Wisconsin Bike Fed Magazine, Sept. 2017 by Wisconsin Bike Fed

M A G A Z I N E 18 S E P T E M B E R 201 7

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IN THIS ISSUE 10 The Bike Fed Fights for You in Madison 12 Survey Says 14 More than Miles 16 Exploring the Green Trail Circle 22 A Plan for the Route of The Badger to Reconnect Milwaukee 27 City of Racine Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan 41 Choose Your Challenge 48 Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Class Cyclocross 65 October & November Bicycling Events

ON THE COVER: Mud, bikes and great socks, it must be cyclocross season! Photo by Dave Schlabowske

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RIVERWEST 24 Bicycling Magazine described the Riverwest 24 as “The Best Day of the Year,” and we couldn’t agree more. You have to be a part of it to truly understand what a powerful experience it is. While the RW24 is a “race” with prizes for top finishers, it is more important as a community building event than another notch on your palmarés. It is difficult to get an entry, but if you volunteer one year, you earn a spot for the following year. #bicyclebucketlist

Chris Aalid/Marketing Coordinator

Biking Inspiration

Zac Barnes/Central Region Director

In this issue you’ll meet the likes of Baltazar De Anda Santana, Nicole La Brie, John Jury, Mark Hertzberg and Emma and Caleb Swartz.

chris.aalid@wisconsinbikefed.org central@wisconsinbikefed.org

Gabe Chapman/Membership Coordinator gabe@wisconsinbikefed.org

Dave Cieslewicz/Executive Director dave.cieslewicz@wisconsinbikefed.org

Carolyn Dvorak/Southwest Region Director carolyn.dvorak@wisconsinbikefed.org

Sarah Gaskell/Planning Manager sarah.gaskell@wisconsinbikefed.org

Tony Giron/Events Coordinator tony.giron@wisconsinbikefed.org

Matt Gissibl/Resident Dirt Tester matt.gissibl@wisconsinbikefed.org

Wendy Hanisch/Director of Development and Events wendy@wisconsinbikefed.org

Andrew Kaczmarek/Finance Director andrew.kaczmarek@wisconsinbikefed.org

Martha Laugen/Membership Director martha@wisconsinbikefed.org

Jake Newborn/Youth Education Program Manager jake.newborn@wisconsinbikefed.org

Dave Schlabowske/Deputy Director dave.schlabowske@wisconsinbikefed.org

Jessica Wineberg/Program Director jessica@wisconsinbikefed.org

Board of Directors Ted Galloway, Chair, Bill Koch, Chair-Elect, Clay Griessmeyer, Secretary, Dave Jablonowski, Treasurer Brien Christopherson Bill Hauda Sydney Prusak Traci Elliott Tad Hylkema Melissa Putzer Daniel Goldberg Michael Johnson John Siegert Peter Gray Beth Liebhardt Melissa Vernon Mark Gottlieb Janet Loewi David Waters Cassandra Habel Gary Peterson

Magazine Staff Editor: Dave Schlabowske

Baltazar found peace and inspiration as well as practical transportation on his bike. Nicole uses her bike to teach her children about their neighborhood and their neighbors. John was part of a small group that used a bike trail to connect people to nature. Mark belonged to another tiny band of biking brothers with an audacious goal for their hometown. And the Swartz kids like to ride through mud and ice as a way to learn life lessons in young adulthood. These folks represent the diversity of cycling in Wisconsin. They’re young and old; male and female; straight and gay; white and people of color; world class athletes and people who just want to get to the grocery store. What they have in common is a frame and two wheels. What they teach us is that the bicycle can be the means to an end and not just a destination; a vehicle not just for travel on the streets but through our own lives. Riding a bicycle opens us up to experiences and gets us to places we couldn’t or wouldn’t otherwise go. It can be the means of communing with nature while commuting to work, of building stronger relationships with our children, of bringing a community together around a shared project or of making a living and seeing the world. It’s a heck of an accomplishment for an invention so simple and weighing all of twenty-five pounds or so. As you read these stories do me a favor and take a moment to reflect on what riding a bike has meant for you. Who do you know because of a bicycle? What have you seen on a bike? What have you thought about while riding and what life decisions have you made in the saddle? Where has your bike gotten you — literally and metaphorically?

Art Director: Chris Aalid

Advertising: Matt Gissibl / matt.gissibl@wisconsinbikefed.org

The bicycle: an inspired invention and just plain inspirational.

The Wisconsin Bike Fed Magazine is a complimentary addition to Bike Fed Annual Memberships. Proudly printed on Appleton Uptopia Paper, milled in Wisconsin. Reach us at (414) 255-0371 or WisconsinBikeFed.org

Dave Cieslewicz, Executive Director

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AB-97 is in the Joint Finance Committee while AB-98 is ready to be voted on in the Assembly.

STATE EXERCISE

Senate Bill 244 would establish cycling as the official state exercise. A project of the fourth and fifth graders at Cooper School in Milwaukee, we think this is a great way to explain the benefits of biking to legislators. We hope for a committee hearing in the fall when the students get a chance to prepare testimony and come to Madison to explain their bill to the Senate committee to which it has been referred.

THE BIKE FED FIGHTS FOR YOU IN MADISON By Dave Cieslewicz, Wisconsin Bike Fed Executive Director

STATE BUDGET

The Bike Fed is fighting for more money to fix local roads – the city streets, town roads and county highways we ride on. Governor Scott Walker had proposed an 8.5% increase in local road aids and we support that as a down payment on what needs to be done. But that’s part of a larger transportation budget, which as of early August remained bogged down over a disagreement over taxes and borrowing. Some in the Republican majority, led by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, want to raise taxes (most likely, the gas tax) to pay for road building and repair. Others, like Governor Walker and most Senate Republicans, are dead set against tax increases and want to borrow more instead. Experts argue that more borrowing is unsustainable. We agree and would like to see a long-term, sustainable funding solution so that investments can be made in local road repair over many years. 10

VULNERABLE USERS

Assembly Bill 201 would increase penalties for moving violations that result in serious injury or death to cyclists, pedestrians and others. Under current law the penalty can be as little as less than $100. This bill would increase penalties to the $300 to $1,000 range. AB-201 doesn’t go as far as we would like to go, but we think this bill has a chance of passage. It has cleared the Assembly committee and awaits scheduling for a vote in the full body.

DRUNK DRIVING

Assembly Bills 97 and 98 would strengthen Wisconsin’s scandalously weak drunk driving laws. The first bill would mandate a minimum five-year prison sentence for drunk driving that results in a death. The second bill would require breathalyzer ignition locks for repeat drunk drivers and for first time offenders who are caught driving with a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

We are supporting legislation, not yet introduced, which would expand the definition of distracted driving and increase penalties. Right now only texting while driving is against the law, but drivers can be just as distracted by doing email, searching for music, checking a website or doing any of the myriad things that cellphones allow. Distracted driving is the fastest growing cause of crashes. Distracted driving killed 121 people and caused 11,000 injuries in 2016 in Wisconsin alone.

E-BIKES

One of the fastest growing trends in cycling is electric bicycles. With technology improving and price points starting to fall, they’re becoming more commonplace, yet our state laws have not caught up. The Bike Fed is working with People for Bikes and Trek on legislation that would bring our laws up to date. It’s a model bill that has already passed in five states. Essentially, the bill would establish three classes of e-bikes and describe places where each are appropriate for use. Local governments would be given broad discretion to decide where they belong within their boundaries. We ex-

Two sets of new policies are either in place or in process to govern the use of electric bikes in Wisconsin. The first is a new administrative rule that applies to Department of Natural Resources trails and the second is a bill in the legislature that would govern e-bike use on bike paths and bikeways everywhere else. Let’s start with the new rules on DNR trails. According to State Trails Coordinator Brigit Brown, here are the basics of the new rules, which went into effect on August 1st: → Electric bicycles are now allowed on linear state trails that allow bikes. → E-bikes are subject to a 15 mph speed limit when the motor is engaged. → Only bikes with electric motors are allowed. No combustion engines. → Counties can decide to close cooperative state trails (DNR state trails operated by counties) to e-bikes, but they must post them as closed to these bikes. Without these signs, the assumption is that they are open. → Electric bikes may also be allowed on other bike trails (such as mountain bike trails) on DNR lands, but only under certain circumstances, only after public input and only by affirmative action

pect the bill to be introduced late this summer or early fall.

