M A G A Z I N E 26 APRIL 2022
2022 RIDE GUIDE
2022 Ride Guide
RIDING THE SHORE FOR A CURE
July 23 - 24, 2022 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Scenic Shore 150 Bike Tour is a two-day, 150-mile, fully-supported cycling event that is open to riders of all ages and abilities. Additional one-day route options available of 25-miles and 75-miles.
Ride the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan while pedaling in support of a cure for blood cancer.
REGISTER NOW ScenicShore150.org
SAVE THE DATE Friday, April 22, 2022 @ SARIS HEADQUARTERS MADISON, WI
FUNDRAISER TO BRING MORE BIKE PARKS TO WISCONSIN
COME SUPPORT KIDS AND BIKES WITH AN EVENING OF
FOOD + FUN + BIKES
*use code
bikefed10
& receive $10 off
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$
Games
Auction
tickets
Giveaways
on sale now
Reece Wallace Pro freeride mountain biker
Want to sponsor or donate to the Gala? Visit sarisgala.org for more details.
THE
F O U N D AT I O N BIKEPARKS FOR KIDS
We are a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to investing in bike parks and envision a world where every child has a safe and energizing place to ride a bike. We make grants to individuals and publicly supported organizations so they can bring a bike park to their community.
In Partnership with
NON-NEGOTIABLES · 4
ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, WE’LL RIDE FOR HOPE. For 31 years running, The MACC Fund has relied on Trek 100 riders like you to help end childhood cancer and related blood disorders. In 2022, whether we’re meeting at Trek Headquarters or riding distantly from our respective homes, one thing is certain: the world’s best century ride is on—and The MACC Fund needs your support. Stay tuned to trek100.org for updates on registration, volunteering, and other important information. Together we can make a difference. trek100.org
BIKES
FOR EVERY ONE
WHEELANDSPROCKET.COM 4
We inspire all types of people to ride, through awesome events, and by supporting transformative projects:
Trail Signage 32 signs installed & counting
Bike Park For Kids Serving healthy activity to Milwaukee’s youth
Fix-It Stands & Bike Racks Apply for one in your community!
Southern Kettle Moraine Trail School Educate, build, & maintain sustainable MTB trails
Visit the Joy Ride Cafe located inside Wheel & Sprocket Bay View and Wheel & Sprocket Fox Point... Enjoy local food and drinks and give back to your cycling community!
Sunday August 28th, 2022 Free, family-friendly bike ride along Milwaukee’s lakefront!
All proceeds go to the Chris Kegel Foundation
WisconsinBikeFed.org
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YOU’RE INVITED! Join us for the Wisconsin High School Mountain Bike State Championships on October 22 and 23 and watch the state’s best high school athletes race for the 2022 state title.
JUNE 25, 2022 12, 22, 42, 62 & 100-miles $65 per person
Kids under 18 FREE
(includes t-shirt and lunch)
(t-shirt and lunch not included)
u Routes start and end in Riverside Park, 916 Labaree St, Watertown, WI u Food trucks and live music in the park for finishers u Optional purchases: T-shirts and extra lunch tickets u 100% of the proceeds go to the Rock River Community Clinic
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EVENT INFO AND REGISTRATION: WWW.TOURDAGOOSE.COM
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Connectors & Connections
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Cycling Gains Momentum in Green Bay
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Fat Bike Mecca
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Ride Across Wisconsin 2022
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Cross Country Adventure
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A New Dynasty for WORS
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Safe Routes Milwaukee
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Mobile Bike Repair Program Expanding
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Cycling Without Age
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MilWALKee Walks
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Route of the Badger
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Bicycle Inspiration
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Regional Updates
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Bicycling Events
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Bike Shops
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Bike Clubs
CONTENTS
WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Fat Bike World Championships, New Richmond, WI Costumes and camaraderie should put the Fat Bike Worlds in New Richmond on top of the 2022 winter “Must Do” list of everyone with a fat bike, even if you don’t consider yourself a racer.
Photographs by Dave Schlabowske
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Welcome to the 2022 Wisconsin Bike Fed Ride Guide! We all long to feel connected. For those reading this magazine, our need for connection is often met through cycling. Riding a bike enables us to connect with our bodies and improves our physical and mental well-being. Many M A G A Z I N E 26 APRIL 2022
of us connect most easily with friends through cycling. Strangers who meet on corners for morning or evening rides become companions who share post ride coffee or beers - and eventually become lifelong friends. Biking has been one of the only “normal” ways we have had to connect
Staff Michael Anderson, Milwaukee Youth Education Programs Manager Michael.Anderson@wisconsinbikefed.org
Michelle Bachaus, Community Engagement MichelleB@wisconsinbikefed.org
Anthony Casagrande, Mobile Bike Repair Manager
with other people during the pandemic. It also allowed us to connect to our community when we weren’t going to work or ball games or bars or church. Riding your bike connects you physically to your community in a completely different way. You can appreciate the smell of flowers from a neigh-
Anthony@wisconsinbikefed.org
bor’s garden that is thriving, curse the deteriorating pavement on certain
Bethany Deyo, Creative Services Coordinator
streets, nod to fellow cyclists, and say hello to people walking.
Bethany@wisconsinbikefed.org
Alesha Emmert, Government Affairs Manager Alesha@wisconsinbikefed.org
Kirsten Finn, Executive Director
For the first time, the Bike Fed has a “theme” for the New Year: Connectors and Connections. All of our programs and events seek to improve the
Kirsten@wisconsinbikefed.org
Connections between local advocates, community leaders, and elected offi-
Caressa Givens, Milwaukee Project Manager
cials. This theme also highlights key Connectors, important infrastructure
Caressa@wisconsinbikefed.org
Caitlin Hussey, Dane Co. Education and Engagement Programs Manager Caitlin@wisconsinbikefed.org
Grace Labinski, Business Manager Grace@wisconsinbikefed.org
Laura Mandella, Membership and Communication Manager Laura@wisconsinbikefed.org
projects that connect existing bikeways and communities. Improving our connections is critical to building these important connectors, particularly with all the new federal funding available. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has the potential to fund transfor-
Jake Newborn, Assistant Director
mational change in Wisconsin’s transportation system with a once-in-a-
Jake.newborn@wisconsinbikefed.org
generation opportunity to build trail connectors, resurface roads and trails,
Leilani Robertson-Hoyt, Membership Specialist Leilani@wisconsinbikefed.org
replace bridges, and increase safety on our streets and highways. The Bike
Chris Stindt, Communications and RAW Coordinator
Fed organized a Council of Advocates, with the goal of having at least one
Chris@wisconsinbikefed.org
Milwaukee Education and Projects Team Members
Angie Livermore Victoria McNally Barb Blick Maxwell King Jean Tenorio Jerome White Magazine Staff Editor: Dave Schlabowske Art Director: Tim Reddington Advertising Sales: Michelle Bachaus Michelleb@wisconsinbikefed.org
representative from each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, to discuss what our state’s priority projects should be. Connecting this group of passionate bike advocates has led to advancing trail projects and sharing best practices across the state. Looking to connect with others by bike this year? The good news is that events are back in full force! This magazine is full of upcoming social rides, charity rides, and races for any kind of bike. Get out your calendar and start planning which you will be watching and which ones you will jump into. If the Ride Across Wisconsin has been on your cycling bucket list, there has never been a better year to give it a try. The new RAW route showcases some of the most iconic cycling in Wisconsin, with challenging climbs, beautiful trails, and epic celebrations at Trek headquarters and the Harley-Davidson
WisconsinBikeFed.org
Museum. We look forward to connecting with you this year!
Follow Us!
Kirsten Finn WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Connectors & Connections A New Beginning for Cycling Advocacy in Wisconsin By Alesha Emmert
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avigating the political atmosphere here in Wisconsin has always been a challenge, bridging the gap between rural and urban priorities, left and right ideologies, and more. However, having a Democratic governor and a Republican majority in the state Assembly and Senate since 2019 only added to political gridlock. In 2021, after spinning our wheels on legislative initiatives that were deemed polarizing or not worth the time of the legislature, we looked for a way to convince elected officials on both sides of the aisle that love for Wisconsin’s outdoors, especially on two wheels, is universal. When we looked at this problem through a different lens, we saw a need to improve personal connections between our legislators and their constituents who are advocating for these projects in districts they represent and call home. We call this new strategy at the Bike Fed Connectors & Connections. For 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill gives us a new carrot to use with our Connectors & Connections strategy. While we are still waiting for the feds to set state apportionments, the bill already makes nearly twice as much federal funding available for walking and bicycling infrastructure projects in the US. So we are working with local advocates to highlight important projects in key Wisconsin political districts that could be built with those new funds. The process to access those new federal funds through state departments remains rather complicated, so we are helping local advocates and staff in smaller communities to understand the process and ensure they are ready when the funds become available. To do this, we partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Rails to Trails Conservancy, and the International Mountain Bike Association to create the Path to Developing New Trails guide.
Connectors:
Connectors are important bikeway projects under consideration that are particularly important because they connect with other existing bikeways and communities. Below are some of the key Connector infrastructure projects for which we are trying to improve Connections between advocates, state and local departmental staff, elected officials, and business leaders in each district and community where these projects could be built. Stewart Tunnel - Dane County The quarter-mile-long Stewart Tunnel is an iconic landmark and highlight on the Badger State Trail. Unfortunately, the Stewart Tunnel has been closed since catastrophic rain events in 2018. Years later, trail users are still wondering when this important piece of cycling infrastructure and Wisconsin history will be repaired and reopened. Bike Fed staff are currently working with local stakeholders and state agencies to address the biggest barrier for the Stewart Tunnel repair. It should come as no surprise to anyone that the main problem is a lack of funding for engineering and repairs. Because of the unique and historic nature of the Stewart Tunnel, we are exploring some non-traditional funding opportunities. 30th Street Corridor - Milwaukee County The 30th Street Corridor project is a vision for a paved, shared-use trail from Havenwoods State Forest to Hank Aaron State Trail near American Family Field on an abandoned rail bed through the heart of Milwaukee. The 6.7-mile trail would be part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Route of the Badger network. When completed, it would increase connectivity between two key state facilities and active transportation options in an underserved part of WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Milwaukee. This section of trail would offer not only a much-appreciated route for walkers, bikers, shoppers, and commuters, but would also serve as a community asset that promotes public health, safety, and economic development for Milwaukee neighborhoods that have been overlooked for years. The Bike Fed has been working closely with State Representative Evan Goyke and Willie Karidis from the Rails to Trails Conservancy to pursue funding opportunities, increase awareness and engage area community members, business owners, and leaders on the importance of the project. Highway 67 Tunnel - Waukesha County In 2016, work on the intersection of Hwy 67 and I-94 in Oconomowoc was completed. Along with the road reconstruction and safety updates, a tunnel underneath the highway was planned to give people using the Lake Country Trail safe passage across the expanded highway. The City of Oconomowoc applied for and received funding for the tunnel through the Transportation Alternatives Program, or TAP, which funds non-motorized projects. Unfortunately, the bids to complete the project came back higher than anticipated, and due to the shortfall, the project was never completed. The Bike Fed has been working alongside Waukesha County to find additional funds. The Bike Fed is happy to report Waukesha County will receive a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant and will complete the project this summer.
White River Trail Extension Racine County The White River Trail Extension project has been in the works for years, and would add 11 miles to the White River State Trail between Union Grove and Sturtevant. The extension is an important connector in the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Route of the Badger network. Last year, thanks to efforts by the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, local officials and the RTC, the rail corridor was finally purchased for use as a trail!
The Path to Developing New Trails Engage the Community
Define the Vision
Form a Team
Establish Roles
Seek Funding Engage the Community
Plan & Design It
Build It
Glacial Drumlin and Capital City Trail Connector - Dane County Madison and Milwaukee are the state’s two largest cities - it only makes sense to have an uninterrupted non-motorized trail connecting the two metropolitan areas. Madison’s residents and visitors already have the beautiful Capital City Trail that winds around Madison’s lakes, downtown, and out to more suburban areas. The Glacial Drumlin State Trail attracts users from all over the state with trailheads in Cottage Grove and Waukesha, which now connects to the New Berlin Rec Trail and then the Hank Aaron State Trail east to Milwaukee. The final missing link is a non-motorized connection between the Capital City and the Glacial Drumlin trails. Right now, the most challenging aspect of the trek between Milwaukee to Madison is the short stint between Cottage Grove and the beginning of the Capital City Trail on busy roads. The Bike Fed is working diligently with state agencies, the City of Madison, and Dane County officials to get conversations moving forward.
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Maintain It
Promote It
WIBIKE community toolkit During this next phase, important decisions need to be made about trail user groups and securing funding for the trail’s actual construction. The Bike Fed will continue to work with the stakeholders in this next phase of the project to advocate for bicycle-friendly options which will serve as a resource for design considerations and funding opportunities. Granite Peak - Marathon County Granite Peak is one of, if not the most well-known, ski area in the state. The slopes are nestled into Rib Mountain State Park, which is currently undergo-
ing its scheduled master planning process through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). DNR master planning involves laying out the future of what our outdoor recreation opportunities look like in different sectors of the state. In the case of Rib Mountain State Park, this master planning process has huge implications for cyclists, local economies, tourism opportunities, and so much more. DNR is currently working on a new master plan with four options that range from Option 1 with almost no changes to Option 4, which would allow for expanded skiing, lifts, and mountain bike trails. We believe Option 4 would draw outdoor enthusiasts from not just all over the state, but all over the country. Bike Fed is doing everything we can to ensure these amazing cycling opportunities are brought to life through the master planning process for Rib Mountain State Park and Granite Peak. That includes meeting with local stakeholders, state agencies, and interested parties to make sure we are presenting a cohesive and compelling case for Option 4 to prevail. Wagon Wheel Connector La Crosse County Much like the spokes on a wheel, the Wagon Wheel Connector in La Crosse would serve as a hub for hundreds of miles of trails between Wisconsin and Minnesota communities. While the actual project is quite small, less than a mile long, the benefits for trail users on the state’s western coast would be far-reaching. The project involves creating a protected two-way bike and pedestrian lane on an existing bridge that connects La Crescent, Minnesota and La Crosse, Wisconsin. On the Minnesota side, their portion of the project will be complete soon. It’s now time for the Wisconsin side to step up and get this project underway. The Bike Fed helped local stakeholders submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant early this year, and we are now waiting for news on whether they will receive funding. Fox River Trail - Brown County The Fox River Trail is a landmark trail in northeast Wisconsin, spanning 26.3 miles from Green Bay to Hilbert. With over 2 million visitors since 1999, it is one of the state’s most-used trails. Large numbers of trail users bring a greater need for maintenance and repairs. Specifically, sections of the trail are in need of repaving so that people using the trail by both foot and wheel can do so safely and enjoyably. The Bike
Fed has been working alongside local advocates and elected officials to get the trail the maintenance it needs. Brown County is applying for funds to complete repaving this summer, anticipating an answer this spring.
