Anyone tried riding Drumlin with their track bike?

I'm new to Waukesha and have been riding mine for years on street/asphalt type trails. I've heard a small section of it is paved and thereafter it's (compact?)'gravel', just wondering how that would treat me when the weather comes back around :)

I've been on the trail from the western side (Cottage Grove to Jefferson) on a 23 mm tire road bike. As long as there has been about a week between rains, you should be fine, but do not expect to go 20 mph (14-16 is doable). There are, however, a number of gopher/chippie holes and the chippies like to cross. Occasionally there may be an especially sandy spot. With the winter we've had, however, I probably would not venture on it until May. The DNR does do maintenance on it.

The first 12-13 miles of it are paved out to Dousman, after that it goes to crushed limestone. I ride on it regularly and have ridden it on my singlespeed. The only thing about riding it on a SS is the 5-mile stretch of 3-5% grade between Waukesha and Wales. Not a killer, but less than fun when you're pushing a 46x16. Past that it undulates a bit and is almost perfectly smooth until you get to the packed limestone I mentioned. I never travel past that so I can't say about the conditions going any further west.

The first 12-13 miles of it are paved out to Dousman, after that it goes to crushed limestone. I ride on it regularly and have ridden it on my singlespeed. The only thing about riding it on a SS is the 5-mile stretch of 3-5% grade between Waukesha and Wales. Not a killer, but less than fun when you're pushing a 46x16. Past that it undulates a bit and is almost perfectly smooth until you get to the packed limestone I mentioned. I never travel past that so I can't say about the conditions going any further west.

Yeah, but that 3-5% coming back is fun!

As Jose says, the first 12 miles are paved. The problem is that the stretch just past Dousman is perhaps the best part of the trail -- some of the best wildlife sightings along the trail. The non-paved part is crushed limestone. As long as its been dry, it isn't too bad on road tires, just dusty. If its too tough (and depending on how far out you want to go) you can always bail to the roads out at that end of the trail . . . they are fairly bike friendly at that point.

I read you need to buy a trail pass but is there free parking at the trailhead in Waukesha? I am considering a trip up there this spring/summer

I read you need to buy a trail pass but is there free parking at the trailhead in Waukesha? I am considering a trip up there this spring/summer

Yes and Yes. You can buy a trail pass either along the trail or online at http://www.fwsp.org/stickers%5Fpasses/

As for parking, there is some parking available where the trail crosses Grandview and some more near the intersection of Macarthur and St. Paul. There are a few other spots to park elsewhere but those are the ones I am more familiar with. The trail is less than 2 miles from my house so I just ride there.

A lot of the bike shops also sell the passes. I think I picked mine up at Wheel and Sprocket last year.

Thanks for the info :)

All my buddies are saying I can't do it on these tires... but as someone who likes a challenge this sounds promising!

I usually ride the trail once or twice a year from Madison to Waukesha. I always enjoy the ride and it is much more scenic that taking Highway B out of Cottage Grove. Plus that road narrows as it gets toward Lake Mills. I find myself not enjoying the scenery as much as I am worried about the car screaming up behind me.

But, Wiswell is right though you do not get the speed you would on the Highway but if you have the time, the trail is enjoyable. You hardly see anyone on parts of the trail between Lake Mills and Sullivan, a few near the towns, and that part of the trail is the least comprressed. I ususally ride my older bike with the wider tires, I might try it with my 700 x 25's.