SELF-DRIVING VEHICLES

The governor has established a “steering committee” (appropriately enough) to explore the implications of the fast-developing self-driving vehicle technology. Pretty much every major manufacturer has said that it will

of the property manager. Finally, these trails must be specifically posted as open for this use. → The new rules do not differentiate between size of motor or action (e.g., if it requires pedaling or not), but all bikes are subject to that 15 mph speed limit. → Electric bikes are required to follow all the same rules as conventional bikes on DNR property. So, as a general rule, an e-bike is now allowed to be used with the motor engaged on linear trails as long as you don’t exceed 15 mph. If they are not allowed on a trail or trail portion the trail will have to be posted with signs prohibiting them. For mountain bike trails, the assumption is just the opposite: they are not allowed unless they are specifically posted to allow them. Next, the The Bike Fed is also working on legislation with People for Bikes and Trek that would update Wis-

consin law to bring it in line with the latest electric bike technology. The bill, which we hope to introduce later this summer or early fall, would establish a definition of e-bikes. The bike would have to have fully operative pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. These bikes would be further divided into three classes. → Class 1 bikes would be “e-assist” bikes, where the motor is engaged only when the rider is pedaling. They could have a maximum assisted speed of 20 miles per hour. → Class 2 bikes would have the same 20 mph limit, but they could be operated without pedaling.

under 16 years old and they could not be used on a bike path or bike way unless the local government allows it. The bill also requires that Class 3 bikes come equipped with a speedometer. As a general rule, Class 1 and Class 2 bikes could be operated wherever conventional bikes are allowed. Regardless of the bike’s maximum capable speed, the 15 mph limit when the motor is engaged would apply on state trails. The gist of these policy changes is to manage the ever-increasing use of e-bikes, to acknowledge new technology, and to allow the use of e-bikes where they are appropriate.

→ Class 3 bikes would be e-assist but with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph. The most powerful bikes (Class 3) would have the most restrictions. They could not be operated by anyone

have a fully automated vehicle ready for market in the next few years. The Bike Fed is generally excited for the prospect because 94% of all crashes are human caused. But the early technology has had difficulty picking up cyclists and pedestrians. We petitioned the governor to be appointed to the committee, but he has not responded. Still, we were able to convince Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison)

an avid cyclist himself and a strong advocate for cycling, to take a spot on the committee. We expect the group to get started on its work this fall.

Stay up to date at WisconsinBikeFed.org WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

SURVEY SAYS

31%

I want the Bike Fed to fight any form of bike tax or registration fee.

29%

Require hikers, runners and dog walkers to purchase a state trail pass.

Story by Dave Schlabowske

here is lots of disagreement in Madison about how to fund our state transportation system. And for the next two year budget period it looks as though that big question won’t be resolved. With that in mind, in the last issue of our magazine, we asked our members to take a survey about how we should pay for maintaining and improving bicycle infrastructure and safety programs in Wisconsin. We gave readers five options. They ranged from a hard line, ‘Taxed Enough Already!’ stance, to ‘Tax Us More” — and use the money to make bicycling better, more convenient and safer. While the results are pretty evenly split between the five different options, we were surprised to see that by a large margin, people who ride bicycles are willing to throw in more money if they know those resources will be spent on trails, onstreet bikeways or safety education programs. It was never our intention to make specific recommendations for new taxes and fees, but instead to get a feeling for how our members feel about bicycle transportation funding. We can now share this information with our representatives in Madison, and look to them to draft a transportation budget that maintains and improves bicycling in Wisconsin.

Percentages exceed 100% because respondents could choose more than one option.

Percentages exceed 100% because respondents

I support a voluntary bicycle more than one option. 33%could choose registration fee

28%

36%

Allow communities to use existing local bicycle registration fees for bicycle infrastructure and safety programing.

I would be willing to pay a sales tax on bicycles, including those sold by big box stores, or a mandatory state registration fee for bicycles if those funds were used to for bicycle infrastructure projects and safety programs.

“

The calming breezes oﬀ Green Lake give me the perfect escape from life’s chaos. The scenic beauty on the many bike routes in this area is amazing and there is so much to do here when we’re not riding.

”

—Dennis, Princeton WI

Plan your next weekend getaway WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG 13 at www.visitgreenlake.com.

More than Miles Baltazar De Anda Santana logs his accomplishments as a cyclist in measures far greater than miles. Story by Tom Held Photo by Dave Schlabowske

et’s start with pounds. The 40-year-old has lost 95 pounds since he began commuting by bicycle two years ago. Overall health is next. De Anda Santana reversed his increasing blood-sugar levels and removed himself from the pre-diabetic risk pool. And going forward, his measure of success will be in lives saved. In June, the community advocate joined the Wisconsin Bike Federation as a Share & Be Aware Ambassador, focusing his experience as an educator to teach others how to ride bicycles and walk safely, in and around Dane County. He has been sharing the rules of the road to senior citizens groups and Latino riders, with one overriding mission. “I care about keeping people alive,” De Anda Santana said. “I’m not here to have a discussion about who’s right and who’s wrong. The only thing that I care about is that we have a safe ride.” A native of Mexico who arrived here 17 years ago, De Anda Santana, now 40, decided to ride a bike, in large part, because he was undocumented at the time and

unable to obtain a driver’s license. He refused to drive without one. That was the practical reason to start riding, but since then he has embraced cycling as a spiritual part of his life. His first venture into the 180-mile AIDS Ride Wisconsin, in 2014, carried the dual purposes of supporting the gay community and motivating his quest for citizenship. “One of the promises I made to myself and to my husband was that if I get documents and become a legal resident, I’m going to do the ride in memory of that, to be able to achieve that,” he said. “It was a spiritual sort of thing. I will offer this ride to the universe for now having documents.” Every ride since has carried a spiritual component. He dedicated the Horribly Hilly Hundred this year to the 49 people killed and 58 wounded in a mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub one year earlier. “The kudos from Strava are not enough for me to do a ride,” he said. “It has to be bigger than me.” De Anda Santana’s work in the Madison community and his transition to the Share and Be Aware program extend that mantra. His work over the past decade has been devoted to educating and helping others: co-founder and director of Alianza Latina, through the Vera Court Neighborhood Center; co-founder and director of the Latino Academy of Workforce Development; and director of corporate and community engagement with the United Way of Dane County. “Baltazar is a resource for the Latino community, gay community and the cycling community, with his knowledge of the important issues, providing advice and direction for those trying to establish a good life for themselves and their families,” said his husband, Mark Renner. “He is well-connected in Madison, and has a knack for bringing diverse groups of people together to deal with issues, share problems and find hope.” Renner said De Anda Santana really hasn’t changed through his pursuit of cycling. Instead, cycling has provided him with a new outlet as a leader who energizes and encourages others. Whether in his own life, or in the world around him, De Anda Santana has sought to identify needs and fill them. As a Share and Be Aware ambassador, he plans to fill the education and information gap among minority groups. “Right now, I think biking is viewed primarily as something for the white community,” he said. “I want to work toward getting rid of that stereotype. I want to make sure that not only the white community knows about safe walking and biking, but that members of the Latino and African-American community hear the message as well.” Some may view that as a hard task. De Anda Santana knows far greater difficulties. He grew up as a gay youth in Mexico. Immigrated to a foreign country in his early 20s. And changed his body as he approached 40. “In Mexico, we have a saying, ‘give until it hurts,’” he said. “The more hurt, the more meaningful it is in my life. You do something for your body, you do something for your spirit, so we can have a better world.”

Bicycling Capital of America e d i R e Com ! s U h t i W

800-354-BIKE bikesparta.org WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

Exploring the Green Trail Circle STORY BY MARK PARMAN PHOTOS BY SUSAN PARMAN 16

t doesn’t take long for the Schmeeckle Reserve — a 280-acre natural area on the north side of the UW-Stevens Point campus — to swallow us. As we pedal deeper into the woods, the city falls away, the trees muffling all but a few of the most strident urban noises. We cycle under tall, arrowy white pines and past thick, gnarly white oaks, until we cross a wetland on a long boardwalk — it’s as if we’re cycling through cattails. We stop on an observation deck, and I sit behind the large binoculars bolted to a table. I swivel them and peer across the bog, scanning for birds, perhaps a doe and its spotted fawn. After a bit, we pedal on.

We parked at the visitor’s center on the reserve, which serves as the headquarters for the Green Circle, a 26-mile bike and pedestrian trail encircling Stevens Point. Our plan is to circle the city clockwise, traveling south down the eastern side of the trail, then north on the western side; and, although we’re getting a late start, we hope to complete the entire loop. After exiting the reserve, we head north on Wilshire Avenue, a quiet country road shaded by mature trees, and cross over the Interstate highway. Traffic on this two-lane road is light. A right turn takes us back into the woods, onto public land owned by the city. This mix of urban and wild landscape, of asphalt and green, is both surprising and pleasing, stunning with how quickly we pass from one landscape to the other. The Green Circle is a miracle of intergovernmental and private partnerships, linking city parks, state land, private property, wetlands, forests, and neighborhoods.