Wisconsin River Bridge Sauk County and Dane County The Wisconsin River Bridge project would connect two of southern Wisconsin’s scenic trails (the Great Sauk State Trail and the Walking Iron Trail) via a 500-foot-long bridge over the Wisconsin River. When completed, the bridge would further connect Dane and Sauk counties’ trail systems, creating a true trail destination for walkers, bikers, and hikers. Dane County and Sauk County committed $2 million each for the project, but there is still a funding gap. The Bike Fed has been working closely with agency and county officials to find other funding sources to fill that gap. Flyway Trail - Buffalo County The Flyway Trail is a multi-phase project in western Wisconsin that would create a continuous 108mile trail between Winona, MN and Reedsburg, WI. Phase 1 of the project from Winona to Buffalo, WI has been completed. The second phase takes the trail from Buffalo to the Great River Road Trail in Marshland. The next step for local stakeholders is to complete an engineering study and Phase 2 project budget. The Bike Fed is working with these local advocates as they move through this important next phase.
WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Highland Bike/Pedestrian Path - Ozaukee County The Mequon Community Foundation has been working earnestly to connect the Mequon Rotary Park with the Ozaukee Interurban Trail via a new 1.5-mile paved bike and pedestrian path. The project would not only increase interconnectivity between Mequon/Thiensville area trails, but also increase local opportunities for active transportation and recreation. The Bike Fed worked with project leaders to submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application earlier this year. River Trail - Vilas County The River Trail is a project that would add 10 miles to the already stunning Heart of Vilas trail system. With Vilas County being a premier bicycling destination, the River Trail would be a great addition for county residents and tourists alike. The major roadblock for this project comes from a user perspective - who gets to use the path? While local bicycling stakeholders reached a compromise with snowmobilers to share the path, ATV’s now want a piece of the pie. With that increased use especially for recreational uses that share seasons - comes more complex design and funding needs. Bike Fed is working with the local stakeholders to find a path forward for the project.
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Connections:
Building relationships throughout the state with advocates, elected officials, and stakeholders to help advance our collective cycling goals. While outreach about and funding for the important Connector projects listed above is important, improving the Connections between advocates, staff and elected officials at the local and state levels is equally vital to the success of any of those projects. The Wisconsin Bike Fed Council of Advocates was born from this need. Our goal is to connect people in every single Wisconsin county with others who share a common goal of making their communities and our state better places to ride bicycles and walk. The Wisconsin Bike Fed Council of Advocates will meet online every quarter to network with each other, share ideas, and find actionable solutions for local and state problems. From the first call for volunteers to the first meeting late last year, we have been blown away by the passion, determination, expertise, and grit our Council of Advocates members have shown. These improved Connections are the building blocks upon which the success of the projects above rests. If you have an important local project not listed above and want to join our Council of Advocates, contact Alesha Emmert at alesha@wisconsinbikefed.org or 608-334-4237.
BIKE THE STEVENS POINT AREA
Thrills on
Two Wheels
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@sachin1008
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On the Snow, Trails, or Roads Here are the top places visitors (and locals) love to bike in the Stevens Point Area. Share your trip with us on INSTAGRAM @StevensPointArea!
Lex Bernsteen Photography
@lemonknow
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@ jaredlinzmeier
Schmeeckle Reserve
Standing Rocks Park
Green Circle Trail
Road Biking
Tomorrow River State Trail
This 280-acre nature preserve offers over 5 miles of trails and serves as the Green Circle Trailhead.
Find more than 13 miles of legacy and flow mountain bike trails, for beginners to expert cyclists + fat tire.
A unique 27-mile trail linking scenic natural areas that follow along the Wisconsin and Plover Rivers.
Find your pace on many of the paved and low traffic county roads in rural Portage County.
Explore this scenic and challenging 28-mile trail, stretching from the Village of Plover to Manawa.
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FIND YOUR OWN PATH! Order a Pedal, Paddle, Hike Guide at STEVENSPOINTAREA.COM WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Cycling Gains Momentum in Green Bay Private and Public Sectors Work Together to Advance Biking by Amalia Schoone
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hen you mention Green Bay, the storied Packers franchise or Lambeau Field probably comes to mind. But an avid cyclist might remember the epic finish for the Ride Across Wisconsin on the Fox River, the competition at the US Fat Bike Open, a ride on any of the four major bike trails that converge in Green Bay, or the mountain biking at Baird Creek and the Reforestation Camp. The cycling culture in Green Bay has an amazing amount of depth and passion, thanks to so many dedicated local advocates, bike shop owners and elected officials who understand the value of a bicycle-friendly community. Located at the confluence of the largest bay on Lake Michigan and the mouth of the Fox River, the city of Green Bay offers beautiful waterfront views. Careful city planning preserved miles of natural settings now available to cyclists. The community offers something for every type of cyclist (road, mtb, gravel and fat bike) at every experience level. Private organizations, such as the Baird Creek Preservation Association and the Green Bay Bicycle Collective, an avid business community dedicated to supporting cyclists, as well as donors and local government collectively work together to build momentum for 18
biking here. The Bike Fed has allocated many of its resources, such as technical assistance, advocacy, connections and direct services, to support Green Bay’s cycling renaissance. For the past decade, the Wisconsin Bike Fed has been an active partner with organizations and coalitions around Green Bay to support cycling. The Bike Fed participates in the Active Communities Alliance, a cross-sector coalition focused on equitably improving conditions in the greater Green Bay area for people of all ages and abilities to have access to safe active transportation options. The community group Wello convenes the Active Communities Alliance, as part of its efforts to advocate for improved physical and mental health, and environments that support safe activity. In May 2021, Wello announced “Yield to Your Neighbor,” a campaign to remind drivers of their legal obligation to yield in order to promote a more active culture. Green Bay Representative Kristina Shelton has taken this one step further. Following the (fortunately not fatal) tragedy of a car hitting a child in a crosswalk, Rep. Shelton co-sponsored, along with Senator Melissa Agard (D) Madison, LRB 5241: Establishes Wisconsin as a STOP state, requiring all
motorists to stop at pedestrian crossways. Additionally, Shelton and Agard have co-sponsored other pieces of bicycle and pedestrian-friendly legislation with the support of the Wisconsin Bike Fed: • LRB 5204: Allows a local unit of government to use the power of condemnation for the purposes of establishing trails, bike lanes, or pedestrian ways. • LRB 2013: This bill requires that new pedestrian and bike paths be built with any new roads that are funded with state or federal dollars. This bill restores the Complete Streets language as it appeared before its repeal in the 2015 budget. To further support safe cycling, the Bike Fed will partner with the City of Green Bay to provide Bicycle Friendly Driver Training (BFDT) in the community for city employees, including the bus drivers, companies with large driving fleets, and the general public. The city of Fort Collins, CO created the BFDT, offered through the League of American Bicyclists. The Bicycle Friendly Driver curriculum packages bicycling safety education from the perspective of the motor vehicle driver, complementing traditional programs that teach the cyclist how to navigate traffic. In addition to this role in advocacy, the Bike Fed has provided resources and technical assistance to other cycling organizations here. With private donations, the Bike Fed recently donated a cargo bike to the Green Bay Bicycle Collective to launch a Mobile Repair program here. The Bike Fed is raising funds for tools and training so that the Green Bay Bicycle Collective can carry out this program in the future.
WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Public/Private Partnership Launches Saris Bike Park at Baird Creek Since 1997, the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation has dedicated itself to preserving the Baird Creek Greenway and Watershed, over 600 acres of primarily wooded greenway with over 400 species of plants and an abundance of wildlife. Nestled within the city, cyclists can enjoy miles of trails here, including double track (shared with walkers) and single track mountain bike trails. These technical trails feature natural challenges such as tree roots, rocks, and the occasional water hazard. With these trails so accessible, the community wants to teach youth to ride them safely to avoid injury. Baird Creek Preservation Foundation Executive Director Holly Baseman envisioned a bike park at Baird Creek, studied similar parks in Colorado and Utah for ideas, and reached out to the community for support. Numerous local businesses and organizations responded positively to the goal of teaching children how to ride the mountain bike trails safely. Baseman also credits the local bike shops for their passion and time spent building a community around cycling for people of all skill levels. With the help of the Bike Fed and the Saris Foundation, the dream of the bike skills park will soon become a reality. The Bike Fed helped bring this important project to the attention of Chris Fortune, owner of Saris, whose wife Sara grew up in Green Bay. Mayor Eric Genrich met Fortune at Baird Creek to discuss the park, and learned that the Saris Foundation requires a government commitment prior to making any grant awards. The Common Council and the Parks Department allocated funding. Said the Mayor, “There was no dissention; everyone recognizes the value of this bike park.” Baseman and the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation are extremely thankful for the support of the Saris Foundation, the Hendrickson Family Foundation, all the other donors, and the community. The Saris Bike Park @ Baird Creek is scheduled to open this summer. The park is designed to support cyclists of all skill levels, with tracks for beginning, intermediate and advanced cyclists, and will include an asphalt pump track, as well as a looping trail area of berms and rollers. This will serve all ages and skills, from kids on striders to professional cyclists. The Bike Fed will train the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation summer park staff to teach children how to ride bikes. Additionally, the Bike Fed will leverage state DOT funding to install signage at Baird Creek that teaches safe cycling through a QR code linked to a training video. This is part of the Bike Fed’s strategy to leverage its resources to build capacity for biking in communities across the state. 20
LAYOUT & DESIGN Start Hub: single point of access where tracks start The start hub will provide a slight gravitational push to help riders overcome features that are incorporated into each track. It will include a stone wall around the perimeter and a level platform which will be both visually appealing and will serve as a gathering place for riders.
Beginner Line: GREEN
B IKI NG SKILLS P AR K
The beginner line will consist of a series of constructed features with a variety of textures and shapes such as wood platforms, stone slabs, and dirt. The obstacles, features, and surfaces of the green track will help introduce riders to surface transitions, line of sight targeting, balance, and varying textures.
Triangle Hill 500 Beverly Rd, 54311
PROJECT OVERVIEW Due to expressed interest from local community members, advocates, businesses and our board, the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation has commissioned the services of Global Action Sports Solutions (GASS) and Community Trail Design, LLC to build a gateway bicycle skills park at the Triangle Hill Sports Area of the Baird Creek Greenway in Green Bay, WI. The addition of this purpose-built mountain bike course is to provide a fun, safe, and equitable space for youth and off-road cyclists to grow their skills on a variety of obstacles. These features will be good practice before encountering the technical trail system in the Greenway. The purpose of the course will include introducing skills to beginners with a beginner track, growing skills on the intermediate track, and challenging riders on the advanced track.
Intermediate Line: BLUE In order to provide additional skill building, the intermediate line transitions away from the flat hilltop and onto the slope. The intermediate track will bench cut into the slope face and use large grade reversals, changes in trail grade, and allow for flow, speed, and small airtime opportunities. The track will incorporate rock and flagstone.
Advanced Line: BLACK The advanced line will take a more direct plunge down the slope and will provide riders with both exposure and technical challenges. Using steeper trail gradient, the advanced track will incorporate elements such as chunky rock gardens, rock slabs, and jumps.
Asphalt Pump A looping trail area of berms and rollers, that are ideal for kids on striders as well as professional cyclists. The value of this track is to promote rider skills.
