Ride to Gills Rock

Planning the Ride

Today was going to be sunny weather and I wanted to get a bike ride in. I eventually found a ride to Gills Rock that was described as a picturesque ride along the shore.

The tours center gave me a local bike map with a very complicated route to Gills Rock. It would have taken way too much effort to figure out when and where to turn. I couldn’t find any downloadable GPS map data for my Garmin 830 bike computer. The route I had was a Garmin map and took me on Route 42—an 18-mile ride north.

The route started in the park and wound its way north to the State Park’s golf course, which is where it picked up Route 42. I use a Garmin rear light with radar, so I know when vehicles are approaching. The only time I had a bad experience on this trip was in the park when a pickup truck from Texas blew by too close and laid on the horn.

Climbing and Coasting Through Door County Towns

The route had some steep hills and one extremely steep hill. I used the big gear in the back for the first time. The route passed through Ephraim, Sister Bay, Ellison Bay, and ended in Gills Rock.

Ephraim is a peaceful lakeside village known for its white buildings and Scandinavian roots. The shoreline is calm, and the historic charm is strong. You coast along the bay and get the occasional break from traffic.

In Sister Bay, the route veers off toward the coast and the hills are a little more intense. Sister Bay is the largest village in northern Door County and was buzzing with vacation energy—people heading to the beach, browsing local shops, and waiting in line at the more popular restaurants and ice cream shops.

Ellison Bay had a quieter, more rural feel with fewer cars and more open stretches of road. There were glimpses of the lake between tree-lined roads and signs pointing toward nature preserves and scenic lookouts.

Destination Gills Rock

In Gills Rock, I was expecting to see a large rock or a cliff overhang. It’s actually a small harbor town with a marina, a park, a maritime museum, and a few restaurants and vacation rentals. I rode a little further to see what was at the point. A woman in her 80s was coming down a steep hill, limping badly but with a determined look on her face. I said hello as I crept up the hill, and she said, “You’re going to get a good workout.” I agreed.

As you get away from the developments, there are patches of wildflowers that looked amazing.

I stopped by a boat named The Skipper which was donated to the Door County Maritime Museum (DCMM). It was sitting near the road with a plaque that describe the history or the boat and how its owners (Howard and Emery Weborg) had impacted this small community.

As you ride, you’re greeted with little surprises along the way. Art work, curiosities, beautiful homes, and beautiful views. Getting away from the towns you see another aspect of life that you wouldn’t see by remaining in town.

Encounters and Cherries on the Return Trip

On the way back, my Garmin radar was beeping and I didn’t hear any car. There were two dots. A couple on e-bikes were passing on the left. As they approached, she said, “We’re passing you on the left, but we’re cheating. You’re looking good.” I wasn’t feeling like I was “looking good.” I waved and they faded in the distance.

Sometime after Ellison Bay on my way back, I turned off of Route 42 onto Seaquist Mountainview Road and into a long stretch of road that passed through a cherry orchard. I had to stop to get a photo with my phone. I also tested a cherry—which was ripe and sweet.

Sister Bay Again: Ice Cream and Traffic

I stopped to take a photo of an ice cream shop as I entered Sister Bay, wanting to treat myself. I knew better. I guessed I had 10 more miles to go, and having heavy cream in my stomach while riding would wreak havoc on my system.

Traffic was picking up again in Sister Bay—it was backed up a couple of blocks, everyone jockeying for the closest spot to the beach, not willing to walk two blocks from the free parking nearby.

I had run out of water and the sun was beating down on me as I pulled up to the Visitor’s Center in Sister Bay. The woman inside wasn’t sure who sold water, but “if I was looking for alcohol” she said, “that would be much easier”. She was really funny and told me she was a cyclist and suggested one of the ice cream shops right up the street.

I stopped at Analog Ice Cream and Coffee because the line was much shorter than at Door County Creamery next door. They didn’t have bottled water, but there was a pitcher sitting with the napkins. It was, of course, empty. I asked if she could fill it. Clearly annoyed, she did—but the four women waiting for ice cream also noticed and said something encouraging to me. We all laughed as the woman brought the water out. I thanked her for her help.

There was a steep hill in front of me as I quenched my thirst. I made my way up the hill and into the shaded forest of the campground. It was at least 15 degrees cooler in the forest.

Jokes and Navigation

I got turned around in the park and stopped a woman at an intersection for directions. She pulled out a map, and I told her we were on Shore Road but I wasn’t sure if the turnoff where we were was Bluff Road. Somehow we determined it was, and I thanked her and was ready to leave when she said, "I got a joke for you." She said, “What’s the difference between a hippo and a zippo?” I shrugged and she said, “One is heavier and one is a little lighter.” We both chuckled, and I was on my way. It struck me how she seemed genuinely interested in adding a little cheer to people’s day—even strangers passing through.

Back at Camp

I made it back to camp around 4, showered, picked up the van, and decided to take a nap with the back doors open and a breeze blowing through. I was out for almost three hours thinking it was an hour.

It was a really fun ride getting to explore the coast north of Fish Creek.