Outdoor Adventures 2016

sponsored in part by:

O’

faithful ADVENTURISTS

Before you take to the trails, rip through your favorite local waterways (like you see here at Braun’s Bay), or climb any sort of mountain, it’s important to make sure of what you’re doing. While you’re gearing up, check out this section as a way to prepare for your ultimate journey. Be safe, be strong, and be adventurous!

WRITERS // ROB REID, CALEB GERDES DESIGNERS // ERIC CHRISTENSON, SERENA WAGNER

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STEP In a quest to get healthy, local writer Rob Reid began to hit the Chippewa Valley’s hiking trails. Here’s what he discovered.

The author at the David Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center

words & photos by rob reid design by eric christenson

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t was increasingly hard to see the trail path. The grass was getting higher and higher. With my arms up near my head, I yelled back to my wife, Jayne, “Don’t be surprised if we pick up a few wood ticks on this hike!”

By the time we finished walking around the L.L. Phillips County Park trails near Tower Ridge east of Eau Claire, Jayne and I had picked up a good three dozen ticks each. We picked them off each other heading back to our car, we plucked them off in the parking lot, we found many while in the car, we removed others in our driveway back home, we continued to de-tick in the shower, and finally, after scouring every inch of our bodies and hair, we saw a few wood ticks climbing out of the laundry hamper where we had tossed our hiking garb.

This was four years ago. Needless to say, we didn’t return to the woods for a few more years.

In the meantime, I had become a couch potato and was adding more pounds to my already overweight physique. I avoided walking anywhere when I could drive instead. But I knew that I had to once again face my lifelong weight battle by exercising and counting calories. Jayne regularly walked over a mile each morning in the neighborhood. I would have joined her, but I needed more scenery in my regimen. So, in 2015, we started hitting all the city parks, county parks, state forests, state trails, state parks, and state recreation areas we could reasonably get to. I wanted to recapture the love of the outdoors I had as a kid, when my family camped a lot and I belonged to a Boy Scout troop that regularly went on 15-mile hikes. I had gotten away from nature but was ready to embrace it once again.

For seeing the sights at your leisure, savoring the north woods, carrying your food and cameras, chattering with family and friends, horsing around on the water, and traversing shallow rivers, canoes can’t be beat.

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state recreation areas

Our very first trail was the 1.8-mile Dry Lake trail located at the David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center just east of New Auburn. We hit the trail on a blustery cold March day, joined by my daughter Julia; her husband, Kirk; and our two-year-old grandson, Harris. Out of the 26 different trail sites Jayne and I walked last year, this turned out to be our favorite. We hiked it seven times that year: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

On one of those visits, we did the 4.5-mile hike with our friend Peter Rudrud. On another, we hiked with my colleagues and their families from the UW-Eau Claire Department of Education Studies.

This site, officially called the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area, has everything I’ve grown to appreciate in a fun trail: narrow, loop-shaped paths, variety in elevation, and scenic water.

To help us plan our next hikes, we consulted Volume One’s “Six Great Chippewa Valley Hikes” list. A more comprehensive source is the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources “Find a Park, Forest, Recreation Area or Trail” listing (http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/findapark.html).

We found many trails that fit our preference for those one-to-two hour hikes.

The other state recreation area we have visited a few times now is Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area, northeast of Menomonie. The first time we went, we slogged through mud as crews were reshaping one end of the trails. We also went up a steep vertical climb at one point to reach the 60-foot-high observation tower. On our second visit to Hoffman Hills, Peter joined us on a longer, more roundabout (and less steep) late fall hike to the tower and back.

Hoffman Hills

state parks

We hiked in six state parks in 2015 and plan to double that amount in 2016. Our state park car sticker pass is one of our favorite gifts to ourselves.

Two of the state parks are near Minnesota: Willow River State Park near Hudson has a very steep hill that leads to a beautiful waterfall. Interstate Park near St. Croix Falls is the westernmost point of the National Scenic Ice Age Trail that runs throughout the entire state of Wisconsin. There is a gorgeous overhead view of the St. Croix River. Given their proximity to the Twin Cities, both parks were very crowded during our summer visits.

Rib Mountain State Park outside of Wausau was one of our favorite hikes because of the rocky path that went up-and-down-and-all-around. Further north of there, near Merrill, is Council Grounds State Park. They have a nice little interpretive nature trail running through the middle of the park as well as an adjoining trail to appreciate the Wisconsin River. Brunet Island State Park outside of Cornell has a series of trails that allows one to explore this island nestled on the Chippewa River. Brunet Island is also the northernmost point of the Old Abe State Trail that heads down to Chippewa Falls.

Speaking of Chippewa Falls, we both fell in love with Lake Wissota State Park. It has several fun hiking trails, including the Lake Trail, which runs along Lake Wissota down to the beach and back.

We’ve done that a few times, once with my son Sam and his fiancée, Katie. We have also traversed several of the back section trails during hunting season (we made sure to wear blaze orange). Our favorite trail in this park is the one-mile Beaver Meadow Nature Trail, perfect for families with little ones.

Rib Mountain State Park

“We hiked in six state parks in 2015 and plan to double that amount in 2016. Our state park car sticker pass is one of our favorite gifts to ourselves.”

