Ready to Ride!

Wednesday night was lovely, so I decided to take my little red mountain bike out for a spin and to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts to register for the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 1.

Since the box office is open until 6 p.m., I thought it was a good time to secure my spot on the roster, plus it’s really easy to sign-up and it only costs $35 per person if you register in advance.

There are several ways to sign-up:

1. Online before May 31 by clicking here
2. By mail if you download this registration form
3. In person at the Marcus Center box office between May 27 and 31
4. On ride day, June 1, beginning at 6 a.m. at the Marcus Center (you’ll have to pay an extra $5 then)

And remember that you can register as a family, create a team or ride solo.

This is my second year participating in the Ride and also my second attempt at biking the 50-mile haul.

Conversely, the Ride for the Arts has been rolling to benefit the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) for 28 years. During that time, the ride has generated more than $6 million to support UPAF’s performing arts groups, which enables UPAF Members and Affiliate Groups to touch millions of people through performances, educational programming and outreach each year, according to the website.

This year, the Ride is offering a five, 15, 25, 50 and 75-mile bike route. The Ride starts in downtown Milwaukee at the Marcus Center (929 N. Water Street) and finishes at the Miller Lite Oasis on the Summerfest grounds for the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Finish Line Party. The party includes entertainment, performances from UPAF groups, and children's and sponsor-related activities.

The various routes start at different times and will take you past several Milwaukee landmarks, along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, and through numerous Milwaukee-area communities and parks. Plus, there are rest stops along the way where you can replenish your exhausted body with fresh fruit and energy bars, cold water and Gatorade. You can click here to see the route map. There’s also an online photo tour for each course.

Last year, I’ll admit, wasn’t the easiest of feats. My legs simply weren’t in the shape they were a few years ago and I wasn’t really prepared for such a long ride. Needless to say, peddling that entire distance with noodle legs was a workout and a half, but it also was a true test of willpower.

Nevertheless, I made it to the finish line in less than five hours, which I’m very proud of. To feel triumphant after having the living crap kicked out of me made the Ride well worth it, yes, even the next day when my muscles were screaming.

I really enjoyed waking up to a calm city at 6 a.m. and biking along the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan and down the beautiful streets of Shorewood and Bayside. But, by no means was the Ride a walk in the park. Cutting through thick, sweltering heat and then dodging hammering rain was definitely a challenge!

We traveled up hill, down hill, in mud, through dirt, on roads, across highways, on sidewalks, and after the rain, over streets that were steaming like wet charcoal in a sauna. The Ride literally was the highlight of my summer, which is why I think all of you should register, even if it’s only for the five-mile ride.

This year I’m hoping to make better time and now that I know what to expect, I’m even more excited!

Well, I guess I better start doing some squats and lunges so I’ll have machine-gun legs by June 1. Wish me luck!

For more information on the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts head over here.

Comments

[wfbdoglover]

Ha - I thought of you Wednesday... we biked the Oak Leaf Trail. Thought about blogging about it too.......

I will check out the maps.. I think the 15 would be do able for sure... Glad they have other options..

[wfbdoglover]

SIGH...... This wouldn't be exactly do able... they MAKE you wear a helmet.

[Karen]

Yeah, to limit liability I'm sure.

I normally don't wear a helmet – tisk, tisk. I know – But I sucked it up and bought one at Wal-Mart just for the ride last year. It's not so bad, especially when riding in torrential rain. :)

[Eric]

Don't forget to brush up on you cyclist lingo before you go so you can communicate with the other cyclists. For example:

"left...Left!...LEFT!" roughly translates to: "If I bought a bell for my bike it would create air resistance please move out of my way so I can pass you on the left"

"Car back...Car back...duh!" translates to: "Apparently I feel the need to get in your business and tell you that there is a car driving about 100 feet behind you that may eventually want to pass you. Despite the fact I know that cars have horns, I though I'd shout at you a bit to see if I could help reduce the traffic congestions that doesn't yet exist"

"Ha ha ha what a crappy bike, it even still has a kick stand..." translates to: "I'm a douche-bag but I make up for it by being a really, really big douche-bag"

And finally every novice cyclist should know this one...

"Man you guys are going slow I only started 5 minutes ago..." This one translates to: "I'm a complete jackass please put a stick between my spokes and start punching me at your leisure."

I actually had people say these things to me or to other people at the ride last year... don't forget to bring your stick... :)

[Karen]

Haha Eric!

It’s true that there were a lot of clip shoe, Spandex wearing semi-pros who were whipping past us on their street bikes and heckling those of us taking the Ride at a slower pace, especially those of us riding mountain bikes.

When you bike the 50 or 75-mile courses, it gets a little more competitive I guess, but the 5, 15 and 25-mile rides are leisurely and welcoming. I wouldn’t let a couple of pompous bicycling freaks deter me from doing the 50-mile again. I had fun and was proud of myself, even if my bike still has a kickstand. :)

All in all, the Ride is a blast! You always leave with great stories… as you can tell from Eric’s account. :)