Ride the Ridge

A street passes over the former
track in Mt. Horeb. 
9/26/20 dwm photo

It is a blessing to live near bike trails.  Within two miles is a path with connections to a half-dozen.

One of them is the Military Ridge Trail - named for the foot path used by Native Americans.  From the northeast corner of Verona, it's a paved path into Madison.  Heading the other way, it's crushed limestone because it also serves snowmobiles.

My last couple of times riding the crushed rock didn't go well.  There were other options, so I took them.  Since I've been on a lot of trails this year, I decided to give it another try.

Judging the trail between Verona and Mt. Horeb, it appears ready for action.  The route out of Verona is flat, crossing wetlands and farm fields until it gets to the tiny town of Riley where it begins a slow climb into Mt. Horeb.  

It's not a steep grade, but is noticeable.  If you don't have someone picking you up further down the trail, you get an assist on your return to Verona with a gentle descent over three miles.  You may have company on the path as runners and walkers use it regularly - the closer you get to town, the more people you see.

Little creatures can be found all over Mt. Horeb.  They are trolls, mythical cave-dwellers.  In these parts, they are small and apparently support the community's chamber of commerce, which refers to its Main Street as a troll-way.

I guess a pot can serve as a bike helmet.
9/26/2020 dwm photo

 You didn't see many on the Military Ridge Trail, until now.  A diminutive biker is ready to join the next group heading out from a downtown park (photo left).

 The location is next to the headquarters of the Duluth Trading Company and a half-block from The Grumpy Troll.

 The round-trip between Verona and Mt. Horeb is 26 miles.  The stretch between Mt. Horeb and Dodgeville, a 25 trip, was in rough shape last time I took it.  But, based on the most recent trip, I think it's time to give it a try.