gested a full moon ride. And while planning a ride for a typical full moon can tricky because of possible clouds, or if the moon rises on a weeknight, in Milwaukee, the Polish Moon is always full. To those not familiar with Milwaukee south side lore, the Rockwell Automation Clock Tower has been affectionately referred to as the Polish Moon since it was constructed in 1962 by the-then Allen Bradley Corporation. It got it’s name because the light from the four giant clock faces shines on the surrounding neighborhood, which was then largely populated by Polish immigrants. In his book about the Bradley’s, Milwaukee historian John Gurda revealed that company president Harry Bradley wanted to build the largest four-faced clock in the world (which it was at the time) and “…the village clock for Allen-Bradley’s home neighborhood.”1 Architect Fitzhugh Scott, Jr., who designed its look, said, “Harry wanted a clock that Allen-Bradley’s workers could read from their houses.”2 These days, more people on Milwaukee’s near southside speak Spanish than Polish, and the neighborhood has become a destination for foodies. It seems like whenever I ride my bike through the Walker’s Point or Fifth Ward neighborhoods, I discover a hip new bar, coffee shop, restaurant, craft brewery or distillery. There is even an urban cheese factory! If all that wasn’t enough, it seemed perfect that both Mexican and Polish cultures embrace Polka music. With all that positive synergy, we decided that our ride would start under the Polish Moon. The event begins with great food offerings from local vendors: tasty tacos, fresh grilled Klements polish sausage, and even Purple Door Ice Cream, delivered from their creamery down the street. Everyone who registers gets two tokens good for two free food items, but you can buy more if you are still hungry. Food will be served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., so you can grab some dinner and take in some great live music before the ride.
Our ride typically starts with a rousing version of the Star Spangled Banner played by our accordion masters. The ride finishes in the dark, so make sure your bike has a light. This is not a pub crawl, so we don’t get to stop at the Holler House (home to the nation’s oldest bowling alley), but you can waive to owner Marcy Skowranski and we roll by.
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