We follow the slowly meandering Plover River for some time, then pop out of the woods, recross the Interstate and roll through a neighborhood. After a stoplight intersection, we detour a few blocks off the Green Circle to stop at the Watchman’s Gone, a café owned by the brother of a good friend. We lean our bikes against the building and walk inside. This is where the Green Circle all began, for inside this cozy restaurant is where the trail’s founders met, envisioned and planned a trail system that would one day ring the city. A sign hanging on the wall above our table proclaims it the headquarters of the trail. Even though it now sits a couple of blocks off the trail, the Watchman’s Gone is the virtual starting point for the Green Circle. That is, if a circle had a starting point. The special for the day is curried egg salad plate with nan. We’re hungry having ridden a third of the trail, and it’s now well past noon. We order the special, and when Andy Pech, the owner and chef, brings it to our table, I ask him about the legend of the Green Circle being hatched in his café, which the former UW-Stevens Point librarian had just recently purchased and renamed. Pech tells us in the late 80s his cafe was known as Al’s Diner, after then-owner Al Czech. Pech has only hearsay knowledge of the trail’s creation, and so he is more eager to talk about installing a bike rack outside and organizing an evening ride out of the Watchman. He does understand the lore and the legend concern-

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“This mix of urban and wild landscape, of asphalt and green, is both surprising and pleasing, stunning with how quickly we pass from one landscape to the other.”

ing his establishment and wants to continue its bicycling traditions. After refilling our water bottles, we pedal the two blocks back to the Green Circle, cruise through a quiet and heavily wooded neighborhood and pass through the stone gates of Iverson Park, once again transported from cityscape to forest. We ride under old trees – oaks, maples and ash – which provide welcome shade on this warm and humid July day, then roll again alongside the Plover River, which forms much of the eastern arc of the Green Circle. Around a sharp corner just before we slip under a railroad bridge, two kids are fishing, their bikes leaned against the fence along the river’s bank. “You catch anything?” I ask. “Nah, just a couple of small bluegills,” one answers. “But we threw them back.” I wish them good luck, and we pedal on. In a few minutes, we intersect a busy four-lane road, and I stop and check our map. Our late start combined with our lingering lunch forces us to cut across the circle if we hope to make the last tour of the afternoon at the Stevens Point Brewery, so we head due west on the Heartland Trail, a paved spur trail off the Green Circle.

SERIOUS TALK ABOUT A bike/pedestrian trail looping around Stevens Point started in the late 80s. According to board member John Jury, four retirees took up the project. “They met every Friday at Al’s Diner, which they determined would be the World Headquarters of the Green Circle,” said Jury. “They met for seven years, from 1989 to 1996. They just chatted with those private landowners and one by one, solved whatever problems were necessary to keep the project moving forward. Several large grants were obtained to cross a small river and go under a railroad trestle, but mostly, the money and will to make it happen came from the people.”

The trail got rolling when the city parks commission bought two parcels along the Wisconsin River just west of downtown connecting Bukolt and Pfiffner parks. This became the first three quarters of a mile of the Green Circle, and today is home to a healthy population of Canada geese and mallard ducks. If you’re not careful when riding this original section, you will run over an unwary duck or goose. By 1996, although there were still a few sections missing that the committee hoped to someday acquire, the circle was basically complete. The Green Circle Trail held its grand opening on June 1, 1996, National Trails Day. By the time we find the brewery — actually we smelled it first and followed our noses — the last tour has already started, and as a consolation we cruise through the gift shop before continuing on. We

have ridden the trail many times, and know we have missed one of our favorites sections of trail south of the brewery where it parallels the Wisconsin River, but we skip that section and ride north toward downtown. The trail skirts the west side of the business district and runs right along the river, and we dodge the panhandling waterfowl. The Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau says over 125,000 people used the Green Circle last year, bicyclists making up the largest user group. Most come from Stevens Point, but 22 percent were Wisconsinites from outside the community and seven percent came from out of state. ”Our bike shops have told me that when people are in to buy a bike and asked how they intend to ride, many indicate they will be riding the Circle mainly,” said Jury. We continue riding north along the river then begin to loop east and eventually make it back to Schmeeckle Reserve, our starting point. Jury believes one reason the Green Circle is so popular is because it’s not point-to-point trails, where cyclists often backtrack to their starting point, retracing their route. On a circle, everything is new. He has a point – it’s nice to be always riding through a fresh landscape. Still, it’s the mix of the wild and urban, the blend of woods and local business, which keeps us coming back. That and the tour of the Point Brewery we missed. WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

FINISHED. DONE. COOKED. Thanks to everyone who rode 175 miles with us across the state in the 2017 Ride Across Wisconsin. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done it without help. Thank you to our sponsors, all who pitched in, and everyone who told their friends about the ride. See you next year!

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Route of the Badger to Reconnect Milwaukee Two trail projects could create new bicycling access for Milwaukeeans living in neighborhoods experiencing inequality WILLIE KARIDIS, ROUTE OF THE BADGER PROJECT MANAGER, RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY

iking today is different from when I grew up. There are more cars, busier streets, faster drivers and riding on sidewalks is frowned upon. All of these factors add up to traffic stress, a significant factor in whether or not people will ride a bike. Here’s the deal. It’s not surprising that the higher the level of stress, the less likely people are to bike. Traffic stress is measured by the speed limit of the roadway, the number of lanes, and the appearance of physical barriers that prevent a bicyclist from continuing on the route. Low stress routes are typically defined as those with speed limits lower than 25 miles per hour and fewer than two lanes of traffic. Separated multiuse trails are the lowest stress routes of all. Treatments such as separated bike 22

lanes can sometimes mitigate most of the traffic stress, but at other times, even where there is bicycle infrastructure present, riding in streets can be very stressful. Southeast Wisconsin has more than 340 miles of world-class trails and the potential for incredible low-stress bicycling routes, but the honest assessment of access to many of those trails is a story of inequality. A new Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) study, produced with support from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, found that neighborhoods experiencing inequality in Milwaukee—those where a concentration of the population lives under the poverty line, is unemployed, does not have a high school degree, does not own a vehicle and is either African

American or Hispanic—disproportionately lack access to biking and walking facilities. The study, “Reconnecting Milwaukee: A BikeAble™ Study of Opportunity, Equity and Connectivity,” explores current access for bicyclists and pedestrians to employment centers, schools and a host of other destinations, as well as the impact that potential plans for new trails and biking facilities could have on the city. The analysis looked at the ability of Milwaukee residents to get to key destinations such as schools, libraries, grocery stores and hospitals as well as the potential for residents to reach a job location by bike using existing bicycle routes and trail networks. The analysis produced a connectivity score for the city based on the ability of residents to access these

RECONNECTING MILWAUKEE: A BikeAble™ Study of Opportunity, Equity and Connectivity

destinations via the lowest stress routes. In Milwaukee, that score is 59 percent citywide and even lower when you look at just the city’s trail system. Only 8 percent of residents have walking access to trails and only 24 percent of residents have biking access to trails. While the Oak Leaf Trail and the Hank Aaron State Trail are fantastic arteries for transportation and recreation, they aren’t maximized by the city because access is limited—particularly for those living in disenfranchised communities. Those who live in the north central and south central areas of the city are disconnected from Milwaukee’s current trail

“It’s not surprising that the higher the level of stress, the less likely people are to bike.” systems and their connectivity scores show it—in neighborhoods experiencing inequality, only three percent have walking access to trails and only eight percent have biking access to trails. Two projects have the potential to change that scenario. The addition of the 30th Street Corridor, which runs from Havenwoods State

Forest south to the Hank Aaron State Trail as well as expanding the Kinnickinnic River Trail from 6th Street west to McCarty Park would improve walking and biking access to trails dramatically. These projects have the potential to increase citywide walking access to 14 percent and biking access to 59 percent. In neighborhoods experiencing inequality WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

the results are even more dramatic—increasing walking access to 11 percent and biking access to 66 percent. Calculated in real people numbers this means that resident access to trails in neighborhoods experiencing inequality would jump from 25,000 to 200,000! RTC knows that building the 30th Street Corridor and the Kinnickinnic River Trail extension will not be easy; in fact, it will be quite the opposite. Sometimes, however, the best choice is not the easiest. Sometimes, the right choice

is the one that takes time, and requires thoughtful research to understand the life-changing impact projects like these can have on the framework of a city. As part of the Route of the Badger, RTC will work with the city and our partners—Wisconsin Bike Fed, Path to Platinum, Bublr Bikes, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation—to generate investment in the communities near these trails. We want to hear their ideas, listen to their

concerns and engage in transparent discussions about the impact a trail would have on their lives. The potential both to create this infrastructure and a more equitable trail network for Milwaukee is exciting. And it has the potential to change the lives of literally thousands of people. Read the study and learn more about Route of the Badger’s vision to connect a 500-mile trail network in Southeast Wisconsin at railstotrails.org/reconnectingmilwaukee.

RECONNECTING MILWAUKEE: A BikeAble™ Study of Opportunity, Equity and Connectivity

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CITY OF RACINE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN STORY JOHN SIEGERT â&#x20AC;¢ PHOTOS BY JOHN SIEGERT AND MARK HERTZBERG WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

2004. IT ALL BEGAN WITH MARK AND BIKETOWN

DO YOU REMEMBER BIKETOWN? It was an initiative of Bicycling magazine back in 2003, in which they gave away 50 bikes to lucky riders in Portland, Maine and tracked the impact those bikes had on the people and on the community. In Racine, Mark Hertzberg was watching and he liked what he saw – so much so, that he mounted a campaign to bring BikeTown to his town. In the words of Bicycling Editor Stephen Madden, “Thanks to Mark Hertzberg, Racine, Wisconsin became a BikeTown. . . . give a shout out to Hertz. He deserves it.”

