We rode some.
We drank some.
We rode some more.
We drank some more.
This is the furthest I've ever ridden to get drunk on my bike. 36 miles this year, down from 42 the previous two years. Mark Ketterhagen is the visionist behind Tour de Milwaukee. He started this as a loosely organized bike tour around Milwaukee three years ago. For the past two years, Mark has donated 100% of the proceeds to PEARLS for teen girls, an organization that helps young girls from disadvantaged upbringings get a head-start in the right direction.
Starting and ending at Estabrook Biergarten, a group of about 25 intrepid bikers rode off three years ago in search of unknown dive bars and townie taverns you probably have never heard of. Facing sleet, wind, and driving rain, we were rewarded with cheap drinks and new friends. Now in it's third year, it is beginning to take on a life of its own. We had about 75 riders this year! The course this year took us to the south side where we were treated to brats and beers at Ben's Cyclery thanks to Ben's and MKE Brewing! After hitting the new stretches of the Menomonee River Trail, we enjoyed stops at Gators Pub by the airport and Bert's in St. Francis, both friendly family run townie taverns that I highly suggest you stop at. Mark does a great job planning out easy routes that take you through hidden parts of our city. Although most of it is on city streets, none of the streets are main thoroughfares. None of these riders are hardcore, just normal folk looking to have a good time. What does it says that I have finished first for the last two years? I ain't no Greg LeMond! As long as you are up for the distance and your liver can handle it, you need to put this on your list of annual rides. Hope to see you out there next year!! read more