Wheels and a Marriage ceremony: Wisconsin Motorbike Journey

A marriage is a superb time to have fun with family and friends, however when that household resides in Wisconsin, it is usually an important excuse for a bike journey. My cousin’s wedding ceremony was throughout Labor Day weekend, and the journey would take me by means of Milwaukee, so I referred to as some buddies at Harley-Davidson to see if I may borrow a motorcycle. They supplied me an exquisite Blue Burst Low Rider ST. Arriving on the Friday earlier than the marriage and planning to return the bike the Tuesday after Labor Day, my journey rapidly changed into a multiday odyssey, giving me the chance to discover the wonders of Wisconsin on two wheels.

Scan QR codes above or click on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3or Day 4 to view routes on REVER

On Friday, I flew to Milwaukee. For the reason that Low Rider ST has small saddlebags with solely 2 cubic toes (28.3 liters) of storage, I knew I wanted to pack gentle. Fortunately, the marriage can be casual, so I may forego a sports activities coat in favor of a easy shirt and tie that I may roll up with different necessities. As soon as on the bottom, I met the consultant from Harley-Davidson and transferred the contents of my duffel bag into the saddlebags. My vacation spot was the Inexperienced Lake/Ripon space, about two hours northwest of Milwaukee, which might function my house base for the weekend.

With the bike packed and prepared, I set a course for Ripon, the place the couple was internet hosting their rehearsal dinner that night. Hoping to keep away from interstates, I requested a buddy who previously labored at Harley-Davidson if she may suggest a route. She gave me detailed instructions that I used to be capable of enter into my REVER app. What adopted was the right welcome to Wisconsin.

My journey started within the suburb of Wauwatosa and ventured west till I turned north of Pewaukee Lake. This led me to State Route 83, which threads the needle between Pine Lake, Beaver Lake, and North Lake. Making good time, I finished at Candy Desires in Hartford for a frozen custard. About halfway by means of my chocolate cone, a little bit of drizzle started to dampen my day. There was simply sufficient precipitation to moist my windscreen however not sufficient for rain gear, so I hopped again on the Low Rider, set it to Rain mode, and pointed my wheels north. At this level within the journey, I used to be passing nothing however cornfields and cow pastures, their distinct smells intensified by the sunshine rain. From there, I took State Route 175 to State Route 33, after which a northerly journey up County Highway P to Theresa. Totally immersed in rural Wisconsin, I ultimately discovered myself on State Route 49.

The drizzle dried up, and I used to be greeted by the Horicon Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. At 33,000 acres, the Horicon Marsh is without doubt one of the largest wetland areas in the US and is a migratory cease for geese and geese. The marsh is split between federal and state parks, with the northern portion being managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. SR-49 passes alongside the northern fringe of the refuge and gives a scenic view of the wetlands. With the solar now shining, I took a second to relaxation at one of many close by vistas earlier than persevering with on towards Waupun. Driving alongside County Highway M, I used to be once more surrounded by cornfields and cow pastures, in addition to a number of gigantic windmills spinning of their gradual, methodical method. I ultimately turned west on State Route 23, which took me into Ripon. After dropping off the bike and my gear on the lodge, I joined the bride and groom at Knuth Brewing Firm to catch up over beers and grub.

The marriage was on Saturday night, so I awakened early to squeeze in a morning journey round Inexperienced Lake. From the lodge, I ventured west on SR-23 till turning south on County Highway A. On Illinois Avenue, I handed the Heidel Home Resort & Convention Middle. For these on the lookout for luxurious throughout their motorbike adventures, the Heidel Home is an impressive choice. Initially inbuilt 1890, the property reworked right into a restaurant and later a lakeside lodge. The ability closed in 2019, however by means of a multimillion-dollar funding in 2021, it was redeveloped into one of many premier locations within the Midwest. Right now, it is usually an impressive eating spot, together with Waves Pub and Grill, an informal choice for a midride cease. If golf is your recreation, the plush grasslands of Wisconsin are lined with nation golf equipment, together with Tuscumbia Golf Course, throughout the road from the Heidel Home.

On a timetable, I continued down Illinois Avenue till turning north on Lake Drive after which west on South Road, which took me by means of the center of Inexperienced Lake. Protecting the precise lake on my left, I turned south and took a second to understand the view at Hattie Sherwood Park. Inexperienced Lake isn’t massive, however it accommodates a number of boat launches that have been bustling with exercise over this Labor Day weekend.