New Concrete Pump Track AT CABLE BIKE PARK Story and Photos by Dave Schlabowske
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he tiny Wisconsin Northwoods town of Cable, population 825, is punching above its weight class with a new concrete pump track at the town bike park. If you Google “concrete pump track” right now, all you will find is some stuff about a park in California and one in New York. But thanks to the vision of local resident Scott King, the Town of Cable Bike Park should be showing up in those searches soon. Scott used to be the head of maintenance for the skateboarding camp at the famed Lake Owen Camp, a world-class residential summer camp that specialized in gymnastics, skateboarding, BMX and inline skating. In 2013, the camp closed after 27 years of hosting tens of thousands of boys and girls ages 7 to 17 from 30 states and multiple countries. The camp was located just north of Cable on 12 acres on Lake Owen. It had three dormitories, dining halls, two gymnastics gyms, one indoor and two outdoor skate parks, community buildings, offices, staff housing
and multiple programmed outdoor spaces used for training, recreation and other amenities. Although the Cable Recreation Park does have some ramps for skateboarding, there was no place to ride bikes on jumps outside the stuff Scott built on his own property. About four years ago, Scott approached the Cable Town Board and proposed building a bike park with a progressive series of dirt rollers, jumps and wooden features and a concrete pump track that would be open to bikes, scooters and skateboards. It was a leap of faith for the town board to trust Scott and approve the use of a large plot of land at the town recreation park. While his experience managing the skate and BMX programs at the Lake Owen Camp gave them confidence, he had never built a concrete pump track. After the concept was approved, Scott still had to raise the money. While he could build the dirt bike park with his own skid loader relatively inexpensively, the concrete pump WisconsinBikeFed.org
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track was going to require purchasing quite a bit of material. So he began fundraising with a lot of behind-the-scenes help from Kathy Zuelsdorff. He was able to raise $10,000 in 2019 and build and open the dirt bike park last year. The bike park has proved to be incredibly popular with residents and visitors, which helped raise the additional funds needed for phase two of the project, the concrete pump track. Most of the work was done by Scott and his friend Brandon Kopischke, who have worked hundreds of hours on just the pump track. They did have a significant amount of help from a handful of other regular volunteers when it came time to pour the concrete. Numerous area businesses and the Town of Cable helped out with some materials. Brandon and Scott putting aside their day jobs in the contracting business to do all that volunteer work for the bike park and pump track is incredibly generous and impressive. Scott pointed out that while he is glad to be back earning a living again, the most difficult part of the project was convincing people that this would be a good thing for the community and raising all the money. “The hardest part was coming up with the concept and all the time
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spent in public and private meetings, staying positive when naysayers pushed back,” King said. Thank goodness for his vision and perseverance, because the track is bound to add to the popularity of the heavily used Cable Bike Park. The pump track opened last fall and immediately attracted riders of all ages, but there was not muxh time to ride it before the snow fell. This year it should prove even more popular. Following this success, another area community has already expressed interest in asking Scott to build them a bike park and concrete pump track. “I’d like to see these in all the local parks,” King said, looking over his work. “I think we could build them for around $25,000.” The early test rides for this photoshoot were impressive. The two younger kids, eight-year-old Anne Marie Barnes and her friend Logan Ciletti, 6, were both very nervous about riding it when they first rolled up on their bikes. After a couple of laps though, Logan was riding confidently and Anne Marie loudly pronounced “This is the best thing ever!”
For more about the riding and good life in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, check out Seeley Dave’s new website https://lifeaboveeight.com. And Scott can be found on Instagram @kingofcable. WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Mt. Telemark VillagE
MTB Park Story by Joe Vadeboncoeur
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or more than a decade, mountain bike riders have looked at the Telemark property and dreamed about how that property could make an incredible MTB destination. Frankly, new trails at Telemark combined with the already incredible CAMBA singletrack network, as well as the network of gravel roads in the area, would make the Cable area THE destination for off-road riding in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. So when the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) recently purchased the Telemark property, mountain bike trails were part of the plan from the first conversations. The planning for those trails has been happening parallel with planning to revamp the nordic ski trails and build a new base camp lodge. With that, the ABSF is proud to announce that we have
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contracted with Rock Solid Trail Contracting to develop a professional plan for a new mountain bike park at the Mt. Telemark Village. Rock Solid Trail Contracting has already done a site assessment and created a mountain bike concept plan for Mt Telemark Village. Rock Solid is the largest trail builder in the USA specializing in mountain bike trail construction. As a result of a commitment to quality and reputation, they’ve been hired (and rehired) to continually push the envelope with industry trend-setting trails and structures. With 70 employees and in-house planning, design, and fabrication capabilities, they are eminently capable of planning, designing, and building everything from a basic trail system to an iconic, world-class competition facility with engineered structures.
From the start, the ABSF and Rock Solid identified 5 key goals: 1. VARIETY:
Stacked loop trail system with cross-country, enduro, and downhill experiences that cater to all ages and skill levels (green, blue, black difficulty levels) and creates a more complete local trail experience on par with the best surrounding regional trail systems
2. BIKE OPTIMIZATION:
Trails optimized for mountain biking with a variety of cross-country, flow, technical, jump, and downhill trails
3. CONNECTIVITY:
A trail system that connects into the existing, surrounding CAMBA and ski trail network
4. PRACTICE AREAS:
Bike Park practice areas where new and experienced riders can grow and hone their skills. Bike Park areas to include a Stryder track for young kids, pump track, jump zone, drop zone, and technical skills loop
5. RACE VENUES:
Trail routes that would accommodate crosscountry races, NICA high school races, enduro races, and position Telemark to develop a national-caliber bike festival
Rock Solid has a diverse group of builders who have become master craftsmen who regularly turn dirt, steel, and rock into works of art that cater to all riding styles and skill levels. If you can dream it, they can build it. As an avid mountain biker myself, who has ridden many world-class mountain bike parks and trails, I have to admit that the planning process with Rock Solid has been almost as exciting as riding the trails they build – almost! After scouting the site, we determined there was sufficient acreage and terrain to meet all those goals of the Mt. Telemark Village Bike Park. With nearly 300 feet of potential vertical elevation gain, there is more than enough elevation to develop a good mix of climbing and descending lines. Trail systems ideally need elevation and varying topography to create a variety of trails that meet the diversity of mountain bike riding styles, while bike park practice areas typically require smaller areas and flatter terrain for the development of typical bike park amenities. The Telemark property now owned by the ABSF meets all those criteria. The current concept plan developed for Mt. Telemark Village Bike Park consists of 16.30 miles of new trail with a mix of 3.2 miles of enduro trail, 3.5 miles of downhill trail, and 9.6 miles of cross-country trail. Not included in the mileage is a Stryder track, pump track, skills loop, drop zone, and jump zone. The diverse set of amenities will truly put the Mt. Telemark Village MTB Park on all midwestern riders’ bucket lists. Look for more information and a staged plan to build in the near future. WisconsinBikeFed.org
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WISCONSIN:
FAT BIKE
MECCA
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Is Wisconsin the Fat Bike Capital of the US? Last January, the Borealis Fat Bike World Championship race was held in New Richmond, WI and it will take place there again in 2023. At the same time, Broken Spoke Bicycle Studio added the US Fat Bike Open to their very popular Snow Crown race series. Toss in the annual Fat Bike Birkie, and it sure seems like you can make a case that Wisconsin is the current Fat Bike Capital of the United States. How did all these fat bike stars align? We asked the organizers of these Wisconsin races to tell the story. WisconsinBikeFed.org
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FAT BIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Move to Wisconsin
Story by Chris Stindt, Photos by Dave Schlabowske
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n 2018 Chris Stevens won the Fat Bike Birkie in Cable. It had been around for a few years, having started in 2013, but was a relatively local event for Stevens, from New Richmond, WI. The race capped off a very successful season of racing that Stevens hadn’t anticipated, even a few years earlier. He wanted to compete on the highest level. So, how did this race experience develop into the (un)official Fat Bike World Championships coming to Wisconsin? Chris was looking for more high-level fat bike competitions and found the Fat Bike World Championships online, having heard very little about the event prior. So he reached out cold to race founder
and owner, Dave Ochs, who invited Chris and his Apex Cycling teammates out to Crested Butte, CO. Ochs suggested that if he was looking for competition, the Fat Bike Worlds have attracted some bigname bike racers, such as Lachlan Morton, current professional cyclist for Education First, and the likes of former professionals Travis Brown (Trek) and Todd Wells (SRAM), both of whom are former National MTB champions and Olympians. Needless to say, Chris was motivated to head to Colorado and try fat bike racing on the biggest scale. He had an incredible experience and went back to Crested Butte to race again the following year. Last year Covid caused some changes, but Chris still WisconsinBikeFed.org
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went back to the Fat Bike Worlds in Wyoming for the third time. Chris happened to be staying in the same hotel as race director Dave Ochs and one of the Borealis sponsor representatives and they had a hallway conversation in which Dave made an offhand comment about moving the event to the Midwest. Chris immediately proposed that the event should come to Wisconsin. “That evolved into the question of ‘Do you think you can handle it?’,” Chris said, laughing in an interview on Fat-Bike Radio’s Danger Gnome Podcast. He went on to say “I’m super fortunate to belong to about a 100 member club right here in New Richmond, the Big Ring Flyers. We have so many ultra passionate people, who of course all have our day jobs, but with the level of passion in this club, I felt we had the people to pull off something like this. And I’ll tell you what, so far I could not be more happy with the level of dedication and the leadership team.” Dave loved the idea of the event happening in a place where fat biking is quite popular and a new group of participants could get the Fat Bike Worlds experience. “Since January of 2016 when we hosted the very first Fat Bike World Championship in my home of Crested Butte, CO, I’ve always wanted to see it move around. In my eyes, it’s always been an opportunity to see other fat bike meccas. Wyoming was a great first opportunity, partially Covid inspired, as we were unable to put on the event here (in Crested Butte). It was a marriage-by-pandemic in the sense 30
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that Wyoming came to us to let us know that despite the pandemic, they were able to put on the race. After Wyoming, I worked with my man Chris Stevens, who has been to nearly every Fat Bike Worlds in Crested Butte and had been to Wyoming as well. I knew his caliber of racing. I knew he was a Type A person, so if there was an opportunity in Wisconsin, I knew Chris was the guy to do it. I think they really took the ball and ran with it. I look forward to seeing what the future holds in ‘Scony-style.” Dave didn’t know that Chris and his team Apex were part of a very large cycling club, the Big Ring Flyers, but that proved pivotal to the event. Chris and teammate Cheryl Iverson from the Big Ring Flyers were the two race directors along with a leadership team of about eight other teammates. Although putting on the race was a huge undertaking, the support from the team and community made it possible. The team even purchased a new groomer to create the world-class course at the New Richmond Golf Course. “We really appreciate the exposure that this event gives a small community like New Richmond, WI,” Cheryl Iverson said in the same Danger Gnome Podcast interview. “So we created a three-day omnium, with a Friday night obstacle course on a one-mile lap that includes bonus points for throw-
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ing bags and a football. After, there was a post-race party at the 45th Parallel Distillery. Then on Saturday, the big show kicks off with the big championship race, four laps of a six-mile course. Costumes are absolutely encouraged and there is even a bacon stop with a firepit. On Sunday we have a community pancake breakfast with Anderson maple syrup, followed by a fat bike criterium and a kids race.” The event weekend drew almost 300 participants from across the country and hundreds of spectators. Once again, none of the podium finishers opted to be branded; only one person has asked for that “award” the first year the race took place in Crested Butte. Despite the still cool branding iron, by all other standards the move to Wisconsin was a big success. With the race in the record books, a sign of just how good it went is that they’ve already announced that the Fat Bike World Championships will be returning to New Richmond next year. If you didn’t make it in 2022, do yourself a favor and get to New Richmond for 2023!
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FIRST US
FAT BIKE
OPEN
IN GREEN BAY STORY BY DAVE SCHLABOWSKE PHOTOS BY MATTHEW BECKER
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T
he Packers may be the NFL’s smallest market team, but thanks to their storied history of excellence, a trip to Lambeau Field in Green Bay is on the bucket list for pretty much any football fan in the country. Thanks to the Ride Across Wisconsin which finished there the last two years and the ever-growing cycling culture, Green Bay is now on a lot of people’s bike ride bucket lists as well. George Kapitz of Broken Spoke Bike Studio has played a key role in putting Green Bay on the cycling map with the shop’s well-attended regular group rides and the Broken Spoke Race Team’s success at the national level, first with Cole House and more recently with Alexandera Houchin. Houchin is originally from Wisconsin but now lives in Cloquet, MN. She has become a famous athlete on the world cycling
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stage with her single-speed wins racing the Great Divide Mountain Bike Race from Canada to Mexico as well as wins at other big endurance races. And while the January 22nd playoff game between Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers might have attracted more people, the snow, cold weather and first-ever US Fat Bike Open that was part of Broken Spoke’s Snow Crown series drew 220 racers from across the Midwest, with one racer coming from far away New Mexico! Houchin also made it up from Arizona where she had been training. Despite Houchin’s international status as an endurance racer, she really doesn’t come into stride until she is a couple of hundred miles into a race, so five laps of a three-mile fat bike course were more of a pa-
rade ride for her and a chance for other participants and spectators to see the famous athlete on home turf again.
could be somebody who goes on your bike once a year. You could be somebody who is in it to win it and wanting to race fast. So we host everybody.”
This inaugural race had a storybook finish, with 15-year-old Caden Budd taking first place for the overall win, just edging out his father Mike in second place! “I felt amazing on the first lap of the race. I was sitting in fourth for the first half lap, until I moved up to second before the big hill. After the hill, it was just the two of us. It would stay that way for the rest of the race,” Caden reported in his post-race write-up on The Nxrth website.
Besides tires 3.8” or wider, the only other thing all of the participants in any of these fat bike races seem to have in common is a DIY, goofy, costumed, full-face grin kind of attitude. Fat bikes just bring out the kid in anyone, so these fat bike races are truly fun for riders of all abilities. In fact, I bet if you asked, the majority of people on the start line for any of these races would not consider themselves competitors, just people out enjoying Wisconsin winter on a bike with big tires.
Don’t let the speed of the elite racers discourage you from signing up for any of the races next year. “You can be an everyday rider,” Kapitz said. “You
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FAT BIKE BIRKIE STORY BY DAVE SCHLABOWSKE, PHOTOS BY KELLY RANDOLPH + GREG SMITH
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T
he inaugural Fat Bike Birkie in 2013 filled quickly with 300 riders. The following year the Fat Bike Birkie served as USA Cycling’s US National Fat Bike Championships and maxed out the cap of 500 riders. The once-a-year chance to fat bike 47 KM on the famously groomed snow of the American Birkebeiner Ski Trail now typically attracts 1,200 riders. Even though the 2021 Fat Bike Birkie was unlike any other year due to the pandemic, with no international competitors, no spectators, no indoor gathering or warm spaces, masking in the start and finish zone, and no post-race party, it still drew a huge field. The sun was shining on the 2021 Fat Bike Birkie start line with temps hovering around 32 degrees. Held at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead near Cable, WI, riders rolled their way down the snow-covered American Birkebeiner Trail, on a looped course, as they made their way back to the finish line. Corey Stelljes and Sonia Pond were named champions in the Big Fat 47K, with Jack Brandvold and Bee Furlong first across the line in the Half Fat 21K. The field of riders was stacked with returning competitors as well as first-time Fat Bike Birkie participants.
