After it pedals all over Wisconsin this next week, the Tour of America's Dairyland (ToAD) bicycle race will wheel its way into one of Milwaukee's major neighborhoods: Bay View. 

Starting with the MKE REC bike parade at 10:40 a.m. on Thursday, June 20 and cycling throughout the day – find the whole schedule right here – the Centraal Bay View Classic will bring racing road warriors to Bay View's main road intersection, zipping around Kinnickinnic, Lincoln and more.

The classic serves as the fourth-to-last stop on the Tour of America's Dairyland, meaning things will be getting serious at the top of the leaderboard – so you're not going to want to miss a single lap of this critical crit racing competition. 

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To help with that goal, we've gathered up six of the best spots to take in the action – and take in some tasty local eats and sips as well – next Thursday, whether it's a spot at the start, a place to lounge in the middle of the lap or a fabulous view of the final stretch. 

Here's to a terrific ToAD day in Bay View, whether you're cycling and spectating – and to learn more about the sport, click here for an intro guide to understanding crit racing.

Centraal Grand Cafe & Tappery
2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0378
cafecentraal.com
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I mean, the race is called the Centraal Bay View Classic – so of course Centraal is a central spot to watch the bike race. Inspired by the famous Dutch station, Centraal is always a good spot to take anyone and everyone with its tasty brews, satisfying comfort food dishes and welcoming atmosphere – but it'll especially be the spot to stop next Thursday as it's pretty much located right across the way from the start and finish line of the day's racing action. 

Colectivo
2301 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 744-6117
colectivocoffee.com/cafes/bay-view
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Colectivo's Bay View bakery and coffee shop always serves as a hub to the community, near and far – but that'll particularly be the case next Thursday as the locale sits right near the day's start and finish line, giving you a great spot for the big opening moments and thrilling closing runs. Savor the speedy crit action from the outdoor patio seating on Kinnickinnic – or, if the summer heat and crowds get to be too much, pop inside and upstairs to the second floor for potentially the best view of the day, viewing over the Kinnickinnic and Lincoln intersection and fully taking in the bustling bike-stravaganza from above.

The Highbury Pub
2322 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 294-4400
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This neighborhood sports bar is more famous for being a tremendous hub for watching soccer (and Chicago Bears games, but we won't talk about that right now). But next Thursday, The Highbury will be a perfect spot to watch a different kind of sporting action, as you can view the pedalers race by as you can watch the final stretch of each lap just before the finish line from the bar's outdoor ledge area. Dip in for a beverage, dip out to watch the intense concluding run to the finish line and kick it at a Bay View sporting favorite. (And be sure to come back come in August for the start of the Premier League!)

Interval
2268 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (262) 202-4323
intervalmke.com
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If you want to find yourself in the center of the action, there's few better spots than Interval, found right around the hinge of the race at the start/finish line as well as the big third turn onto Lincoln. With a front patio space, the fairly new Bay View resident makes a comfortable spot to watch all sorts of action along the route – and if somehow the intense bike racing doesn't get your heart going enough, Interval has plenty of delicious and unique coffee offerings to energize your system, no exercise needed. Save that for the racers themselves. 

Voyager
422 E. Lincoln Ave., (414) 239-8254
voyagermke.com
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Watch crit racing with class at this unique Bay View wine shop. Sip on fascinating and adventurously tasty vinos from across the globe while you watch racers from across the globe jet around the course right in front of you, as Voyager sits not only near the start/finish line but also at a critical third turn in the track as racers go from Allis Street onto Lincoln Avenue. With indoor and outdoor seating, voyage over to Voyager for a great view of the chaos with clarity. 

Zillman Park
2168 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
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Who needs pesky buildings and actual venues when there's an outstanding park? Zillman Park – wedged between Kinnickinnic, Archer and Ward – finds itself situated right at the first big turn of the course on Thursday, so if you're looking to soak in the race as well as some sun, pack up a picnic basket (or snag some to-go grub from nearby eateries like Cafe India, Cheba Hut, Paloma Taco + Tequila or Todd I Believe I Can Fry) and grab yourself some green in Zillman Park as the cyclists zip by.