By Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Sep 25, 2009 at 4:38 PM

In the land of Harley, what would Milwaukee nightlife be without the occasional bike night? And in the growing culture of fixed gear bikes and eco-travel, bicycle riders in Milwaukee are on the move as well.

In a city where the riding season (for most) is only half the year, Milwaukeeans do a good job of taking it to the road, and incorporating their nightlife on wheels, all summer long.

So with the season quickly fleeting, jump on your moto or cycle and get peddling to any of these local events.

Café Lulu celebrates "Two Wheel Tuesdays" every week with deals on drinks and races broadcast along the back wall screen.

Every Thursday, the Harley Davidson Museum hosts "Bike Night." An event to bring the museum outdoors, riders and non-riders alike can wander among classic motorcycles while enjoying live music and festival foods.

Likewise, the Iron Horse Hotel calls riders in for drinks indoors or out every Thursday. Find a mess of motorcycles in the front parking lot and pass by to find drinks and food at Branded or The Yard.

If peddling is more your style, several Milwaukee bars have unintentionally become signature cyclist staples in the past few years.

Done for the season, the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin ran "Bike-In-Movies" all summer long. Held under the Marsupial Bridge, Friday nights were filled with bike themed movies and followed by a rider infused after party at a local bar. If you missed it this year, check back next summer for it's sure to be another big hit.

The Swinging Door, located right downtown, has become the after-work stopping point for bike messengers throughout the city. Hanging photos reveal teams of messengers dating back several years; stop it during happy hour and you're likely to find more than a few sitting at the bar.

And if you're fond of mixing excercise with drinking, gear up for Biketoberfest on Oct. 17. The precise route is yet to be determined but it's sure to be a swillful run through the Bay View, St. Francis, Walker's Point neighborhoods.

 

Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.

After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.

Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.