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Despite the unseasonably warm weather and rain earlier in the week, riders were greeted with a perfectly groomed corduroy racecourse at the start. The course was fast and held up surprisingly well, thanks to the well-compacted snow base from the ski season, despite temperatures in the mid-40s by the finish. The Fat Bike Birkie now offers three distances to choose from: The Big Fat 47K, The Half Fat 21K, and the un-timed Fun Fat 10K Tour, so there is an option for riders of almost all abilities to come out and enjoy the once a year chance to bike the groomed Birkie ski trail. The 2022 Fat Bike Birkie is scheduled for March 12, after the press deadline for this magazine, so we don’t have the results. Hopefully, everyone had a blast and things were back to race normal thanks to a good base of snow and loosening pandemic protocols as the Omicron variant seems to have run its course.
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Ride Across Wisconsin 2022 Rails, Trails, Tunnels and a Ferry, the Quintessential Wisconsin Bike Route
La Crosse to Milwaukee, 235 Miles August 20-21, 2022 Story and photos by Dave Schlabowske
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or 2022, we invite you to Ride Across Wisconsin with us from La Crosse to Milwaukee on what is probably the most iconic Wisconsin bike route of all time. This year the Ride Across Wisconsin will take you through the famous tunnels of the historic Elroy Sparta Trail, across the Wisconsin River on the Merrimac Ferry, over to the world’s best rest stop at Trek HQ in Waterloo, onto the Hank Aaron State Trail by the Milwaukee Brewers stadium, and down to a huge finish party at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. It doesn’t get much more Wisconsin than that! With multiple mileage options and start/finish locations over one or two days, there’s a route for nearly everyone to Ride Across Wisconsin! And since we are riding on some rail trails, it is only appropriate that we partner with Amtrak to offer a train ride to the start in La Crosse! Read more about the train, the ride, the finish parties, and logistics below. You can also find more information and register online at rideacrosswisconsin.com. New Year, New Route We started the Ride Across Wisconsin in 2015 because our neighbors in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota all had cross-state rides but Wisconsin did not. That first year, RAW followed a 175-mile route from Dubuque to Kenosha in one day. The next year we added a two-day option with an overnight in Beloit. We then moved the start to La Crosse and the finish to Green Bay so home state businesses could capture the revenue from all the hotel stays, meals, and other travel expenses generated by the hundreds of visiting riders and their families. Offering an exciting new route attracted nearly 1,000 riders. This year we will keep the start in La
Crosse because it is the only city on Wisconsin’s western coast that has enough hotel rooms to host such a big ride. But to generate some more excitement, we are moving the finish to the incredible Harley-Davidson Museum, located on the Menomonee River in Milwaukee. The new route will also take advantage of the Elroy Sparta Trail, the first rail trail in the country! RAW riders will have the trail to themselves and this will be the first time the famous three tunnels (two at 1,600 feet long and the third at 3,800 feet long) will be lighted with luminaries! These long tunnels are normally pitch black and riders are required to walk their bikes. This is a very rare chance to check off a Wisconsin cycling bucket list item in style. The Elroy Sparta and 400 Trails are compacted crushed limestone. When the trails are dry, they are very firm and a regular road bike is fine. But you will be more comfortable if you can run 28mm tires or may even want to bring a gravel bike with wider tires in case it rains and the trail is a little softer. Two-day riders get to spend the night at a hotel in the Wisconsin Dells, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state. There is even an option to end your Ride Across Wisconsin in the Dells and meet up with family and friends to enjoy the rest of the weekend in the Waterpark Capital of the World! After the Dells, riders are back on low-traffic paved roads through the very beautiful but hilly edge of the Driftless Region through Baraboo, down past Devil’s Lake State Park, and onto the Merrimac Ferry to cross the Wisconsin River. The Merrimac Ferry is another popular item on the Wisconsin cycling bucket list. The WisconsinBikeFed.org
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ferry allows bikes for free, just like motor vehicles, and large groups of people on bikes get preference to cars. And this iconic ride across the river only takes 7 minutes. The hills continue from Merrimac to the Town of Dane, where the overall elevation begins to drop all the way to the finish at the Harley-Davidson Museum on the Menomonee River. In Waterloo, riders will be treated to the world-class hospitality that Trek is famous for at their HQ Rest Stop. Both one- and two-day riders can choose to end their Ride Across Wisconsin at Trek with 165 miles in the books. For those going for the full 235 miles, the route continues on low-traffic roads to the Bicycle Doctor Rest Stop in Dousman, where the route moves to carfree, paved trails. From the Bicycle Doctor, the Glacial Drumlin trail climbs about 200 ft over the next six miles to the Town of Wales, where it is pretty much all downhill to the finish! The Glacial Drumlin State Trail takes riders to the New Berlin Rec Trail, which connects directly to the Hank Aaron State Trail. Fittingly, the Hank Aaron Trail goes right past American Family Field, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Hank Aaron State Trail runs through the Menomonee River Valley, one of Wisconsin’s greatest success stories in bringing back manufacturing and light industry while restoring natural beauty to a former brownfield. The trail is landscaped with beautiful wildflowers and if the salmon are running in the Menomonee River, you might be tempted to stop and throw a fly! But we encourage you to stay on your bike for a few more miles down the trail so you don’t miss the party at the HarleyDavidson Museum. There’s a Ride Across Wisconsin Route For You! RAW began as an epic, hard, 175-mile one-day ride from Dubuque, IA to Kenosha with no other options. We added a two-day option to make the ride doable for more riders and moved the finish to showcase other Wisconsin cities along Lake Michigan. Last year because of the pandemic, we spread the ride out over four days. Thankfully we are past the (worst? of the) pandemic so we can go back to a more normal RAW. We had a significant number of people who really liked the four-day option last year, but those two extra days nearly double our staffing costs. Instead of more days, this year we offer a few shorter ways to Ride Across Wisconsin with us. 1 Day Epic Full State Option (SATURDAY ONLY): For the fit who want to test themselves, the 2022 mixedsurface 235-mile route with more than 8,000 feet of climbing is a real challenge. We provide the highest 44
level of support in terms of routing, food, and mechanical support so all you have to worry about is your legs. Because of the climbing and a significant amount of crushed limestone on this route, even the fittest riders should expect to average around 18 mph. Riders will also have the option of starting on the La Crosse River Trail, a crushed limestone, car-free option that shaves off a couple of miles and 400 ft of elevation between La Crosse and Sparta. Alternatively, riders can ride the same road route from the start in La Crosse to Sparta that we used the last two years of RAW that ended in Green Bay. This route is all on lowtraffic paved roads, which allow for a little more speed, but does add a few miles and additional climbing. 1 Day Trek Finish Option (SATURDAY ONLY): For those who want a one-day option, but might not quite make 235 miles, we have a 165-mile option that finishes at the Trek Headquarters in Waterloo. Trek has a world-class reputation for throwing a good party, so while this option is a little short of riding across the entire state, it remains a very long one-day ride with a really big finish.
Which Route is Best For Me? 1 DAY OPTIONS FULL STATE
1 DAY TREK
LAX
LAX
HALF STATE - SAT
HALF STATE - SUN
LAX DEL
DEL
WTL
MKE
MKE
Which 165 Route is Best For Me? MILES 100 MILES 135 MILES
235 MILES
2 DAY OPTIONS FULL STATE
2 DAY TREK
LAX
LAX DEL
MKE
235 MILES
WTL
165 MILES
1 Day Tunnel Century Option (SATURDAY ONLY): Just want the experience of riding the Elroy Sparta Trail when it is open just for you and the tunnels are lit? Want to ride at a more casual pace? Want to meet family or friends at the finish of your ride and cool off at a waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells? This 100-mile one-day option is for you! 1 Day Dells to Milwaukee Option (SUNDAY ONLY): Can’t swing a whole weekend ride? Want to ride the last segment with a friend? Always wanted to challenge yourself to get in more than 100 miles in a day? This 135 mile journey is a great route and ends at the epic Harley-Davidson Museum. 2 Day Full State Option: Even the 2 Day option is still a challenge. Riding 100 miles the first day and 135 miles on day two is no joke, but it allows for participation from riders with a much wider range of abilities. Even if you are fast enough to finish the one-day option within the time limits, you might want to consider the two-day option so you can enjoy delicious food and beverages as you take a break in the Wisconsin Dells. Then you can finish with plenty of time to enjoy the party outside the beautiful Harley-Davidson Museum along the Menomonee River. 2 Day Trek Finish Option: If 135 miles on day two makes you nervous, two-day riders can also opt to finish their Ride Across Wisconsin at the Trek Headquarters in Waterloo. Transportation Options With so many great 1 & 2 day options to choose from, we are excited to offer great transportation offers to get WisconsinBikeFed.org
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you to/from our host city locations. Please see the RAW website at rideacrosswisconsin.com/transportation for the latest information. The general information below should give you an idea regarding which option works best for you. FRIDAY, AUGUST 19TH Milwaukee > La Crosse via Train We are excited to partner with Amtrak Empire Builder to offer affordable luggage and participant transport to get to La Crosse on Friday evening for RAW. Recommended transportation: take the 3:52 PM train from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station Downtown (MKE) to arrive at La Crosse (LSE) around 7:11 PM. Park at/near the Intermodal station, register/pick up your packets 1:00 PM -3:00 PM and either take your bike on the train (space permitting) or get your bike professionally loaded (by Wheel & Sprocket crew) onto a truck for La Crosse. Train tickets are your responsibility, and much more affordable than the motorcoach. Bike transport can be purchased on the RAW website. Learn more about the train tickets at: https://www.amtrak.com/routes/empire-builder-train.html
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Milwaukee> La Crosse via Motorcoach Park at/near the Intermodal station, register/pick up your packets 11 AM -1:30 PM. Bikes will be professionally loaded by Wheel & Sprocket onto moving trucks with packing blankets. Buses depart at 1:30 PM to arrive in La Crosse by 4:45 PM. Some buses will stop in Waterloo to pick up additional riders and arrive in La Crosse by 5:15 PM. Trek Headquarters > La Crosse via Motorcoach & Bike Moving Trucks Park your vehicle at Trek Bicycle HQ in Waterloo, take a coach bus to La Crosse, and bike back to an amazing finish-line party at Trek! Registration/packet pickup 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Bikes will be professionally loaded by Wheel & Sprocket onto moving trucks with packing blankets. Buses depart at 2:30 PM to arrive in La Crosse by 5 PM. Wisconsin Dells > La Crosse via Train Ride the train, bike home! Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Take the 5:52 PM train from the Wisconsin Dells (WDL) to arrive at La Crosse (LSE) around 7:11 PM.
Registration/packet pickup in La Crosse 4 PM - 9 PM Friday or 4:00 AM on Saturday. Park at/near the Dells station and get your bikes professionally loaded (by Wheel & Sprocket crew) into Amtrak-specific bike boxes. SATURDAY, AUGUST 20TH Wisconsin Dells > La Crosse via Train Ride the 1 day WDL > LSE and take the train home! Plan to take the 5:49 PM train from the Wisconsin Dells (WDL) to arrive at La Crosse (LSE) around 7:11 PM. Note: Bike transport on Amtrak for this option is on your own. Learn more about bringing bikes on the train. Milwaukee > Wisconsin Dells via Train Take the train to the Wisconsin Dells Saturday night ro ride the 1 day WDL > MKE on Sunday.
Plan to take the 3:52 PM train from Milwaukee (MKE) to arrive at the Wisconsin Dells (WDL) around 5:49 PM. Find a hotel, stay the night, and ride to Milwaukee in the morning! Note: Bike transport on Amtrak for this option is on your own. Learn more about bringing bikes on the train. SUNDAY, AUGUST 21ST Milwaukee > La Crosse or WI Dells via Train Bike to Milwaukee, take the train home! Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Plan to take the 3:52 PM train from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station Downtown (MKE) to La Crosse (LAX). Note: Bike transport on Amtrak should be organized on your own. Learm more at https://www.amtrak.com/ routes/empire-builder-train.html WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Becoming a Kid Again on a Cross Country Adventure Story by Peter Diotte
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I
waited until I reached Phoenix to start my blog about riding across the country. It was spring 2019 and my goal was to ride solo from San Diego, CA to Jacksonville, FL on Adventure Cycling Association’s Southern Tier route. Six days earlier, I had arrived in San Diego, climbed on a used bike I bought on Facebook Marketplace, and started pedaling to Florida. I waited to start writing because, despite training and preparation, I wasn’t 100% sure I could do it. Just before flying to San Diego, I told my wife Mary that this journey may only last a few days. That I might turn around before I even got past the Laguna Mountains east of San Diego, and coast back downhill to the beach to sit in a bar for a few days. She liked that idea. Mary did meet me on the beach, but it was 43 days later in Florida. Three years later when I told her I was thinking about riding the Route 66 route from Los Angeles to our Wisconsin home, she responded “You really like to do things that give me stress.”