He certainly does. Without realizing it, Mark set Racine on a course that would lead to the completion of the first bicycle and pedestrian master plan in the city’s history. The story is more than a decade in the making, and one that shows what a dedicated group of citizen advocates can accomplish when they have the patience and the persistence to chase their vision, adjust course when necessary, and find the resources they need to get it done. One of the many resources Mark tapped in Racine’s BikeTown experience was the Wisconsin Bike Fed. Our own Dave Schlabowske worked with Mark to develop a strategy for Racine to take advantage of the interest and enthusiasm that BikeTown generated, and keep things moving forward. One of the tactics was to convene a Racine Citizen Bicycle Advisory Council. That is when Mark contacted me to see if I’d like to get involved in making things better for bike riders in my hometown.

Mark also tapped his fellow members of the Kenosha Racine (KR) Bike Club to get involved. As a group of us began to meet and figure out what we should do, Mark suggested that we shoot for earning a Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists. It was a pretty aspirational goal at the time. In 2006, the only Wisconsin cities on the list were Madison (Gold) and Milwaukee (Bronze); we all knew that Racine was nowhere near as bike-friendly as Madison. At the same time, it was a goal that we all wanted to achieve, so we set after it.

Bike Fed Planning Manager Sarah Gaskell leads a public outreach session in Racine (left opposite) in which citizens can provide input with sticky notes (below). The 10 mile Lake Michigan Pathway along the Roor River is great existing trail in Racine. (opening and bleow).

2005 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2009 â&#x2020;&#x2019; THE GROUP MEANDERS We soon learned that stating the goal and achieving the goal were very different things. For the next few years, the group stumbled for direction and our energy waxed and waned as a clear path forward remained elusive. Then, a group of other citizen advocates from around the state and I joined some Bike Fed staff at the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC. Organized each year by the League of American Bicyclists, that first summit was an incredible experience in participatory democracy. We also learned a tremendous amount in the informational break-out sessions. I left Washington with renewed energy and ideas. After attending numerous sessions on advocacy and hearing the success stories of other communities, I had an epiphany: there was no way we were going to earn a Bicycle Friendly Community designation without first having a bicycle master plan for our city. This was a significant advance in our thinking, because it gave us a much more tangible goal on which we could focus, and one that would still move us toward the bigger goal.

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for the plan. One benefit of this approach was that we would be able to choose our planning consultant without having to go through a City request-for-proposal process. As advocates for better bicycling, we knew we wanted to work with the Bike Fed when it came time to develop our plan.

Sarah Gaskell and I at one of the public meetings in Racine. People biked to the meetings, even in the winter showing real demand.

2010 → SHOW ME THE MONEY The only problem with our new goal was that we did not have the expertise to do a bike plan ourselves, nor did Racine city staff. Hiring a qualified planning and engineering consulting firm to do a bike plan for a city the size of Racine would cost between $35,000 and $100,000, money neither Racine nor we had. We couldn’t even apply for a transportation grant to do the plan because the state budget eliminated money for planning right about the time we were ready to apply. Around this time, Jon Antonneau joined our effort and quickly showed us how it’s done. Our fellow KR Bike Club member and father of Kaitie Antonneau, the national champion bike racer, applied for and received a $1,000 grant from his local Rotary Club, of which he was also a member. With this early success, we made the big decision to see if we could privately fundraise

2012 → A BIG BOOST With Jon’s leadership, and wise counsel from the Bike Fed’s planning manager, Sarah Gaskell, we identified a budget number for the plan – $60,000 – which also became our fundraising goal. We started to research sources of funding, and learned all about local charitable and corporate foundations along the way. Here was another important point in the process: we decided that we would not ask any one entity for the whole amount. We thought that this would demonstrate our desire to build a broad base of support. Key to our success was our early ask of the Racine Community Foundation. Because our vision of a bicycle friendly community aligned well with the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for the people of Racine County, they not only encouraged us to apply, but also provided valuable coaching that helped us develop a stronger grant application. We had a great experience working with them, and in December, 2012, the foundation awarded us $10,000. We went into the holidays that year heady with success and enthusiastic about our prospects in 2013. 2015 → WE’RE IN THE MONEY Over the course of the next couple of years, we experienced both failures and successes as we applied to a variety of local organizations and foundations that we thought would be interested in supporting our project. Initially our organization – the KR Bike Club – did not have a tax-exempt designation. We asked for help again from the Wisconsin Bike Fed, who agreed to act as our fiscal agent to receive and hold funds on our behalf. In November of 2014, we secured our largest single piece of funding from a large company in Racine. We then secured a couple more final pledges, and brought our fundraising efforts to an end. 2015 – 2017 → GET TO WORK With funding secured, we were finally able to begin the planning process. During the early part of 2015, we began conversations with Dottie-Kay Bowersox, who leads the City Health Department. Dottie-Kay had been an early ally of our efforts and she would be our point person in city government. Her support

was crucial in shepherding the project through the necessary approvals to get a signed three-party agreement between the city, the Wisconsin Bike Fed and the KR Bike Club. The next step was to formalize a citizen’s advisory council which would represent the interests of the community in the process and help direct the planning consultant. Over the course of the next two years this dedicated group of citizen advocates met on nearly a monthly basis to share local priorities with city staff and Sarah Gaskell, planning manager with the Bike Fed, who was leading the master planning process. Beyond the citizen advisory council meetings, the Bike Fed also organized a series of public information meetings attended by the wider community. Sarah was impressed at Racine’s turnout — much higher than she had experienced with other communities. What was gratifying and affirming to the members of the council was that these sessions attracted many people who we didn’t already know, including many residents, community leaders, and business owners who didn’t even ride bikes. And they didn’t come to complain; pretty much everyone was there because they cared about Racine. PRESENT → ALL GOOD THINGS As you read this issue of the magazine, we expect to have completed our work and have a submitted a draft plan for approval and adoption by the City of Racine. The Department of City Development has agreed to take the plan as an amendment to the city’s overall comprehensive plan. This will give the plan even greater legitimacy than if we had sought its approval as a standalone plan. FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION Of course, a completed and adopted plan is only the first step in the process. Racine won’t be judged a Bicycle Friendly Community just because it has a new bicycle master plan with bold proposals. With our federal and state transportation funding nearing crisis points, finding the money to implement the recommendations in our plan will not be easy. But with the continued advocacy efforts from the citizens and collaboration between city staff and community stakeholders, local businesses and the Bike Fed, we can continue to make Racine a better place to live, work, and of course, ride a bike. To think this all started with Mark Hertzberg and BikeTown. Stay tuned! Thanks to John Siegert for this story. In addition to being a member of the Board of Directors for the Bike Fed, John is a longtime advocate for mountain biking in Wisconsin. WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

THE BIGGEST BICYCLING BASH IN WISCONSIN JUST GOT EVEN BIGGER Join us for the the biggest Saris Gala ever on Friday, October 27th at Union South in downtown Madison. Featuring special guest, Christian Vande Velde, two time Olympian, Tour de France veteran, and NBC cycling commentator. Tickets on sale soon at SarisGala.org.

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AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW WORLD CUP IS COMING TO TREK GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS. YOU SHOULD TOO. 34

TREK GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS 801 W MADISON ST WATERLOO, WI, USA

RACE, WATCH, PARTY. 09.22.17 X 09.24.17

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WORLD CUP WATERLOO Imagine your backyard barbeque was sanctioned by cycling’s governing bodies as one of the 8 most important barbeques of the year and that millions of people were now going to tune in because the world’s best cyclocross racers were now going to show up and race their hearts out. That’s essentially what’s happening in Waterloo, WI on September 24. We hope you will join us. Need a reason? Here’s 10:

1. IT’S A REALLY BIG DEAL There’s nine World Cups and most take place in unpronounceable Belgian cites. This is America’s World Cup. This is your World Cup. See you there: trekbikes.com/worldcup

2. EQUAL PAY World Cup Waterloo will be the first World Cup in the history of cycling to pay equal prize money to the men’s and women’s field. Sometimes common sense is a revolutionary act.

3. THE COURSE Trek’s backyard World Cup course is insane. Run-ups, flyovers, big screens, cowbells, horns, flags, music, the venue alone will be worth the trip.

5. YOU CAN RACE 4. IT’S FREE World Cup Waterloo is the only World Cup in the world that is free to attend. Parking? Free. Admission? Free. Beer? Plentiful and reasonably priced.

With over 50 amateur races being held September 22-24, there is ample opportunity for glory.

6. THE LEGENDS RACE Tucked inside the best weekend of the year are two costumerequired race opportunities featuring cycling legends Jens Voigt and Sven Nys. Your cyclocross abilities will not be judged but your costume is another matter entirely.

7. TREK HEADQUARTERS Come for the cyclocross, stay for the factory tour and hospitality provided by your favorite bicycle company.

8. THE FOOD Cyclocross has a culinary element that is entirely unique to the sport. In addition to traditional American event fare you can expect ample frites, waffles, mayonnaise, and perhaps even a stoofvlees stand.

9. SEPTEMBER IN WISCONSIN This is the time of the year the locals live for. The colors. The smells. The temperature. All perfect.

10. THE BEST RACERS IN THE WORLD We say this with no intention of hyperbole. The World Cups matter most and because of that, the best athletes compete in them.

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OUR FAVORITE CYCLOCROSS THINGS

BOONE AND CROCKETT The earliest explorers of the American frontier faced their fair share of obstacles. Rivers, mountains, and bears. So many bears. We like to think that these winners of history's greatest holeshot would have made great cyclocross racers and accordingly named the bikes that face the most obstacles after their intrepid spirit.

