Day 30: Madison to Milwaukee

Today's 90 mile ride to Milwaukee was uneventful and sort of a mixed-bag.  We were led out from our hotel in Madison by Tania Burke, Owner of Trek Travel, on what I thought was going to be a relaxing  ride on Madison's excellent network of bike paths.  But, due to detours caused by bike path repairs, we ended up on very busy streets at morning rush hour for much of the first 15 miles.  It was made more stressful by the fact that almost the entire group was bunched together behind Tania.  It was definitely no fun.  The rest of the ride was fine and I was in and out of various groups of cyclists as I pedaled at a fairly brisk pace. The weather was once again near perfect.

We were on portions of various bike paths throughout the day including the final 3.5 miles coming into central Milwaukee.  Me and several other riders made a wrong turn a few blocks from the hotel and ended up putting our brakes on as we passed an ice cream store called the Purple Door.  A nice milkshake confirmed that our wrong turn had actually been the best turn.  

We are staying at The Iron Horse Hotel which is described as a "Boutique, warehouse-style hotel offering chic, industrial rooms".  It is the result of an extensive renovation of a 100 year old warehouse and it is very nicely done.  My 6th floor room looks across the Menomonee River to the Harley-Davidson Museum and the skyline of Milwaukee beyond. Based on it's style and location, I'm sure the hotel caters to Harley enthusiasts from around the world.  

Lake Michigan is off to my right and just out of view.  Based on what I have seen so far of downtown Milwaukee, it is definitely nicer than the "old, dirty, rust-belt" image that I previously had of the city - an unfair image that I am happy to discard. 

Tomorow should be a fun and interesting day with only 40 miles of cycling.  From the hotel we pedal 3 miles to the Lake Express Ferry Terminal and then depart around noon for a 2 1/2 hour ferry ride across Lake Michigan. Once in Michigan, we pedal 37 miles to our hotel in the town of Holland. Michigan will be the 10th state of our journey and also marks our entry into the Eastern Time Zone.

Steve