RESOLUTIONS Each New Year’s Eve, my wife and I stay home, cook a great meal, and settle in to create a prioritized spreadsheet list of items we’d like to accomplish in the upcoming year. We have spreadsheet tabs for Current, Completed, and Voided priorities. We find it fun to look back over many years and see how we did. In 2002, my wife’s number one goal for me was to get in shape. She said I needed to “roll off the couch, clip the chips, and put down the beer.” I laughed, thinking she wasn’t serious, but we did eventually agree to this “shared” goal and shortly thereafter started researching ways to accomplish it. I’m not a great athlete, but I did stick with that 2002 New Year’s Resolution. In the years since I have joined a fitness club, connected with a local bike group, and began doing regular weekly group rides. I also started going on longer charity rides. I was running quite a bit too, but in 2016 I aggravated a previous knee injury from skiing. My ortho doc said that to avoid surgery I could do anything except run. So, I switched gears and ramped up the riding again. WisconsinBikeFed.org
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STRETCHING Most of my weekday group rides were only about 20 miles. I did some longer rides, but I started stretching the distances more in 2018 when some riding buddies suggested we do a 500-mile supported ride from Devils Tower, WY to Pierre, SD. The guys that brought it up actually backed out, but I still went. I finished the 500-mile journey, saw some amazing sites, made some new friends, loved it, and increased my confidence. Two weeks later I joined some friends to do another supported ride – the RAGBRAI – a 500-mile 1-week annual ride across Iowa. This is a different animal with tens of thousands of riders. Each day typically ends in small-town Iowa. The caravan moving across the state is like Woodstock on wheels. It’s very high on the fun scale. Each of these supported rides involved camping. Each was a success, and they planted a thought: could I chart my own epic ride and carry my own gear?
THE WEIGHT Outfitted with front and rear racks, panniers, and a handlebar bag, my steel touring bike weighs 40 pounds. My gear was 50 pounds, and I weighed 220 pounds at the start, so I was pedaling over 300 pounds combined. Weight is an obsession for some cyclists, but the most important thing when touring is to be comfortable for long days in the saddle. I managed to average over 70 miles a day on my two cross-country trips. On a flat surface, there isn’t much difference between pedaling a light road bike or a loaded touring bike. The climbs with a loaded bike are a challenge, but the reward is the descent on the other side.
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SAFETY To address overall road safety, I have bright LED front and rear blinking lights on while I’m riding. I wear a hi-visibility and reflective helmet and have a rear-view mirror on my handlebar. I also use a Garmin radar device mounted off my rear fender that beeps and shows on my handlebar cycle computer how many cars are approaching and how fast. Finally, I’m always listening for traffic and glancing over my shoulder before changing lanes or turning. All of this becomes a habit. The other safety device I carry is a Garmin InReach Mini satellite tracker. This small device (fits in your palm) sends a location signal every 10 minutes via satellite to an internet viewable map. Anyone concerned can see your breadcrumb trail in realtime. The device also has an emergency SOS button to summon first responders if needed. It costs $350, plus $80 to activate and about $30/month account fee. You only pay for the months you use it, a small price for rider safety and loved ones’ peace of mind. Riding alone across the country might sound like a dangerous adventure to some, but the only real threat I have encountered has been an occasional unleashed dog. I find a pocket air horn is an adequate defense. In my experience, pedaling across the country will go a long way in restoring your faith in your fellow Americans. I have found people to be generally kind, often curious, and quick to help when needed.
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PEOPLE On my Southern Tier trip, I was forced off my bike during a wicked sandstorm just outside of Fabens, Texas. Looking for shelter, I knocked on the door of a random home along the road, and a young, unemployed veteran named Efren opened the door. He gave me shelter for the next 5 hours with his chihuahua named Angel and a pit bull named Daisy. What a gracious and generous host. Later on that trip during a cold rain, I pulled into a convenience store about 15 miles from the Kiln, Mississippi hometown of Brett Favre. My route did not take me through Kiln, but I was thinking about adding the additional 30 miles despite the rain. While waiting in line to pay for some power bars, a kid in line in front of me said, “Too cold and rainy to ride a bike today, we didn’t even ride our 4-wheelers.” Clearly, this young man had more sense than me, but so began a 45-minute chat with Eaven, 14, and Keller, 13, a captivating duo. Keller said he went to school in Kiln. His mother was Brett Favre’s classmate and she had played high school volleyball with Brett’s eventual wife Deanna. I got the impression that his mom wasn’t quite as enamored with Brett as me. But I imagined these polite, well-spoken young boys were exactly what Brett would have been like at their age. They noted that everyone around there knew them and that they “couldn’t get away with anything.” After a lengthy discussion about biking and crazy riding in the rain and what these boys do for fun, I asked if they had just come to the store to kill time. “Nope, we are riding around doing errands.” “Oh, on your bikes?” “No, we are driving Old Yeller.” To my amazement, the boys were driving a small yellow Chevy pickup. Not getting away with anything is a little different in Kiln, I guess. I decided my stopover in Kiln would be for a future trip. I got back on my bike and proceeded in gentle rain towards Biloxi. I had many other touching experiences with people I met, from a former touring rider in Winslow who slid a $5 bill under my bag’s bungee cord with instructions to buy a beer on him that night to an elderly lady who jumped out of her car with an iPad map to warn me I was probably going the wrong way just outside the Mojave desert. In these divided times, it helps to remember all the delightful and helpful people I have met on my trips across this amazingly beautiful and diverse country.
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SOUTHERN TIER TRIP: San Diego, California to Jacksonville, Florida In 2019, the night before I started my trip blog, I pulled into the town of Tonopah, AZ after dark with no place to camp. I had ridden over 100 miles that day (my first century on this trip). There is only one campground in Tonopah that I found by asking at a local gas station and it was two blocks away. As I wheeled into the campground, my trip took a turn for the strange. First, it smelled like pot and the guy at the outdoor registration table was backlit producing a sort of halo effect. He was pleasant though and told me they had a tent site for $30, “and it includes the use of our hot tubs.” He said, “You haven’t stayed here before? Well, included in your price is a hot tub area behind that fence over there with only one rule: you can’t wear clothes once you are past the gate.” Hmmm, I guess I’ll rent a towel for an extra buck then.
My blog post from that day goes deeper into this experience but suffice to say that after setting up my camp I walked through the high fenced area gate and found a dimly lit array of about a dozen steaming old cast-iron bathtubs plumbed with recirculating hot water. All were occupied, mostly by younger couples who reminded me to lose my clothes. I found a spot in the only group tub that holds about 15 people. If the nude hot tub experience wasn’t strange enough, the following morning I woke to a couple of miniature pigs and a group of guinea hens in my camp curiously checking out my gear and darting around. They were not causing any real trouble, so I left the pigs and went back into the tub area to snap some pictures of the hot tubs in the daylight. When I got past the fence, there was a naked guy scrubbing down all the tubs. He was not shy and said he’d been photographed hundreds of times. I didn’t include him in my photos but was impressed at the thorough job he was doing. Tonopah wasn’t typical, but every day on these trips has its memorable moments.
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ROUTE 66 TRIP: L.A. to Milwaukee During my Route 66 trip, I had spent a night in a hotel in Needles, CA. I’m fine with camping, but a hotel makes it easier to write and upload the day’s blog entry, photos and map. Besides, hotels have hot water, electricity to recharge equipment, Wi-Fi, and of course a temperature-controlled room with a comfy bed that doesn’t require setting up or tearing down the next morning. There are always deals on hotel rooms. To remain flexible, I don’t reserve ahead of time and negotiate a price in person. The day after Needles I wanted to get off Route 66 to do a nostalgic ride past a tumbleweed of a town called Yucca, AZ, that I had worked in years prior and then make it to Kingman, AZ by noon. Although only 60 miles, it would be a stretch goal given the wind and topography, so I was up early and on the road at 4:30 am that Sunday. To get to Yucca and then back onto Route 66, I relied on Google Maps bike routing. I’m a fan of Google Maps, but it sometimes gets the last laugh. As I was riding out of Needles, Google directed me into a gated community. The gate was open, so I pedaled through, but two miles later I hit the backend of this fenced community with no exit. I turned around, but when I got back to the entrance, the large electric gates were now closed. I got off my bike and started walking around, looking for a way out, but there was none. In addition, the road through this community was elevated and lined with garages while the homes were set back, all also fenced in, so I couldn’t even knock on a door. After about 30 minutes, the large gate slowly opened for someone coming back in. I scurried out of the gate with my bike before chatting with the entrant. He was returning from a coffee run and I likely had just missed his earlier exit when the gates were open.
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FLATS I had 12 flats on my first cross-country trip. I got good at repairing them and just treated them as a chance to take a break, have a snack, and just have some Zen time repairing or changing a tube. In 2021, I went with tubeless tires. I have to thank Vince, owner of Ben’s Cycle in Milwaukee, who suggested going tubeless and just bringing spare tubes in the event that I still got a flat. I had zero flats on that trip or since, with now over 3,500 miles on those tires. Thanks Vince!
PREPARATION & HOW ABOUT YOU? My secret sauce for success is to start early each day. I try to start riding before sunrise. Traffic is light and early starts allow more time to adjust for unexpected weather, mechanicals, route detours, or take the time to stop and enjoy a stunning view or have a conversation with a new acquaintance. . I train for these trips and get in the habit of rising early and doing something fitness-related, from a 15 to 30-mile bike ride, 3 to 5-mile walk or strength training. Don’t overpack, as I did on my first trip where I even took an extra saddle and pair of bike shoes. Both items were mailed back early in the trip. If you are interested in cross-country bike touring, I recommend starting with an overnighter and then expand to a few days. These shakedown rides will help you learn how to pack and gain confidence. I rode alone and without support on these two trips, but there are many tours you can pay for that include food, lodging and mechanical support. Some prefer organized trips due to their fixed itinerary and known daily distances.
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WHY? The Southern Tier trip was truly magical because it was my first. Both trips were amazing from numerous angles, but each was different. Route 66 follows a once historic route that has many iconic remnants of a bygone era. The Southern Tier is less traveled and is desolate through much of the Southwest. Every day provides changing scenery, experiences and at times emotional lifts that string together, creating an unforgettable flip book of memories. When I first decided to do the Southern Tier ride in 2019, I really wasn’t sure why I wanted to do it. It wasn’t until about halfway through that journey that I figured it out. I discovered that this activity was the single greatest feeling of freedom that I have experienced since I was a kid. Challenges become opportunities and occasional mistakes add to the adventure. Here’s to our inner kid and wishing you tailwinds in your own adventure. For more information on Peter’s coast-to-coast bicycle rides, check out his daily blog on crazyguyonabike. com/peterdiotte. The Adventure Cycling Association route guides can be found at adventurecycling.org.
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Teaching Safe Bicycling Train the Trainer Workshop
Learn to teach children bike safety skills Learn to develop and organize a successful child bicycle training event in your community Find out how children differ from adults as riders and how their crashes are different Understand safe riding tips and how to avoid the most common crashes between kids and people driving Experience hands-on hazard identification and how to reduce hazards
Dates and Locations COMING SOON. Most up to date info on WisconsinBikeFed.org or Scan QR code with smartphone
Bring a bicycle and a correctly fitted helmet. Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes; bring cooler or wet weather gear. Training is scheduled from 9am - 3pm. Lunch is not provided. Receive useful bike safety materials to take back home! There is NO REGISTRATION FEE, but pre-registration is required. For more info on hosting or attending a class please visit: https://wisconsinbikefed.org/what-we-do/programs/teaching-safebicycling/
For more information, contact Jake at
Jake.Newborn@wisconsinbikefed.org (414) 253-3331
Want to create a Bike Event?
How to and tips @
bit.ly/WisBikeEvents
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A New Dynasty for WORS Story by Chris Stindt Photos courtesy of Trek and Gary Smits
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he last few years have been difficult for many industries and bike races were no exception. Historically, Wisconsin has been blessed with many bike events, but last summer was a bit of a test to see how the return to normal racing would go. Would events fold or participation decrease? Or would the bike boom help grow new racers? It seems like most events were able to bounce back. It was particularly concerning that prior to the pandemic, Don Edberg, the owner of the Wisconsin Offroad Series (WORS), indicated that he was interested in retiring. Given the pandemic, many wondered if he could find a new home for this 30-year-old mountain bike race series that has become a Wisconsin institution.
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Recently, long-time WORS sponsor Trek stepped up to take over ownership of the series that Don started in 1992. Don initially had a 12 race schedule with over 800 participants at each event. Things leveled out and more recently the series ran with 10 events and about 500 participants. Don said that despite the numbers looking like a decline, it was actually much better for participant experience. Some back-of-napkin math says that people have done over 100,000 races during Don’s tenure! That’s amazing. Over the years, Wisconsin mountain bike trails evolved and WORS has been able to benefit from those improvements. Don said races have been able to have much more singletrack over time. He spe-
cifically mentioned the trails at Mt. Morris as an example - he personally worked on the trails, spending over 500 hours developing and building them. It was a proud moment for Don when he saw an early blog from professional racer Todd Wells telling readers how much he enjoyed riding the trails. Don added that the make-up of the participants has evolved over the years, as well. He said that the races have become very family-friendly as a result of the growing popularity of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Middle and high school mountain bike teams have dramatically increased their participant numbers and this bodes well for the future of the sport. The WORS series works, thanks to the network of local organizations across Wisconsin that host the individual races on their home trails. Don then coordinates with each host organization to ensure the courses have some basic consistencies and he has also managed the omnium points over the entire series. If anyone is worried that they might not get to hear the famous Don countdown before a race, rest easy; he will still be the event director of the Red Barn Classic at Trek this summer. Don said it’s been a great life for him, and he is very happy that things will be able to continue with Trek. The series gets to continue and it might even be able to expand in the future. So, what does the future hold for the series now that Trek is at the reins? Well, having the backing of a Wisconsin-based international company that produces Olympic gold medal-winning mountain bikes can’t hurt! Trek is also a partner with the Wisconsin Cyclocross series, the Ride Across Wisconsin, and more. At Trek, they use the term “new, better, and different” when exploring how to take awesome programs to the next level. That’s exactly what they hope to do with WORS - by maintaining the solid WORS structure we all know and love, while pursuing opportunities for “new, better, and different”. “We believe that WORS and Don’s endless work on the series has substantially helped grow the mountain bike community in the Midwest. We are deeply invested in seeing that growth continue,” said Eric Bjorling, Trek’s Director of Brand. Sounds like a great time to be a mountain biker in Wisconsin!