CROCKETT 7 DISC

BOONE 7 DISC

You're rolling into the cyclocross scene and looking for a ride that's everything you need and nothing you don't. Or, you're looking for a great all-around bike with road-style bars that's perfectly suited for everything from cyclocross races and gravel roads to commutes and rail trails.

You live your life in 60-minute intervals, and know crisp autumn air means #CrossIsHere. You love Belgian beer, wake up at ungodly hours to livestream World Cup cyclocross races, and want the best cyclocross bike availableâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the same one ridden by the pros of Telenet-Fidea.

Crockett is available in 2 models beginning at $1890.

Boone is available in 2 models beginning at $4,000. Frameset available.

SABERTOOTH SPIKES Don't let your chances of victory slip away on the run up. Bontrager's Sabertooth Spikes provide the right bite when you need it most. Cyclocross is hard enough. 535040 l $39.99

FRITES WITH MAYO Admit it. One of the attractions of riding hard miles is the reward on the menu. When can you eat frites and mayo completely guilt free? After a hard ride, a good race, and with a good Belgian beer. Double fried, and yes, with mayo. Not into mayo? You didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ride hard enough. Get back out there.

STRANGLEHOLD DROPOUTS Given the unpredictable nature of cyclocross, the ability to adapt is invaluable. Crockett's Stranglehold Dropouts permit seamless singlespeed conversion when it's time to simplify. WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

SHOW OFF YOUR CYCLING PRIDE

Visit WisconsinBikeFed.org/merchandise now and get the latest premium cycling apparel shipped right to your door.

THE BEST WAY TO FIND THE BEST WAY The NEW 2015 UPDATED Wisconsin Bicycling Maps, that are now waterproof and tear proof. Featuring State & County roads rated for rideability, Mountain Bike Trails, Bike Shops, State Bike Paths and Town Roads. This is our latest collection of Maps. A set of four includes the North, South, East and West geographic regions of Wisconsin or you can purchase each regional map 40

separately.

CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE

Marquette County Trails from beginner to expert WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a couple hours in the car when Lake Superior and the Huron Mountains are waiting to welcome you on arrival? Autumn is the perfect time to explore miles of trails in Marquette County, Michigan, filled with breathtaking vistas with fall color and sparkling water. Choose your level of challenge and ride!

HARLOW LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA CHALLENGE LEVEL: MODERATE

Known as a hub for some of the most unforgettable views in Marquette, choose Harlow Lake for a good workout with a lot of visual rewards. Hiking and biking trails sprawl around inland lakes and bogs, over rolling hills and vistas, and out to the shores of Lake Superior. This area offers astonishing panoramic lookouts and one of the highest points in the Upper Peninsula. With 39-miles of multi-use trails, it is a favorite for hikers and bikers alike. BIKE IT: Get on your bike and ride the many trails open to bikers made up of multi-use two-tracks or old railway. This area is also layered in single-track mountain biking trails, which rarely see the same number of bikers as those closer to the city. A best-kept secret by the locals, these trails range from intermediate to expert with chunky rocks, large step downs and technical, punchy climbs. The views of the lake and surrounding wilderness from atop the many granite outcrops shine in this area. Visit travelmarquettemichigan.com to get the lowdown on where to ride. HIKE IT: This area offers close to 19 miles of hiking-specific trails. For the best vantage points, hikers should opt for the Hogback Mountain Loop. This hike can be challenging and steep at times, but its peak is the second highest point in the UP. From the top, you can see all the way to the Keweenaw Peninsula on a clear day. If extended climbing

is not in the cards for the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey, hikers should head out on the Little Presque Isle/Harlow Lake Loop. This 6.7mile loop guides its visitors around Harlow Lake, along the shores of Superior, and over Bareback Ridge. Breathtaking views of Little Presque and the Huron Mountains make this hike all the more worthwhile. FIND IT: Follow Fourth Street north out of downtown Marquette. Just past the Superior Dome, you will come to Wright Street. Take a left. Follow Wright Street until the first traffic light and take a right onto Sugar Loaf Avenue. Sugar Loaf Avenue will come to a T at Big Bay Road. Turn left onto Big Bay Road and continue for about 6.5 miles. Take a left onto Harlow Lake Road. WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

MARJI GESICK RACE Danny Hill, Course Designer Here’s the low-down on the Marji Gesick 100 taking place September 22-23 in Marquette County, Michigan. Ready? This race is: Self-Supported. There are no official aid-stations. GPS is required. Yes, we sign the course, but we highly recommend GPS as a backup. Signs can fall down, bears might eat them, jerks rip em’ down. It happens. You need to be prepared for all of the above. Road Rules apply. What does that mean? There are no volunteers at any road crossings. You must obey traffic laws

and look out for yourself. In the event of an injury or accident… call 911. 13,000-feet of vertical gain. 100 miles (or slightly more). Welcome to Marquette County. Rocks. Roots. Gnar. Punchy climbs. Jump lines. Flow trails. The descents are as hard as the climbs. I’m not kidding. Don’t believe me? Ask someone who’s done the race. You never stop working. One participant said it was “like a ninja warrior course for bikes”. The Hundo a little too daunting? Take a shot at 5,000-feet of vertical gain and 50 Miles. Same drill. Rocks. Roots. Gnar. Punchy climbs. jump lines. Flow trails. The descents are as hard as the climbs.

Not a biker? Cool. We have running events. Same course. Only one guy has completed the 100 Mile Ultra Run. Belt buckles are the coveted award. Visit the website or Facebook page to learn more. The real victory is finishing. Through two years, 56% of people attempting the 100 Mile race have failed. We’re not kidding. You should be incredibly pumped just to finish. Sound a little intense? We don’t sugar coat it. You need to be able to take care of yourself. Sign up. Let’s find out if you’re Tuff Enuff. Take the Danny Hill Challenge and sign the dotted line!

MARQUETTE SOUTH TRAILS CHALLENGE LEVEL: EASY TO HARD Countless hours of planning and labor have been poured into the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) South Trails. This expansive trail system is the mountain biker’s ultimate playground. 72 bridges, 66 berms, and no shortage of tables, jumps, and drops help shape over fifty miles of professionally built singletrack. And all of it lies within a ten-minute bike ride of downtown Marquette. These trails act as another arm of the single-track maintained by the NTN that helps to shape Marquette as the Midwest’s premier mountain biking town. With ample support from the community, the

trail systems continue to grow and improve. Some of the coolest options at the South Trails include a dual slalom course, a progressive jump line, an all-natural terrain park, and freeride trails. Like most of the trails in Marquette, this set boasts diversity and offers something for every rider. For those truly looking to test their riding capacities, the park plays host to over 15 options for downhill and freeride trails. Riders should exercise caution on highly advanced trails—levels are labeled on the trail map and on-site. For those looking to explore a mixture of terrain, there is ample ground to cover. Among the miles of downhill trails and a 1.5-mile beginner loop named ‘Grom,’ riders can push their endurance with four different longer loops. Ranging between four to seven miles in length, each offers its own take on Marquette riding. RED LOOP: Also known as the Pioneer Loop, this section of trail serves as a great introduction to the South Trails. Following a burning climb up the Benson Grade, the trail dumps into the woods and covers long stretches of epic single-track. From the quick and technical to the long and flowy, this section of trail offers a proper mix of riding to warm-up for anything in Marquette. The route circles Greywalls Golf Club, a top-rated golf course in the nation. GREEN LOOP: While the beautiful Morgan Creek Loop may be the mildest of the four, it is not to be missed. Cutting through gorgeous Marquette scenery, this easy to moderate ride carries bikers on 7.1 miles of machine-built trail. Riders follow the Morgan Creek into Marquette’s wilderness on this stunning cross-country cycle on the Carp-Eh-Diem Trail. YELLOW LOOP: While work will be completed this fall to connect the yellow trail into its own full loop of single-track riding, bikers on this section are no stranger to Marquette’s riding diversity. Its trails – Off Grade, Pipe Dreams, and Gorgeous – pair steep, bench-cut climbs with swift and sporty descents. Riders can anticipate scenic views of the Carp River Gorge. BLUE LOOP: This ride is the most advanced of the South Trail’s loops. The ride begins with a steep, technical uphill section that acts as one of the main climbs of the loop. After the ascent, riders hit a speedy, welltracked downhill dotted with ups and downs. From here on out the trail gives riders a taste of everything. Sweeping flow trail, root-laden climbs, and technical rock gardens wait to challenge bikers’ capabilities. FIND IT: Take Front Street south out of downtown Marquette. At the roundabout, continue south on Front Street. At the first traffic light, turn right onto Genesee Street. Then take your first left on Division Street. After about a mile and a half, turn left as the road comes to a T at M-553. Continue for a quarter-mile, and the trailhead will be on the left.