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Interstate State Park

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state trails

We are blessed with access to four state trails in the region. We hiked different lengths of the Chippewa River State Trail that goes through several sections of Eau Claire and beyond. Favorite spots include the short river trail heading east from Boyd Park to Archery Park. My daughter Laura joined me on this hilly stretch where at points you can look directly down at the Eau Claire River. Our favorite section of the Chippewa River State Trail is the twomile stretch west of the Caryville parking lot.

We hiked three sections of the Old Abe Trail, including a short stretch south of Brunet Island State Park, a long stretch north of Jim Falls, and a short hike on the bridge right over Lake Wissota near the Edge Pub & Eatery. All three sections featured a variety of songbirds, as well as bald eagles, hawks, ducks, and Canada geese.

Jayne and I walked a short stretch of the Buffalo River State Trail. We picked it up in Eleva where the river runs through town. Shortly out of town, we lost sight of the river because of fenced-in private property between the water and us. Next year, we’ll look for more scenic sections outside of both Osseo and Mondovi on our bikes.

Peter joined us to hike the Red Cedar Trail at the north trailhead in Menomonie. It was a nice jaunt up and down along the Red Cedar River and was busy with hikers and bikers. We have also parked at the Downsville site and hiked both south and north of this point. The best section of the trail is the Dunnvsille Wildlife Area. During the summer, we headed east over the trestle bridge and back. This past winter, we went west for two miles and found this stretch to be particularly gorgeous.

“I remember telling my wife for the first half-mile on the hike that they needed to change their ratings because the hike was really, really easy. I spoke too soon, because we found ourselves going up and down a series of fairly steep hills. I’ve since learned to trust the DNR trail signs.”

Lake Wissota State Park

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state forests

We hiked in two state forests in 2015. The first was up north in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, which contains more than 200,000 acres of woods and water between Rhinelander and the upper peninsula of Michigan. The one site we hiked was the McNaughton Lake Trail off of Highway 47.

We walked the three-mile “green trail” that circles around Hawk Lake and Helen Lake. This site also has the options of hiking one mile around Hawk Lake, four miles around Hawk and Helen Lake, or a 5.5-mile circle around McNaughton Lake.

Our second excursion to a state forest was the section of the Black River State Forest close to Millston.

The parking lot sign listed three trails; one was rated “More Difficult” and two said “Most Difficult.” We chose the “More Difficult.” I remember telling my wife for the first half-mile on the hike that they needed to change their ratings because the hike was really, really easy. I spoke too soon, because we found ourselves going up and down a series of fairly steep hills.

I’ve since learned to trust the DNR trail signs.

eau claire county parks

The three county parks we hiked were Tower Ridge, Lowes Creek, and Big Falls. Tower Ridge has a nice series of hiking trails. They are wide as they double as horse and cross-country ski trails. The most scenic set of trails is within the boundaries of the disc golf course, but casual hikers and competitive disc golfers don’t mix well. Lowes Creek has nice trails but is also better suited for off-road bikers and cross-country skiers (plus the road noise from nearby Interstate 94 is constant). We got lost at Big Falls because our hiking trail was hidden behind an outhouse and we followed it right on to private property.

eau claire city parks

The Northwest Community Park near the north crossing is impressive but again is arguably better suited for cross-country skiing and off-road biking.

We frequently walk around Carson Park for nice short

hikes and have also spent a lot of time on Putnam Trail. Ironically, of all the places we visited throughout the state last year, we saw the most wildlife right within city limits on Putnam Trail. On one visit, we parked at the Putnam Drive site and noticed three deer eating next to the car. They didn’t run away. We sidled past them and a bit further watched two wild turkeys cross the path in front of us. They went up the side of the hill and followed us for several minutes.

When we got back to the car, five deer greeted us.

odds and ends

The other trails we hiked in 2015 included the crosscountry ski trail located in Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls, Hickory Ridge north of Bloomer (a deeper, woodsy version of Lowes Creek), the Bearskin Trail south of Minocqua, and some Twin Cities urban trails, such as Lake Harriet, the Anderson Conservation Area near Eden Prairie, and the River Bluffs Trail which oddly goes through a wealthy, gated community.

That’s what we did in 2015. I lost 60 pounds that year. We have already returned to our favorite sites several times in 2016 and look forward to exploring more trails. We plan to hit the northwest state parks near Superior; trails south of here near the Mississippi River and also Sparta; and the state parks down by Wisconsin Dells. We bought a detailed map of the Ice Age Trail and will be exploring big chunks of that.

We have purchased new hiking boots, grips for winter walks, hiking poles, and a bike rack for the car to add that component to our outdoor adventures.

We appreciate all of the work our public employees and volunteers put into all of the trails. We have become fixated on those brown recreational highway signs. Our pulses race when we spot one.

We truly did recapture q love of the wilderness.

Several times, in the middle of a hike, we have paused, surrounded by woods, and thought, “There’s nowhere we’d rather be right now.”

And, oh yeah, in 2015, we wound up with only one wood tick between the two us (and it wasn’t on me).

David Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center

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ROB AND JAYNE’S TOP 5 LOCAL HIKING TRAILS 5. The Chippewa River State River Trail by Caryville. You cross two wooden bridges over creeks and eventually join up with the Chippewa River. Shortly after that there is another bridge that takes you through the wooded river bottoms.

4. Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area. Three trails marked “Easiest,” “More Difficult,” and “Most Difficult” head to the observation tower. The 360-degree view from the top of the tower is worth the effort it takes to get there. There is also a fun wetlands trail.