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Safe Routes Milwaukee:
Going the Extra Mile Story by Michael Anderson
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raffic safety has been at the forefront of many people’s minds over the past two years. Speeding and reckless driving have long been a community concern, but like other safety issues, they spiked during the pandemic. Despite these challenges, in 2021 the Bike Fed’s Milwaukee Safe Routes to School team has kept kids pedaling forward. We facilitated free Bike Camps at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Community Learning Centers, key infrastructure safety improvements through our Child-Friendly Cities partnership with the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW), and expanded walk and bike safety programs that are part of the Milwaukee Public Schools physical education curriculum. Behind each of these efforts is a champion who has gone the extra mile to make it safer for Milwaukee’s young people to walk and bike in their neighborhoods.
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The Bike Fed’s Summer Camps at MPS recreation sites are unique among the hundreds of Safe Routes programs across the country. Not only are these camps free to the students at participating schools, but they reach a population with limited access to outdoor recreation opportunities. Many of our young campers come to our summer programs with little to no experience on a bicycle. Thanks to our engaging curriculum and experienced staff, the kids are quickly taking daily bike trips to fun destinations across Milwaukee. These mini urban adventures improve kids’ self-confidence, sense of geography, and connection to the broader community. Planning fun and appropriate bike trips could not happen without the help of the staff at the participating schools. Shout out to Dr. Chan at Bethune for joining the kids at the Bethune Academy camp on a 15-mile ride to Bradford
Beach and back, and to Ms. Hilbert, at U.S. Grant School, who championed her own after-school bike efforts! People often ask how we ensure student safety when traveling to these urban destinations and the answer is that sometimes the Safe Routes we plan literally go the extra mile so that we can access trails and low traffic streets. At Bethune Academy, this would be a lot safer and easier in the future if the trail on the nearby 30th Street abandoned rail corridor is completed. Other partners and champions who have gone the extra mile are people like Marissa Meyer, Senior Transportation Planner at the City of Milwaukee DPW. She collaborated with the Bike Fed at schools where we have Safe Routes programs by listening to student suggestions for infrastructure improvements being considered for future construction. This Child-Friendly City Initiative was a key part of our Safe Routes work at both Lincoln Avenue School and Westside Academy, ensuring the students get a say regarding what they need to get to and from school safely. This collaboration contributed to our earning the 2021 Vision Zero for Youth Award. As we enter our third year of this effort, we are grateful for the DPW’s commitment to growing the program. Brett Fuller, the MPS Curriculum Specialist for Health and Physical Education, has been key to our Safe Routes program success during the pandemic; we experienced minimal disruption despite changing safety protocols. Thanks to Fuller’s input, the voter-approved 2020 MPS Referendum will include funds for the Physical Education department to expand our program to have three fleets of bicycles available for teachers, as well as an entire fleet of various adaptive bicycles and tricycles. These funds and other sources are also being used to develop and paint Traffic Gardens universally on all MPS playgrounds in 2023, dramatically expanding access to safe cycling education where it is needed most. Perhaps most importantly, the MPS Physical Education Department launched a district-wide Walking Safety curriculum for kids in Kindergarten through 8th grade as a way to celebrate Fall Walk to School Day in October 2021, with the support of the Bike Fed and Safe Kids SE Wisconsin. This expansion will enable the Bike Fed to teach safe streets habits to even more MPS students, doing our part to help turn the tide on reckless driving in the years to come. For more in-depth storytelling on our efforts in Milwaukee Public Schools visit our 2022 Visual Story:
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SUCCESSFUL
Mobile Bike Repair Program Expanding
BY JAKE NEWBORN
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ast year’s Milwaukee Mobile Bike Repair project expanded upon one of the program’s core goals: youth training. For the first time in a few years, we were once again able to train, empower, and employ new youth mechanics to assist with the ongoing work of providing free repairs and parts to underserved communities. The Bike Fed’s Mobile Bike Repair manager worked with five new teenagers who completed a paid two-week training program at our North Division High School shop. The teens learned how to strip donated bikes down to the frame and diagnose faults, as well as how to rebuild and adjust brakes, drivetrain, and bearings. Beyond learning bike mechanic skills, the Mobile Bike Repair training program gives the kids valuable teamwork experience. Once they successfully complete the training program, they are prepared to help each other handle whatever repairs come their way over the summer, under the guidance of more experienced mechanics. In 2021 we once again partnered with our former Silver City neighbors at Escuela Verde to teach condensed repair classes to their high school students. Combined with discounted parts and loaned supplies, the Escuela Verde students fulfilled their school service learning requirements by opening up a pop-up free repair clinic to school staff, students, families, and those living in the neighborhood around the school. The Mobile Bike Repair program also partnered with the PEAK Initiative community group to install a permanent Saris outdoor bike pump and tool stand in Tiefenthaler Park in Milwaukee’s Midtown neigh-
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borhood. The pump and tool stand are year-round amenities for residents who live near or visit the park on Milwaukee’s near west side. Money raised during last year’s Black is Beautiful Volume 2 ride was donated to cover its purchase and installation. In addition to the pump and repair stand, the Bike Fed provided additional tools, parts, and supplies. One of the newly trained youth mechanics was able to work at the stand five days a week throughout the summer to help the neighbors learn how to use the stand and tools, assist with repairs and distribute additional free parts and supplies as needed. We also held Fix-a-flat and brake adjustment classes at the park to teach more community members how to take care of their own bikes. While sending the Mobile Bike Repair trained mechanics to different neighborhoods is important, we take every opportunity to teach people how to do basic repairs themselves. Empowering people to fix flat tires and do simple adjustments is incredibly valuable in areas where there are no nearby permanent bike shops. A great example of the value of teaching people to fix their own bikes arose on one particularly busy midAugust day for the Mobile Bike Repair at Moody Park, at N 22nd and Burleigh in Milwaukee. The youth mechanics had already returned to school, and the Mobile Repair crew was short-staffed as a result. So when several young men came seeking relatively simple repairs, mostly flat changes, we decided to simply hold a quick fix-a-flat clinic right there. Some grasped the basics very quickly and helped the other people waiting to get flats fixed once they had our basic training. When even more people arrived, the newly trained volunteers helped their neighbors, freeing up paid staff to super-
vise, double-check, and perform more complicated repairs. We even gave out some patch kits and extra sets of tire levers to the volunteers. Those sorts of experiences are incredibly rewarding and validate the investment we and our donors make in the expanding Mobile Repair Program. The mobile service operated at eight primary Milwaukee settings over 39 days and staffed 17 other one-day locations with ten partner organizations. The program as a whole fixed more than 275 bikes in the summer of 2021. We weathered the ongoing bike parts supply chain crisis reasonably well thanks to all the generously donated bikes and parts we collect throughout the year. For 2022, the Mobile Bike Repair program will continue training a new group of youth mechanics in Milwaukee, and we hope some of the now experienced mechanics for last year will work with us another summer. With more experience and mentorship on the job, we hope some of them will choose to become future lead mechanics so we have enough summer help to staff our second cargo bike team in Milwaukee again. The upcoming year will bring the Mobile Repair service to Green Bay, in partnership with the Green Bay Bicycle Collective, expanding on what we have done in Milwaukee and Madison. With the success of this program, the Bike Fed is developing a Mobile Bike Repair community guidebook detailing what we have learned since the program’s inception in 2014. This manual should help other local bike groups start mobile bike repair programs in their communities. If you are interested in the guidebook and starting a Mobile Bike Repair program in your community, please contact Jake Newborn at jake.newborn@wisconsinbikefed.org.
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Cycling Without Age
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he bicycle is making life better again, thanks to trishaws piloted by chatty volunteers who help take residents from nursing homes for rides on trails and back out in the community they love. The Cycling Without Age (CWA) program brings smiles to the passengers, their family members, and the volunteers who pilot trikes. Even passers-by seem to share in the sense of happiness when they see the trishaws pedaling people through the community with the sunshine on their faces and wind in their hair. What is Cycling Without Age? Cycling Without Age is an international program that brings people of all ages and abilities together by connecting volunteer pilots and elderly passengers for an outdoor adventure by trishaw, a trike with two wheels and a seat in the front pedaled by a volunteer in the back. The program, started in 2012 in Copenhagen by Ole Kassow, proves how a simple bicycle ride can reduce feelings of loneliness and help reconnect people with their communities and boost the well-being of all involved.
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Story by Michelle Bachaus Photos by Dave Horst
How the Bike Fed can help: The Bike Fed has been helping to establish and manage CWA programs across the state since 2012. Interested organizations can look to the Bike Fed website for guidance, forms, and other resources needed to start a new CWA program. Our experienced staff can guide those who are interested from concept to kick-off. Our program includes help with community outreach, program planning, fundraising, trishaw purchase, pilot training, ride schedules, community kick-off events, and even preventative and regular trike maintenance. We can even bring a trishaw and trained pilot for a demonstration event with rides to help generate community interest. Getting a trishaw: The trishaws can be ordered at local bike shops in Wisconsin, or online at the Cyclingwithoutage.org website. They cost $7,400 - $11,000 plus shipping from Copenhagen. Depending on your order method and the supply chain, you may receive your trishaw anywhere from two weeks to nine months.
Help with fundraising and grants: The Bike Fed can help develop a program budget and fundraising goals. We recommend establishing a fund to collect donations, then hosting an event to introduce the concept in your community. We can bring a trishaw and a trained pilot who will give rides so you can invite the local media, people interested in volunteering as pilots, potential passengers, and their families. Grants are available to skilled nursing facilities through CMP reinvestment funds. Trishaw pilot training: Volunteers pedal the trishaws and each program has its own guidelines, but pilots are typically over 16 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and have completed the training to become a CWA Pilot. Pilots do not need to be particularly strong as these trishaws are battery-powered with electric pedal assist. Simply start pedaling and the battery-powered motor gives a noticeable boost, making it easy to push the heavy trike up hills and go longer distances. The oldest pilot is 90 years old! All pilots affiliated with the Wisconsin Bike Fed’s CWA programs are trained and complete a road skills test. Training includes rules of the road, trishaw handling skills, overview of the trishaw, best practices for maintenance, how to make each and every ride a complete joy, and sensitivity training to help recognize and communicate with people of all abilities. Passengers and accessibility: Anyone can ride in the trishaws! CWA passengers tend to be people who are no longer able to pedal on their own and are often accompanied by a companion such as a friend, partner, relative, or even a grandchild. Trishaws are easy to board; some drop a footrest, others remove the footrest, but in most cases, it is like sitting down on a couch. Choosing routes: Trishaws can go just about anywhere. In Wisconsin, they are legal vehicles and allowed on all roads just like bicycles. But the best routes are low-traffic neighborhood side streets and trails through parks. These trishaws help people experience the beautiful community trails they may never have been on and ride through old neighborhoods that spark fond memories. Safety: Bicycling is the second safest mode of transportation in the world (second to rail) and these proven trishaws are stable and slow-rolling so the passengers don’t miss a thing. Insurance: Trishaw rides are typically considered just another program at many community organizations, and
are part of their general program insurance. The Bike Fed does recommend using waivers for both passengers and pilots. We have templates for those waivers that can be adapted to different organizations. Some volunteer recruiting organizations also offer additional insurance coverage for volunteers. Bike Fed staff can help with all of this. More information: All the information mentioned above and more can be found on the Cycling Without Age webpage on the Bike Fed’s website at https://wisconsinbikefed. org/what-we-do/programs/cycling-without-age. We are updating the information and resource library regularly and you can sign up to receive our weekly enewsletter updates to be the first to know when new resources are available! If you love the feeling of a bike ride and wonder how you can share this feeling with others who can no longer ride, contact us for ideas on how to start a CWA program in your community. Cycling Without Age now has more than 35,000 volunteers around the world, and we can’t wait to help you become one of them. Contact the Bike Fed to find or start a program in your community: Michelle Bachaus, Community Engagement and Cycling Without Age Program Manager michelleb@wisconsinbikefed.org
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MilWALKee Walks By Jake Newborn
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ll of us are pedestrians at some point in our day, yet few people understand the rules of the road when it comes to crosswalks. Wisconsin state law requires that all motor vehicles yield the right of way to a person in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Despite this, studies show the yield compliance rate at Milwaukee crosswalks is only about 20% on average. The highest rate found was only 60%, and at many crosswalks, none of the drivers yielded to people in crosswalks. Many people walking don’t understand that the law allows them to enter the crosswalk to start crossing the street even if cars are approaching, as long as the drivers have a reasonable distance to slow or stop and yield the right of way. Instead, many people wait until the road is completely clear of motor vehicles to start crossing. MilWALKee Walks is a partnership between the Wisconsin Bike Fed, the City of Milwaukee, neighborhood groups, community organizations, businesses, and individuals working together to educate and encourage people to drive the speed limit (or slower
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when around people walking or bicycling), drive with caution, and yield to pedestrians in marked as well as unmarked crosswalks. Since 2018, MilWALKee Walks and the Milwaukee Safe Streets Coalition have been building a network of people working together to improve safety for all users of Milwaukee’s streets, particularly the most vulnerable. Bike Fed staff work directly with the Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works and local safety ambassadors to engage with community partners like Business Improvement Districts, neighborhood organizations, and volunteers to reduce crash rates and make Milwaukee a safer city to get around in. In 2021, the Bike Fed partnered with a number of community and neighborhood organizations that received mini-grants from the City of Milwaukee to reduce reckless driving. One of the more unique things they did was to paint some heavily used crosswalks bright colors. These crosswalk murals were artistic collaborations with neighborhood groups to increase buy-in from residents and graphically highlight specific marked crosswalks.
