It’s National Bike Month, but in the 608, that’s every month. Madison is consistently listed as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country and was recently recertified as a platinum-level bicycle-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists.
On top of that, the headquarters of one of the most iconic bicycle brands in the world — Trek Bicycle Corporation — is just a bike ride away.
Wheeling over to Waterloo
Driving through Waterloo (population 3,000), you may not guess that it’s home to the world headquarters of a $2 billion company employing upwards of 2,000 people globally. But that’s where Trek was born, grew, and continues to grow.
It was at a supper club in 1975 that Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg decided to start manufacturing bicycles together. By the following spring, with five employees, they set to work in a red barn (still red, and still there).
Growing to global success
Business blossomed as sales approached $2 million by 1979. In 1981, the company was in need of a new facility and moved to its current location to 801 W. Madison St.
Building a wide variety of bicycles and gear, Trek has become coveted the world over. Today, the 200,000-sqft facility is abuzz with a wide array of activity, from research and development to painting frames, assembly, and kinetic research.
Staying local
Continuing to be a global leader, Trek bicycles will be used during the Paris Olympics this summer by some of the world’s best athletes, all the while staying true to its Wisconsin roots.
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