3. The Red Cedar Trail by Dunnsville.

When we went in the winter, we had the river on one side and short bluffs with ice waterfalls on the other. Two bald eagles kept us company most of the trip, flying back and forth and then finally posing for pictures in a tree across the river.

2. Lake Wissota State Park Lake Trail and Beaver Meadow Nature Trail. On Beaver Meadow we always see ducks and Canada geese hang out. The stroll goes through wetlands and includes a natural spring. A wooden footbridge marks where the spring runs into Lake Wissota.

1. Chippewa Moraine at the David Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center. We like both the 1.8-mile Dry Lake Trail and the 4.5-mile Circle Trail.

Both trails cross wooden bridges, have Leopold benches for resting, and go past several small lakes known as glacial kettle lakes.

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OFF-ROAD RUNNER

After tiring of the pavement pounding so many runners do, V1 contributor Caleb Gerdes got his mojo back in the woods, trails, and hills of Wisconsin Words by Caleb Gerdes • Photo by Andrea Paulseth

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ometimes people ask if I am a runner. I want to tell them no, then I remember that I do, in fact, run typically one to three times a week. Now, I’m not religious about it, and I don’t have a specific training regimen or goal in mind. It could be that my lackadaisical approach to running is why I have a hard time identifying as a runner. Then I remember that over the past three summers I’ve run about six half marathons and I think, I must be a runner. Now that I’ve been thinking this through for a few moments, I awkwardly respond in the affirmative to whoever had wanted to know. I think my confusion about my running identity is built around the fact that these days I don’t feel like I’m running while I’m running. For the majority of my life, though, running was going out and “pounding the pavement,” putting miles and miles on various roads, sidewalks, or bike paths. This was running, and it turns out I hated it.

Back at Augusta Middle School I joined the cross country team. I didn’t really like football and my older brother Jeremy, who’s a genius (seriously), decided to be a runner. I figured, if my genius older brother thought it was a good idea, I should join, too. Being the only eighth grader on the squad, I spent the season training with the varsity team and I ran four or five varsity races. We spent hours running on long stretches of country road with the occasional car flying by, dust and exhaust wafting across our path.

It made an unenjoyable experience unbearable. There were two things that kept me running back then: I didn’t want to be that guy who quit, and I wanted to race.

High school cross country races were either on golf courses or in the woods. A whole host of schools would show up, every runner in a uniform of short shorts, upper thigh-vertisements, and a matching tank top. We’d run through the woods, up and down hills, and across open fields, the whole time pushing ourselves to catch that next guy or do our best to keep the one behind you in their place.

After high school was done and I was invited to go running with friends at college, it seemed that all my love for running was built around the races.

In an attempt to enjoy running I did a

The author at Lowe’s Creek County Park

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“It was my first time running on single track. We ran about 11 miles that first day, and I loved it. I loved the whole run. I loved the difficulty of the trails, how technical it was, I loved the climbs, I loved the thrilling downhills, and I especially loved the woods. I still do.” few 5K races and a half marathon and discovered that I didn’t like races. We ran through the city, on sidewalks or in the road, and I hated it. I stopped running, and I assumed that I had just lost my love for running.

I went a few years without running. I got married and it turns out my father-in-law, Audun Mikkelson, is a beast of an athlete. Without any flamboyance or arrogance, he confirmed that he’d competed in at least a dozen Iron Man races since before I was even born. They weren’t even called Iron Mans then; they were just really long triathlons. He gave me a shirt from the Iowa Triathlon, which he ran the day after I was born. He has also competed in 27 American Birkebeiners, and my friends will periodically tell me stories of running into Audun at the gym while he’s doing 100 pull-ups with a weight vest on.

I was a bit intimidated when he asked if I wanted to go for a run with him. He goes out every Saturday and runs the single track trails at Hickory Ridge. I reluctantly agreed, thinking that it would be an excellent opportunity to get to know my father-in-law and get back into running shape. I dreaded the tedium of it and hoped I wouldn’t embarrass myself.

It was my first time running on single track. We ran about 11 miles that first day, and I loved it. I loved the whole run. I loved the difficulty of the trails, how technical it was, I loved the climbs, I loved the thrilling downhills, and I especially loved the woods. I still do. I ran up Rib Mountain recently.

I have never run at Rib Mountain before, but I loved it. I drove around neighborhoods until I found a wooded hiking trail, and I ran all the way up and all the way down. The round trip took about an hour. I don’t know how many miles I put on, but as it turns out, I didn’t need to know because I loved the run.

Trail running is a completely new world. It feels so removed from the pavement-pounding days of my formative running years that the two don’t even equate. I am very excited and pleased to see such a growth in the

sport of running. It is a shock to see so many people committed to running the Eau Claire half and full marathons.

It is wonderful to see such a large roster of 5K races available.

I don’t want anyone to think I am against road running or city races; they are awesome if you love (or even like) them. But if you are where I was, cringing at the sound of shoelaces being tied, then you need to get yourself a solid pair of trail shoes and let yourself race beneath the boughs of trees while skipping off rocks in the trails and plummeting down a steep embankment with total abandon.

Nowadays, Audun, my wife, Astri, and I will travel around the state to various trail races. We have run the Ice Age Trail up in Bloomer, hit the Birkie Trail run up in Hayward. We love the Terror in the Glen in Glen Hills Park of St. Croix County. We still run Hickory Hills when we get a chance. But most often I run the trail system in Chippewa Falls at 178 and Pump House (Thank you, CORBA, for putting 178 together). If you don’t know where to go, just check your local listings for mountain bike trails; every biker I’ve run into has been courteous and willing to share.

