that planned for Monday, 8/31. I will have "early bird special" routes for those who arrive Saturday or early Sunday. More on routes in an upcoming update.

If you need to contact the hotel to make or update your reservation, call (608) 588-2568

[emptysea]

A note on breakfasts (and other food):

Contrary to earlier posts, there will not be breakfast food available at the hotel. Coffee and tea is available, though. Breakfast is available at Anita’s which is just down the road from the Red Barn. I may buy some snack bars and other grab and go snacks for the group, but you might want to bring your own snacks of choice.

Most, if not all, organized rides will include a lunch stop, and there are a number of dinner options in the area, including the on-site Mexican restaurant, Los Amigos.

[Lunchbag]

Just finished a 2000 mile moto-vacation through Wisconsin, Canada, and Minnesota so now I can focus in earnest on the Heartland/Driftless Rally.

I love that you can now relax from riding in order to focus on riding 

[rickcb]

I made our reservation today. SneakyFast is coming; 3rd-Gear-Steve is not.

[emptysea]

I made our reservation today. SneakyFast is coming; 3rd-Gear-Steve is not.

3rd-Gear Steve will be missed.   So glad that you two will be joining us!

[emptysea]

Check your email
Messages have gone out though the forum to everyone who has (to my knowledge) booked a room at the Round Barn Lodge. If you have received it, please respond with the requested information as soon as possible. If you have not received my message, but have booked a room, please let me know.

Thanks!

Matt

[The A-man]

I'm getting excited! I think I've completed the last of my rally prep maintenance list:

New Angel GTs - Front and Rear
New Chain and Sprockets
New rear brake pads
Flushed the brake and clutch hydraulic fluids

Engine oil has plenty of life left.
So... only thing left on my list is to get my baby cleaned up and polished! (I can't let MTNEERS outshine me this year!!!)

See you all soon!!

[Ole]

Sadly I am out. Daughters day care shuts down that week so we have the grandson for 5 days. He is a hoot.
Those roads over there that start with a letter not a number are great. You guys have fun!

[emptysea]

Sadly I am out. Daughters day care shuts down that week so we have the grandson for 5 days. He is a hoot.
Those roads over there that start with a letter not a number are great. You guys have fun!

Sorry to hear this.  If it makes a difference, there will be a few of us arriving Saturday and staying through the following Saturday; Maybe you could scoot up on one of your non-Grandparenting days for a visit.  I know it's 2 hours round trip, but we'd love to see you.   

MTC