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Joined: Feb 10, 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 1:22 am Post subject: Wisconsin Rustic Roads - Trip report
In 1973, Wisconsin established a Rustic Road System. They are a collection of 102 roads that are kept in a older condition, and are supposed to highlight Wisconsin's rural heritage.
This year, for my riding goal, I decided to ride all of them. I know people have ridden all the roads, but not in one year, or basically one summer. If all goes well, I might try a book at the end of the year, but we will have to see on that one. I also decided I would ride them all on my 1980 special, which is my commuter bike, and has not been on any long trips in a few years, since I got the 81, that is more set up for touring. But the special is my favorite, and this is supposed to be fun, not miles.
And in case any of you were worried, the special has the black cases off already. I replaced them with nicer, waterproof bags. You will have to wait for the next ride to see them, though.
For this trip I had my Fiancee along with, on her sr250. With luck, I will just add onto this thread as I ride more roads.
We live in Milwaukee county, and if you look at this map -
You see there are no rustic roads here. There are, however, 2 in the county to the west, so we headed that way first.
The south end of R-10. I made sure before we left that all the roads with her would be paved. Not all the Rustic Roads are. Heather is still a little new, so we reviewed a bit about cornering, speeds and such.
From there, we headed south and east on two lane roads to Racine County, where there are 6 more roads. We only planned to ride 4 of them.
The northern start of R-2. This road was so long, we actually left it to ride another one, and then came back.
Heather was starting to really have fun. I know it is hard to tell.
Here we take a break from R-2, to cruise along R-25.
A little more proof that Heather was enjoying herself.
Along r-25. I didn't stop to take as many pictures as I wanted, the ride was too much fun. Something to work on.
The end of R-2. Nice lake, we stopped to drink some water. Here is where we technically started to head for home, but there were 2 more roads on the way back.
Southern start of R-30
Looking north on R-30
And, the last one for the day, R-5.
R-30 and R-5 run along the side of Hwy 36, which is also Loomis Rd. (R-5 is actually Old Loomis Rd). Hwy 36 is a major road, and this area had a lot more traffic, kind of a downer at the end of the day for me, but Heather didn't mind.
we had to get gas for both bikes after this, since we were over 100 miles, and then headed home.
Joined: Feb 10, 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 6:27 pm Post subject:
I had to work last night, and am at work again tonight. 12 hours off, total, and I can't short myself on sleep due to what I do for a living. I am usually awake for a while in the afternoon, for about 3 hours, before taking a short nap before work.
I heard rain at some point in the morning, I remember hearing it but really didn't wake up. When I did wake up at noon it was overcast but not raining and in the low 40s. So I figured why the h@$@ and headed out to the bike.
I was finally on the road at about 1:15. I was on the interstate out of town, and everyone seemed to be in a rush to get somewhere, so I made really good time.
Off the interstate, and about a mile in, and I was definitely out of the city.
Horses have on rain coats, perhaps that is a bad sign.
I wonder how much an old tractor costs.
Road was easy to find, at least.
And if this is an unpaved rustic road, I am in good shape for this year.
Unfortunately, the pavement did not last, and just down the road -
Well, at least the ice shouldn't be a problem. R-65 is a nice straight road at least, with houses and such. Really, just a road that should’ve been paved, but for some reason no one ever did, and now, since it is a rustic road, won't.
Hmm, that was an odd sentence.
This was definitely not paved, more like hard packed sand. Easier to ride on than snow, though. The whole road was really just a lane and a half, not a problem since I didn't ever have traffic behind me, and no one crowded me going the other way. After that last picture I stopped getting off the bike for pictures, since I didn't have my sidestand puck, and it sank in a bit more than an inch.
When I first saw these trees along the side of the road, I wondered what it would be like here later in spring, or summer, when they recover from winter more. Then I realised this is deer country, and visibility would suck. Can't have everything, I guess.
Here the sand got much softer, and both tires became squirrelly. The speed limit here was only 25, and I had been around 30 up until here, when I had to slow. For some reason I wasn't really getting up on the pegs. Didn't think about it until later. I think I need more practice.
Couple of dozen yards from the next intersection, and pavement returned.
It was about quarter to 2, and I headed home for more sleep before work. Traffic was again with me, and the ride home was actually faster, though I still have no idea why everyone was in such a hurry to get into the city. Maybe they had to work too.
Made it home without any issues, and gave the bike a quick look over before going inside.
Good thing I don't worry about dirty bikes.