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GO ON AN ADVENTURE UPCOMING REC EVENTS Lunch Break Skate Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday until May. 20, 11am-1pm • Hobbs Ice Center, 915 Menomonie Street, Eau Claire • $3/ person or City Pass • All Ages • (715)839-5040 • eauclairewi.gov/hobbs Join us out on the ice to stay active during the week. Lunch Break Skate is open to the public - experienced skaters and first-timers. Skate rental is free during Lunch Break Skate.

Noon Trailblazers - Mayo Health Program First

Wednesday from May. 4 to Oct. 5, noon • Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • FREE, no registration requried • (715) 839-5032 Hit the trails for a happier, healthier you with a new Parks and Recreation program in partnership with Mayo Clinic Health System: Noon Trailblazers. Join a health care provider for a walk on a local trail while learning about important health topics. Participants choose their own distance and walk their own pace.

From Couch to 5K Every Tuesday, Thursday until Jun.

9, 6-6:45pm • 10th Street Recreation Center, 9th St. & Bartlett Ave., Altoona • $50 • 18+ • 715-839-5188 • ci.altoona.wi.us This program will gradually take you from being a couch potato to a 5K runner in just 9 weeks. Meets two days a week and everyone will be given a “homework assignment”. Concludes with an optional 5K run on June 11. To register call or stop by the Altoona Parks & Recreation Office.

Cinco de Pablo May. 5, 6:30-8:30pm • Cheers Pablo,

2839 Mall Drive, Suite 3A, Eau Claire • $35 • All Ages • (715) 514-3686 • cheerspablo.com Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Cheers Pablo. We will be painting “Moonlit Paris” and will have complimentary chips & salsa and $3 margaritas. Register online or call by phone.

Eau Claire International Folk Dancers Every Friday,

7:30-9:30pm • Eau Claire YMCA Fitness and Training Center, 216 Emery St., Eau Claire • Usually $2/night; more if live music • 715-835-4247 • ecfolkdance.org A weekly recreational international dance group where you dance the dances of many lands. Come and join us whenever you like. No partners necessary. Wear comfortable clothes and soft-soled, non-marking clean shoes. First Fridays of the month are specialized for beginners.

Fishing Fundamentals May. 7, 10am-4:30pm • Menomonie Public Library, 600 Wolske Bay Rd, Menomonie • FREE • Under 18 (Under 16 with parent) • (715) 232-2164 • menomonielibrary.org Geared towards youthful anglers, many gifts and prizes for attendants under 18. Inside, learn about safety, invasive species, knot tying, fish identification and handling, lure types, bait and rigging. Then go outside for some hands on learning, casting and fishing basics, walleye and bass boat tours.

Rally the Family - YMCA Free Tennis Day May. 7, noon-2pm • Eau Claire YMCA Tennis & Gymnastics Center, 229 Moore St, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • 7158368470 • eauclaireymca.org The Eau Claire YMCA Indoor Tennis Center will have a free day of tennis. 2 courts of “Cardio Tennis” using both green and yellow balls, a court for kids aged 8-12, a court for kids aged 8 and under, and a court for “Pop Tennis”.

Sunday Music at the Fish Farm Every Sunday from

May. 8 to Sep. 25, 1:30-4:30pm • Bullfrog’s Eat My Fish Farm, N1321 566th Street, Menomonie • FREE • All Ages • (715) 664-8775 • eatmyfish.com Catch some local music at the side of the pond, Sunday afternoons at the Fish Farm during their annual Hoots & Happenings Season. Local favorites like Two Frets Up and Secondhand Hearts will play while you drop your lures and eat some Hobo Shorelunches.

Nurses Walk - National Nurses Week Celebration

May. 11, 6pm • Irvine Park, Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls • FREE, but must register at the park • All Ages • (715) 271-2681 • sacredhearteauclaire.org/ classes-events Nurses from HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals will celebrate National Nurses WeekThe walk is intended to highlight the nursing profession’s commitment to illness prevention and wellness.

There will be stretches and exercises before the walk.

Families and dogs with leashes are also welcome.

A 1,000 Mile Great Lakes Island Adventure May. 11, 7pm • L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library – Eau Claire Room, 400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • Loreen Niewenhuis, scientist, writer, and adventurer, has completed three adventures exploring the Great Lakes. For her third trip,

Niewenhuis explored key islands in each of the five Great Lakes and their connecting waterways. She will share the fascinating differences and uniting themes of the wateredged islands she discovered while biking, hiking, and kayaking throughout the vast freshwater network.

The Past Passed Here May. 12, 3-6pm; May. 13,

3-6pm; May. 14, 9am-6pm; May. 15, 9am-4pm • Allen Park, S. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • $3/person, FREE for 5 and under • All Ages • Journey back in time 150+ years and experience early Wisconsin’s “living history”.

Explore authentic French fur trade camps and participate in hands-on camp activities. Interact with dozens of colorful and knowledgeable re-enactors and buy a rare souvenir. Visit a new Lumberjack exhibit. Enjoy oldfashioned food, live music and family fun.

