Rob Lea

Ultimate World Triathlon

Day 25: Sparta, WI to Madison, WI

Distance116.13 mi
Time6h 52m 20s
Elevation Gain4,452 ft

Another 6 AM wake up call today. But when I realized it was still in the 40s, I convinced myself that I could sleep for another 30 minutes. I/we got on the road at about 8 AM.

A couple of roads and a few miles lead us to the Elroy-Sparta rail-to-trail. This was another beautiful trail through the trees and I was excited to be off the busy road. We rode about 7 miles but then I decided to hit the roads. The rail-to-trail was not paved and was a little muddy from the overnight rain. It was slowing me down significantly and I didn’t want to be on the bike for an extra couple of hours… So back to the road. I passed a few Amish horse drawn carriages along the way as I continued southeast.

I was definitely in different terrain than I have been in for the last while. I spent a good chunk of time either going in 6.5 mph or 30+ mph. There were a handful of climbs through the rolling hills with little towns every 15 to 20 miles. The climbs are a little steeper here, typically 7% or 8% but that also leads to a nice dissent.

I had a nice little lunch in Reedsburg, WI after about 59 miles. As I continued, I made my way through Baraboo and then to Devil’s Lake area and finally to Merrimac. I “splurged” a little bit and took a ferry across Lake Wisconsin (it was free 😂). At this point I was about 85 miles into the ride. I had some rolling hills and a few cute towns to ride through before I made it into the greater Madison area.

As I approached town I was able to get on some paved bike paths which were awesome! Once I got into town, I rode through part of the University of Wisconsin‘s campus where the bike paths got better and better. The last couple of miles I rode through downtown and then straight up to and around the capitol building here in Madison! My finishing point is right on the lake with a view and that makes me happy. Although I don’t have a lot of time to experience it, Madison looks awesome!

Onto Milwaukee, Wisconsin tomorrow. And the following day, I will make it to Chicago... Illinois!

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.

Rob Lea Ride Across America.