We are supposed to have thunderstorms tomorrow, so I don't know if I will get out or not. I want to, though, so perhaps there will be more soon.
Joined: Feb 10, 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 4:12 pm Post subject:
I got off work at 6am. A local group of Motorcyclists were planning several rides today, and there were a group meeting in Eagle Wisconsin for breakfast at 930. I figured I could ride a couple of roads, meet them for breakfast, and them decide if I was going to go with them, ride a few more roads, or head home. Heather was out of town this weekend, and due home in the afternoon, and I knew I wanted to be home for that, but otherwise my schedule was open.
There was a surprising amount of traffic by the time I was on the road at 645. My ride started with a trip south on the interstate, as I wanted to hit the last couple of roads in Racine County.
R43 runs through the Bong recreational area. No, really, that is what it is called. Its a large wilderness area with hiking trails and such. It was closed, and while I thought it did, the road didn't take me past a sign.
R42 is a strange little grouping of roads SE of Burlington.
The roads were still wet from some rain overnight, and this road had gravel in the corners. Still, it was prettier than R42.
And more interesting to ride.
Horses and Cows wanted nothing to do with me taking pictures of them this morning. I did keep trying though. When I was little, my parents would tease my older sister by saying horses were cows, and cows, horses. I guess I ended up confused about it until grade school. If they had money I could probably sue them over it, but instead I just go there and eat their food.
Not sure what that little building is for.
Something was missing here. R85 is a little loop in Walworth county. actually, more like a sideways V. The southern part was very residential.
It was not 845, and I had to head to Eagle, if I was going to make breakfast.
A road called honey creek, not rustic, but I liked the tree on the right.
After breakfast, my body decided to remind me I had been up since 1pm the day before, and after a brief phone call with Heather, I pointed the bike home. She needs 4 more roads for her Rustic Roads Patch, so we are planning to head to Lake Geneva next, where there just happen to be 4 more roads.
Once I was home, I realized I had missed a road in Racine county, R37. I had hoped to close out that county today. All well, I guess I have one more reason to ride.
Joined: Feb 14, 2007 Posts: 109 Location: Covina Ca.
Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 7:30 am Post subject:
Mann..Thats beautifull country. I wish it was in my town but all i have is concrete and brown foliage.
you really need a trip out here to apritiate what you have there.
Thanks for the pics. I could allmost smell the crisp clean air.
Joined: Feb 14, 2007 Posts: 142 Location: Charlotte, NC
Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:15 pm Post subject:
I've really enjoyed your reports so far. Reminds me to not just carry but to actually USE my camera.
You might want to check out the new Google My Maps. You can enter points on the map and associate each point with some text and a picture. The result when you finish all the rustic roads would be quite impressive. Just go to http://maps.google.com/maps and select My Maps to check it out. _________________ 81 CB900c
Joined: Feb 10, 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 12:06 am Post subject:
For those of you that don't live in the Midwest, winter has returned here lately, with temps some 20 degrees below normal. Brr. Still, there is no snow, I have heated gear, and despite the cold we have had brilliantly clear days.
The roads aren't going away, and I decided to run out Thursday and ride the road I missed in Racine county. The plan was interfered with by unplanned construction in my building waking me up 3 hours earlier than I wanted (I needed the sleep), but eventually I was on the road.
It was a little chilly. The sun really didn't help much, either. I knew the whole ride would only be 60 miles. If I can't do 60 miles with heated gear in 26 degrees, I am getting soft.
Of course, I normally have hand protection at these temps, but the hippo hands are off, and I didn't want the hassle of putting them back on. My fingers did get a little cold.
R37 is part of 3 mile road. I don't know what it is 3 miles from. There is also a 4 mile road (Which is not a mile away), and a 7 mile road, which is home to a huge flee market. This is the western end of it. I had to ride it twice, and the eastern end was a mix of commercial buildings, and large home in drab colors, popular in new planned communities. That was a surprise to me, on this road.
Ice in the water. At least the roads are dry.
These were all along the side of the road. I didn't see who was making them, but it was clear I was not the only one out for a ride.
Have to take a break for the holidays, but I will be back on the road next week.
Joined: Feb 12, 2007 Posts: 374 Location: Studio City, So Cal
Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 1:51 pm Post subject:
Very cool
That little building is most likely a well and pressurized water tank. The windmill might operate the pump, but I'll bet there's an electric motor too.
They even left the dirt pile next to it. _________________
Joined: Feb 10, 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 5:22 pm Post subject:
So, it's been a while since I posted, but the roads do continue to get ridden.
