From the beginning of the summer, and not by design, it turns out that every month has featured an adventurous trip with friends. This month was a Sunday afternoon ride on the brand new Great Sauk State Trail with my friend Zach. The Great Sauk State Trail is, I think, Wisconsin’s newest Rails-to-Trails installment. It starts in downtown Sauk City.

The trail goes along the Wisconsin River for a short distance, and we could see the Alliant Energy Dam from Veterans Park.

Soon we were riding through farm fields, some of which were USDA Dairy Forage Research land.

In the distance, the Baraboo bluffs of Devil’s Lake State Park.

The trail traverses the land of the former Badger Ordinance Works. Now, much of that land to the west of the trail is empty of buildings and the property of the Ho Chunk tribe.

Finally, at the foot of the bluffs, the trail comes to an end. At least for now.

A blustery day, but a great 20-mile ride. I hope to do this one again.