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THE IRON ORE HERITAGE TRAIL CHALLENGE LEVEL: EASY

This Marquette County rail trail takes you on a continuous, 47-mile journey through time and back. Spend the day outside exploring the area’s diverse town centers, while uncovering pieces of each one’s past. The Iron Ore Heritage Trail was developed with the intention of linking communities and visitors to the region’s history. Making its way through three downtown areas – Marquette, Negaunee and Ishpeming – the trail is a multi-use corridor that cuts through the heart of the Marquette Iron Range. Interpretive signs and art pieces are used to share echoes from over 160 years of iron ore mining in Marquette County. There are eight trailheads along the pathway. Each has a kiosk with maps, trail guides, and unique stories about the region’s past. While the trail connects multiple historical museums and is littered with interpretative information, this ride isn’t just for history buffs. The trail connects vibrant downtown communities with diverse natural scenery offering a great route for a county-wide brewery crawl or just a good excuse to ride bikes for the day. Stretching from the Old Bank Building in Republic to Kawbawgam Road in Chocolay Township, this year-round trail extends 47 miles. There is a 1000-foot drop in elevation on the way from Republic to Marquette, so keep that in mind when deciding where you want to start your trip. 30 miles of the trail is paved: crushed stone in rural areas and asphalt near city centers. FIND IT: Trailhead locations are the Marquette Welcome Center, Marquette Commons, Shwemwood Park at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Jackson Mine Park, Cliffs Shaft Museum, and downtown Republic. Which challenge is right for you? Contact the Travel Marquette office for a customized plan perfect for you and your family or group. Embrace your Natural Identity in Marquette County, Michigan. 1-800-544-4321 or travelmarquettemichigan.com. 46

9 / 1 -3

BLUES FEST

9/3-9

C RAF T BEER WEEK

9 / 2 2 -2 3

MARJI GESIC K 100

NTN TRAILS

46.48° N

MARQUETTE, MI

87.66° W

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MARQUE TTE MOUNTAIN BIKE ENDURO

10/7

BARAGA AVENUE HARVEST FEST

1 0 / 1 9 -2 2

FRESH C OAST FILM FESTIVAL

PERSONAL GRIT

TEST YOURS ON MILES OF TRAILS JUST MINUTES FROM TOWN TRAVELMARQUETTEMICHIGAN.COM 1-800-544-4321

T R AV E L

MARQUETTE embrace your natural identity

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WISC O N S I N â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WO RL D CL ASS CYCLO C R O S S

STORY BY ZACHARY SCHUSTER PHOTOS BY BALINT HAMVAS,PETER DIANTONI AND DAVE SCHLABOWSKE

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WHEN FAMILIES GO ON VACATION IN JANUARY THE DESTINATION IS USUALLY SOMEWHERE WARM. FOR THE SWARTZ FAMILY OF MADISON, THIS YEAR’S WINTER VACATION WAS A LITTLE UNORTHODOX. They traded in swim trunks and beach hats for stocking caps and mittens and headed to Bieles, Luxembourg for the 2017 Cyclocross World Championships. Emma, now a junior at Marian University in Indianapolis, and Caleb, a recent Madison East graduate and now freshman at Marian, aced their tests at the U.S. National Championships in Hartford, CT on January 8th, where Caleb finished fourth in the Junior Men’s race and Emma finished fifth in the Women’s U23 race. The strong races from the Swartzes on the frozen, 50

Caleb and Emma Swartz racing at the 2017 CX Nationals in Hartford (upper and lower left); Kaitie Antonneau and Katie Compton racing at CX Worlds in Luxembourg, both in January.

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Emma Swartz (green Bontrager jacket) cheers on Katie Compton between her races at Nationals in Hartford, Connecticut last January. Three champions, three friends, Katie Compton, Kaitie Antonneau, and Emma Swarz in Luxembourg.

snowy course in Hartford earned them a spot on Team USA for the World Championships. Their parents, Andy and Kris, had already bet on their kids and purchased plane tickets, and Caleb and Emma’s success in Hartford meant Worlds would be a family vacation to remember. Both young Swartzes were stoked for their parents to share the experience with them. Emma commented, “It will be exciting for them. It will be nice to have them cheering for us and to see them at the start and finish line. It will be just like our usual family races we go to.”

CYCLOCROSS: A DIFFERENT BUT DIFFICULT WAY OF RIDING BIKES

The discipline of cyclocross is kind of the punk rock cousin of road riding and mountain biking. Cyclocross bikes look similar to road bikes, but have wider, knobbier tires to deal with varying terrain. Riders often have to get off their bikes and run 52

The Swartz family makes going to races like the Nationals in Connecticut last January into a “working” family vacation they enjoy.

up hills or jump over barriers. In Belgium, where cyclocross is the national sport, cyclocross is called “field riding,” which it turns out is a good description of the sport, with most races in the Wisconsin Trek WCA Cyclocross series taking place at local parks. The cyclocross season lasts from September to January in the United States, and thus course conditions play a huge role in the sport. This was no different at the World Championships, where early in the day Saturday, Emma raced on an icy, snowy course in the Women’s U23 race and later on Saturday night when Caleb raced, he had to deal with mud and rocks that emerged after it rained. Fortunately, it was not their first time dealing with the varying weather conditions of Europe in January. Emma earned a spot on the Women’s U23 team for the 2016 World Championships in Belgium, and Caleb made two trips to Bel-

gium and the Netherlands to race in October and December, respectively, during this past season. Caleb and Emma both do well on their mountain and road bikes, but it is the cold and mud of cyclocross they love the most. Said Caleb about racing ‘cross, “I think cyclocross is undeniably the hardest discipline of cycling. You have to be so good at so many different things. You have to be a good runner, you have to be a good rider, you have to be super strong, but you also need to be able to ride your bike really well. You need to be able to ride sand, mud, snow. You need to be an all-around incredibly skilled, fit, tough, talented person. I think it really brings out the best in you and it really requires you to be the best you can be.” For Emma, it is also the variety of the different conditions that makes her love the sport. “I like how every race is different. Every course is different, every condition, like outdoor weather conditions are different. I like the challenge that comes WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

“I THINK CYCLOCROSS IS UNDENIABLY THE HARDEST DISCIPLINE OF CYCLING. YOU HAVE TO BE SO GOOD AT SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS.”

with that. You have to be tough, and I like challenging myself in that way too.”

WISCONSIN’S FAVORITE CYCLOCROSS DAUGHTER

Caleb and Emma were not the only Wisconsinites who made the trek to Bieles. Joining them on the Elite Women’s team was Wisconsin cycling’s favorite daughter Kaitlin Antonneau. Antonneau grew up in Racine and was a regular at Wisconsin cyclocross races until she headed off to Marian University for college and then to her current home in Colorado Springs, CO. Antonneau said her time in Wisconsin helped prepare her for the success she has been having, “It’s very easy for me to say that Wisconsin definitely has one of the best, if not the best racing series in the nation with the WCA! I’m removed from it now but I definitely miss the community there is within the WCA series. The cyclocross races were so well put together and the racing was hard, while at the same time each race was such a social event. My time spent racing the WCA Cyclocross series is definitely a big reason as to why I’m able to do what I do today.” Antonneau’s lime green kit of the elite Cannondale Cyclocrossworld team has been a regular on Elite Women’s podiums since 2010 as she

has established herself as one of the top women ‘cross racers in the United States. Antonneau finished third at the snowy National Championships in Hartford, and was the top finishing American women in Bieles in 10th place. Her top ten in Bieles capped off a special season for the Wisconsin native. During the second weekend of the U.S. season, Antonneau pulled off a thrilling victory in front of friends, family, and the Wisconsin ‘cross community on the second day of the Trek CXC Cup in Waterloo. The next weekend, she finished third at the first ever Jingle Cross World Cup in Iowa City, Iowa. She has been racing at Jingle Cross for a decade, so the Waterloo-Jingle Cross podiums were a special accomplishment. Said Antonneau, “It was very special. So so special. I really wanted to win [the Sunday race] again because I won that day the year before as well. That victory was only my fourth [major] win, but it was a lesson in that it’s really hard to win and when I do win I really want to enjoy all the work and team effort that it took to make that win happen. But it was super fun to be

Cyclocross in Europe is hugely popular and draws thousands of spectators at races like Worlds.

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able to win again in front of my family and friends.” The lights at Trek will be even brighter for Kaitie, and Caleb and Emma Swartz in 2017. The day before the World Championships, Trek announced it will be hosting the first-ever World Cup Waterloo on September 22-24 at the Trek Factory grounds. The World Cups are to cyclocross what majors are to golf, Grand Slam events are to tennis, and the playoffs are to most team sports. The race at Trek is always a homecoming for Caleb and Emma, who both race for the Trek Cyclocross Collective team, and Kaitie will likely be representing Team USA in the World Cup race on Sunday, September 24th in front of

Compton warms up before Worlds (below), and we will let you guess what the “F” stands for in KFC (upper right). Mud and cold are a part of life for Antonneau (right), who nips Compton for the hole shot at the start in Hartford (bottom right).

countless Wisconsin friends and family.