The last 4 roads in Walworth county Heather and I rode last Sunday, but I forgot my camera and haven't gotten the pictures yet. So those will have to wait.
I had Wednesday off, and decided I would get up early, and go for the ride before Heather was up. I was given a gift a couple more hours, since she had to take her sister to the DMV.
My original plan had me running north, along Lake Michigan, but Wednesday dawned cold and rainy. I decided to look around Wisconsin’s radar and forecasts to see what I would be riding into.
As I thought, it was colder and more rainy as I headed north on the coast, but inland seemed like it would be ... okay. Overcast and 40s, but not raining.
Stupid weathermen. What do they know?
I quickly mapped out a new route (I got a GPS for my bike, Delorme for my Palm Lifedrive, with a Bluetooth receiver. Works well, but there are still kinks), tired to load in to my palm pilot (didn't work, I did say there were kinks), and hit the road only 30 minutes later than I wanted to.
I was headed for Jefferson County, and the 3 roads there. While the radar said I would ride out of the rain, in fact I didn't, and got rained on all day. Rainy and 40s is a lot different that not rainy and 40s. I guess it is good I have good waterproof gear, and had in my heated liners.
The first road I hit was R88, Cold spring rd. Mainly straight, 1 1/2 lanes. Gravel everywhere. It has a couple of fun corners, but mainly was just scenic.
spring is trying to spring. I guess the rain will help.
The northern end of R88. I sat here for a minute with the engine off. It was very peaceful. Turns out I would need it.
Next was R84, just a bit north of where I was. I couldn't get the route onto my palm, but the waypoint was there, and I can follow the roads.
And this is what I find. No Rustic road sign to be seen either. But I do have the right road. Hmm.
A friendly motorist stopped to say the Rustic Road sign had been stolen, and the road was under water, near the other end.
Me: "How much water?"
Motorist "A lot"
Great. She given me some directions to get the other end of the road, which happily still let me ride most of it. I head off.
Turns out the problem is the Rock River is a bit flooded
And a lot of water is a couple of inches. I think I could've made it through this, but am okay with missing it. Why go looking for trouble?
Last was Creamery rd, R87. Another mostly straight road with the occasional hard turn. It was a theme for the day.
the empty fields looked a little more desolate with the gray, rainy day.
I made my way back to I-43, to head home. I was behind schedule, but hadn't heard from Heather yet, so I guessed she was still at the DMV. I was just getting to the I when she called, saying she was home. I missed her, probably because I hadn't really seen her, awake, in 3 days. So I was really rushing to get back.
I was still 20 miles from Milwaukee when I hit reserve. 20 miles is a long way on reserve, with the special's tank. I know I get in the mid to upper 30s for mpg, but rarely 40. And I had the bike idling a lot, and I had been running the RPMs high before. But stopping for will add 20, maybe 30 minutes to the ride.
I keep riding. The bike starts to sputter when I exit the freeway, but I keep it going. It stalls out at a light, but I restart it, and manage to get home. 145 miles on the tripometer, a new record for one tank on Misery. And Heather already had something warm to drink made.
Joined: Feb 10, 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 5:58 pm Post subject:
Sunday dawned with actual blue skies, sunshine, and an expected high in the 70s. My riding partner, Heather, was down with some sort of flu bug, so it was just me and Misery as we headed out to find more Rustic Action.
The easy, close together and near-by roads are pretty much done now, so I had about a 90 minute ride to the first one. I was only planning on 2 roads today, with the option of a 3rd. I don't want to have to rush too much, and they are spread out of 3 counties.
Of course, first a little coffee with friends,
I don't like coffee, but I do enjoy the company.
After some jawing, I hopped on Misery and headed nord. I got a bout 2/3rds of the way when my intercom, with was giving me music and directions via the GPS stopped working. I needed gas anyway, and took the next exit. All the electrics for the GPS, GPS receiver and Intercom were dead, fuses were fine. I shrugged it off, and kept going. That is what maps are for, and I can listen to the sound of the engine.
I really like the sound of this bike, I have something like 60k on her, and feel bad because, since I got the other bikes 2 years ago, my yearly mileage has really dropped, to a paltry 2k last year.
This year I am determined to add a "0" to that number.
Back on the Interstate, and I notice that it is a little cool. I am getting closer to the lake. Then it is a lot colder. I exit in Manitowoc (Near the road I am looking for, but not the right exit.) to put on my overpants, add my jacket liner, and up my gloves. Brr. Glad I brought all that stuff.
