Sunday Rides on Two Wheels: Motorcycling in Southern Wisconsin

I GLACIER COUNTRY

5 5 5 5 5 I - GLACIER COUNTRY BREAKFAST AT MILLIE’S - 86 MILES ROADS OFF HIGHWAY 20 - 67 MILES LAKE COUNTRY - 88 MILES RUSTIC ROADS - 143 MILES BREAKOUT RIDE 2000 - 100 MILES 6 6 6 6 6 I - GLACIER COUNTRY Southeast Wisconsin is noted for its proximity to Lake Michigan and for the Milwaukee/Chicago corridor. Once west of I-94 though, there are a surprising number of rural, scenic roads, thanks to the Wisconsin Glacier. It seems odd in this day when we worry about global warming to remember that 14,000 years ago Wisconsin was covered with a milethick sheet of ice. The effects of glacial advances and retreats are well preserved in the state in general and in southeastern Wisconsin especially. Southwestern Wisconsin was untouched by the glacier and provides the “before” picture. Glaciers had such power that they could reduce mountains to bedrock. The resulting debris (drift) that was carried along was deposited as parallel hills and ridges (moraines). The glacial drift was deposited repeatedly, marking both the glaciers’advance as well as retreat over thousands of years. Moraines were created by the ice itself as it pushed debris forward. As the glacier melted and receded, the water had torrential strength. It cut canyons and potholes (kettles) and deposited debris in cone-shaped hills (kames) and snake-like ridges (eskers). The fieldstone found in Wisconsin fences and fireplaces is not from here originally, but is actually drift from Canada. Because the glacier both gouged and filled depressions and left mounds of debris, the natural drainage patterns in southeastern Wisconsin were disrupted. This resulted in a large number of lakes and an even larger number of bogs and marshes as old lakes drained and streams were blocked. Although Wisconsin winters often feel glacial, 7 7 7 7 7 the last ice age ended 10,000 years ago. Fortunately, we are able to enjoy the hills, bogs, marshes, and lakes left behind in all seasons, although I find it particularly ironic to ride the motorcycle by the lakes when people are out ice fishing. There are five routes totaling 484 miles in the Glacier Country section: • Breakfast at Millie’s • Roads off Highway 20 • Lake Country • Rustic Roads • Breakout Ride 2000 The five routes start west of Racine at the junction of I-94 and Highway 20, or west of Kenosha at the junction of I-94 and Highway 50. 8 8 8 8 8 1 BREAKFAST AT MILLIE’S Breakfast at Millie’s is one of my favorite routes, particularly on a hot day. It winds around and through several lake resorts where there are cool breezes and tree canopies. You will pass little lakes such as Lake Tombeau and big lakes like Geneva Lake. Houses along the way vary in size as well, from simple cottages to magnificent mansions. For the most part the roads on this route are unhurried, so you can enjoy the curves and twists and scenery. The busiest sections are the south shores of both Geneva Lake and Lake Delavan. Here the passenger is the lucky one to be able to watch the scenery and comment, “Wow, look at that house!” NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS Breakfast at Millie’s starts west of Kenosha at the intersection of Highway 50 and Interstate 94. There are several gas stations and restaurants: McDonalds, Subway, Taco Bell, KFC, Phoenix Family Restaurant, and the famous Brat Stop. County Road F is a fun road with nice, easy curves and two of Kenosha County’s fine parks: Silver Lake and Fox River. Both offer a chance to sit along the river to relax and enjoy the water. Also along County F are the Swartz nursery and the village of Bassett. 93rd Street divides Powers Lake on the right and Benedict Lake on the left. Tombeau Road winds along the west edge of Benedict Lake and through Nippersink Golf Course. The road here is twisty and narrow amid almost fairy tale–like cottages. While the route does not go through the city of Lake Geneva, it is easy to make a detour by turning right on South Lake Shore Drive 9 9 9 9 9 instead of left. You will find plenty of souvenirs, gifts, food, ice cream, and, of course, people in Lake Geneva on a summer weekend. By following the route on South Lake Shore Drive, you will pass Big Foot Beach State Park. This little...