My Weapon of Choice: The Velomobile<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\u201cWhat is that thing?\u201d or \u201cDoes it have a motor?\u201d is a common reaction to my Velomobile. For those unfamiliar, a Velomobile is a human-powered vehicle, essentially a recumbent bicycle (or tricycle) enclosed in an aerodynamic shell. The design reduces air resistance, making it incredibly efficient for long-distance travel while providing some protection from the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My Velomobile, the B\u00fclk MK1 from Northland Velomobile<\/a>, is built from lightweight carbon fiber and optimized in a wind tunnel for maximum performance. It\u2019s pedal-powered, but its sleek design allows speeds far beyond what you\u2019d expect from a traditional bicycle. While I\u2019ve owned several Velomobiles in the past, I had just picked up this used B\u00fclk a couple of weeks earlier. With only a few miles of experience in it, I figured, what better way to break it in than by attempting a ride across a couple of states?<\/p>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@arnesantics\/video\/7432459146537995550<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe re-cap of the ride on my TikTok<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Start of the Journey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nI left\u00a0Cannonball Garage<\/a>\u00a0in Gilberts IL at 4:15 am, aiming to make it past Lake Geneva, WI, by 6:30 am to avoid the morning traffic. Early starts come with unique challenges, and just 10 miles into the ride, I got pulled over by a police officer. He was puzzled by my mode of transport. When I explained that it was pedal-powered, he chuckled and said, \u201cWell then, I don\u2019t have anything for ya.\u201d I was back on my way.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn Schedule and Rolling Strong<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBy 6:00 am, I reached the Wisconsin state line, perfectly on schedule. Passing through Lake Geneva with minimal traffic was a breeze, and soon I was deep into rural Wisconsin. One memorable stretch came as I sped downhill on Bowers Road near Alpine Valley, hitting a high speed of 52.5 mph. I had hit almost 60 mph on this stretch a couple times 10 years ago but the road had aged quite a bit. It was exhilarating\u2014and terrifying. And let me tell you, the elevation gain getting out of that valley was just as steep as the descent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first half of the Kettle Moraine forest provided a smooth, fast run, where I found myself hitting 40+ mph on the descents. The ride was full of highlights, like passing through Fond du Lac and eventually stopping at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, home of the Packers. But not every mile was easy; County Road P, which I took up to Fond du Lac, was in rough shape and drained a lot of my energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Cyclist\u2019s Experience in a Velomobile<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe route was hilly and featured crosswinds that made fast downhills feel risky. I often had to drag the brakes to keep the Velomobile under control. Rumble strips along the road forced me to ride in the actual lane, which could have been nerve-wracking. As a cyclist, I\u2019m used to drivers treating me as if I\u2019m almost invisible\u2014or worse, as if I don\u2019t belong on the road at all\u2014passing uncomfortably close without a second thought. But in the Velomobile, it is a completely different experience. Drivers almost always gave me plenty of space, likely because they either had no idea what I was riding or were intrigued and excited enough to slow down and take pictures. It is a refreshing change that made sharing the road much less stressful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fueling Up and Pressing On: The Final Stretch Begins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
By mile 190, as I rolled into Green Bay, I felt the familiar weakness creeping in\u2014once again, I hadn\u2019t eaten enough (a lesson I clearly didn\u2019t learn from my 50-mile walk!). A quick boost of calories brought me back to life and gave me the energy to keep going. At mile 247, I arrived in Menominee, MI, at the edge of the Upper Peninsula, where my ride, Charlie, was waiting for me. He had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches ready (thanks, Charlie!), and after refueling and catching my breath, I realized I had another 50 miles left in me. With Charlie\u2019s encouragement to push through, I got back on the road and kept going!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eerie Road and Painful Miles: Pushing Through the Last 50<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe last 50 miles on M-35 were both eerie and serene. The road was desolate, with no stores, gas stations and hardly any signs of civilization along the way, and I often went 10-15 minutes without seeing another car. A wide shoulder made the ride easier until it abruptly ended, forcing me to cross rumble strips at 25 mph. The sudden jolt sent the back of my Velomobile sideways at a 45-degree angle, but I managed to stay upright\u2014a nerve-wracking moment that highlighted just how quickly things can go wrong during such a long ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make matters worse, my SPD shoes, with their fixed position, had been causing severe cramping in my feet for miles. The pain was so intense that I began to worry I might be doing permanent damage. Each pedal stroke was a battle against the discomfort, adding yet another layer of difficulty to an already grueling ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/northlandvelo.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lambeau-field-mk1-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Final Moment: Achieving a Decade-Long Goal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