I check a map, and head towards Two Rivers, R16. I know it is near the lake, but I am not sure where, so I just drive along US 42. I see signs that say 40 degrees, but people are jogging in shorts and tee shirts. I might be a woos.
See the deer? I did, coming around a corner. The deer is fake, my heart attack was not.
R16 is wooded, runs through Point Beach State Forest, and apart from being kinda cold today, quite nice.
I check in with Heather, who is now awake and bored, and then continue on my trip. The next road is R63, west of Sheboygan, and much inland. I was very warm, rather quickly, but since I knew I would be stopping to take a picture of the sign, decided to keep on my extra riding gear. R63 also has "Gravel Portions," so I was going to keep my overpants, with their armor, on.
Finding R63 was a snap, but I was ignoring my Trip meter, and hit reserve right when I reached the road (135 miles). Since it really didn't go anywhere, I headed back to a gas station I has passed earlier, and fueled, taking off my jacket liner and changing gloves again.
After the fuel stop, I headed back over to the road.
Looks sedate enough. I am near the northern Kettles, a hilly area that runs through SE and Central WI, but really have not ridden this area and don't know what to expect.
Well, I was expecting this. The fact I have to crest a hill before I see the end of the pavement is a little disturbing.
Turns out it is that same gravel I was on before, hard packed in the middle and loose at the edges. And this time it was not wet, since there hadn't been any rain recently. I felt much better about it.
Until I saw this. I wonder that the turns are like if I have to slow to 35 to take them. I was only going 30 as it was.
This is where the pavement started again. Funny thing, after I got back on cement I stopped to take this pic, which was on something of a downgrade. I thought I had the side stand down all the way, but the bike rolled forward and onto it's side as soon as I took my weight off it. Oops. No pic, since my fuel tank (Which I had just filled) was now leaking all over the place. No damage either, but I need to get some crash bars mounted.
A lot of downhill turns, not a personal favorite. practice is good, though, and I got much more comfortable on the gravelliness. Good thing, since a lot of the shoulders looked like this
And I didn't see another vehicle the whole time, so I think I would've been down there for a while.
I reached the end of the road, but decided the easiest way to get home was to turn around and ride the road back. 2nd time was better, practice makes perfect.
The next 2 weeks see me moving, getting ready for a 10 day ride to SD with Heather, and picking up a brand new bike. I don't know If I will get out for more roads or not, but I will try.
Joined: Feb 10, 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:51 am Post subject:
Dirt, Rocks and Rain
So it has been a while since I was out on a rustic road, and since I had Wednesday off and the weather during the day was looking okay I thought it was time to head out again.
My time not riding was not idle, I replaced the throttle cable (The new Ural proving to me that the current cable was actually sticking, like my wrench has been tell me for years), and adding a 6.5 gallon tank so I can do more than take a spin around the block without needing to refuel.
I like the new look. Took the back rest off, since I don't think I was using it, really, and am thinking there is a long camping trip in my future. Probably won't win any beauty contests, though.
RR82 was the first road on today’s list, which included 6 roads in the NW section of the SE WI quadrant. On of those road was listed as "unpaved" I was a little curious about what that meant. That was for later, though.
Little bit of Wisconsin flat. See how nice and sunny it is now?
I finally got some horses to sit still while I took a pic.
RR72 was the first road with gravel portions for today.
See how the grass is blowing around? No clouds, though, so I figure I am good.
Gratuitous gravel shot. I actually took a wrong turn on this road, since it looked like a driveway, and had to double back.
Glad I went back, since it is very pretty road.
I just included this so you would know where the next picture was taken.
This spot was great, the water was clear to the bottom, but I couldn't see any fish. I just sat here for about 40 minutes, listening to the ringing in my ears. I noticed it was cloudy now, but I was a long way from home, and it didn't look like rain yet, so I decided to stay on my route.
It did start to rain on the way to the next road, the one listed as "unpaved" (RR50). It was near I-39, so I had a way to run home if I felt the need. I was feeling okay.
This is RR50. You will note the lack of a RR sign, and the curvy road post.
That would be dirt, slowly turning into mud.
Still, I am pretty stupid, and figured I was here; why not give it a try. Go slow, take my time, everything would be fine.
looks like some driveways I have been on. This is supposed to be one of the oldest roads in Wisconsin. You would think they could've paved it at some point.