Spring Bird Hike and Banding Demo - Members Only

May. 14, 6:30-11am • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • FREE to Current Beaver Creek Reserve Members • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org/naturecenter.htm This is a great opportunity to see birds both through the binoculars and in hand. Learn about bird identification, bird behavior, and why bird banding is important. You will even be able to “adopt” one of the birds you see banded. Don’t forget your binoculars and field guides.

Get It Dunn Run May. 14, 8am • Mainstreet Health + Fitness, 310 Main St., Menomonie • Cost varies • All ages • getitdunnrun.com Half marathon and 5k run/ walk. Chip-timed. Full event details and registration online. See contact info for details.

TREK Demo Day May. 14, 9am-2pm • Lowes Creek County Park, S. Lowes Creek Rd., Eau Claire • FREE • 14+ • (715) 894-7429 • chippewaoffroad.org Come and take a test ride on the latest TREK road and mountain bikes. Ride the trails and reignite your passion for biking. TREK reps and SCHEELS experts will be on site to help you find your perfect bike. No registration required.

Bee Keeping 102 - You Are a Beekeeper, Now What?

May. 14, 9am-3pm • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • Friends $40 Nonmembers $45 • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org/naturecenter.htm Learn how to manage your bee hive while they are foraging and packing away pollen and honey.

Topics will include how to perform a hive inspection and managing honey supers. Bring a bee veil or bee suit as we will open the bee hive for examination, a sack lunch and notebook. Registration and payment due 5/11.

Tower Ridge Open - Disc Golf May. 14, 9am-5pm;

May. 15, 9am-noon • Tower Ridge Disc Golf Course, Eau Claire • $20-$70 • All Ages • 920-540-8964 • cvdgo. com Enjoy the 18th Annual WI Tour Disc Golf Tournament hosted by CVDGO. 144 players enjoy 2 days & 3 rounds of competitive disc golf at the prestigious Tower Ridge Disc Golf Course. Cheer them on and attend the players’ party at the EC Expo Center that Saturday night.

Adventure Race Tune-Up May. 14, 10am-2pm • Wakanda Park, Wakanda Park Rd. and Pine Ave. E, Menomonie • $40 before May 1, $50 after, Advanced registration Required • 12+, under 18 need adult partner • (715) 232-1664 • mnoc.org Novice-level 3-4 hour adventure race involving trekking, biking, paddling, navigation, and special challenges. Pre-registration required.

2016 Color Run Packet Pick Up/Check In Party May. 14, 10:30am-6:30pm • Kohl’s Department Store, 3711 Gateway Drive, Eau Claire • FREE. • 14+ • eventbrite. com Volunteer to help check racers in and receive free registration for the Color Run race on May 15th. Join in the fun by handing out race packets, t-shirts, and other materials.

Go Paint! Plein Air Painting Event Every Day from

May. 15 to May. 20 • Accola Gallery, 502 2nd Ave. E, Durand • (715) 672-8188 • accolagallery.com Artists and would-be artists are invited to the City of Durand and surrounding area to paint in the out of doors, submitting entries by Friday for judging, awards, cash prizes and an artists’ reception.

2016 Color Run May. 15, 7am-1:30pm • Carson Park, Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire • $34.99, $42.99, $54.99 • All Ages • ci.eau-claire.wi.us The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. The YMCA is looking for 200 volunteers to help with this amazing and colorful event to make it not only successful, but fun for everyone participating. Go online for more information.

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Evening Bird Hikes May. 3, 5:30-7:30pm; May. 17,

5:30-7:30pm • Wise Nature Center, Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd. K, Fall Creek • Friends $3 (per hike) Nonmembers $5 (per hike) • 12+ • 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org/naturecenter.htm Join a Reserve Naturalist for an after-dinner walk to see who we can find on the trails. All levels of bird enthusiasts are welcome.

These hikes are designed for adults to upper elementaryaged children. These are two separate hikes so register for one or both.

Motorcar Ride into the Tiffany Wildlife Area May.

18, 8am-noon • Contact for additional information, Durand • $25 per adult • 715-672-8188 • gopaint.org See migrating birds, spring ephemeral plants, overturned rusty boxcars, an Oak Savannah. Cross railroad trestles above the Beef Slough on flatbeds and motorcars. The opportunity to access this gem of natural resources, The Tiffany Wildlife Area, is provided by the Chippewa Valley Motorcar Association. It is a fundraiser for Imagination Nation, a non-profit organization. Bring a camera or paints.

SUPER Hero Weekend at O’Neil Creek Campground

Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday from May. 20 to May. 22 • O’Neil Creek Campground, 14912 105th Ave, Chippewa Falls • All Ages • 715-723-6581 • oneilcreek.com This weekend’s activities include crafts, donuts, costume contest, superhero parade and train ride with OCC’s favorite mascot, Frankie the Frog. Plan ahead and reserve your holiday camping stay as well. Discounts available to military members, paramedics, firefighters, police officers, teachers, and licensed medical professionals.

3rd Annual Family Fun Run May. 20, 6:30pm • North-

star Middle School, 2711 Abbe Hill Dr., Eau Claire • Pre-registration $15/person and $25/family; $20/person and $30/family after 5/13 • (715) 852-5100 • nms. ecasd.k12.wi.us Locust Lane PTO and Northstar PTSA are hosting the 3rd Annual 2 Mile Family Run. Also a 1/4 mile run for the kids along the track. Each participant will be entered for prize drawings and fun family activities will be available. All proceeds from the event support student programs at our schools. Registration forms are available on school webpages and in their main offices.