At 12:45 am EST, I finally arrived at the Sand Point Lighthouse in Escanaba, Michigan, marking the end of an epic journey. After 19.5 grueling hours and an incredible 302.5 miles, I had accomplished a goal I\u2019d been contemplating for over a decade. The moment was surreal\u2014a mix of sheer exhaustion and overwhelming exhilaration. My body ached, my feet throbbed, and my energy reserves were completely depleted, but the sense of pride and fulfillment made it all worthwhile. Standing there under the quiet glow of the lighthouse, I reflected on the perseverance, preparation, and sheer willpower it took to make this ride a reality. It wasn\u2019t just about the distance; it was about proving to myself that I could push through every obstacle and reach the finish line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
300-Meilen-Radtour an einem Tag: Ein Jahrzehnt langes Ziel erreicht<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Standing under the soft glow of the lighthouse, I couldn\u2019t help but reflect on the perseverance and sheer willpower that carried me through this journey. It certainly wasn\u2019t due to preparation\u2014there was hardly any of that! This ride wasn\u2019t just about covering the distance; it was about proving to myself that, despite every challenge, I could push through and reach the finish line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reflections on a Triple Century<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen I first completed a Century ride in 2010, I felt accomplished. When I hit my first 200-miler in 2011, I was amazed at what I could achieve. But a 300-mile, unsupported ride on public roads? That\u2019s a whole new level of crazy, even for me. This ride reminded me of the importance of pushing boundaries and setting ambitious goals. You never know what you\u2019re capable of until you challenge yourself to go beyond your limits. And no, I\u2019m not planning a Quadruple Century\u2014this is as far as I think I can push myself unsupported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
My 300-mile ride wasn\u2019t just about achieving a personal record; it was about the journey, the unexpected moments, and the satisfaction of honoring a promise I made to myself over a decade ago. So set those big, audacious goals. You never know where they\u2019ll take you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s Next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After completing this incredible 300-mile ride, my thoughts are already turning to what\u2019s next. I\u2019m considering riding around Lake Michigan as my next big adventure\u2014a journey that would combine challenging distances with beautiful scenery. Someday, I hope to tackle an even bigger dream: riding across the United States. Unlike this ride, it wouldn\u2019t be about setting any speed or distance records. Instead, it would be about soaking in the experience, exploring the country at a slower pace, and embracing the freedom of life on the road. One thing is certain\u2014there\u2019s always another challenge waiting, and I\u2019m excited to see where my Velomobile takes me next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A big thanks to Arne for sharing his epic adventure! Be sure to check his links below for more pictures and other adventures Arne has pursued. If you’ve got plans for your own adventure, but sure to check velomobiles for options for custom configs, and in stock for velomobiles available now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Follow my socials for more automotive (and walking\/cycling) adventures:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFacebook: Arne\u2019s Antics
<\/a>Instagram: @arnesantics<\/a>
TikTok: @arnesantics<\/a>
YouTube: Arne\u2019s Antics<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Gast-Blog - Arne's Antics Ben: Diesen Sommer habe ich zwei meiner pers\u00f6nlichen Velomobile verkauft. Das eine war der Prototyp Urban, den ich hatte und der jetzt in Oklahoma steht. Der andere war ein schwierigerer Abschied: mein erster Buelk MK1. Arne kommt aus Chicago und hat schon einige Velomobile besessen, ist aber schon lange keins mehr gefahren ... <\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@arnesantics\/video\/7432459146537995550<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The re-cap of the ride on my TikTok<\/p>\n\n\n\n I left\u00a0Cannonball Garage<\/a>\u00a0in Gilberts IL at 4:15 am, aiming to make it past Lake Geneva, WI, by 6:30 am to avoid the morning traffic. Early starts come with unique challenges, and just 10 miles into the ride, I got pulled over by a police officer. He was puzzled by my mode of transport. When I explained that it was pedal-powered, he chuckled and said, \u201cWell then, I don\u2019t have anything for ya.\u201d I was back on my way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By 6:00 am, I reached the Wisconsin state line, perfectly on schedule. Passing through Lake Geneva with minimal traffic was a breeze, and soon I was deep into rural Wisconsin. One memorable stretch came as I sped downhill on Bowers Road near Alpine Valley, hitting a high speed of 52.5 mph. I had hit almost 60 mph on this stretch a couple times 10 years ago but the road had aged quite a bit. It was exhilarating\u2014and terrifying. And let me tell you, the elevation gain getting out of that valley was just as steep as the descent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first half of the Kettle Moraine forest provided a smooth, fast run, where I found myself hitting 40+ mph on the descents. The ride was full of highlights, like passing through Fond du Lac and eventually stopping at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, home of the Packers. But not every mile was easy; County Road P, which I took up to Fond du Lac, was in rough shape and drained a lot of my energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The route was hilly and featured crosswinds that made fast downhills feel risky. I often had to drag the brakes to keep the Velomobile under control. Rumble strips along the road forced me to ride in the actual lane, which could have been nerve-wracking. As a cyclist, I\u2019m used to drivers treating me as if I\u2019m almost invisible\u2014or worse, as if I don\u2019t belong on the road at all\u2014passing uncomfortably close without a second thought. But in the Velomobile, it is a completely different experience. Drivers almost always gave me plenty of space, likely because they either had no idea what I was riding or were intrigued and excited enough to slow down and take pictures. It is a refreshing change that made sharing the road much less stressful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By mile 190, as I rolled into Green Bay, I felt the familiar weakness creeping in\u2014once again, I hadn\u2019t eaten enough (a lesson I clearly didn\u2019t learn from my 50-mile walk!). A quick boost of calories brought me back to life and gave me the energy to keep going. At mile 247, I arrived in Menominee, MI, at the edge of the Upper Peninsula, where my ride, Charlie, was waiting for me. He had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches ready (thanks, Charlie!), and after refueling and catching my breath, I realized I had another 50 miles left in me. With Charlie\u2019s encouragement to push through, I got back on the road and kept going!