On the southern tip of the lake, I took a break at Dodge Memorial County Park to admire the boat site visitors and dip my toes within the water. I continued on County Highway Okay earlier than turning north onto Lakeview Highway, which satirically didn’t have the view of the lake I anticipated. I attempted to hug the shoreline by turning west, however the lake was obscured by houses alongside the shore, so I returned to Lakeview Highway and ultimately made my option to County Highway A. I pulled into Sundown Park to benefit from the east aspect of the lake earlier than returning to Ripon. Again on the lodge, I modified for the marriage after which joined my household at my cousin’s house for a picturesque outside ceremony.

Sunday proved to be a day of relaxation. I rode the Low Rider ST again over to Dodge Memorial County Park and joined my prolonged household for some swimming and leisure. However come Monday, I used to be able to enterprise out farther and set my sights on the biggest lake contained in the state, Lake Winnebago. I plotted a 102-mile route across the 137,700-acre lake. I headed east on SR-23, by means of Rosedale after which Fond du Lac earlier than turning north on U.S. Route 151. A few third of the best way up, I discovered The Little Farmer, a quaint farm stand providing baked items and apple merchandise. The orchard and rustic buildings surrounding the property are a favourite location for household images. And relying on the season, in addition they provide hayrides, a corn maze, and excursions for youths.

Alongside U.S. 151, there are additionally quite a few seashores, however I used to be targeted on using, so I continued my journey north till reaching Sherwood and turning west on State Route 114. On the north aspect of the lake, I pulled into Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, the place I spent a while exploring the paths on foot, which gave me an opportunity to admire the wildflowers and a bustling butterfly backyard. With daylight burning, I continued to Menasha, the place I handled some building. Then on to Neenah and in the end Oshkosh, the place I finished on the north tip of Menominee Park beside a cove and a skinny peninsula that contained a paved path appropriate for pedestrians and bicyclists. From that vantage level, I may see throughout the lake, with the boat site visitors one would count on on a vacation weekend. Again on the bike, I continued by means of Oshkosh and stumbled throughout a traditional automobile present held in South Park. As a traditional truck proprietor, I felt obligated to cease and stroll across the park. Needing to rendezvous with household that night for dinner and a few faculty soccer, I then proceeded southwest on State Route 44 earlier than returning to Ripon simply because the evening recreation was about to kick off.

Tuesday marked my return to Milwaukee. I headed out on SR-23 earlier than ultimately making it to SR-175, which I’d observe all the best way again. Not having to fret as a lot in regards to the navigation, I hung out reflecting on the bike I’d been using all weekend. The center and soul of the Low Rider ST is the 117ci Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin, which is oil-cooled and cranks out 114 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. This can be a monster of a motor in a Harley that weighs 712 lb, which is svelte in comparison with the 838-lb Highway Glide that comes with the identical engine. Rolling on the throttle, particularly in Sport mode, makes for spirited launches off the sunshine which can be complemented by a throaty growl from the 2-into-1 pipes. The fairing provides first rate wind safety, and the sprint show is radically improved over the minuscule readout on 2024 fashions. I used to be relieved to see an analog show, because the earlier digital sprint was troublesome to discern. The Blue Burst paint (an $850 improve) is placing and extra eye-catching than the Billard Grey and Vivid Black coloration choices. Beginning at $24,199, this is without doubt one of the most reasonably priced touring bikes in Harley-Davidson’s lineup. My solely challenge with the Low Rider ST is the 27-inch seat peak. I’m 6-foot-1 and have a 34-inch inseam, so the ergonomics are slightly cosy for my liking, however because the title implies, it is a Low Rider.

My 81-mile return journey ended the place the journey started. I handed the bike again, however my day was not over. Any self-respecting motorcyclist can’t undergo Milwaukee with out taking a tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum. I spent a few hours recounting the wealthy historical past of the Motor Firm at this motorcycling mecca. This was my second cease on the museum and was undoubtedly a spotlight of this journey. Guests can see the daybreak of motorbike design and its evolution over time underneath the bar and defend. The curation is top-tier and rivals any automotive museum on the earth. It’s value witnessing, and it made for an excellent and becoming finish to my tour of Wisconsin.

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Christian Pierce is a contract author whose work has been printed in Rider and on websites like RevZilla’s Frequent Tread, HotCars, TopSpeed, and Highway Filth. He grew up in Laconia, New Hampshire, website of the legendary motorbike rally, and now resides in Atlanta, the place he works within the movie and tv business.