12th Annual Best of the Best Karate Tournament May.

21, 8am-2pm • McDonnell High School, Chippewa Falls • Spectators $7 for 7yrs & up (6yrs and under are free) • All Ages • elitekaratestudios.com A great family friendly atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Come watch some exciting and fun martial arts on display.

ciation. Funds raised at the event benefit the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Tailgate Party at 11am with food trucks, music & a beer tent. Kick Off at 1pm. Tickets will be sold at the gate.

100% of ticket sales will be donated back to the Alzheimer’s Association.

LOCAL REC CLUBS

Did we miss your recreation organization? Or do you need your listing’s info edited? Email James@VolumeOne.org, or call 552-0457 and ask for James. Note that we did leave out rec clubs featuring wintertime activities, however.

Associated Snowmobile Clubs of Eau Claire County

3rd Monday of the months, October through March • 715-878-4179 • thevetts@gmail.com • eccosnow. org Providing a means of united effort in planning and enhancing snow sports activities for the residents of Eau Claire, County, cret goodwill with aldnowners and the public, plus workshops, conventions, fundraising, and helping maintain 161 miles of local snowmobile trails.

Chippewa Falls YMCA AM Running Group Chippewa

Valley Family YMCA, 611 Jeffers Ave., Chippewa Falls • chippewaymca.com Previously known as Pavement Pounders, come join this pick-up running group from late spring to late summer. This group is free to join.

Chippewa Off Road Bike Association 2809 E Hamil-

ton Ave., #127, Eau Claire • info@chippewaoffroad.org • chippewaoffroad.org The Chippewa Off Road Bike Association (CORBA) is a volunteer organization established to promote mountain biking opportunities in the Chippewa Valley. Whether you’re a snowshoer, cyclist, trail runner, geocacher or casual hiker, check out our membership and volunteer opportunities. CORBA also organizes many popular races throughout the year.

Chippewa Valley Cycling Club • (715) 839-8111 • cvccbike.com The Chippewa Valley Cycling Club (CVCC) is dedicated to bicycle racing in the Chippewa Valley, headquartered in Chippewa Falls. The CVCC promotes several races each year in the Chippewa Valley area. Interested cyclists are encouraged to join club members on training rides every Tuesday night at 6pm, April-August, leaving from Spring Street Sports.

Chippewa Valley Dance Club DancinGoggin.com •

(715) 833-1879 • Email@DancinGoggin.com The Chippewa Valley Dance Club (CVDC) is a non-profit ballroom dance club by Goggin Ballroom Dancing.

Chippewa Valley Paddlers Date varies • Location var-

ies • stonecottage99@gmail.com • groups.yahoo.com/ groups/CVPaddlers Canoe and kayak 14+ mostly flat water rivers. Paddlers of all skill levels welcome. Solstice celebration and river clean up weeknights. Three parties per year.

Chippewa Valley Roller Girls • contact@chippewaval-

leyrollergirls.com • chippewavalleyrollergirls.com Join the tribe as either a skater, referee, coach or a volunteer for the area’s first women’s flat track roller derby league.

Seriously, these girls are awesome.

Chippewa Valley Trail Runners • The Chippewa Valley

Trail Runners group was created as a means for area trail runners to get together for occasional fun runs on area trails, to help each other prepare and train for upcoming trail races, and to “share resources” such as carpooling to regional trail races. Above all, it’s a way for like-minded trail runners to get together and share in their love of the trails. Find this group on Facebook.

Club Run Maximum Performance, 2530 Golf Rd., Eau

Claire • (715) 514-4455 • maximum.performance@ yahoo.com Are you looking for people to run with and guidance in your running plan? Come to Club Run and get the best of both worlds. You get people who run your pace and you can also get a customized race plan with a RRCA Certified Running Coach.

Eau Claire Air Volleyball Club • ecairvolleyball. com Dedicated to the promotion and improvement of volleyball in Western Wisconsin, ECAVC is a member of the Badger Region of USA Volleyball, the national governing body along with the US Olympic committee and is responsible for local, regional, national and international competition.

Eau Claire Aquatic Club • 715-559-1758, 715-559-1707

• ecacswim@yahoo.com, ecactreasurer@gmail.com • ecacswimming.org Eau Claire Aquatic Club (ECAC) is a non-profit, parent run competitive swim program designed for educational, competitive, and recreational purposes and is geared for children ages 5-18.

What’s Not to Lichen? May. 21, 9am-noon • Beaver

Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • $3 for Friends, $3 for Nonmembers • (715) 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org Discover the diminutive yet amazing world of lichens. Begin with a bit of lichen biology and ecology then head out to explore the lichens at Beaver Creek Reserve. A 10X hand lens is recommended. Presented by Lichenologist Mary Bartkowiak

Golf Demo Day May. 21, 10am-2pm • Princeton Val-

ley Golf Course, 2300 W. Princeton Ave., Eau Claire • FREE • 14+ • (715) 834-3334 • princetonvalleygolfclub. com Callaway and Taylormade are bringing the newest in 2016 drivers, irons, hybrids, and putters for you to test out. While you are there, register to win great prizes and enjoy demo day only prices. SCHEELS experts will be on hand to answer all your questions and make sure you get set up with clubs you will love for years to come.

