School me on Southern WI

[Gary B.]

Can't go wrong nearly anywhere in SW Wisconsin. All the suggestions here are spot-on. Bring a camera. Also, let me add the Mindoro cut (HWY 108), Hwy 33 through Wildcat Mountain State Park, and HWY 171 east of 35.

[bucktownbilly]

http://www.lakejoy.com/currentsiteavailability.html

;-}

BTW, there are a couple of really ice eateries in Mineral Point.

Heading to Mineral Point Saturday night on the bike, do tell on eateries

[bomber]

one is called "Four" -- on Commerce Street (Main North/South drag) -- nice outside seating, if weather permits . . . . the joint is nice enough to make points with the distaff riders, if any.

there's a nice brew pub with good chow directly across the street, as well . . . .

there's a joint that serves traditional Welsh food along with normal diner fare (Red Rooster on High Street). We ate there, and were underwhelmed, but other diners were raving about the chow, so who knows . . . .

good riding in the area -- enjoy!

[sharkette]

Classic route we use to get to the southwestern part of WI you're planning on meeting your brothers in is:

From Nelson, WI (60 miles southeast of Minneapolis).

South 35
Left on E
Left on 95
Right on T
Right on D
Right on DD
Right on V/VV
Left on T
Right on 108 (Mindoro Cut)
Left on Old 16
Left on 16
Right on 162
Right on II
Left on I
Left on 33
Right on G
Left on P
Left on 131
Right on 33 (Wild Cat Mountain)
Right on V
Right on P
Left on S
Left on 131
Right on U
Right on F

This gets you to just east of Westport which is on the northside of the Wisconsin River halfway between Boscobel and Blue River in roughly 200 miles from Nelson. Mt Horeb is another 60 or so miles away.

 

[Gary B.]

Coon Valley area is awesome as well, if ya like it tight and twisty.

[bucktownbilly]

one is called "Four" -- on Commerce Street (Main North/South drag) -- nice outside seating, if weather permits . . . . the joint is nice enough to make points with the distaff riders, if any.

there's a nice brew pub with good chow directly across the street, as well . . . .

there's a joint that serves traditional Welsh food along with normal diner fare (Red Rooster on High Street). We ate there, and were underwhelmed, but other diners were raving about the chow, so who knows . . . .

good riding in the area -- enjoy!

Never made it to Mineral Point.  After hitting up Baumgartners for a beer and cup of chili, ended up crashing in New Glarus.  Wow, The Glarner Stube was unreal!  Had the scallops and just awesome.  Washed them down with several Spotted Cows

Made my way to the Mississippi the next day and had a burger at Pete's Hamburgers.  First time, good stuff, even if the wait is long. Savanna was next up but only marginal food at Poopies.  Dodged rain drops home after that.

[TTaM]

Alright, our plans have changed a bit

no camping.

We've got the room in Madison on Fri night

Where's a good town to stop Saturday? New Glarus is no longer available. The Swiss Aire was completely rented out by a motorcycle club, and the other hotel in town wants $200 a night.

We might just end up in Madison again

[caasland]

I guess you can shoot for something along the WI river, from the southern border to as far north as Stockholm or Maiden Rock .. you'll find good roads in the driftless area.

Come to think of it, something downtown La Crosse wouldn't be bad. Then you'll get to ride 33 through Wildcat Mountain and many other roads, and there's no lack of night life in LaX.

[TTaM]

I like the La Crosse idea. The biggest issue would be my one buddy that is coming from Chicago, who is new to the whole "sport touring" gig. The Sunday ride home might be a bit much for him (300 miles slabbing it), but I bet he could be convinced.

[mxvet57]

I like the La Crosse idea.

The Super8 in LaCross is a very good motel. I've stayed there many-a-times and not one complant.

[vwtom]

Alright, our plans have changed a bit

no camping.

We've got the room in Madison on Fri night

Where's a good town to stop Saturday? New Glarus is no longer available. The Swiss Aire was completely rented out by a motorcycle club, and the other hotel in town wants $200 a night.

We might just end up in Madison again

We've stayed at the sands inn before in Boscobel (http://sandsmotelboscobel.com/) - a slight dive, but always clean.

[TTaM]

We decided to gamble and will be staying the second night at the Canfield Hotel in Dubuque. The reviews run from cool, with lots of charm to horrifiying.

Should be interesting.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g37853-d1103845-Reviews-Canfield_Hotel-Dubuque_Iowa.html

[Fourstring]

When I stay in Madison, I usually contact the college and rent out a dorm suite for the night.  Way cheaper, roomier, and quieter than a hotel, plus you're right on the main drag by all the action.

University Apartments and Eagle's Wing
Phone:  608.262.3407
Fax:  608.265.5302
Email: universityapartments@housing.wisc.edu
Office Hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays  7:45 am-5:45 pm
Wednesdays 7:45 am-7:45 pm
Saturdays 9:30am-12:30 pm

[bomber]

When I stay in Madison, I usually contact the college and rent out a dorm suite for the night.  Way cheaper, roomier, and quieter than a hotel, plus you're right on the main drag by all the action.

Things have changed since I went to school.

[jadziadax8]

Things have changed since I went to school.

It's summer right now.

[TTaM]

We got the Hilton for $50 a night. That's cheap enough, and I don't have to share a bathroom with everyone on the floor.

[County Tar]

We decided to gamble and will be staying the second night at the Canfield Hotel in Dubuque. The reviews run from cool, with lots of charm to horrifiying.

Should be interesting.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g37853-d1103845-Reviews-Canfield_Hotel-Dubuque_Iowa.html

I looked at the Canfield once.  Bike security seemed a problem due to its location and clientele.

Spent a night at the old Alma Hotel a few years ago.  I think it was $16 or $19.  Bath down the hall.  Lots of noise and smoke from the bar below.  Nice old steam radiator to put the magnetic tank bag on.  Deep valley bed.  Loud trains every 10-15 minutes all night long.  You gotta like trains.  

[TTaM]

I looked at the Canfield once.  Bike security seemed a problem due to its location and clientele.

Spent a night at the old Alma Hotel a few years ago.  I think it was $16 or $19.  Bath down the hall.  Lots of noise and smoke from the bar below.  Nice old steam radiator to put the magnetic tank bag on.  Deep valley bed.  Loud trains every 10-15 minutes all night long.  You gotta like trains.  

The parking risk is all part of the adventure. I'm not too worried. Then again, I'm not there yet

[bomber]

It's summer right now.

That explains the heat and stuff ;-}

[mxvet57]

That explains the heat and stuff ;-}

And that sun thing.