By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published May 29, 2024 at 6:31 PM

The 45th Annual Cafe Hollander Otto Wenz Downer Classic takes place once again on Saturday, June 22. 

The first event starts at 10:50 a.m. and the last begins at 7 p.m. The route runs from Downer Avenue to Park Place to Lake Drive to Bradford Avenue.

For a full list of events and more information, go here.

Partner Pick

45 Years and Going Strong - the Cafe Hollander Otto Wenz Downer Cycling Classic Global in reach and extremely local in flavor, the 45th Annual Cafe Hollander Otto Wenz Downer Classic presented by ISCorp, promises to be one of the highlights of cycling in Wisconsin this summer over on Downer Avenue. The full day of racing on Saturday, June 22nd features a popular kids’ race, Dairyland Mile race as well as a full slate of racing all afternoon and evening. Food, beer, and family fun complement the twilight pro race that brings pro teams and riders from around the world. Learn more

The Kwik Trip Tour of America’s Dairyland features 11 days of competitive racing around Wisconsin and brings in riders from amateurs to professionals. This local event includes kids races (littles, middles and tweens) and invites everyone to the Kensington Square neighborhood party.

Basically, it's a family-friendly neighborhood block party with entertainment, food, drink – and it's free to attend!

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Here are six establishments on or near the bike route to visit on race day.

1. Cafe Hollander
2608 N. Downer Ave., (414) 963-6356

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We're not saying it's going to be easy to get a seat on the Cafe Hollander patio – it's smack dab in the middle of the action – but we definitely think you should try. But only if you like curds, burger, frites and beer. 

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2. BelAir Cantina
2525 N. Downer Ave., (414) 964-1190

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Tacos and margaritas make everything better. Even already-fun bike races.

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3. Boswell Book Co.
2559 N. Downer Ave., (414) 332-1181

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Stop in for a breather from the biking action and treat yourself to a book, coffee or gift item. And don't forget to peruse the greeting card section – one of the city's best! 

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4. Breadsmith
2632 N. Downer Ave., (414)  962-1122
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At the very least, stop in for the heavenly smells! And might as well buy a loaf or two while you're in there.

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5. Stone Creek Coffee
2650 N. Downer Ave., (414) 210-3686
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Another perfect patio for race watching belongs to Stone Creek Coffee. Grab a seat and some caffeine before, during or after the festivities.

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6. Henry's
2523 E. Belleview Pl., (414) 332-2772

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It's just 'round the corner from the route and way worth the effort of a few extra steps. Have you tried Henry's fried deviled eggs or beer brats? Get on it, guys.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.