Miller Lite Ride For the Arts

I did it!

Sunday morning, I woke up at 6:30 a.m. – more remarkably, I got Eric out of bed 15 minutes later – to bike the 50-mile route for the Ride for the Arts!

The 28th annual Miller Lite Ride for the Arts, benefiting the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), kicked off at 7:15 a.m. Unfortunately though, Eric and I weren’t there at this point due to our lack of preparation the night before and a slue of unanticipated events:

1. We didn’t have our helmets ready since we bought them the night before.
2. My pocket knife wasn’t cutting the helmet’s plastic packaging, not even making a dent in it – why the heck do manufacturers feel the need to make this process such a chore? Or better question: Why did I buy a $1 pocket knife?
3. I needed caffeine. NEEDED it! Or else I turn into Mr. Hyde.
4. Eric’s spicy Indian curry dinner the night before wasn’t sitting well.
5. I lost my sunglasses.

Nevertheless, we made it to the course around 7:30 a.m. with minimal squabbling – okay, a little more bickering than usual, which I blame on the early morning and my detestation for being late to things with prompt start times. But the smell of gear grease and scent of sunscreen and the bright sun and calm morning energized me and I was revved up for the ride.

There were over 12,000 riders divided by courses and waiting in front of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts for their start time. Since we preregistered for the ride a few weeks in advance, all we had to do was wait for the start of the next wave. We started in waves so that the ride wouldn’t be overly congested – those riding the longest courses (75 and 50-mile) started first. Finally, it was our turn. After Eric and I crossed the starting line, our full speed, 50-mile adventure began!

Most of Water Street, Michigan Street and the Lincoln Memorial Drive were blocked off for the beginning of the ride. Despite the alternated start times, there were many riders packed tightly together for several miles. Actually, there were so many of us that all you could hear were the sounds of chains rotating, wheels spinning, brakes squeaking and shoes clipping in and out of pedals. But because the pace was quite fast, the crowd began to spread out and span many miles.

The first 25 miles were cake! After we left Milwaukee, we headed north through the suburbs. While cycling through the scenic towns of Shorewood and Bayside we admired the gorgeous brick and stone houses and magnificent views of Lake Michigan.

While we passed through several subdivisions, we were welcomed by families sitting on folding chairs in their driveways, watching the swarms of bicyclists zip past. Their cheers and greetings were definitely encouraging. Some kids even hopped onto their mountain bikes to challenge us to a race down the road, but were eventually called back by their parents.

We kept on going, stopping at rest stops along the way to relax and replenish our exhausted bodies. Fresh water, Gatorade, and nutritional snacks were provided by Whole Foods. After stopping for a couple minutes to grab a much needed energy bar and piece of fruit we ventured on. This time, it wasn’t so easy, though.

The second half of the ride consisted of rural land and hilly terrain – this is when I realized how worn-out my legs were. We went past farmlands and countrified parks and up and down some trails that were literally in the middle of nowhere and along some back roads that were atrocious – they were composed of dusty gravel and bumpy parkways.

I’ll admit that I was having a difficult time at this point – the heat was sweltering and I was sweating profusely – but I was making a valiant effort! Many of the high-speed travelers began to pass me too, which was a little discouraging. I’m an enthusiastic bicyclist, but not quiet as avid as the clip shoe, Spandex wearing semi-pros who were whipping past me on their street bikes. But that lasted for only about five miles or so, and then it was time to go back toward the city.

As expected, on the way back there were no roads blocked off since the field had drastically expanded. Therefore, we all had to go down some very busy streets in the middle of Milwaukee, but there were a lot of policemen along the way to make sure all of the bikers were safe.

The final stretch took us past the bustling lakefront en route for the Summerfest grounds. Eventually, our two person team made it to the finish line! As it turns out, I’m completely capable of pushing my lil red mountain bike from downtown Milwaukee to Shorewood, and Bayside to Fox Point, and Mequon back to the Summerfest grounds for the after party.

The ride was a blast! We road up hill, down hill, in mud, through dirt, on roads, across highways, and on sidewalks, plus the weather couldn’t have been more cooperative. I was so proud of Eric and me for successfully completing the ride in about four and a half hours without any repercussions, at least not yet!

I highly recommend the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts. If you are just a beginner, there are rides of lesser mileage to go on as well. Most of all, this is a great opportunity to get some exercise and spend some quality time with friends and family. In addition, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you helped fund some of the area's music and theater groups.

I think that maybe next year I’ll train for the 75-mile…but the jury’s still out.

Comments

[Amanda]

Sounds like fun! Now that I have a new bike, I might give the 25-mile a shot next year.

[SuzieQ]

Good for you! It sounds like a really great adventure!

[wfbdoglover]

YAY for you and Eric!! I am glad you did this before the rain! I posted damaged trees pictures from my flickr account and linked from my blog page.

Next time, please give me a reminder and I will cheer you on - and even give you and Eric a bottle of water! We can arrange a spot for you to look for me!

[Julia]

Sounds awesome! Makes me want to get a bike even more now...

[Karen]

Doglover- You're awesome!!! Thanks. :)

Also, I'll be sure to stop by your site to check out those photos.

[dudeman brosef]

I wish I didn't have to move that weekend or I would have been along. Even though I am one of those clip-in pedal spandex roadbike goofs... :P I am trying to get someone to come up here and ride West Bend to Milwaukee and back (just about a Century (100mi)) via the Ozaukee Co. inter-urban trail that busts you out from Port Washington thru Cedarburg and into Mequon/Northshore. From there its the usual streets into Milwaukee... sound scary? It shouldn't, you already did half of it!

[Karen]

Next year.

As far as biking from West Bend to Milwaukee goes, I'd consider it. I'm not sure how well my legs will hold up, though. After the 50-mile Ride for the Arts, I was feeling the repercussions...