Any good spots for biking in/around Devil's Lake (North of Madison, WI)? We're heading up there for a camping trip next weekend--I was debating having someone drop me and the bike off in Madison and hoofing it (on bike, not foot) the ~34 miles. From what I can see on the website, though, it doesn't seem particularly bicycle friendly. I have a hybrid (Jamis Coda), and the only bike trail they advertise is a 9-mile off-road loop. Probably not ideal for my road tires, although they are on the thicker side.

THINKING it's a lost cause, but I'd be game to be told otherwise!

If you want to drive west a bit there is a system of 4 connected limestone trails that form a 100 mile trail.

The first trail is around 25 miles west of Devils Lake called the 400 State Trail that starts in Reedsburg

Here is a blog page i have with all 4 of them.
https://bartsbiking.com/?page_id=65

Here is a map with all 4
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...238fe978a&z=10

The highlight is the 2nd trail called the Elroy-Sparta trail, which is an excellent trail with 3 tunnels
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...cbd5114bd&z=11

Id recommend checking them out if your in the area. These are very smooth limestone trails.

I do have a route from Madison to Devils Lake, 1/4 of the route is on a paved trail from Madison, but the last 3/4 are on some hilly country roads without much of a shoulder. This also brings you thru the ferry in Merrimac.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...cb71ff033&z=10

But id recommend doing the limestone trails i mentioned first instead of the route from Madison.

There is great road riding for hill work in that area if you want to stay on the roads too.