Biking BATS

Every year--usually in early July--my wife and I load up the two cats and make the fifteen hour drive to Northern Wisconsin. By that date the thermometer in Arkansas is usually bursting its top, and it is a great relief to dangle a foot in the recently unfrozen waters of Trout Lake. Since we live in a post-and-beam cabin in the Arkansas Ozarks and my mother's guest house is also a post-and-beam cabin, the adjustment in lifestyle isn't substantial, but switching from the prevailing oak forest of Northern Arkansas to the prevailing pine woods of Northern Wisconsin does bring welcome sensory impressions. A good general impression of the lavishly-laked and heavily-wooded terrain is provided by the satellite view above.

Another delightful aspect of a vacation in Northern Wisconsin is a result of the beautifully paved roads that meander through the entire area, financed by sky-high property taxes. For avid cyclists, this is biking heaven--something obviously noticed by the Boulder Junction township elders who have had the foresight to establish the Boulder Area Trail System (BATS). There are roughly eleven miles of paved trail running from Boulder Junction down along the east side of Trout Lake and then east to Crystal Lake. This entire ride is stunningly beautiful, with expansive views of Trout Lake and Crystal Lake and plenty of places worthy of a stop and further exploration. Not to be missed is the short trail out to Cathedral Point near the mid-point of the Trout Lake section. Cathedral Point is a famous picnic spot at the narrows of Trout Lake. The tables are sheltered by massive pines and the views take in the entirety of one of the most beautiful lakes in Wisconsin. Another nice feature of the ride is the roadside wildflowers.

Click on the small photo at right to see a larger picture of the paved trail and a profusion of "Butter-and-Eggs."

The BATS trail system connects with similar trails from other nearby townships, so that a great web of interlinked biking trails is gradually emerging. But serious road bikers actually favor ROADS! The paved trails are great for family rides, but all those kids and distracted adults on the bike paths makes for a perilous experience if one is hoping to hammer down the path at top speed. I find it safer and more satisfying to wander around on the many, many wonderful paved roads. Here are a few fine rides:

The Trout Lake Loop is, perhaps, my favorite ride. The ride starts with the toughest climb in the whole area--Pope's Hill--a short, savage little thing that causes a fair amount of suffering. It's dangerous, too. The pavement is very rough and it's easy to get going too fast on the downhill section. A crash would hurt! The north leg of the loop follows North Creek Road, which is a little bumpy, but worth it--no traffic, deep woods, wild strawberries and blueberries along the roadside. The east side of the loop follows the bike path discussed above. The southern portion is quiet and generally safe. Finally, there is a short section on busy Highway 51. Fortunately, the gravel shoulders are firm enough for road bike tires at moderate speeds. On weekdays the traffic is fairly sparse, but this is a road to avoid on weekends.

Both Sue and I think the out-and-back ride to Manitowish Waters is a local treasure. The paved roads are smooth and seemingly endless. There are about as many bikers as cars on them. The whole ride is fun, but the section on Alder Lake Road is especially enjoyable--winding, wooded, with plenty of lake views and side roads to explore. After one gets up to Highway 51 near Manitowish Waters, one picks up another paved bike path, which makes its wooded way up through the town, past several lakes, and eventually into a forest trail. Usually, I'm ready to turn back at Manitowish Waters, but some day I will continue on. A host of secluded, paved roads await my exploration.

A third, perfect road-ride heads east to Star Lake. The prettiest part of this ride is the northern section on CR K out to Star Lake. It is winding and a little hilly through a lovely pine forest. The sight lines are not good, so I keep a sharp eye on my helmet mirror for cars coming up from behind. There are a couple of nice parking areas where one can hike down to Lost Canoe Lake and there is a lovely paved loop with fine views of Star Lake.

Here are links to larger maps of these three rides:

Trout Lake Loop

Manitowish Waters Ride

Star Lake Loop