We discovered this route by accident heading home from the fall 2009 Slimey Crud Run. From Dodgeville to New Glarus, the ride is moderately technical and very scenic. I say 'moderately technical,' as there are lots of medium-radius curves, many with significant elevation changes. It's not at all uncommon to crest a hill and find yourself bearing down on a t-intersection. There may be gravel on the roads near the apex of a curve, and there is a significant possibility of deer or other animals on the road, especially at night. During the day, farm machinery shares the road with you, and it wouldn't do to come screaming around a curve only to smack into a 2.5-lane-wide harvester. That being said, traffic was very light when we rode this route. I say 'scenic' because for much of the Wisconsin portion of this route, you are diving down into a little river valley or holler, winding alongside a creek with pastures along side, then swooping back up over a bluff before diving into the next holler. New Glarus is a charming town that looks like it was transplanted directly from Switzerland. Continuing south, things straighten out somewhat as you cross into Illinois. Your vistas also open up and at times you can see for miles in every direction. As the road squeezes between massive farm fields, it occasionally bends into a gentle 90 degree sweeper before straightening out again. Light traffic congestion in Freeport is only a moment's bother as the road opens right back up after leaving town. Continuing south through Polo and eventually through Dixon, you'll pick up the Ronald Reagan Memorial Trail south of the interstate. Quiet two-lanes are the rule here. Stay on my route, and you'll wind up on rural Rt. 34. Familiar to suburban Chicago locals as Ogden Avenue, it will either return you to the big city if you go east, or become the first leg of a larger adventure if you turn southwest. Some time, I'll have to ride this route in reverse!
This is a motorcycle ride in the states Wisconsin, Illinois. This motorcycle route has 9 scenery characteristics and other road conditions to help you plan your road trip. This motorcycle map was created by digitalsasquatch in February. Click here to see other Motorcycle Roads by digitalsasquatch