DIY Motorcycle Ice Riding at 20 Degrees Fahrenheit

Mama Tried and Flat Out Friday are always a great time, but there’s a reason why these events started in Milwaukee. Somewhere between can-do and anarchic spirit, Brewtown riders figure out how to make memories on two wheels even when it’s 20 degrees Fahrenheit out. Sure the weather’s not ideal, but look at the bright side. It keeps Californians from buying up all our real estate.

Usually, the annual Slippery Sundays ride (not a race) takes place at the McKinley marina down by the lake. But recent cold snaps hadn’t put down enough ice to be safe. Unofficial race organizer Andy Pickett took stock of things. “The wind aerated the ice a bit and it was heaving and buckling here and there,” he explained.

So he came up with plan B. Enlisting two friends, he scoped out Washington Park on the city’s northwest side. Perfect. The ice was about 7–10 inches thick, so on a brutally cold 10-degree afternoon, they plowed a winding course through the lagoon. Add some orange cones and get the word out on Instagram and presto. Time to take a break from Mama Tried and let Jack Frost and Castrol fumes nip your nose.

Andy emphasizes Slippery Sunday is not a race—it’s about having a safe (and fun) time. A rider’s meeting was held, “hot” pit lanes were designated, and protocols established. Before all this, Andy made sure to talk to two ice skaters at the park, letting them know about the ride and even pointing out another park nearby.

Finally, there was nothing left to do but let it rip. Off came the ice tire covers and up went the wheelies as riders began carving up the glasslike surface. It’s an exercise in cognitive dissonance to get lean angles of 45 degrees plus on a surface that’s nearly impossible to walk on. But as grooves get carved and ice shavings pile up, the technique changes from flat track to dirt. Or maybe vice versa? And when grip and technique fell short, healthy snow berms made for soft-ish landings.

Andy and company are trying to prove ice riding is a safe, great community event. They hope to organize more events. Andy noted they’d already ridden the first pristine ice of the year, no plowing needed. It didn’t have those nice, plush snow berms though. A lone member of Milwaukee’s finest did come out to check on things, but only to make sure the ice was thick enough. Folks thanked him and he was on his way. Other legal scrapes?

“Two people got parking tickets from park officials, I guess that was their ‘entry fee.’” Andy jokes.

Enjoy the fine photography from Rob Goodwin and Cathy Drexler.