Milwaukee by Bike

Fourth of July in Milwaukee. With bike trails skating in and out of the city from every direction, the opportunity for urban adventures beckoned. We were visiting Mike's brother and sister-in-law. I listened as Mike's brother talked about the Oak Leaf Trail, a large path that cuts in and out of Milwaukee, offering lakefront views and intermingling the best of Milwaukee's natural and urban settings.

The city was expected to set off 10,000 pounds of fireworks. Lakeshore State Park, a space full of prairie grass and a perfect view of the skyline was virtually empty of people as we parked our bikes along the big boulders skirting the lakeshore. About 300 yards away, the lakefront was packed 20 and 30 people deep, filled with tents and grills and dogs and kids. I looked at our quiet surroundings with glee, as if we'd discovered a secret hideaway. The fog seemed to have gotten even thicker as the evening wore on. It was only evident that the show had started due to the thunderous booms across the lake.  Nothing but a cloud of light was visible as they exploded in the sky.

As the fog enveloped the downtown area, we steered our bikes through the haze.  We were looking for  a clandestine bar called The Safe House. 

The Safe House is usually located by word-of-mouth as there is no sign, however there is a secret password required to enter.  It sometimes involves hula hoops. You just have to experience it for yourself.

Everything looked a little weird and distorted inside.

Secret room that rotates around and dumps you out in another room. Allright, I've said enough.

The night wore on. We biked through the lower East Side into a little neighborhood and entered the self-described "townie, dive bar" Wolski's Tavern. We had fun. We did not close Wolski's.

The urban safari continued the next day back along the lakeshore and then on to the historic Pabst Brewery.

The historic Pabst Brewery was in operation for 150 years and last operated in 1996. We enjoyed the most recent renovation which was the Brewhouse Inn and Suites. We enjoyed the restaurant part, not the suites, which were amazing and dreamy. 

 When faced with a sunny patio and an icy cold Pabst, well day drinking becomes the right choice every once in awhile.

We found our kindred spirits that weekend with Mike's brother and sister-in-law, pedaling side by side through the streets of Milwaukee. We rolled through neighborhoods and listened to street noise and coasted through bike paths and felt the wind on our faces. Though I'm really just a destination biker, I've come to realize that many experiences are just more fun on a bike. 

"When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the human race."

                                                                     --H.G. Wells

Urban Safari: November

We walked through the marsh just craning our necks for that big bright moon.  We were one day late on the full moon but full of expectations, just after sunset and a clear sky.  The marsh is beautiful at night.  We walked along the trail, the last of the pink sky dropping quickly, various bird calls singing to us, the lights of the city flashing all around us.  The La Crosse River Marsh is 1,077 acres and part of the Mississippi River Floodplain.  There are 24 different species of mammals and 139 species of breeding and migratory birds.  

Canadian Geese fly overhead.

We stop looking for the moon, we keep walking, deeper into the Marsh and then we turn around.

“May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night and a smooth road all the way to your door.”

Irish Blessing


Now for the urban part of our adventure, the Holiday Open House in downtown La Crosse.  This is a good way to support local businesses and have free food and drinks along the way.    

The coolest spot we visited was this new gift shop, A Vintage View (thanks Jenn!) on the seventh floor of a historic building on Main Street with a great view of the city down below.  

Many stores and footsteps later, we happily plunked down with our friends, Mike and Nancy and Greg and Sue at Buzzard Billy's.  This may have been the only point in the night where we weren't all talking.  The basketball game has temporarily transfixed them.

Mike and Nancy telling stories.

Latin Vibe at the Starlight Lounge

Cheech at The Joint

Brent Brown at Popcorn Tavern.

And our own Mike Caucutt gets up and belts out "Scotty, We're Coming for You" by The Kissers...awesome.

Brian Beard.

And as Mike and I are dropping over from fatigue, we decide its time to hoof it home.

The Freedom of the Moon

I've tried the new moon tilted in the air

Above a hazy tree-and-farmhouse cluster

As you might try a jewel in your hair.

I've tried it fine with little breadth of luster,

 Alone, or in one ornament combining

With one first-water start almost shining. 

I put it shining anywhere I please.

By walking slowly on some evening later

I've pulled it from a crate of crooked trees,

And brought it over glossy water, greater,

And dropped it in, and seen the image wallow,

The color run, all sorts of wonder follow.

--Robert Frost

and we made our way home under the shining moon, another Urban Safari gone and another one sure to follow.

Urban Safari: October

Urban Safari has a few rules.  You can't use a car.  Public transportation is encouraged.  Biking and walking are good too.  Frequenting downtown establishments is preferred.  Remaining within city limits a must.  Just another way to enjoy your own town.  So my husband and I set off last week on foot and walked our city streets.

and of course, every good Urban Safari has to end in a stiff drink at a local establishment such as The Cavalier Lounge---excellent cocktails and a killer jukebox.

home sweet home after lots of fresh air and exercise and a little bourbon to warm our hearts.