Bike Fed staff also taught walking workshops at schools and businesses to put on Crosswalk Actions, which are planned crosswalk safety demonstrations in which staff and neighborhood volunteers carry bright pedestrian safety message signs and walk with people while they cross the street. The goal of these Crosswalk Actions is to educate both people walking and people behind the wheel. To do this, MilWALKee Walks staff hosted training sessions with local volunteers and neighborhood associations to teach them how they can continue to organize their own Crosswalk Actions and advocate for safer streets in their communities. Part of the strategy was to focus on the High Injury Network (HIN) highlighted in the 2019 Milwaukee Pedestrian Plan. These HIN’s are corridors with the highest crash rates involving people. In addition to the training, the Bike Fed also provides yard signs, along with staff and volunteers who cross streets and hold up the Yield to Pedestrians placards to help residents cross safely. Funds from the program were also used to purchase billboards in these HIN corridors and sponsor targeted social media campaigns reminding people about Wisconsin state laws. If your neighborhood association, community group or business is interested in supporting this program, we are always looking for sponsoring partners. In 2022, we look forward to continuing our partnerships with groups like Jane’s Walk, Muskego Way Forward, Coalition for Safe Driving, Brady St. BID, and engaging with the appropriate City of Milwaukee departments and committees in a group effort to reduce the impacts of reckless driving and increase safety for people walking.
340.01(10) (10) “Crosswalk” means either of the following, except where signs have been erected by local authorities indicating no crossing: (a) Marked crosswalk. Any portion of a highway clearly indicated for pedestrian crossing by signs, lines or other markings on the surface; or (b) Unmarked crosswalk. In the absence of signs, lines or markings, that part of a roadway, at an intersection, which is included within the transverse lines which would be formed on such roadway by connecting the corresponding lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of such roadway or, in the absence of a corresponding sidewalk on one side of the roadway, that part of such roadway which is included within the extension of the lateral lines of the existing sidewalk across such roadway at right angles to the centerline
346.24: Crossing at uncontrolled intersection or crosswalk. (1) At an intersection or crosswalk where traffic is not controlled by traffic control signals or by a traffic officer, the operator of a veh icle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, or to a person riding a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device in a manner which is consistent with the safe use of the crosswalk by pedestrians, who is crossing the highway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. (2) No pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk, run, or ride into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is difficult for the operator of the vehicle to yield. (3) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at an intersection or crosswalk to permit a pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device to cross the roadway, the operator of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
To volunteer or find out how your community can support these efforts, please contact our Assistant Director Jake Newborn at 414-253-3331. To stay in touch and find out about opportunities to get involved, please follow, like, and share our message on Instagram and Facebook at @milwalkeewalks. MilWALKee Walks is funded with a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety. WisconsinBikeFed.org
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NEW TRAILS ON THE HORIZON By Willie Karidis, Project Manager, Route of the Badger
“As a kid, I had a dream – I wanted to own my own bicycle. When I got the bike, I must have been the happiest boy in Liverpool, maybe the world. I lived for that bike. Most kids left their bike in the backyard at night. Not me. I insisted on taking mine indoors and the first night I even kept it in my bed.” John Lennon, The Beatles
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have to admit that never, not once, did I take my bike to bed with me. However, my memories as a kid growing up riding my bike on the streets and sidewalks on the south side of Milwaukee were deeply formative, nonetheless. My first taste of freedom, independence, and adventure all happened because I was fortunate to have a bike. The fearlessness of youth was normal, and we created our own trails where there were none. My time on a bike and the lessons learned while exploring set the foundation for all my future travels and wanderlust for discovery that eventually took me to live in Alaska and work with the Iditarod. I did eventually return to my hometown of Milwaukee and have spent the last five years working for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) on the Route of the Badger project. The list of amazing people I work with is long and the trail plans are ambitious. And what all of those people and their very different local projects have in common are a few simple but profound goals and realizations. First, we all share a desire to create more and better access for people to get outside. We share
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the belief that the easier we can make it for people to have great experiences outside, the better it is for our communities. Second, we realize that finding creative solutions to the complicated problem of building a connected network of trails between so many communities is worth all the valuable time and resources it takes to achieve that goal. Finally, building trail infrastructure and that network is complex and requires a commitment we must sustain, even after that initial longer desire for a new trail fades. With these three realizations as a backdrop reflection, I feel that 2021 was a good year that kindles hope for future projects within the Route of the Badger network. This past May, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources finalized a deal with Canadian Pacific Railroad to purchase a 10.7 miles corridor that will become an extension to the White River State Trail. The complexity of the deal for this corridor took several years and was challenging due to many unforeseen circumstances, but the champion negotiators from the DNR never gave up. The result
of their tenacity will benefit future trail users for generations to come. Now the planning, engineering, and construction of the trail need to happen so people can enjoy the fruits of this long-term vision. Another highlight was the City of Greenfield’s successful application for a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant for the first phase of the “Powerline Trail.” Phase 1 will include a connection to the Oak Leaf Trail and travel 3 miles east under, you guessed it, the WE Energies power line running approximately between W Plainfield Ave and Waterford Ave. This is the first step in creating a nine-mile trail from the west all the way to Lake Michigan. In order for all of this to happen there had to be a government sponsor willing to apply for the grant and do the everyday maintenance work once the trail is built. But the first hurdle is the land acquisition or, in this case, permission for use of the right of way. Step in WE Energies; not only are they willing partners, they are leading the way in terms of energy providers helping with trails’ right of way issues. Another significant accomplishment on the long journey to building a trail along the 30th Street
Corridor on the north side of Milwaukee was the attainment of $200,000 by RTC through the Catena Foundation for the development of an Equitable Development Planning Process. The majority of these dollars will be passed through to local nonprofit partners who are doing community outreach along the Corridor. We are still far from having a trail built in the 30th Street Corridor; the most significant barrier is the purchase of the railroad corridor. While significant steps are being taken to move the needle forward, the future outcome is far from determined. All we can do is make the case, engage with the community, and continue to believe in a world-class “rail with trail” that will connect all of Milwaukee together. The partnership with the Wisconsin Bike Fed provided a foundational entryway for RTC to begin work on the Route of the Badger. We are truly appreciative of their belief and support over all these years. Together we can and will make significant progress in adding to the trail infrastructure of southeast Wisconsin. WisconsinBikeFed.org
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WISCONSIN
BICYCLE INSPIRATION ONLINE, PRINT AND STREAMING PRINT
Below we share some Wisconsin podcasts, websites, YouTube channels and print publications that might inspire you to ride more, find yourself on a startline, explore a new trail, take on a new adventure or just reflect on a life behind (handle) bars. Not listed, but it goes without saying that you should start with wisconsinbikefed.org!
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The Art of Cycling, Living, and Dying by D Stephen Long (Cascade Books) Wauwatosa resident, avid endurance cyclist, and theologian D. Stephen Long wrote this extremely personal memoir about life, cycling, racism, climate change, and religion after a post-ride near-death experience. He wonders if cycling may have even contributed to a possible early death as he reflects on the choices we all make, and the consequences for our health, families, values, the planet, and ultimately, our death. While Long’s changing relationship with religion and God is always between the lines, this is a well-written, reflective, and relatively easy read for anyone who loves cycling, cares about others, and thinks about their place in the world and the finite time they have on the planet.
Bicycle Explorers Club: Photography + Stories of Bicycle Touring – May 24, 2021 by Nick Karwoski. Karwoski was born and still lives in Wisconsin, but has roamed much of the planet by bike. This new book chronicles some of his adventures in a beautiful coffeetable book. Bikepacking.com recently published his Sand County Caress route, an overnighter inspired by Aldo Leopold’s The Sand County Almanac. Follow Nick on Instagram @bicycleexplorersclub and on YouTube.
Brian Davis Races YouTube Channel and Instagram instagram.com/briandavisraces Brian Davis records his cyclocross, road, and fat bike races with a GoPro, adds commentary while editing, and then shares the pretty well-produced videos with the goal of lowering the learning curve for bicycle road racing. He has a good sense of humor and is an experienced racer, so his videos are both informative and fun to watch. Brian also makes Follow Hollow Alpaca socks and Fix It Sticks, but his videos are not about pushing product.
The Dusty Dutchman Youtube Channel and Instagram instagram.com/the_dusty_dutchman Jonathan Hague, AKA The Dusty Dutchman, and his buddy Erin Fruit Punch Brannon produce really well done, informative and funny videos about their adventures mountain and fat biking around Wisconsin and elsewhere. Because they are knowledgeable, skilled riders with a great sense of humor and creative videographers, their well-edited short videos are becoming a Wisconsin favorite.
Fat-Bike.com’s Fat Bike Radio’s Weekly Dose of Fat fat-bike.com/category/radio Gary “Gomez” Lake is an early adopter of fat bikes and OG podcasters. His website and podcasts “Fat Bike Radio Weekly Dose of Fat” are a slightly irreverent but expert look at news and happenings in the world of fat bikes. Bike and product reviews, interviews, travel news, and bikepacking are all part of the show! WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Full Spectrum Cycling Podcast fullspectrumcycling.com Greg “Sven” Smith launched the “Full Spectrum Cycling” podcast with the goal of trying to showcase a wide variety of Wisconsin and midwest cycling, the folks who ride, the places they go, the experiences they have, and the gear that makes their journey possible.
Shane Hitz Biking Adventures shanehitzadventures.wordpress.com Shane works with the Iron Bull events in Wausau and creates some extremely well-documented and researched routes for bikepacking, gravel, and MTB in the greater Wausau area. He also maintains the North Central Wisconsin Gravel and Bikepacking Facebook page.
Life Above Eight website lifeaboveeight.com “Seeley” Dave Schlabowske started this new website as an outlet for his creativity after he retired from the Bike Fed and moved to the Wisconsin Northwoods. His site includes stories, photos, and videos about his exploits on the bike and off in the greater Seeley “metropolitan” area. His site also contains curated RideWithGPS maps of bikepacking, mountain bike, and gravel routes.
MTB Radio Trail EAffect Podcast theoutdoorroute.com/listen/mountainbike-radio/trail-eaffect Trails build community and communities build trails. What came first you may ask… Host Josh Blüm digs into the stories of how trails effect and affect the people and places we call home and those we might like to call home.
The Nxrth website thenxrth.com Josh Rizzo of Eau Claire launched The Nxrth.com for the 2022 New Year. His site has a focus on gravel, fat biking, bikepacking, and accessible adventures in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Silent Sports Magazine silentsportsmagazine.com This venerable print publication continues to publish great cycling stories and share inspiring videos on the magazine website. Silent Sports magazine was founded in July, 1984 by Greg Marr to provide regional information on adventure racing, bicycling, paddling, skiing, and pretty much all non motorized aerobic activities. Readers are sure to find a story that puts something on the bucket list every issue. 74
ADVENTURE
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n rth
THE Heart of Vilas COUNTY T
he Northwoods of Wisconsin are known for their beautiful lakes and forests. However, more and more people recognize this area as a mecca for another type of outdoor recreation, biking. The best-known trail is the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System. This beautiful 52-mile paved trail connects the communities of St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer in Iron County. The Heart of Vilas is a National Recreation Trail, and that alone should make the Northwoods a destination for avid bikers. However, these communities are not one to settle for just one trail system.
St.Germain St. Germain continues to expand its trails system with the newest addition at the Fern Ridge Trail: the new Mountain Bike Trails. The St. Germain Non-Motorized committee continues to improve the trails in town with a mountain bike trail on this scenic trail. In addition to the two loops for hiking and snowshoeing at the Fern Ridge trail, there are now two miles of newly added mountain bike trails, with another two and a half miles to come. These professionally built trails will give you the best experience you can have in St. Germain in both the summer and winter seasons. This trail, along with the 1.7-mile singletrack Fat bike trail located in the Awassa Trial system, gives riders another chance to experience the thrill of riding alongside mature pines, oaks, and maple trees.
When you think you have explored all the biking options in St. Germain, you realize the Shannon Lake Trail System, located just ten minutes outside of St. Germain. Four loops make up the trail system each, with different lengths ranging from 1.9 miles to 6.5 miles. The trails are open to Mountain biking in summer and Fat Tire Biking in the Winter. So, bring a sack lunch with you and end your ride at Shannon Lake, a 35-acre non-motorized lake where you can relax and enjoy the peacefulness as you watch the beauty of the local wildlife.
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Vilas County Advertorial
WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Sayner - Star Lake Area The location of Sayner on the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail makes it an ideal place to use as a home base for a vacation of cycling and enjoying other recreational opportunities in the area. Located within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and Town of Plum Lake, in addition to the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail, the Razorback Ridges Trail offers 16 miles of mountain biking and hiking available. Other beautiful hiking trails in the area include the Fallison Lake Nature Trail and Star Lake trails, Tramper’s Trail, and Star Lake Interpretive Trail. Great swimming and picnic areas surround the ever-popular Crystal Lake, right on the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail. Many other nearby lakes are ideal for water sports and cooling off after a long bike ride. The Sayner-Star Lake area also offers excellent lodging, camping, shopping, restaurants, museums, and golfing to cater to all ages.
WWW.SAYNER-STARLAKE.ORG 76
G A L L E R Y contemporary fine art & craft global antiques & artifacts Books • cards • Smaller Gift Items professional custom frame service 10354 Main Street Boulder Junction, Wisconsin 54512 715.385.2082 w w w. m o o n de e rg a l l e ry. co m
WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Welcome to the beautiful
Boulder Junction
North!
The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System expands into Boulder Junction. Surrounded by 194 glacier lakes, Boulder Junction is known as the Musky Capital of the World. It has become a destination for silent sports where you will find bike rental & repair options along with fantastic lodging, dining, and grocery store options.
Downtown Boulder Junction
Full-service Bike Shop Kayak, SUP and Bike Rental
S I N C E
The North Creek Loop Trail project, managed by the Town of Boulder Junction, will add approximately 3.3-miles of paved trail to complete the 14-mile North Creek Loop connecting to the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System. The new trail will run from the intersection of County Highways K and H, where it will connect to the existing bike trail between Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters, then along the east side of Highway H going south to North Creek Road. Trail users will then continue down the newly paved North Creek Road to access the existing trail along Highway M completing the loop back to Boulder Junction. “The expansion of our trail system along with Highway K, connecting Camp Holiday Campground and Upper Gresham Campground will allow not only the campers, but residents along and near the trail, to safely ride into downtown Boulder Junction and other parts of the trail system,” said Barb Konopacki, North Creek Loop Trail Committee Member.
