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Author Topic: Wisconsin "Driftless" area  (Read 2654 times)

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Offline kneescrubber

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Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« on: June 08, 2014, 09:26:31 AM »
I'll be traveling thru that area from Copper Harbor to Cedar Rapids, IA. The planned route is US 151 from west of Madison to Dubuque. Anything interesting I should be on the lookout for?
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Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2014, 09:46:23 AM »



Drifters.
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Offline Jim

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2014, 10:04:46 AM »
The southwest corner of the state is a nice "alphabet soup" road area. Almost every road is paved.

This is a bit north of your Madison/Dubuque direct line, but between Spring Green WI (west of Madison) and Prairie Du Chein you can find a small road going up into the highlands from the river and enjoy a small, curvy canyon thing. Then head west (your direction) a bit and find the next heading down to the river, west a bit, repeat.

If you're a fan of lighter beer, Spotted Cow from the New Glarus brewery is on my list.

The SWC of the state is nice to amble as the roads are paved. If something catches your eye - take it. To the west you'll hit the river and turn left. Should you hit the IL state line on a small road - it'll be gravel on the IL side.

www.JimWilliamson.net/motorcycle/2006-12-19-wis-alphabet/

www.JimWilliamson.net/motorcycle/2004-08-07-sw-wi/

Dubuque has the "4th Street Elevator" if you're into old stuff:
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« Last Edit: June 08, 2014, 06:03:43 PM by Jim »
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Online bedlamite

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2014, 03:14:21 PM »
Quote from: Jim on June 08, 2014, 10:04:46 AM
The southwest corner of the state is a nice "alphabet soup" road area. Almost every road is paved.

This. Get off the numbered highways and take the letter county roads. The best area for riding is north of 18 and south of I90.
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Offline RedCBRRider

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2014, 05:52:50 PM »
While you're in the area, get a map and explore the alphabet roads in the area as others have suggested.  You should also buzz Wildcat Mountain and the Mindoro Cut if you have time.
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Offline mxvet57

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2014, 06:05:45 PM »
I was just out there today and it is still fun.

Unlike Greg, (a different Greg in R4) I did not find any gravel roads, dead ends, or driveways.


Don't just stick to the lettered roads. Try the named roads to. May not look smooth but it will surprise you.
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Offline kneescrubber

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #6 on: June 08, 2014, 06:56:39 PM »
Quote from: RedCBRRider on June 08, 2014, 05:52:50 PM
... You should also buzz Wildcat Mountain and the Mindoro Cut if you have time.

I read about them in the latest BMWON. Thus my question.
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Online bedlamite

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #7 on: June 08, 2014, 08:08:32 PM »
FYI, Vernon county sheriff really likes giving expensive tickets to bikes, so watch it if you're around Wildcat mountain.
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Offline kneescrubber

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #8 on: June 08, 2014, 08:15:21 PM »
Quote from: bedlamite on June 08, 2014, 08:08:32 PM
FYI, Vernon county sheriff really likes giving expensive tickets to bikes, so watch it if you're around Wildcat mountain.

Real usable information. Thanks.
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Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Offline kneescrubber

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #9 on: June 08, 2014, 08:17:03 PM »
Not that everyone (other than Miles) hasn't provided useful info.
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Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Offline motormike

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #10 on: June 09, 2014, 09:18:02 AM »
If you're into guitars, you should stop at Dave's Guitars in Lacrosse, WI...but if you're into guitars you probably already know this. 
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Offline Zixxerpilot

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Re: Wisconsin "Driftless" area
« Reply #11 on: June 13, 2014, 05:30:38 AM »
There are very few bad roads down there. Hop off 151(its boring) and play around.

As much as I like Wildcat, I avoid it like Deals Gap anymore. Way too much attention was brought to that area, and it became a cop magnet.

Be aware, Mindoro Cut is getting the same way, and there is a very sneaky hiding spot at the top. You'll never see them.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

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