Great Lakes - help me plan a route to Sun Prairie from Madison

Hey, I need to get to Sun Prairie from Madison, but I'm totally unfamiliar with the roads/conditions past Madison. I'm planning to take the paths all the way to High Crossing Blvd, which eventually terminates at Nelson Rd. From there I'll need guidance negotiating the county highways. Basically, I just want to get to the heart of downtown Sun Prairie, and from there I'll be able to navigate to my final destination.

One possibility is taking Reiner north to 151, but I don't know if non-motorized vehicles are allowed on this stretch of highway. Also, if I have to ride on a gravel shoulder, this would be a deal breaker for me.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for any help!

I can't comment on the condition of any of the roads, but you could take Reiner to Burke to Hwy. T to Hwy. N Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=High+Crossing+Blvd+at+nelson+rd,+madison,+wi&daddr=Reiner+Rd+%4043.138820,+-89.266020+to:43.136193,-89.251385+to:CR-N%2FGrove+St+%4043.179870,+-89.206540&mrcr=1,2&mrsp=2&sz=13&mra=dpe&dirflg=h&sll=43.147525,-89.215145&sspn=0.082535,0.160675&ie=UTF8&z=13&om=1)

or alternatively Nelson to Bailey to Hwy. N Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=High+Crossing+Blvd+at+nelson+rd,+madison,+wi&daddr=43.180396,-89.206581&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&mra=dme&dirflg=h&sll=43.147525,-89.215145&sspn=0.082535,0.160675&ie=UTF8&z=13&om=1)

Hopefully someone with more insight to that area can give better directions.

Devin is right about the roads, they are ok. You could take E Washington to Portage Rd (north) and then north on Rattman for a brief moment, and then east on Hwy 19 which will take you right in. Those rides are fine. Might have a little traffic on Hwy 19 but it has a good shoulder. I wouldn't stay on 151 once you get past East Towne.

Thanks for the input!

You might want to check the maps here:

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/bike-foot/countymaps.htm

Check out the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin's Dane County bike map. You can find it online or free at most bike shops. It has never lead me wrong and is almost always in my jersey pocket when I ride a new route.

Again, thanks much. I've been able to piece together a route with all your suggestions. Now, all I have to do is hope the thunderstorms don't roll through.

Happy trails...

Here's a detailed map of Madison city bike routes... I've used the map quite often when planning routes.

http://www.cityofmadison.com/trafficEngineering/documents/BikeMap/BikeRtMapMaster2006.pdf