THE TREK CONNECTION

As Trek Bicycle has grown into a cyclocross mainstay in Wisconsin and now the world, they have been aided by a strong relationship with perhaps the greatest American cyclist of all-time Katie Compton. Compton has won the U.S. Cyclocross National Championships 13 times and has reached the top three at the world championships four times. Although she is not from Wisconsin, Compton has benefited from Trek’s generous support, and in return has brought championships to the Wisconsin brand. Part of Compton’s amazing run at the top of American cyclocross is due to her incredible attention to detail. Compton signed with Trek about seven years ago, right when the company was looking to start making cyclocross bikes. She had the opportunity to work with Trek on developing the Crockett and then the elite machine that is the Trek Boone. Said Compton about working with Trek, “It was fun to work with them to develop those bikes and then just continue the relationship as long as we have. And then to see them support ‘cross and help grow it year after year, it’s been a really good experience and it’s been fun.” The work Compton and Trek have put into

CX EVENTS COMING UP IN WISCONSIN Sat, 9/2 Oconomowoc VeloCause CX Relay Sat, 9/9 Milwaukee Cross-Shooshko Sun 9/10 Milwaukee Humboldt Park Cyclocross Fri, 9/15 Iowa City Jingle Cross Sat, 9/16 Iowa City Jingle Cross Sun, 9/17 Iowa City Jingle Cross Fri, 9/22 Waterloo Trek CXC Sat, 9/23 Waterloo Trek CXC Sun, 9/24 Waterloo Trek CXC Sat, 9/30 Manitowoc Flyover Silver Creek Sun, 10/1 Wausau Cross of the North Sat, 10/7 Grafton Grafton PumpkinCross Sun, 10/8 Kimberly Diablo River Cross

Sat, 10/14 Verona Fitchrona Cross Omnium Sun, 10/15 Fitchburg Fitchrona Cross Omnium Sat, 10/21 Milwaukee GP Jo Vanderaffe Sun, 10/22 Waterloo Battle of Waterloo CX Sat, 10/28 Sun Prairie Crossfire (Angell Park) Sun, 10/29 Sun Prairie Sun Prairie Cup Sat, 11/4 Milwaukee Estabrook Park Beer Garden Classic Sun, 11/5 Cambridge Cam Rock Cross Sat, 11/11 Milwaukee Sijan Cross Sun, 11/12 Sheboygan Fat Kats CX Race Sat, 11/18 Oshkosh Sunnyview Cross Sat, 12/2 Waterloo State Championships at Trek HQ

Fri, 10/13 Fitchburg Fitchrona Cross Omnium [Non-Series]

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Caleb Swartz â&#x20AC;&#x153;warms upâ&#x20AC;? in single digit temperatures in Hartford early morning to review course conditions.

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Caleb races in front of huge crowds in Luxembourg (upper), where he (left) and Emma (above) were challenged by some steep, off-camber climbs on the course for the World Championships.

IMAGE BY THE WISCONSIN BIKE FED

the Trek Boone paid off at U.S. Nationals in Hartford. Early week muddy ruts turned into frozen bumpy ruts by the time of the elite races on Sunday, making the course a true off-road rally. Trek has added a shock-absorbed ISO speed decoupler to the front of the Boone, which made Compton’s ride much less bumpy than her competitors. “I know for frozen ruts and bumpy courses, the new bike feels pretty good. You can definitely feel the difference over the rough stuff,” Compton said. “I kept thinking when I hit those ruts, ‘I’m sure they’re really rough, but it has just enough to take the edge off. I think they’re rough, but it’s fine. I don’t notice it too much.’” Compton’s contributions to the sport extend past the Boone. One special aspect of women’s professional cyclocross in the U.S. is camaraderie among the competitors. Compton has been a mentor and friend to Kaitie Antonneau, and Antonneau has, in turn, been a coach and mentor for Emma Swartz. Some have said it is the mutual suffering that brings them together, but in the end, riders like Compton and Antonneau have done their part to ensure the next generation of U.S. ‘crossers is successful.

BIKE THE CAMBA CLUSTER AT MT. ASHWABAY, 2 MILES SOUTH OF BAYFIELD

WISCONSIN CYCLOCROSS ON THE NATIONAL STAGE

In the months of July and August, cyclocross riders can be found saying #crossiscoming, and with the calendar showing the month of September, #crossishere. The Wisconsin trio of Caleb, Emma, and Kaitie will have a September to remember with three days of racing at the Jingle Cross festival in Iowa City September 15-17 and then the World Cup in Waterloo September 22-24. The Swartzes have the added excitement of Caleb joining his big sister Emma as a racing Knight at Marian University. And Antonneau is Emma’s coach. So, in Luxembourg or here at home, the Wisconsin cyclocross family will continue to tackle the mud and ruts together. WISCONSINBIKEFED.ORG

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WISCONSIN BICYCLING EVENTS September Sept. 1 - Sept. 4, La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival, Cameron Park , La Crosse, WI, Fun Ride, Local riders & groups organize serious dirt encounters while mountain biking Hixon Forest, family-friendly ice cream rides, gravel grinding on farm roads, tours of historic neighborhoods, challenging road cycling through bluffs and coulees of the Driftless region, http://bicyclelacrosse.com, (608) 782-2211 Sept. 6, Corn Full Moonride, City Parking Lot, 1111 Crosby St., Stevens Point, WI, Fun Ride, Start at dusk (7:30pm) and ride about 2 hours as the Full “Corn” Moon rises. For safety, speed will be very casual. Your bike must have a white headlight and red tail light. Contact the event host to borrow lights from the Club. Helmets required, http://heartlandclub.org Sept. 9, September Song, Indian Mounds Park, Rice Lake, WI, Fun Ride, 49th anniversary, (715) 234-4127 Sept. 9, Krankin’ for Kids bike ride & walk, Trinity Lutheran Church, Mequon, WI, Fun Ride, Enjoy an early autumn charity bike ride along scenic paved roads and trails of Ozaukee and Washington Counties. Choose from three routes or a walk. Lunch and festivities after the ride. A long-sleeved dri-fit shirt is included with adult registrations, http://www.lsses.org/events/krankin-kids/, 8/28/14 2:04 PM 461-8500 (414) Sept. 9 - Sept. 16, AH 2017: Andean Health & Development Cycling Trip, TBD, Madison, WI, Special Event, Ride from Madison to South Bend to raise funds and awareness for a hospital in rural Ecuador. Riders choose 1 of 3 segments: Msn to South Bend (whole ride), Msn to Mke (9/9 only), New Buffalo to South Bend (9/16 only). Rides are supported and all ages/abilities welcome, http://www. andeanhealth.org, (619) 788-6833 Sept. 9, SepTimber Ride, Tribute Brewing Company, Eagle River, WI, Fun Ride, 1 of 2 ride options, a 26-mile trail ride or 50K road ride. Rides loop back to Tribute for craft beer samples, a brat picnic, T-shirt, and door prizes. Proceeds support development of bike trails for eastern Vilas County, http://www.septimberride.com, (800) 359-6315 Sept. 10, Door County Century, Door County Fairgrounds, Sturgeon Bay, WI, Fun Ride, A one-day bike tour on the scenic back roads of the beautiful Door County peninsula.Four courses are offered: a 100-mile Century, a 70-mile, 50-mile (Half Century), and 28.5-miles. Sept. 10, 48th Harmon Hundred, Wilmot High School, Wilmot, WI, Fun Ride, A non-competitive scenic ride through Southern Wisconsin; 25, 50, 75 and 100- mile routes, http://www.wheelmen.com/harmon_hundred.asp Sept. 11 - Sept. 15, Door County Holiday, Best Western, Sturgeon Bay, WI, Fun Ride, Fully supported tour includes Hotels only $665! Shoreline route through Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, and Peninsula State Park. Peaceful backroads, picturesque harbors, quaint towns, and roads seemingly created just for bikers. Hosted by Pedal Across Wisconsin, http://www.pedalacrosswisconsin.com/index.html 62

