Ride Across Wisconsin 2026: Century Complete!
I made it.
I’m over the moon with joy to report that I successfully completed over 100 miles during Ride Across Wisconsin.
Stats:
Distance: 102.01 miles
Average Speed: 12.1 mi/h (max 38.1)
8:26:35 moving / 10:46:30 total time
4,739 ft elevation gain
Fun facts:
I woke up at 4:45am for a 6am start and was done around 4:45pm.
I drank 20+ bottles of water (temps hit the 90’s!)
I ate so many carbs (ugh!). I’m sick of PB&J’s haha.
I took a wrong turn at some point (missing turn markers?). 2 miles in, I turned around and helped another biker turn back. She became my riding buddy and an inspiration. She’s attempted annual challenges including walking across all of Spain, writing a book, and century biking. I love meeting folks like this!
Early Start
Given the 6am start time, I wanted to be as prepared as possible the night before so I spent Friday evening prepping the bike, water bottles, and food. I slept well enough, despite excited energy and random fireworks going off (one week after July 4th, what?). I woke up at 4:45am and was very glad I prepped the night before because I looked at the clock - it was 5:45am! I decided to bike over to the starting line instead of driving since it was only one mile via a paved bike path. Fortunately I made it just in time.
I’ll never forget the excitement I felt as the ride began. Cool weather, sunny and everyone was buzzing. The countryside is absolutely beautiful! I wish I took more pictures but it’s hard to stop when you are focused on riding.
Overall, the ride was very smooth and didn’t feel too challenging. I tackled the hills easily enough. Some of them I had to climb slowly but I’m proud to report that I didn’t have to walk up any. Around 10am, the sun was fully out and warming us up. In the early afternoon it got more challenging as it became hot, humid and completely sun exposed for many miles. I often moved to the opposite side of the road to get brief relief from the shade!
Rest Stops
There were four rest stops across the 100 mile route and wow, did I need them! At every stop, I filled up my three water bottles and drank at least one bottle’s worth of electrolyte water. I estimate I drank over 20 bottles!
The stops were well stocked: bananas, trail mix, oreos, PB&Js, oh my! I ate a lot of PB&Js for a balance of protein and carbs.
My favorite stop was Dells Mill in Augusta, Wisconsin. This Wisconsin Landmark celebrated its 162nd year in 2026 and is back to producing food for the Amish community.
The Folks You Meet
My favorite thing about these types of adventures are the people you meet. I rode for a bit with a nice couple. The guy had completed several centuries and this was his wife’s first - awesome! There were many seniors tackling the century (or the 175 miler!) which is incredible to see. I aim to be one of them in my later years too!
I took a wrong turn at some point. I think the road markers had rubbed off. Something felt off so I stopped and checked the RideByGPS app. I wasn’t using it’s turn-by-turn directions like I usually do since the route was (mostly) marked well and to conserve my phone’s battery. Sure enough, I was off course by two miles!
I turned around and almost immediately, saw another biker coming. It was a lady I had seen previously with monarch butterfly “wings” attached to her back. Intriguing! Cheri became my riding buddy while we swapped stories getting back on track. What an inspiration! She’s attempted annual challenges including walking across all of Spain, writing a book, and century biking. I love meeting folks like this!
The Finish
By the final rest stop at mile 89, I was pretty gassed. The heat was taking its toll. After refueling though, an anxious excitement took over — this was the final stretch! The final 11 miles felt like a victory lap and were over quickly. Suddenly the finish line was in sight. I saw a photographer taking finisher photos so I threw up the horns 🤘 and yelled out in triumph.
And like that, it was over.
I sat down with Cheri, delicious cold beer in hand. Nothing tastes better than a cold drink after a hard day of outdoor activity! I high-fived and hugged Cheri. I asked her if her book was published because I wanted to buy it. She jumped up, ran back over to her bike, and gifted me a copy! You can check it out here. I really like what I’ve read so far about her life and journey.
What Went Well
Weekly long rides: I looked forward to these every week. I experienced all types of weather, figured out food and water pacing, and built confidence by adding miles each week. After accomplishing 80 miles the week before, I knew I could complete a century.
Hydration and food: This took a few weeks to dial in. I often ran out of water which on long Wisconsin rural roads was not great. Same deal with food - I’m thankful for gas station pit stops!
What Could be Improved
Neck pain: This consistently comes in around the 30 to 40 mile mark. It’s more discomfort than pain and I manage it by taking some naproxen. Of course, no pain is ideal so I’m thinking of getting a bike fit next Spring to understand what adjustments I could make.
Hot foot: “A burning sensation in the ball of the foot,” I had never heard of this until it hit me during one of the 60 mile training rides. It felt like my entire foot was on fire! Incredibly painful and uncomfortable. I pulled over, adjusted my cleat position and loosened my shoes which helped. However, I experienced it on every long ride (60+ miles) including this century ride. What helped the most was taking breaks. I need to investigate what to do long term.
Weight: At this point, I’ve built up the endurance. I’ve proven I can bike for long distances. But my body is holding me back. To get to the next level, to achieve more fitness goals, I need to lose more weight. More on that below.
Special Thanks
I may have cycled alone but I didn’t pull it off alone. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me:
My wife Lisa: The MVP of this journey. Supporting this huge goal, unbridled enthusiasm, Sunday long rides, patching me up when I fell on my shoulder, and so much more.
My boys Henry and Charlie: My inspiration for getting fit and becoming the best Dad I can be.
My trainer Lexi: Training plan advice, motivation and encouragement, and always being real.
The Monday Men crew for training advice and joining me on long rides (Grant, Jonathan, Kevin) and neighbor Adam.
James G, Bill M, Gregg D, and Collins S for their donations supporting the Wisconsin Bike Fed
My readers here: Thank you for the encouragement and following along with the journey!
Where do I go from here?
A few weeks have passed since the event and all I can think about is, “where do I go from here?” Initially, I was thinking of the challenge I could attempt next. Another century? The 175 mile route at RAW next year? The more I thought about it though, the clearer the answer became.
The #1 thing that holds me back from pursuing and/or performing my best at various sports and physical activities is my weight. The more physically fit I get, the better my life becomes. Many benefits:
A wider variety of sports I can participate in and more exercise challenges I can accomplish
Increase in cycling speed and comfort
A longer lifespan and healthspan. Slower aging.
More energy for life (keeping up with the kids, personal projects, maintaining balance)
Improved confidence and general happiness
Time to lock in.