We began the Badger State Trail today, and did 2 1/2 mile (5 round trip) trip from Purcell Road in the country somewhere near Fitchburg/Verona/Oregon down to Basco (a small town with no stoplights and a scary tavern in an old lady's basement). It was a perfect day for riding, and even though it was uphill going back, I was much more tired Saturday, the "uphill both ways" ride on Glacial Drumlin between Helenville and Sullivan. This trail goes all the way down into Illinois (I guess it's not called the *Badger* state trail at that point) into the flatlands, so it will be downhill going and uphill coming for every trip. Next time we ride, we'll make it partway or to the outskirts of Belleville. South of Belleville is a tunnel that's about 1/4 mile long. They suggest walking your bike the entire way and bringing a flashlight. Today we crossed some very beautiful farmland. This wasn't just treeless prairie farmland, this was rolling hills with trees and green pastures and limestone outcroppings along the trail. I love this scenery. Some of the most beautiful countryside exists in the southwest part of this state.

Labels: Biking