Country Ride

Farmland north of Madison.
7/26/2020 dwm photo

Saturday I biked to the end of the line.  

Rauls Road is where the path intended to connect Madison to Sauk City stops.  There is a bike bridge in place two miles from there, but as they say, "you can't get there from here."

From Verona, it's straight north on County M into the city where early in the day it's easy to wind around retail shops and office buildings to reach an east-bound path toward the Pheasant Ridge Conservancy then left on the strip of asphalt that follows U.S. Highway 12.

The path quickly leaves the city behind.  When the four-lane highway isn't busy, it feels like a jaunt in the country with views of rolling hills and crops stretching to the ends of the earth.

Working farms are a frequent
site. 7/25/20 (dwm)

It's not a perfect trail.  The close proximity of the road and lack of natural cover to shelter birds, creatures, and trail users lowers its score.  However, when the trail is finished it will allow riders to travel from La Crosse to Milwaukee.

There are several gaps to fill before that's possible.  Right now you can ride uninterrupted down the Great River Trail which begins in Trempealeau County then joins the La Crosse River Trail which runs into the legendary Elroy - Sparta Trail and finishes in Reedsburg, the terminus of the 400 Trail.

Summer colors dot
the trail. 7/25/20 (dwm)

The path out of Middleton will eventually connect to the Great Sauk Trail, cross an old railroad bridge over the Wisconsin River, through a new state recreation area, and into Baraboo before reaching Reedsburg.

Until then, the path ends 17 miles away, creating a nice up and back in the country.

It's a good route with opportunities to get your speed up and a few decent climbs.  Because of the highway speeds, I recommend young riders avoid this while riding solo; experienced bikers need to check the rear view mirror before crossing roads that intersect the highway.

Have a good trip!