June 25, 2025
And we’re off
Stage 1: Milwaukee to Waukesha
It was the longest of days; it was the shortest of bike rides. It was the start of a new adventure. We sprinted 21 miles from Milwaukee to Waukesha, but it was everything that came before that made it an epic day.
We got up at 5 a.m. and spent the morning on last-minute chores. Our car arrived a little early, but after navigating Boston traffic, we were on time. And then after waiting for Jet Blue to find a working plane, we were behind schedule by 90 minutes. In the grand scheme of things, it was not awful but for the fact that we had a 20-mile ride to make. We had to hustle.
The bike shop folks were great. Our bikes were ready to go. We packed our panniers in the middle of the store, posed for a picture and hit the road. Fog rolled in off Lake Michigan in a cool breeze that also carried the scent of malt from breweries because … Milwaukee. Within a few miles of city streets we found our way to the Hank Aaron trail. The riding was easy, albeit on a mostly slight uphill grade as we headed west.
Soon enough, the ride became a race to beat sunset. We encountered the first trail closing of the ride, but we ignored the signs and kept going. It worked out. We rolled into Waukesha just as the neon lights started to catch a glow. In the midst of a brief shower, we got to the hotel.
Whew! We are on our way.
Haiku of the Day
Malt mist Milwaukee
Riding down the bunny trail
Elderflowers rain
— Michelle
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Today's ride: 21 miles (34 km)
Total: 21 miles (34 km)
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