Ode to the Dairy Farmer

The climate, soil, and geography combine to make Dane County home to some of the most fertile farm land in the country. A tour through the surrounding country roads finds dairy farms dispersed throughout the valleys. Although much of the original farm land surrounding Madison has been eaten up by the developers, the lasting result of these old farms is an abundance of well-paved county roads. Because of the influence of an active biking community, many of these old country roads have added bicycle lanes, far from the busy streets of Madison. Thus bicycle touring is assessable to most Dane County residents. From my house I can be away from city traffic and cruising the country roads within minutes.

Yesterday I left early in the morning hoping to finish my longest ride of the year. The loop is about 28 miles. I knew the mileage wouldn't be a problem as I have been riding 22 miles consistently, but the numerous hills would be a challenge.

The climbs begin before I even leave Madison. Just west of home is the Channel 3 hill. It runs up the backside of Elver Park and quickly throws bikers out to the western farmlands of Dane County. After getting around Elver the climbs and descents stack up one after the other. During the climbs I average about seven miles per hour, and during the downhills I sometimes reach speeds over 30 mph. It's misery, and then its ecstasy.

About four climbs and six miles later, I find myself at the top of a wide ridge. Looking west from the ridge are the rolling hills of Dane County and the eastern edge of the Driftless Area. It's stunning. And it sits right out my backdoor. The Driftless Area is the remnants of the last ice age. When the glaciers retreated, southwestern Wisconsin was left littered with woods, water, and rolling hills.

After a short ride along the ridge the road drops down towards the historic Riley Tavern. Here I am able to enjoy the flats for several miles, and to regather some strength before the climb to Mt. Horeb. Surprisingly the climb is very doable. Although at times I can feel the lactic acid build-up in my quads, I am still able to fight to the top of the hills, and to a visual sighting of the Mt. Horeb water tower. My return to Madison takes a slightly different route, although no less hilly.

When I return to Madison and get off my bike I am whipped. The legs are wobbly and my energy is zapped. Still I feel good. Today's ride totaled 28.3 miles, 1.7 miles less than the Birkie. This thought puts things into perspective. I am getting stronger, feeling more fit, and am proud of how consistent I have remained.

Yet the obvious truth remains: biking 28 miles is not nearly as difficult as skiing 30 miles. Today took two hours, and my February ski will take close to five. Today 50 km feels a long way off. And yet still so enticing. I just have to believe that in seven months I will be ready.

Gradual progress.