23rd Annual Mutt Strut N’Tabby Trot - Pet Walk and 5K Fun Run May. 21, 10am • Dunn County Rec Park, 620

17th St., Menomonie • (715) 308-9094 • DunnCountyHumaneSociety.org Registration at 10am, Pet Walk and Fun Run begin at 11 am. Participating pets must be upto-date with rabies vaccination and be leashed. Pet expo, kid’s games, dunk tank, silent auction, basket raffle, and concessions, presented by WQOW 18, with all proceeds to benefit the Dunn County Humane Society. Pre-register online, collect pledges, or register day-of the event with free t-shirts, free admission, and spectacular prizes possible.

30th Annual Fido & Friends Fun Run May. 21, 11am-

3pm • Carson Park- Pine Pavilion, Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire • $30/person • All Ages • 715-839-4747 • eccha.org Fundraiser for the Eau Claire County Humane Association. Registration begins at 11am with the fun run starting at noon. Your furry friend is welcome to participate in the talent show. Vendor tables to visit and food concessions will be available.

Tiffany Wetlands Train Ride May. 21, 1-5pm • Tiffany

Wildlife Area, west of State Highway 25 and mostly north of State Highway 35, Nelson • Friends $25 / Nonmembers $35 • (608) 266-2621 • dnr.state.wi.us Spend the day on an open-air, antique train while exploring approximately 14 miles of wetlands and hiking some trails.

See what makes these wetlands so unique and important to our plant and wildlife habitat. Be sure to pack snacks, beverages, binoculars, field guides and dress for the weather. Register by 5/19.

Alzheimer’s Association Blondes vs. Brunettes May. 22, 11am-5pm • Carson Park Football Stadium, Eau Claire • $10 for Adults, Children 12 & Under are Free • Flag football game to support the Alzheimer’s Asso-

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Eau Claire Archers 2145 Murphy Ln., Eau Claire • (715) 271-4466 • erdman41@hotmail.com • eauclairearchers. org Eau Claire Archers has open outdoor shooting for our members year around hosting 3-D and field archery shoots open to the public. Their 80 acre club is located just west of Eau Claire. See contact info for details.

Eau Claire Bit & Spur Saddle Club 10409 West Cam-

eron St., Eau Claire • eauclairebitandspur@gmail. com • eauclairebitandspur.com Dedicated to enriching the Northwest Wisconsin Equestrian community through quality events. They promote the development of equine sports for social, charitable, and educational purposes and ecourage national and international amateur athletics.

Eau Claire Curling Club Eau Claire County Exposition Center, 5530 Fairview Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 834-4898 • eccc.manager@eccurling.org • curlingclub.com The Eau Claire Curling Club is a not for profit club with over 275 members, and is a member of the United States Curling Association and the Wisconsin State Curling Association.

Eau Claire Figure Skating Club • ecfigureskate.org Since

1979, the Eau Claire Figure Skating Club has been serving the community by providing skating instruction, hosting skating competitions and the yearly skating show and offering various club activities to both the young and old in Western Wisconsin. Find this club on Facebook.

s p onsored in p art b y

Eau Claire Girls on the Run • girlsontherunec@gmail.

Eau Claire National Rifle Club, Inc. 8768 North Shore

Eau Claire Hash House Harriers: A Drinking Club with a Running Problem • 608-772-3615 • mcmanutc@

Eau Claire Pie Riders Tues & Thur at 6 pm, weekends, and some Fri mornings • location varies • (715) 8316210 • neldon5352@aol.com • sports.groups.yahoo. com/group/ecpieriders Bicycling group riding going on frequent 20-30 mile road bike rides and some 40-60 mile rides on weekends.

com • gotreauclaire.org Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-5th grade teaching life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. Find this group on Facebook.

gmail.com A social running club. Find this group on Facebook,

Eau Claire Horseshoe Club Carson Park, Eau Claire

• (715) 514-1051 • echc@cvol.net • members.cvol.net/ echc The ECHC invites men, women, and juniors at Carson Park for an inexpensive summer of friendship, exercise, and competition fun. For more information call Dean Chaffee at (715) 861-3470, Lonny Trangsrud (715) 514-1051 or Kenny Rentz (715) 495-5290.

Season: Early May - Mid August / Annual Dues $28.

Juniors $5.

Eau Claire International Folk Dancers YMCA Fitness and Training Center, 206 Emery St., Eau Claire, WI 54701 • (715) 835-4247 • wagnerpj@gmail.com • ecfolkdance.org Dancing the traditional dances of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Turkey, Romania, Greece, Israel, United States, the Roma (Gypsy) and many other countries, ethnic regions and peoples of the world since 1979.

Eau Claire Men’s Rugby • LINDQUMW@uwec.edu •

ecrfc.com The team plays pool play during the fall as part of the Wisconsin Rugby Union. This usually is a set of approximately 6 matches against teams in the union.

From there, playoffs happen further in the fall. They are always seeking new members.Eau Claire Moms on the Run • (715) 492-1229 • EauClaire@MomsontheRun.com • momsontherun.com The group is for all women, not just moms, and all fitness levels are welcome. They focus on interval training to increase cardiovascular fitness levels and maximize metabolism benefits. Start out right where you are at, and walk/jog/run your way up to your very first race or a new personal record.

Dr., Eau Claire • tzemaitis66@gmail.com • ecnrc.org A high power rifle range with shooting at 100, 200, 300 and 600 yards.

