Pardeeville Pedals and Parties

My sister and I before the ride

My sister was back home in Wisconsin and there was one weekend we could do a ride.

Just up the road in Pardeeville, they were hosting what is called "Pedal and Party in Pardeeville for a Purpose."

The purpose was raising money for Muscular Sclerosis (MS) and riding through the beautiful Columbia County countryside.

My younger sister used a borrowed bike and we were on the road a little past 8.

Thankful for cool temps.
(dwm photo)

It's been at least ten years since I last rode through Columbia County, and not around Pardeeville so this adventure was completely new.

When you don't know what is around the next corner or over the next hill, each mile can be a revelation.

At the first rest stop, ride organizers had made-to-order breakfast burritos. While it was our first ride, this was the 15th edition, and the burritos were obviously popular with repeating riders.

Beyond the burritos something else caught my eye, a horse and wagon.

A family was offering fresh, home made glazed doughnuts and a variety of cookies.  The buyer, in this case, riders, could name their own price.

Those doughnuts were so good, we stopped again on the return loop to the finish line.

Climbing hills on a borrowed bike.  (dwm)

Much of the land is farmed by Amish.  The farms are distinctive with immaculate gardens and neatly stacked shocks of wheat standing in harvested fields.

One stretch of country road featured several Amish businesses - pet supplies, furniture, greenhouse, and a vintage country store.

Another rest stop was Mishler's Country Store and it is amazing. Bulk foods, spices, cookbooks, herbs, and kitchen stuff line the shelves.  It must be great, that section of Barry Road was the busiest we rode all day.

At the end of the ride, we joined the rest of the riders for burgers in Pardeeville.

Pedal and Party indeed.