Oskosh, WI area Tour Suggestions

[OHRider]

We are looking at going to the Oshkosh Air Show next summer.  We would park in Ludington, MI and take the ferry across with bikes and then ride to the Air Show and stay there a day or two.  I'm looking for suggestions for routes to the air show and then a 2-3 day loop going back to catch the ferry to Michigan from Manitowac.  We will plan to camp at the Air Show and mostly camp while riding but wouldn't mind doing a hotel with hot shower some night.  I need to keep away from real steep climbs as my wife is a bit limited for climbing with a loaded bike.  She also is not a fan of gravel!

Any suggestions for all or part of the ride would be welcome!  Thank you.

[John Nettles]

You might consider this route from Manitowoc https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33397827 followed by this route https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49270245 .  I rode the first one northbound a few years ago during Covid and it was fine.  I have not ridden the second route.  I did one similar about 10+ years ago but I figure a bike path is better. Note that the bike path might have crushed gravel (chat) in places; I am not sure.

From Fond du Lac, you will need to make your own route. 

The one time I was touring during the Airshow is when a plane landed on the interstate about 300 yards ahead of us as we were bumming a ride from the campground to dinner.  Made for a late dinner but it was a bit exciting.

Hope you and the missus have a great tour! 

Tailwinds, John
P.S. If you go via Sheboygan, be sure to check out the John Kohler Art Center's bathrooms.  A work of art!

[OHRider]

Thanks John!  I've started looking at it some- looks like a good route could be going around the north end of Lake Winnebago, to the air show, and then returning on the south end.  I also want to see what a side trip to the Wisconsin Dells would involve.  Might be hillier and longer than we are looking for.  Another option is to do the loop to the air show then do some touring in Michigan after crossing back over.

[John Nettles]

If you need them, here are the reverse direction routes of the previously mentioned routes:  FLSW-E:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49274739 and MWSW-N:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33470567 .
Tailwinds, John

[Fargo]

The bike path from Sheboygan to Fond du Lac is paved all the way.  Here is the route I would take from the trail end to Paul's Woods at AirVenture: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49650521.

[OHRider]

The bike path from Sheboygan to Fond du Lac is paved all the way.  Here is the route I would take from the trail end to Paul's Woods at AirVenture: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49650521.

Thanks- that looks like a good route.  Should be able to get to Sheboygan from Manitowac in one day depending on the ferry schedule.  Maybe we will go around the northern end of the lake in one direction and the southern in the other direction.

[Fargo]

I've ridden it several times. 

During AirVenture, Knapp Road will be quite busy but there will be quite a few bikers, ATV's, golf carts, RV's and just about anything else you can imagine on it.  People expect to be going slow.  I don't think there is a better way to get in by bike.  Coming in from the north during the event there will be bumper-to-bumper traffic for miles.