An interesting challenge. Similar to Mt Mitchell, it's a bit of an informal race (but smaller - 600max). There were 3-4 regional type teams there, plus a lot of tri guys (I guess they use this a training for a local Iron Man later in the year), but mostly recreational riders. The ride advertises the toughest one day ride in the Midwest - 200k and 10,700ft of climbing, finishing in Blue Mound SP. Supposedly less than 50% finished last year.
The terrain is very much like NE Ohio. Very consistent, broad rolling hills, but maybe a little bigger. Tons of winding and undulating roads, and a number of 1/4 to 1/2 mile climbs. The climbing started within the first few miles. I was riding with two friends, but soon I had to move up through the sporadic packs the formed as the various paces split things up. The general riding skill and demeanor was worse than here. People were all over the road. Climbing left of center. Descending like snails in the middle of the lane. Missed shifts. Weaving about. I rode ahead solo to the first food stop, and rejoined the friends after things were spread out.
The forecast light storms never materialized, and it was as hot and humid as Ohio. SW Wisconsin is quite wooded in this area, and it was really steamy. Breaking out into some farmland actually was cooler until the sun rose high. We rode a good clip but took comfortable breaks. It's only the 2nd year for the ride, but it's well done. Many more volunteers than we get for rides here, and a great selection of grub.
Traffic was incredibly light, and very courteous. People here passed wide, and oncoming traffic almost without fail set two wheels in the berm and slowed as they passed. It was creepy. And the roads are clean. The most refuse I saw all day was the crap the riders dropped from their pockets. Very rural, but a nice area. And 125 miles of country roads with not a single loose dog. Ohio has a lot to learn.
The "feature" of the ride was the final climb into the park. The top is supposed to be just over 1700ft (highest in southern WI), but the climb rises 910ft. I think the linear distance was about 1.5-2 miles, with a few false flats. It's a good climb, and steepest the last 1/4 mile to the finish. The finish picnic included goulash, rhubarb bars, and some very tasty ale from the local brew-pub, The Grumpy Troll (trolls are sort of a thing in WI). It's a 10-11hr drive, but very tempting to go back next year.
