Riding in Wisconsin

[bludragon]

I rode through Wisconsin on my return trip from Inzane IX and I am very interested in getting some popular motorcycle routes in that state. In addition I am a die hard Packers fan.
I would also like to know if the Wisconsin VRCC Chapter organize some outings or rallies
Thanks for the help
Bludragon VRCC Quebec Chapter

[Black Dog]

bludragon,

As you found out, our state has some beautiful roads.  Don't know what part of the state you went through, but I have a few favorites, depending on where you want to ride.

I live in SE Wisconsin, about 25 miles or so, west, north west of Milwaukee.  Right in my back yard, we have the 'Kettle Moraine' State Forrest.  This is an area carved out by glaciers many years ago, and they left behind some nice twisties, hills and valleys.  The area extends from around the Illinois border, to almost 1/3 of the state to the north.  The whole SE portion of the state is nice to ride, if you stay away from Milwaukee, Racine, & Kenosha counties...  Not that they are ALL bad, but that is the highest concentration of cages, and traffic can get crazy.

A bit further west, near the Wisconsin Dells (a very popular summer tourist area), you can take Hwy 33, north west in the direction of Lacrosse...  Hwy 33 rolls through woods, farm fields, hills and valleys, and ends up at the Mississippi River.  Near 'Wild Cat Mountain', the roads will test even the best sport bike riders 

Then you have 'up north' as folks from WI call it...  Seems that anything north of Hwy 21 is 'up north'    Wisconsin has more lakes than Minnesota, and some of the best roads I've ever been on.  You really can't go wrong, once you pick an area to ride, but I'd say that the 'River Road' (Hwy 35), from Lacrosse north, Hwys 8, 70 or 2, way up north, and once in Door County (the 'thumb' near Green Bay), any road you choose (although quite a few tourists during summer and fall).

Here is a pic, taken this spring, less than 20 miles from my house...

 

Here is a link, that will show some of the roads I mentioned. 

http://www.milebymile.com/maps/Wisconsin_road_map.pdf

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Black Dog

[bludragon]

Black Dog,
Thank you for the information.  I had stopped at the tourism rest stop on I90 at La crosse and picked up a map.  I will note the roads you mention in your reply to my request.
The La Crosse area is awesome.  I stopped in a small town about 30 miles east of LaCrosse and noticed beautiful country roads and I loved the forests around there.  I plan to hit the east part and norh part of the state on some of my future trips to the USA.  I would like to ride some back roads and will certainly keep your recommendations in mind.

We rode I 90 from LaCrosse to Beloit.  There was a real bad accident the day we crossed into Illinois.  A truck hit 4 motorcycles on their way to Sturgis. We were jammed at the toll area for about one hour
Thank You
bludragon

Do you participate in any VRCC Wisconsin state chapter functions? Are there any planned?

[Black Dog]

I sent you a PM...

Black Dog

[ArmyValker]

bludragon,

As you found out, our state has some beautiful roads.  Don't know what part of the state you went through, but I have a few favorites, depending on where you want to ride.

I live in SE Wisconsin, about 25 miles or so, west, north west of Milwaukee.  Right in my back yard, we have the 'Kettle Moraine' State Forrest.  This is an area carved out by glaciers many years ago, and they left behind some nice twisties, hills and valleys.  The area extends from around the Illinois border, to almost 1/3 of the state to the north.  The whole SE portion of the state is nice to ride, if you stay away from Milwaukee, Racine, & Kenosha counties...  Not that they are ALL bad, but that is the highest concentration of cages, and traffic can get crazy.

A bit further west, near the Wisconsin Dells (a very popular summer tourist area), you can take Hwy 33, north west in the direction of Lacrosse...  Hwy 33 rolls through woods, farm fields, hills and valleys, and ends up at the Mississippi River.  Near 'Wild Cat Mountain', the roads will test even the best sport bike riders 

Then you have 'up north' as folks from WI call it...  Seems that anything north of Hwy 21 is 'up north'    Wisconsin has more lakes than Minnesota, and some of the best roads I've ever been on.  You really can't go wrong, once you pick an area to ride, but I'd say that the 'River Road' (Hwy 35), from Lacrosse north, Hwys 8, 70 or 2, way up north, and once in Door County (the 'thumb' near Green Bay), any road you choose (although quite a few tourists during summer and fall).

Here is a pic, taken this spring, less than 20 miles from my house...

 

Here is a link, that will show some of the roads I mentioned. 

http://www.milebymile.com/maps/Wisconsin_road_map.pdf

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Black Dog

What kind of fairing is that?

[NITRO]

There are lots of nice roads to ride, but the best tend to be in the Soutwest area (Prairie du Chien) and near La Crosse. As stated, the Wildcat Mtn State Park area is pretty amazing.

I don't know of any VRCC functions in the area, but the VOAI (Valkryie Owners Association International) has its annual midwest valkyrie gathering in Prairie du Chien every September. Great times for sure! Plus, next year there is rumor that the VOAI Annual Ride-In will be held in La Crosse. We also have smaller gathering of folks from Wisconsin and lots from the Chicago area that meet up to ride these wonderful roads throughout the spring, summer, and fall. You should get in on some of them!

Nitro

[Black Dog]

What kind of fairing is that?
Army,

It's a Hoppe, made just for the Valk...  Bad news is that they are no longer made.  Keep an eye open, as they do come up on CraigsList, or our own Classifides from time to time.  Steve k (From IA), just scored one for Girlie Girl's Purple n White Valk, and at a good price too.

Nuther Pic, ta make ya drool... 



Black Dog

[ArmyValker]

It's a pretty good lookin fairing. I've never been fond of the cookie cutter batwing fairings that are everywhere. I may have to keep an eye out for one of those. If I can afford it. haha...

[MNBill]

I live in SE MN and ride western WI alot. The river road is nice but one thing I noticed (still thinking of the earlier ran out of road post) is that all WI county roads that I found are blacktop. No dropping off on to gravel. Just pick a county road on your GPS and no worries that it will turn to gravel or that you will have to ride gravel to get out.

South shore of Superior into MN and to the North (west really) shore of Superior is nice riding too.

Check out the MN VTX board. They put on a rally last fall with the WI VTX folks that rides, prizes and vendors.