Despite the obvious presence of bicycles, bike racers, finish lines and podiums, the Kwik Trip Tour of America's Dairyland is more than just a bike race. It's a commmunity block party with food, drink and vendors that—oh yeah—also happens to have a bike race running through it. But even if you're not comfortable cornering at high speeds or don't quite understand how team tactics work (you just have to ride real fast, right?), there is still plenty of fun for the casual enthusiast, both on and off the bike.
Level up your ride with a skills clinic for women and juniors
Wednesday, June 18
This is an informative clinic, organized by Ayesha McGowan (@ayesuppose) to help acclimate novice and junior women on some of the basic ideas behind race tactics, with time alotted for bike handling skills. It's a low-pressure way to ask questions, corner around some cones, and get the tips of your toes wet.
This event is $5. More information on instagram.com/tourofamericasdairyland.
A West Allis women's coffee ride
Friday, June 20
Join dozens of other ladies for a spirited social ride. Start it off with a pick-me-up from The Bread Pedalers, or celebrate your finish with a cup afterwards. Then head up to watch the races on Becher St, in West Allis just a few blocks away.
This event is free (apart from the coffee). More information on Facebook.
And if you can't make it to this coffee ride, there's another one (below).
ToAD Dog of the Day, presented by Stella & Chewy's
Every day
If you have dreams of a podium, but don't have the speed or skills to get there, maybe you can get your dog up there by proxy. Every day the Tour of America's Dairyland features their favorite Dog of the Day, presented by Stella & Chewy's. If you think your dog has a winning set of puppy dog eyes, bring them to the main stage during the community hour and find out.
Youth cycling rodeo at Beulah Brinton Community Center
Thursday, June 26
The 3rd Annual Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion Through Cycling is a collaboration organized by MKE Rec and features various exploration stations for youth to discover different aspects of cycling competition. Bike and helmet fittings (Wisconsin Bike Fed and DreamBikes), a cyclocross skills course (Gelbbrücke - Spirit of Sport on behalf of the Wisconsin Cycling Association and WICX Series) and a mountain bike skills demo (NICA, MKE Rec), plus a chance for kids to ride the Bay View race course. A root beer float party (Babe's Ice Cream, Sprecher Craft Soda) follows.
The event is free but registration through MKE Rec is required.
A Shorewood coffee ride for women
Friday, June 27
Join dozens of other ladies for a spirited social ride. Start it off with a pick-me-up from Colectivo Coffee, or celebrate your finish with a cup afterwards. Then stick around to watch the races on Oakland Ave, just outside.
This event is free (apart from the coffee). More information on instagram.com/tourofamericasdairyland
Volunteer to be a crossing guard or to distribute merch and milk
Any time
There are numerous opportunities to watch a race while still keeping spectators safe. Post up as a crossing guard to ensure safe passage, or hand out sponsor swag while sharing your love of the sport.
You can find more information at tourofamericasdairyland.com/get-involved/
Run the races with the Dairyland Mile
Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28
Wheels up, feet down. If you prefer your competition to be more bipedal than bike pedal, look for Dairyland Mile races, organized during the community hours of both the Shorewood Criterium and the Downer Classics.
You can sign-up for either (or save money if you sign up for both) at runsignup.com/dairylandmileseries
Community Hours
Every day
Every day there is a break before the final race where the community can get out on the course and do something a little out of the ordinary and show off their personality. This might include a walk-and-roll, where the community is allowed on foot, strollers, wagons, skates and scooters (West Allis), local appearances from cheer and robotics teams (Oak Creek), the running of the mascots (Grafton), big wheel and trike races (Bay View), races for kids 2 and up (Wauwatosa) and maybe even ice cream at the end.
Each city is different, so keep your eyes peeled for what they might announce.
Ride to the races
Any day
Enjoy the Tour of America's Dairyland at your own speed. Some of the race days travel well outside the Milwaukee area, like De Pere—which makes for an epic ride most won't be prepared for—but locations like Grafton and Cedarburg can be ridden almost entirely on off-street paths like the Oak Leaf Trail and the Ozaukee Interurban Trail, allowing you to take your time and avoid much car traffic.
Eat, drink and be merry
Any time
Regardless how you make it down to the races, how much you race, or how much you even ride a bike, there are still plenty of vendors, food, drink and patios for camaraderie to partake in.
More info
For more info, visit tourofamericasdairyland.com.
Jason McDowell grew up in central Iowa and moved to Milwaukee in 2000 to attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.
In 2006 he began working with OnMilwaukee as an advertising designer, but has since taken on a variety of rolls as the Creative Director, tackling all kinds of design problems, from digital to print, advertising to branding, icons to programming.
In 2016 he picked up the 414 Digital Star of the Year award.
Most other times he can be found racing bicycles, playing board games, or petting dogs.
