By: Keely Arthur

MADISON, Wis. – While many of us were avoiding any residual ice on the roads today, the Madison Motorcycle Club used the first day of the 2019 to carry on a nearly 50 year tradition.

Every year since 1973 the club’s members hit the road on New Year’s Day rain, shine, ice or snow.
They take a few cruises around the capitol and then drive as far as Middleton.

“It’s just something to do. It gets you out of the house and gets you to doing something on your motorcycle, and that’s what we like to do. Whether it’s summer or winter, we like to get out and ride,” participant Ken Schuck said.

Schuck hasn’t missed a New Year’s Day ride since 1973.

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“Back in the ’70s the Badgers weren’t going to bowl games so it was something to do between the fall riding season and the spring riding season,” Schuck said.

Each year is commemorated with a new coffee mug and celebration. This year the party took place at Paradise Lounge. Ken was 24 the first time he participated. Now he’s almost 70, and his grandson Joey Shoop is joining in on the tradition and rides on the back of Ken’s bike.

“It’s really cool because we get to have some bonding time and ride around on the motorcycles,” Joey said.

About a dozen motorcyclists participated this year.