Middle-aged Santas on cycles in Milwaukee: The inside scoop on “Santa Cycle Rampage” 2022

You may not see mommy kissing Santa Claus until later this month but you may have seen mommy in a Santa Claus costume biking through Milwaukee.  This past Saturday was the annual Santa Cycle Rampage in Milwaukee.  Santas from all over the state began their twelve-mile bike ride at 9:30; with a police escort to serve as reindeer they rode their one horse—bikes—and rode this festive non-stop route until 11:15 am.  All money raised went to the Wisconsin Bike Fed.   But if you missed your chance to be Santa for a day don’t fret!  This Saturday, December 10th, the same event kicks off in Madison; for more information visit this link.

The Wisconsin Bike Federation advocates for a more “bicycle-friendly Wisconsin” according to the website. The first rampage was held in 2000 with only eight participants (Urban Milwaukee, 2013).  The event has since grown in size to hundreds of participants.

But there’s more to this family-friendly event than appears to the eye—and I happened to be on Brady Street to witness this rampage.

Although the event had ended at quarter past eleven, cycling Santas traveled through Milwaukee streets for hours more.  In fact, so many Santas gathered that street traffic was severe for over a half mile.  Even from the back one could see dots of red hats and white bears hanging on by pieces of Scotch tape.

Those with the last name of Claus who were clawing for “hard milk and cookies” were welcomed at over ten local pubs and bars that helped raise $48,589 for charity.

But more bars than listed prior were happy to welcome these bearded beasts; one enjoying a walk would have the opportunity to see a congregation of drunk Santas behind Wolski’s tavern.

Although the theme is the titular Santa, a wide of array of costumes could be seen during this rampage including Mrs. Claus and the Grinch.

Santa may not be squishing himself down the chimney until December 25th but all are welcome to travel down State Street this Saturday.

This rampage is a “day of more drinking than riding,” says Dave Schlabowske of the Bike Fed of Wisconsin.

“Now that it has come to my attention I may consider it” says senior Charlie Kubik on the Madison rampage.