Visiting Wisconsin
 

I'm visiting Wisconsin for the first time- Fontana Thursday thru Saturday and then Madison Sunday thru Tuesday. I hear the area is great for cycling and I'd like to rent a bike. Can anyone familiar with the area give me some direction regarding where to rent (in Madison area) and what kind of bike to rent respective of this area's choicest rides or hangouts?

This is where we're staying in Fontana:

The Abbey Resort
269 Fontana Blvd.
Fontana, Wisconsin 53125

I'm a roadie but ride MTBs too (I'm a roadie - not into much technical stuff). I'd love to do some rides where I feel I've done something but I'm not training for anything so one or two hour rides would be great. If I get to have a choice, I'd opt for a climb or two. Also, are there any bike friendly coffee shops, bars or eateries you'd recommend I kill time at as my wife is at her conference?

Thanks for any comments and opinions.

The Abbey Resort offers bicycle rentals, although hotel bicycles are often cushy cruisers. As far as Madison is concerned, there are a number of places. I rented once from Budget and it was okay. But you may want to check this site out:

http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=bikerentals&find_loc=Madison%2C+WI
It offers recommendations and locations. It was a long time ago when I rented but I expect prices to be competitive so location might be your overriding concern. The bike shop that you rent from should provide you with some maps but it doesn’t take much to get out of town to hit some good climbs. A trail from Madison can take you right to this park as well.

http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/quarry-ridge-park.html
There are a lot of options too numerous to mention without knowing your preference or location. Again, the bike shop is a good place to start. I hope you have a great time!!!

I believe Madison’s Bombay Bicycle Club would welcome you on their Sunday ride which they describe below. I copied it from their website. Sounds like a lot of fun to me.
5/22 SUN - Lakeview Park 8:00 AM Tour de Bison L-72, M-65, S-25 Rolling Hills Ramble up and back to Columbia County over classic Wisconsin countryside. The long and medium routes pass through the McKenzie Environmental Center at Poynette. The long route crosses the Whalen Grade and takes in some scenic shoreline of Lake Wisconsin and the Rowan Creek wetlands. Fuel up in Poynette for the rollers and a couple good climbs on the way back. Contact: Mark Maffitt mark.maffitt@gmail.com 608-273-2140