Sept. 15 - Sept. 16, Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, Mt. Telemark-Cable, WI, Cable & Hayward, WI, Off-Road Race, Fat tire racing and fun in northwestern Wisconsin since 1983. The nation’s largest mass start point to point off road event. Registrations limited to 3,100 on a first come first served basis, https://www. cheqfattire.com, (715) 798-3594 Sept. 16, 18th Annual Lakes & Leaves Bike Ride, Summit Lake Park, Summit Lake, WI, Fun Ride, Ride through the spectacular scenery of northern Langlade County! Four different route lengths (6, 18, 38, & 62-miles) & something for everyone, https://www.antigochamber.com, (715) 623-4134 Sept. 16, 18th Annual Maywood Earth Ride, Maywood, Sheboygan, WI, Fun Ride, Enjoy 12, 25, 50, 70, 100, or 112-miles of cycling in scenic Sheboygan County. Breakfast, lunch, rest stops, SAG support, and post-ride activities. On-site camping and day of registration available. Proceeds support environmental education at Maywood, http://www.gomaywood.org/earthride.htm, (920) 459-3906 Sept. 16, Peninsula Century Fall Challenge, Sister Bay Waterfront Park, Sister Bay, WI, Fun Ride, Ride through Northern Door County’s scenic backroads and along the shore on routes of 25, 50, 62, and 100 miles. Post-ride party at Sister Bay’s Waterfront Park featuring food from local chefs and locally brewed beer from the Door County Brewing Company, http://www.peninsulacenturyfallchallenge.com, (920) 915-9880 Sept. 16, Madison Tour de Cure, American Family Corporate Headquarters, Madison, WI , WI, Special Event, An unforgettable experience; very well organized with cycling routes available for all skill levels. New in 2017, a 1-mile and 3-mile walk option, as well as a 5k run! Something for all participants to enjoy on event day. Mission: stop diabetes, http://www.diabetes.org/madtour, (608) 222-7785 Sept. 16, Kickapoo Brave Ride, Kickapoo Stump Dodger Campground, Gays Mills, WI, Fun Ride, Brave the 9th Annual Kickapoo Brave (Bluffs, Rivers, and Valley Event) Ride in the heart of the Driftless area. Enjoy roads with breathtaking scenery through rolling hills, deep river valleys, and across ridge tops with panoramic views, http://www.KickapooBraveRide.com,(608) 326-6658 Sept. 17, Bike the Barns, Lake Farm Park, Madison, WI, Special Event, This charity bicycle ride tours CSA farms in beautiful southern Wisconsin and raises funds for fresh food for all. Riders enjoy gourmet local food throughout the day and participate in farm tours, while listening to festive live tunes. Register early, this is a sell-out event, http://www.csacoalition.org/events/bike-the-barns, (608) 226-0300 Sept. 17, Autumn Trek, Hoffman Park, River Falls, WI, Fun Ride, Experience four scenic country routes from moderate to the ultimate challenge for biking enthusiasts of all ages. Each route is marked & mapped with rest stops along the way. Enjoy a great ride & support safe biking, https://www.rivervalleytrails.org Sept. 17, The Ride, Prairie Lakes, Sun Prairie, WI, Special Event, A bicycle benefit for UW cancer research and to celebrate life. The Ride travels through beautiful Wisconsin countryside. With five routes to choose from, there’s a ride for beginners to seasoned cyclists. Fund raise as a team or individual http://www.theridewi.org, (608) 616-9905 Sept. 17, Devil’s Challenge Triathlon, Devil’s Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI, MultiSport Event, The final race in the Wisconsin Triathlon Series is a hilly sprint through the bluffs of southern Wisconsin. Clean water and a challenging bike and run course are a great way to wrap up the triathlon season. Athletes receive a T-shirt, finisher medal, and post race refreshments, http://www.on-road.devilschallengetri. com, (608) 316-5755 Sept. 17, Devil’s Challenge Triathlon , Devil’s Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI, MultiSport Event, Wisconsin Triathlon Series , http://on-road.devilschallengetri.com, (608) 276-9797

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Sept. 22 - Sept. 24, Trek CXC Cup, Trek Bicycle Corp, Waterloo, WI, Cyclocross Race, The Trek CXC Cup returns for its fifth year, once again raising the level of cyclocross racing in Wisconsin. Race on the same course as the world’s best, and then lean into the tape to cheer for your favorite pros, http://trekcxccup.com, (920) 478-2191 Sept. 23, 6th Annual Beja Bike Bash, Beja Shrine, Green Bay, WI, Special Event, Vintage, custom, & late model bicycle swap meet & show, http://bejabikebash. com, (920) 309-0891 Sept. 23, CamRock Challenge, CamRock Park, Cambridge, WI, Multi-Sport Event, A triathlon consisting of an 10-mile bike ride on rural Cambridge roads, followed by a 3-mile run through CamRock Park and finally a 3-mile canoe/kayak ride down the Koshkonong Creek. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, http://finishlineeventswi.com, (262) 490-1279 Sept. 23, Ride with RENEW, Renewable Energy Tour, Middleton area, WI, Special Event, Join us for a bicycle tour of some of the Madison area’s best renewable energy installations, as we raise money for RENEW Wisconsin. RENEW Wisconsin is a non-profit advocacy organizations in it’s 25th year of promoting clean energy in our state, http://renewwisconsin.org/ridewithrenew2017.htm, (608) 255-4044 Sept. 23, SidieFest Community Trail Building Event, Sidie Hollow County Park, Viroqua, WI, Special Event, This is a community “shared use” Trail Building Festival. The last 11 SidieFests brought out over 800 volunteers producing 11 miles of new, sustainable, multi-use trail. Join us this year as we expand recreational opportunities and enhance the community where we live, http://vernontrails.com, (608) 637-6993 Sept. 23, Colorama Bike Ride, Kitchenette Park, Merrill, WI, Fun Ride, 35thannual ride! Choose from 10, 30, and 50 mile rides along some of the most scenic terrain in the State of Wisconsin and enjoy the beautiful fall colors. , http://www. merrillparkandrec.com, (715) 536-7313 Sept. 23, Dousman Duathlon, Cory Park, Dousman, WI, Multi-Sport Event, In its twelfth year, this ride offers a lovely countryside backdrop bursting with fall colors. After you cross the finish line, enjoy food and other refreshments. 2-mile run, 20-mile bike, 2-mile run, http://www.dutrirun.com/page/show/845820-dousmanduathlon-tbd-2015, (920) 574-2972 Sept. 24, Fall Chili Ride , Emy J’s , Stevens Point, WI, Fun Ride, Ride at a leisurely pace on great, rural biking roads, south and west of Stevens Point, 25-35 miles, then return to the Friess Homestead for chili and socializing. The group will chose a route before starting. Chilly, so dress appropriately, http://heartlandclub.org Sept. 24, Apple Cider Century, Apple Cider Century, Three Oaks, MI, Fun Ride, https://www.applecidercentury.com, (888) 877-2068 Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, ColorRides, Chamber Office, Washburn, WI, Fun Ride, A weekend of free rides led by local bike enthusiasts. Distances vary as does the scenery, http://washburnchamber.com, (715) 373-5017 Sept. 30, Fall Wheel Ride, Kenosha, WI, Fun Ride, http://www.visitkenosha.com/events Sept. 30, Fall Color Festival, John Muir Trails, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forrest, LaGrange, WI, Off-Road Race, Mountain bike fund-raiser held at the John Muir trails in Southeastern, WI. Proceeds support future trail development and trail maintenance. Money raised benefits this trail system. Your trail. Your event, http:// www.fallcolorfestival.org, (262) 617-8272 Sept. 30, Bike the Barn Quilts, Jaime Bodden, Shawano, WI, Special Event, , http://www.shawanopathways.org, (715) 701-2781

October Oct. 1, 28th Pumpkin Pie Bicycle Ride, Ottawa YMCA, Ottawa, IL, Fun Ride, The 28th Pumpkin Pie Bicycle Ride, is organized by the Starved Rock Cycling Association. The Ride takes place in scenic North Central Illinois, http:// starvedrockcycling.com, Oct. 5, Celtic Cross, Fitchburg, Fitchburg, WI, Fun Ride, A USA Cycling sanctioned cyclocross race, part of the Wisconsin Cycling Association series, and involves multiple races throughout the day, with separate contests for different ages, genders, and abilities. Oct. 7, LAMBO-Rama, Clear Lake Picnic Areas, Woodruff, WI, Special Event, Join LAMBO for an awesome day of riding and celebrating the Raven Trail, one of Northern Wisconsin’s best mountain biking trails. There will be guided rides & skills classes. Saturday night’s celebration to include food, drink & live music at the Clear Lake Picnic Grounds!, http://lamboriders.org, (715) 891-1200 Oct. 7, Apple Affair Bike Tour, Apple Affair Celebration Grounds, Galesville, WI, Fun Ride, Bikes, families, friends, orchards, great roads, and warm apple pie! This long standing event gives all a chance to finish out their biking season! Route options from 6–75 miles (with great rest stops). Youth 13 & under free!, http://www. appleaffairbiketour.com Oct. 15, Milwaukee Tweed Ride, Bay View area - see FB page, Bay View, WI, Fun Ride, The Milwaukee Tweed Ride dates back to 2011. Get your old-timey bike shined up and dress in tweed (neither is required if you just want to join the fun). In 2016, 50 riders participated. To keep things fresh, we’ll be announcing a new route!, https://www.facebook.com/MilwaukeeTweedRide/, (414) 791-6457 Oct. 15, pertNear 20 , Bluedog Cycles, Viroqua, WI, Off-Road Race, A Mountain bike race for pertNear Everyone. This is a beautiful course that will ride across Vernon Trails’ locally made and sustainably managed trail networks at Hubbard Hills, Rusty Ridge, and Sidie Hollow. Also offering a pertNear 5 Trail Run! Big party to follow!, http://www.bluedogcycles.com, (608) 637-6993 Oct. 15, 3rd Annual Southern WI Off Ride Bicycle Rides (Ride 2 of 3), Middleton, WI, Fun Ride, Non competitive riding. 15 to 25 mile loop on private property. Can ride multiple times. Mixture of woods sections, climbs, descents and field crossings. Open To All Bicyclists. Ride start at 10 am. Stocked Rest Stops. Limited to 200. Adults $35 and Kids $20. , https://www.facebook.com/SWORBR/, (608) 445-8228

November Nov. 5, 3rd Annual Southern WI Off Ride Bicycle Rides (Ride 2 of 3), Middleton, WI, Fun Ride, Non competitive riding. 15 to 25 mile loop on private property. Can ride multiple times. Mixture of woods sections, climbs, descents and field crossings. Open To All Bicyclists. Ride start at 10 am. Stocked Rest Stops. Limited to 200. Adults $35 and Kids $20. , https://www.facebook.com/SWORBR/, (608) 445-8228

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