Eau Claire Ski Club 1805 Menomonie St, Eau Claire • sec-

retary@ec-skiclub.com • ec-skiclub.com The Eau Claire Ski Club organizes the annual Silver Mine invitational ski jumping tournament. The Flying Eagles Junior Ski Club is open to kids ages 4-15 interested in Nordic cross-country skiing and ski jumping (http://flyingeaglesskiclub.org).

Eau Claire Ski Striders • 715-723-2587 • jpedersen0968@charter.net • ecyouthski.org • www.eauclaireskistriders.org The mission of the Eau Claire Ski Striders is to promote youth and adult cross-country skiing through health, family, fun, and fitness.

Eau Claire Team Revolution (E.C.T.R.) • (715) 864-9308 • fitnbactive@gmail.com • 715fitclub.com ECTR is an exciting networking experience dedicated to bringing active people together in the Chippewa Valley area. ECTR connects fitness team members in for any purpose. Do you need a partner for your recreational, fitness, or workout goals? This is your resource to find that person, or group.

Eau Claire United Soccer Club, Inc. Eau Claire Indoor

Sports Center, 3456 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 715-8300782 • ecusoccer@sbcglobal.net • ecunitedsoccer. org The Eau Claire United Soccer Club is committed to teaching fundamental soccer skills, instilling confidence and building a love for the game of soccer, while developing players to their highest competitive level.

Eau Claire Wrestling Club 2225 Keith St., Eau Claire • (715) 852-6300 • eauclairewrestling@yahoo.com • eauclairewrestling.com Giving athletes a solid foundation in the basics of wrestling, so as to prepare them for competition with similar clubs throughout the state. ECWC aims to instill a love of the sport and an appreciation of the skills, time and effort that is required to succeed in not just wrestling, but in any life accomplishment.

Eau Claire Y Marlins • 715-836-8460 • ecymarlins@ gmail.com • eauclaireymcamarlins.com Offering training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels with age-specific training geared towards challenging each individual to develop to the best of their abilities.

FLEAUT (Eau Claire Floating) • facebook.com/Flea-

ut Float + Eau Claire = FLEAUT. We are a community of people in and around the Eau Claire area that love to float down the river. Who’s with us?

Indianhead Track Club • wagnerpj@gmail.com • indianheadtc.org Members participate in running subgroups, fun runs, and races around the region. Open board meetings are held every other month.

KAMO (Kids and Mentors Outdoors) • (608) 575-7786 •

bwgruber@gmail.com • kamokids.org KAMO provides outdoor experiences to children including fishing, canoeing, camping, hunting, wildlife viewing and hiking.

Mentors who pass a background check are matched with local children to help provide them with outdoor experiences. • Find us on Facebook

Menomonie Area Mountain Bike Association menomonieareamountainbikeassociation.org • porterbicycle@ gmail.com Caring for Menomin Park bike trails, and more. Find this group on Facebook.

Menomonie Group Cycling Rides • sites.google.com/ site/menomoniegroupcyclingrides • www.facebook.com/ menomoniegroupcyclingrides Occasional group rides in Menomonie, sometimes on the Red Cedar Trail.

Overdrive Cycling Club Bike & Sport, 403 Water

Street, Eau Claire • (715) 832-6149 • overdrivecycling. com Supporting all forms of cycling and abilities. The Overdrive motto “It’s not about what you do, but who you do it with!” is the foundation for members to improve their fitness, wellness and cycling skills while enjoying the camaraderie of our members. New members are always welcome. Find this group on Facebook

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Pure Water Paddlers • geo_peter_94@yahoo.com or oleary6@charter.net • purewaterpaddlers.com Pure Water Paddlers is a group of canoe and kayak enthusiasts around the west central Wisconsin area. Its goal is to provide a wide variety of paddling experiences for paddlers of all skill levels.

Red Eye Ski Club • membership@redeyeskiclub.org • redeyeskiclub.org Membership is open to Eau Claire area adults who enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding. The group organizes ski trips and other events throughout the year.

Reilly Chiropractic Walking Club • 715-723-2892 • doctor.reilly@gmail.com • chippewachiropractor.com Looking for a reason to get out and get moving? Join us for a 30 minute walk. All ages and abilities welcome as well as strollers and friendly leashed pets. Pace is set by those who are present. No need to RSVP. Just show up.

Sunday Night Pistol League Westgate Sportsmans

Club, 4909 Sportsman Dr., Eau Claire • 715-832-4548 • ecwestgate.com Group meets at the lower bar every Sunday. People are eligible to be a part of leagues if they are a member of the Sportsman’s Club.

Wisconsin Adventure Club • Meet with people who like adventures - or who want to cross things off of their bucket list. WAC does all sorts of adventures including canoeing, kayaking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, meet and greets, pick-up sports, beer tasting, wine tasting, polar bear plunges, bridge jumping, bungee jumping, camping, bowling, rock climbing, ice skating, concerts and much more. Find this group on meetup.com.

Wisconsin Bike Fed • (414) 431-1798 • info@wisconsinbikefed.org • wisconsinbikefed.org The Wisconsin Bike Fed, celebrating 27 years of bicycle advocacy in 2015, is a statewide organization representing thousands of members across Wisconsin and has staff based in Eau Claire. Its mission is to inspire, motivate, and unite a strong community of civic, business and political leaders, motorists and bicyclists to move bicycling forward in Wisconsin.

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