| Jon:
I worked in Wisconsin about 10 years ago, and there were over 350
miles of state bike paths at the time. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin
have very extensive bike path systems, run by the respective
Departments of Transportation (if I remember correctly).
Here are a few random suggestions.
A very nice bike path ride (+- 26 miles one way) on a former rail bed,
starts in New Glarus, WI, near Madison, maybe 2-3 hours from Chicago.
It is flat, was hard-packed dirt back in '75, and only occasionally
intersected streets with automobiles. New Glarus was settled by
Swiss emigrants, and has a new world/old word feel to it. It's
a very small village, so finding the bike path will be no problem.
North of Milwaukee is an area called the Kettle Moraine. It is
spectacular, hilly and very scenic. Auto traffic is minimal, even
on 'main' roads. Most maps indicate where the Kettle Moraine is.
There are a number of state and county parks in the area. These
tend to have wonderful road for cycling.
Another slightly closer route extends west from Waukesha, just west
of Milwaukee, maybe 100 miles NW of Chicago. I don't have the map
with me, but I believe it's WI Rte 18. It goes through many small
towns and villages. Near Waukesha, it's very urban, but maybe 5
miles west, you're in farm country. I saw many cyclists on the
back roads when I was out there last October (unfortunately, I
was only there for the day, and couldn't ride myself).
The State DOT has very good road maps. They are located in Madison.
Bookstores in both Madison and Milwaukee would have more info. Madison
itself has a very extensive bike path system, because of the
University. If you're able to visit the city, be sure to get to
the Arboretum, on the west side. It's spectacular.
Another quite wonderful area is Door County. It is located about
100miles n of Milwaukee, so about 200 miles n of chicago. It's
the 'finger' that projects into Lake Michigan, north of Oshkosh.
The area was settled by New Englanders, and has become a summer
home area for Chicago and Milwaukee people, as well as boasting
lots of apples in the fall (and apple blossoms in the spring).
Peninsula State Park has wonderful lighthouses, and has a nice
campground. If you're camping, observe the same caution with food
as you would in bear territory, as badgers are very upfront with
their food needs... They're not as large as bears, but make up
for it with vivacious personalities...
I wish I had better sources of maps and addresses for you, but hope
that this will at least get you started. The weather follows pretty
much the same pattern as southern New England.
Have a terrific visit!
Bob
|
| The League of American Wheelmen Almanac (January issue of Bicycle
USA) lists names, addresses and phone numbers of:
contact people,
touring information directors,
state and other agencies,
Touring tips,
and Bicycle Clubs
Within each area by state.
I have used these resources myself, they are always most helpful.
If you don't have the Almanac, give me a call (dtn 223=5991) or mail
and I'll be glad to get you the info.
~Mike
|