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The last 50 miles on M-35 were both eerie and serene. The road was desolate, with no stores, gas stations and hardly any signs of civilization along the way, and I often went 10-15 minutes without seeing another car. A wide shoulder made the ride easier until it abruptly ended, forcing me to cross rumble strips at 25 mph. The sudden jolt sent the back of my Velomobile sideways at a 45-degree angle, but I managed to stay upright\u2014a nerve-wracking moment that highlighted just how quickly things can go wrong during such a long ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make matters worse, my SPD shoes, with their fixed position, had been causing severe cramping in my feet for miles. The pain was so intense that I began to worry I might be doing permanent damage. Each pedal stroke was a battle against the discomfort, adding yet another layer of difficulty to an already grueling ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At 12:45 am EST, I finally arrived at the Sand Point Lighthouse in Escanaba, Michigan, marking the end of an epic journey. After 19.5 grueling hours and an incredible 302.5 miles, I had accomplished a goal I\u2019d been contemplating for over a decade. The moment was surreal\u2014a mix of sheer exhaustion and overwhelming exhilaration. My body ached, my feet throbbed, and my energy reserves were completely depleted, but the sense of pride and fulfillment made it all worthwhile. Standing there under the quiet glow of the lighthouse, I reflected on the perseverance, preparation, and sheer willpower it took to make this ride a reality. It wasn\u2019t just about the distance; it was about proving to myself that I could push through every obstacle and reach the finish line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Standing under the soft glow of the lighthouse, I couldn\u2019t help but reflect on the perseverance and sheer willpower that carried me through this journey. It certainly wasn\u2019t due to preparation\u2014there was hardly any of that! This ride wasn\u2019t just about covering the distance; it was about proving to myself that, despite every challenge, I could push through and reach the finish line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When I first completed a Century ride in 2010, I felt accomplished. When I hit my first 200-miler in 2011, I was amazed at what I could achieve. But a 300-mile, unsupported ride on public roads? That\u2019s a whole new level of crazy, even for me. This ride reminded me of the importance of pushing boundaries and setting ambitious goals. You never know what you\u2019re capable of until you challenge yourself to go beyond your limits. And no, I\u2019m not planning a Quadruple Century\u2014this is as far as I think I can push myself unsupported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My 300-mile ride wasn\u2019t just about achieving a personal record; it was about the journey, the unexpected moments, and the satisfaction of honoring a promise I made to myself over a decade ago. So set those big, audacious goals. You never know where they\u2019ll take you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After completing this incredible 300-mile ride, my thoughts are already turning to what\u2019s next. I\u2019m considering riding around Lake Michigan as my next big adventure\u2014a journey that would combine challenging distances with beautiful scenery. Someday, I hope to tackle an even bigger dream: riding across the United States. Unlike this ride, it wouldn\u2019t be about setting any speed or distance records. Instead, it would be about soaking in the experience, exploring the country at a slower pace, and embracing the freedom of life on the road. One thing is certain\u2014there\u2019s always another challenge waiting, and I\u2019m excited to see where my Velomobile takes me next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A big thanks to Arne for sharing his epic adventure! Be sure to check his links below for more pictures and other adventures Arne has pursued. If you’ve got plans for your own adventure, but sure to check velomobiles for options for custom configs, and in stock for velomobiles available now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow my socials for more automotive (and walking\/cycling) adventures:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Facebook: Arne\u2019s Antics <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Gast-Blog - Arne's Antics Ben: Diesen Sommer habe ich zwei meiner pers\u00f6nlichen Velomobile verkauft. Das eine war der Prototyp Urban, den ich hatte und der jetzt in Oklahoma steht. Der andere war ein schwierigerer Abschied: mein erster Buelk MK1. Arne kommt aus Chicago und hat schon einige Velomobile besessen, ist aber schon lange keins mehr gefahren ... <\/p>\nThe Start of the Journey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
On Schedule and Rolling Strong<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Cyclist\u2019s Experience in a Velomobile<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Fueling Up and Pressing On: The Final Stretch Begins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Eerie Road and Painful Miles: Pushing Through the Last 50<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Final Moment: Achieving a Decade-Long Goal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
300-Meilen-Radtour an einem Tag: Ein Jahrzehnt langes Ziel erreicht<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reflections on a Triple Century<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s Next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Instagram: @arnesantics<\/a>
TikTok: @arnesantics<\/a>
YouTube: Arne\u2019s Antics<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n