By
yooperdan
in
8/13/2006 12:00:00 AM
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"We were a little concerned that this trail may be a little too “urban” for our taste but
decided to give it a try. What a pleasant surprise it was to feel so isolated in the
northwestern suburbs of Milwaukee. The quarries were interesting. We stopped on the
bridge over the Canadian National tracks and watched a train go by on the Union Pacific
on the line we would soon go under on our way into Sussex. Then another train came
through on the line below us.
If there was a downside to our trip it was Sussex. It brings one back to the reality of how
close one is to civilization. (If you’re looking to escape it.) The trail ends abruptly and
there are no directions as to how to pick it up again. After finding it, we continued only
about 3/4 mile to find a “Trail Closed Sign” with no directions as to the detour route. We
braved our way past the sign and found the only part of the trail out of service was at
Hillside Road. (County Highway J) We portaged through the construction site and once
again found ourselves in seclusion with nature. The upside of Sussex was finding the
railroad station along the trail and a sign at the old mill giving a nice history lesson on the
railroad.
The remainder of the ride to Merton was pleasant. While my wife, Yvonne, rested at
Fireman’s Park, I explored the asphalt trail through the park. At the west end of that trail
picked up the rail grade again and it looks as if work is in progress to extend the trail to
the end of the line at North Lake. (One can only hope)
Due to the construction at Hillside Road I would suggest waiting until next season to ride
this one, but don’t cross it off the list.
Dan & Yvonne Sylvester"
By
yooperdan
in
8/12/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
"My wife Yvonne and I rode this trail from the south end (County Road K) to Minocqua
on August 3, 2006. We forgot to bring our camera and wound up using a cheap
disposable. The pictures don’t do the trail justice. It was well worth the six hour drive up
from our home in Waukegan, IL. We are going back to do it again so we can get some
good photos. This trail gets five stars in our book. Be prepared for a hard climb at mile 7
northbound and mile 11 southbound. The trail makes a detour off the roadbed due to a
property dispute and goes over the hump instead of around it. If you’re in shape you can
do it, if not it’s a short push to the top and a steep ride down.
Dan & Yvonne Sylvester"
By
yooperdan
in
6/16/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
"Yesterday, June 15,I started my trip from Algoma and went first to Sturgeon Bay and return. There is a detour leaving Algoma and city streets must be used for about a mile. I would also reccomend the use of streets in Algoma as the trail is in pretty rough shape leading to a from downtown. The trail is a nice mix of woods and open areas. There are trailside benches every couple of miles within Door County if you want to get out of the saddle for a spell. Sturgeon Bay was the highlight of the trip. Beautiful! I found some parts of the trail within the city in poor shape so I returned to the trial via Neenah Avenue from the waterfront. Back in Algoma I had lunch then went to Casco Junction and returned. Just out of Rio Creek crossing there is a ""Wind Farm"" with several big turbines to the north of th trail. Another highlight for me was finding a rusted whistle post still in place at Casco south of County Highway C. I noticed it on my return trip. It's rusted so much the ""W"" can't be read but I'm sure that's what it is. There is also the bridge over the Kewanee River between Casco and Casco Junction. It is my understanding this bridge washed out in the 1970's putting an end to railroad operations north of that point. The northern abutment is still the original cut stone but the south end has been filled with rock for the new bridge. I found a lot of loose gravel also in this section making pedeling a bit difficult. I had coverd 65.24 miles in a little less than seven hours."