Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Elroy-Sparta Trail, WI
A long ride on the Elroy-Sparta Trail — the first rail-to-trail conversion in the U.S. — turned into a full-day adventure of tunnels, wildflowers, butterflies, and a minor crash. Along the way, travelers from around the world crossed paths, the Wisconsin landscape rolled by, and a few questions came up about the only state in the country that charges to ride its bike paths.
Ride to Gills Rock
I rode my gravel bike from Peninsula State Park up to Gills Rock at the northern tip of Door County. The route hugged the shore of Green Bay, passing through quiet towns, wooded stretches, and scenic farm country. It was mostly a peaceful, rewarding ride with views that kept pulling me off the road to take photos.
Cycling Madeline Island
I started the day in the woods near Bayfield with a maple-syrup-heavy breakfast, caught the ferry to Madeline Island, and biked 33 miles through sun, gravel, and quiet roads. Along the way, I met fellow cyclists, visited sacred Ojibwe sites, explored La Pointe, and ended the day with a black-bean burger, live music, and a sunset ferry ride back to Bayfield. Tired, dusty, and happy, I rolled back to my quiet pull-off in the woods and crashed hard.
Grand Island Bike Loop
Cliffs, overlooks, bogs, wildflowers, and that old North Light Creek bridge — Grand Island’s loop tested every pedal stroke. 23 miles of raw Upper Peninsula grit and beauty.