If Wisconsin is shaped like a mitten, Door County is its thumb. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, this narrow strip of land, with abundant orchards, artists' galleries and working lighthouses is one of the state's most popular cycling areas. Biking season in Wisconsin generally runs from early May through late October. Prime cycling months are June, July and August, when daytime temperatures are usually in the 70s and 80s, although often with high humidity.
Autumn is a great time to ride, with the leaves changing color in a spectacular show.
The northern third of the state reaches its color peak in mid-September, although Door County's peak comes later because of the warming effect of the surrounding water. GORP presents two Door County rides in gently rolling country. The Potawatomi State Park route is a 43.4-mile day of cycling. The ride that takes in the Peninsula State Park can be 11.9 or 38.6 miles long, depending on which route you choose. Boats of every description intrepid little tugs, cavernous cargo ships, even Ted Turner's sexy yacht, Tenacious, have been born in Sturgeon Bay, the starting point of this tour.