Biking Fools Over 50

My husband and I turned 50, bought Treks, and hit the trails and we haven't looked back, well except for last Sunday when on our way home from a ride in Iowa, my bike flew off the bike carrier on I-35 going 65 miles an hour. But in true Trek form, the bike had only minor damage and is presently in the shop where it will be fixed for a slight fee.

I began a search for good trails to ride in Wisconsin and was frustrated with the lack of information out there that dealt with the concerns of bike riders over 50, things like:

• Are there bathrooms along the trail and if so where are they located and how many miles are between these bathrooms?
• Is the trail level or will there be steady grades that will require some tedious work to ascend?
• Are there restaurants along the trail and places to get a soda?
• And, lastly, where is the closest health facility in case of heart attack!!!

Wisconsin is blessed with lots of wonderful rails to trails bike trails and we have enjoyed lots of them, but we wanted to share our favorites here:

1. The White River State Trail - Hop on the trail in Elkhorn behind Eastowne Manor on Highway H and ride to Springfield where you can have lunch at the Cup & Pedal. The restaurant is in a restored Depot and serves great food and drink. Also has clean bathrooms. I think it is the only building in Springfield. Not sure how much farther the trail went past Springfield, but we turned around and headed back for a total of 16 miles or so. Nice scenery along the path, too. Going back to Elkhorn is slightly uphill, but not too bad and after a lunch to refresh it seemed fine. Also take a ride around Elkhorn, a nice flat city to explore. Lake Geneva is just up the road, just hop in the car and drive there, no need to ride a bike any longer.
2. The Interurban Trail - We really enjoyed this trail. Hop on it by the City Pool in Grafton and ride to Port Washington. Have lunch at the Dockside Deli right on Lake Michigan and explore the city. Port Washington is pretty hilly so walking is best. Bathrooms at the restaurant. You can actually get on this trail in Mequon or Cedarburg, but we didn't see any reason to ride any further.
3. Oakleaf Trail - This trail winds through Milwaukee and goes on for miles and miles. We like the stretch through Greenfield Park going toward Whitnall Park. I will warn you, there are not alot of places to stop for a soda or food even though you are riding in a city. Bathrooms were also a problem on this section of the trail although I am sure the parks had them. Another section we enjoyed was through Wauwatosa. Lots of onstreet travel which breaks up the monotony of a trail. We actually saw deer on this trail in the city and we never saw a deer on any other trails!

I am going to close this chapter of my bike trail info. I will continue later.

Thanks for checking it out!