I tried to put the sidestand down, and it instantly sunk into the dirt. Off the bike pics would have to wait a little.
See the little runt of a deer?
Zoomed all the way in. The little guy ran up the road in front of my for a while, before darting into the woods. He/She was less than a foot at the shoulders.
Finally found a patch of hard enough dirt to get off for a minute, but I was a little nervous about it. Good shot, though, huh? Dual sport xs11s.
I was excited to see the gravel, funny if you think about it, but it was there because of a slight hill. Without the gravel I don't think the bike would've made it up. There were actually several such hills, with a gravel coating.
Lucky for me, there was a sign on the other end of the road, so all that was not for naught. I would've been annoyed.
The rain got harder, and the batteries on my camera died, but I still headed for the next road on my list, RR14. Adams County, where Rr50 and Rr14 are located, isn't real big on paved roads, and I was on gravel more often than not. I flatter myself into thinking I am getting rather good at it. Didn't fall over once.
This is from my cell phone. No signal, but it will still take pictures. I was pretty wet, and getting a little cold. I had on my Kilimanjaro and HT pants, but over a t-shirt and my middle weight gloves. My warmer stuff was supposed to come with, but I left it at home next to the printer where I got my maps. oops.
RR14 is listed as gravel, but it was really dirt, with some rocks in it. There is supposed to be a natural spring along it, but I didn't see it, and was a little miserable.
After this I found a gas station with hot cocoa and phone signal to ponder where I was going next. I was out of the rain, but it had moved to the east, where I wanted to go for the last road. The radar showed yellow and red over there, so I decided to just head home. The next road had wood planks, and I decided I didn't want to try those in the rain.
Of course, once I was home (I didn't get rained on again, but could see the storms to the north and east), I was a little disappointed in myself, but knowing when it is time to head home is supposed to be the mark of a good rider.
Joined: Feb 10, 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:07 pm Post subject:
With Tuesday off this week, and the weather nice, I decided to try for the ride I miss last week, and one other that is actually close by, but I was saving for Heather and I to ride together. She said I could go without her, so that made it okay.
I did work overnight on Monday, so was not in the road until noon. A pretty late start, but with sunset not until 9pm, I figured it would be okay.
The first road for today was R22, which runs through some DNR woodland and wetland areas. It is another of those "Paved and gravel portions" roads, and is supposed to have 2 wood plank bridges, which are what I wanted to avoid driving over wet last week.
I am saddened by the number of RR signs that show damage, or are just missing. If I knew who to call, I very well might.
R22 is off Green Lake county D, which is twisty for no reason. I am on D for this pic, and you can see it curving through the field.
I was amazed by R22. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was a great road, quiet, calming. Not exactly paved, but I was bale to comfortable ride through at 30, (the speed limit signs said 15, but I figured that was just a recommendation, and I didn't think I would see a LEO), other riders on more appropriate bikes cold probably do faster, but they would miss out on the views
Right here I has a "Is this really a road" Moment. There was a mailbox at the end of it, and I was worried I was riding up someone's drive.
It was hard to keep riding; I wanted to stop every 10yards or so to take pictures.
I came out of the woods rather suddenly, into what must be the wetlands.
I didn't go walking in the grass.
Nice, straight. Despite the gravel I got into 4th gear, a first for me on anything but paved.
The wet portion, I guess. This bridge was not wooden.
Just some proof it is not all gravel. And me taking more pictures.
Anyway, R22. If you happen to be in the area and don't mind a little gravel, I recommend it, but you have to stop, turn off your engine, and hang out a bit. Eat a granola bar, I did.
Still, There was another road to hit before the sun set, and I headed back towards home, and R33, in Washington Cty. Oddly enough, this road, which includes St Augustine Rd, is a favorite among local riders. A nice, twisty road, paved and usually free of gravel and traffic, despite being near a Holy Hill Church, a popular tourist spot.
Those would be the church spires, in the background. You can go up some (A lot of) stairs and look out. Not sure you could make out the bike from there, though.
Just a couple pics, enough to get the idea across.
After R33, I noticed I could still make our local two wheel Tuesday, a bike night on the northwest part of town. So I swung by, and get to add some bike porn to this report.
Big crowd.
Old Beemer, which was bought for $50. I hate him.
Probably way more HP than the owner uses, or maybe needs. Most of these Hoss's are triked out, I think this is the second one I've seen still with the single rear wheel.
So, with the sun setting, I headed home. It was getting cool out, and I had to go to the grocery store.
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