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Manitowish Waters Along with St. Germain, Sayner-Star Lake, and Boulder Junction, don’t forget to continue your adventure of riding north to Manitowish Waters. Manitowish Waters is a popular recreation destination. Located right off the Heart of Vilas Paved Trail, you will find a connected trail that will lead you to the WinMan Trails. A renowned off-road trail system for mountain biking, fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing
Mercer Even farther north is Mercer, located in Iron County. Mercer continues to build on its reputation as a great outdoor destination with seven miles of the Heart of Vilas Bike Trails. The northern trailhead is at Snow’s Family Market on Mercer’s south side. Creating new trails and the additions to existing trails in and around the Heart of Vilas County Trail system make these communities a biking destination that you will want to make sure you explore in your next trip.
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Extending the HoV
What’s Taking So Long? By JEFF CURRie The Heart of Vilas bike trail system extends for 55 miles from southeast Iron County down through the northwest and central portion of Vilas County, zigzagging a wonderul asphalt biking and walking trail from Mercer to Manitowish Waters to Boulder Junction to Sayner/Plum Lake to St. Germain. You can imagine that, if you live in the area east of St Germain, it’s a no-brainer to crave a trail that will lengthen the Heart of Vilas to connect it to the county seat, Eagle River. That craving is what motivated the volunteers who make up the nonprofit called Great Headwaters Trails or GHT to develop that new trail. They’ve been at it for over 10 years. So what’s taking so long? If GHT were working with one person who had enough property to provide the 10-mile long corridor for the trail, and who had the funds to design and build that trail, and who had the longevity and wherewithal to promise to maintain the trail after it was completed, the River Trail would probably be in place right now. And that would make a lot of residents and visitors and businesses and local officials and chambers of commerce very happy. The reality is that the trail will connect four municipalities. The 10 miles of right-of-way for the trail will need to be secured from the DOT, the DNR, several of those municipalities, the county, and a number of individual property owners. The trail will cost an average of $500,000 a mile, not including $500,000 or more for the important bridge needed to cross the Wisconsin River. And dependable and sustainable care of the trail will call for the coordinated efforts of all the municipalities and the help of people who love the trail enough to be part of helping to improve and promote it. The realities of securing right of way, handling pricey design and construction costs, and ensuring the long term quality of the trail are by no means unique to this project, and none of them create a deal breaker when it comes to River Trail.
•T hree of the four muncipalities have formed the River Trail Commission so that they can coordinate with each other and GHT to usher the River Trail project forward. •G enerous donors have funded the professional feasibility study done in 2019. That study includes a detailed route for the trail which will parallel STH 70 and run close to the river itself in several spots. •G ood working relationships have been formed with officials from the DOT, the DNR, and the county. They have all reviewed and given their nod to the project as described in the feasibility study. That is also the case with most of the individual property owners on the trail route who live near or in Eagle River. (In that area close to town, we expect the trail may serve more pedestrains than bike riders.) •T his year GHT and the Commission expect to expand their working relationship with the county to make progress on the Wisconsin River bridge, easements with property owners, and planning with the DOT.
Progress always picks up speed with additional resources. Consider adding what you can in time, talent and/or dollars. Contact the River Trail project managers at rivertrailnow@gmail.com. The Heart of Vilas System could be 65 miles long. You can help make that happen sooner rather than later! Jeff Currie, Executive Director of Great Headwaters Trails (Ghtrails.org)
WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Saddle up and Pedal your community
The Wisconsin Bike Fed's Just Bikes blend supports our commitment to advocating for mobility justice in underserved communities and increasing bike focused resources. $1 from every bag purchased propels Wisconsin Bike Fed’s efforts to keep our community biking.
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Find it online at justcoffee.coop or ask for it where Just Coffee is sold.
WISCONSIN
REGIONAL UPDATES
Chippewa Valley By Jeremy Gragert
In the Chippewa Valley, which includes communities such as Eau Claire, Altoona, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie, groups like Bike Chippewa Valley and the Chippewa Off Road Bike Association (CORBA) continue to work to make the area more bicycle-friendly and accessible for people of all ages and backgrounds. We completed the 2nd edition of the Chippewa Valley Bike Map in 2021, which you can view and download on the bikechippewavalley.com website. Perfect for bicycle commuting, or choosing your own adventure, the printed map is also available for free at nearly 50 locations in the Chippewa Valley. The updated Chippewa Valley Bike Map features recommended on-street bike routes, rated based on their level of comfort and safety, as well as all trails in Eau Claire, Altoona, Lake Hallie, and Chippewa Falls. Rural areas a few miles outside the cities are included, as are the locations of mountain biking areas, bike shops, and hills large and small. In 2019, the Chippewa Off Road Bike Association rebranded as “CORBA Trails for All,” to embrace the fact that trails are enjoyed by runners, walkers, and snowshoers, not just mountain bikers. Since its founding in 2005, CORBA has expanded its reach into 3 counties and 10 different trail networks, with a total of nearly 80 miles of singletrack. The first CORBA-s upported trail system at Lowes Creek County Park in Eau Claire continues to be the most active, and in 2021 hosted high school teams from across the Upper Midwest for a National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) competition of over 800 youth competitors! It is the hope that in 2022 bicycle advocates from the Chippewa Valley can come together safely for the first Chippewa Valley Bike Summit, to share ideas and energy for an even brighter future of bicycling in the area. If you live in West Central Wisconsin and would like to be involved in the summit, email us: bikechippewavalley@gmail.com
Central Wisconsin Off-Road Cycling Club By Jahnn Martin
Wausau 24 endurance mountain bike race & the Wausau Trail Run will return to the Wausau area this summer. Nine Mile County Forest plays host to the Wausau 24 weekend event with over 750 racers and runners traveling from 16 states to test their athletic ability and endurance on foot and bike. The weekend begins Friday night (7/29/22), with the Wausau Trail Run featuring 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon distances starting at 7:00 pm. The marquee mountain bike race, Wausau 24, features a 13.1-mile lap traversing the Nine Mile single track and ski trails. Racers will compete solo or on teams to complete as many laps as possible in 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour categories. All bike race categories start at 10:00 am Saturday morning (7/30/22). The event delivers a festival-type experience with onsite camping, live music, and complimentary food and beer for all racers. Friday night runners will enjoy delta blues from Aaron Lee Kaplan while feasting on Texas Tacos. The featured social event of the weekend for the bike racers is the Saturday night Red Eye Brewing beer and pizza party, live music group TBD. The Wausau 24 Expo Village provides the opportunity for spectators and racers to visit area vendors and on-site services. The kids will have the chance to test their young race skills in the Wausau 12- or 24- minute race featuring a twomile beginner singletrack loop. A kids trail run follows the WisconsinBikeFed.org
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The Largest competitive road cycling series in the U.s.
bike race for those who prefer to test their ability on foot. 2022 marks the 2nd year with new ownership of the event. Tuley Trails, LLC (Rothschild, WI) purchased the race from Muddy Paws Racing (Black River Falls, WI) in 2019. Wausau native Rebecca Tuley formed Tuley Trails, LCC in 2018 to share her passion for pedaling, paddling, and adventure sports with the community. Tuley currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Central Wisconsin OffRoad Cycling Coalition (CWOCC) where she pioneered the CWOCC Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic to a sold-out event. She also serves as Race Director for the Winter Triathlon and coordinator of the CWOCC Youth Ride program in cooperation with the local National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) team. Tuley will serve as Race Director for the Wausau 24 race weekend. Tuley is an employee of Aspirus Health.
La Crosse Area/Outdoor Recreation Alliance By Chris Stindt
June 15-26
2022 www.tourofamericasdairyland.com
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#ToAD2022
La Crosse continues to be a prime destination for cycling in Wisconsin and the Midwest. After a hiatus for the past two years, the La Crosse Omnium returns May 6-8! The event kicks off on Friday, sending riders directly up a 600foot bluff on a scenic, winding road and ending at one of the most iconic lookouts in the region. On Saturday, racers travel out to Chaseburg, WI, for a 13-mile loop with a full bluff climb each lap, making for a fun and challenging race. On Sunday, the event travels back to downtown La Crosse for a criterium that literally runs through the recently redone La Crosse Center and overlooks the Mississippi River. There is a reason the Omnium is one of the most iconic Midwest race events. If racing isn’t your style or you can’t make that weekend, come explore the scenery of the Driftless region anytime! Facebook group La Crosse Rides is a great place to find all of the local group rides and other events. Speaking of, La Crosse is home to some incredible gravel riding, as well. The Dairy Roubaix event will return, as will the newer race - the Winston Gravel Cup. As with road, if racing isn’t your preferred way to ride, the gravel is fun and always beautiful. On the trails side, La Crosse is connected to the Great River State Trail and also to Elroy - Sparta. This year’s Ride Across Wisconsin will again depart La Crosse and will be using the trail on its way to Milwaukee. For those looking for more easy going fun, the trail leads to ice cream in Trempealeau, donuts in West Salem, and is fun for short rides for all ages and abilities. Don’t forget your state trails pass, available at multiple local bike shops. If you’re more interested in single track, we have an abundance of that as well. Our new Gateway trail system has been a welcome improvement to the area. Mountain Bikers are now able to connect riding in the original Human Powered Trails with Hixon Forest and the Gateway to create an epic ride. Downhill riders continue to rave about the trails in Upper Hixon, with Vader and JEDi leading to some great experiences. We have everything from fast and flowy to old school, hand cut trails, and fun for everyone. New this
year will be the ORA Trails Fest, including a time trial, cross country race, and enduro. Check out oratrailsfest.com for more details! Anyone with questions about events or general riding can contact chris@oratrails.org.
Madison Bikes Here at Madison Bikes, we were able to bring back several in-person cycling events. Madison Bike Week, which was held in September, was closer to normal and included over 50 events all across town. Madison Bikes collaborated with the Madison Parks Department to host a winter biking social event, where attendees could practice putting their bike on a bus rack and chat about winter biking gear by a fire pit. On the infrastructure front, Madison added bike lanes to several high-traffic thoroughfares, including Milwaukee Street, Whitney Way, and Odana Road. These projects indicate the city’s positive shift toward the prioritization of bike infrastructure over parking or additional travel lanes, even on busy stretches of roadway. Of course, there’s room for improvement: we’d like to see these lanes, and others in the city, be physically protected, in addition to safer intersection treatment, so that our bike network can be more welcoming for all ages and abilities. In addition to bike lanes, several new off-street paths were built in and around Madison. Near Governor Nelson State Park and in Middleton, new trail sections are almost complete and get us closer to a safe and comfortable bike route around Lake Mendota. One exciting project that’s a first in Dane County: the Madison Parks Department and local advocates Capital Off Road Pathfinders celebrated the opening of a paved pump track for riders of all skill levels, right off the Cannonball Trail! Importantly, Madison is also working on a number of transportation policies that, while not all biking-focused, will bring more consistency to how we design our speed and allocate the public right of way to different uses. Rather than advocating on a project-by-project basis, there’s hope for safer and more bike-friendly design and engineering standards across the board. One of these policies is Vision Zero. Madison has committed itself to achieving zero traffic deaths and serious injuries on its streets by 2030. Madison Bikes and other stakeholders continue to be highly involved in offering feedback to the city on its Vision Zero plans. While Madison is a Platinum Biking Community, the deaths on our roads demand continued improvement for all riders, in all parts of our region.
Bike Advocacy in Menomonie, Wisconsin By David Williams
Just over ten years ago, a group of like-minded cycling enthusiasts got together to form the City of Menomonie’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Reporting to the City’s Plan Commission, we began working to improve cycling infrastructure and awareness in our western Wisconsin community. We reviewed and rewrote the Bicycle
WisconsinBikeFed.org
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rIVEREDGE NATURE CENTER’ CENTER’S 30th Annual
Sunday, June 26, 2022 5 DIFFERENT ROUTES RANGING FROM 8 MILES TO 56 MILES through ozaukee and washington counties 5 REST STOPS AND SUPPORT VEHICLES EARLY REGISTRANTS RECEIVE A DISCOUNT AND T-SHIRT FOOD AND FUN AT RIVEREDGE NATURE CENTER AFTER THE RIDE IS INCLUDED
Plan for the community; worked on bike parking requirements for businesses; advocated for and watched marked bike lanes get installed on several major routes through town, including our first bike box, and applied for recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community through the League of American Bicyclists, achieving bronze status. Most significantly, with the help of City staff, we designed and created the Lake Menomin Loop, an 8.5-mile route around our lake. That effort included a major bridge spanning the Red Cedar River adjacent to the I-94 bridges. We continue to work on creating safer and more attractive bike routes through the city and hope to improve our Bike Friendly status to Silver. Our community hosts the annual Sadistic Century, with 30, 60, and 100-mile options in the challenging hills of western Dunn County, as well as the Menomin Meander, a family-oriented free ride around our lake. Menomonie is also the trailhead for the Red Cedar State Trail, a 14-mile route along the scenic Red Cedar River. We are proud to have raised the profile of bicycling in Menomonie during our ten-year effort and are excited about the future as we have much more to tackle.
Biking in Waushara County FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: VISIT WWW.RIVEREDGENATURECENTER.ORG
presents:
th s 1 y 0 a w h t Annual a P o n a w a h S
Saturday, September 24, 2022 Memorial Athletic Park • Shawano, WI Routes vary from 17-70 miles or a 22-mile guided tour. Registration includes continental breakfast, maps, sag wagon, food stations and lunch
SeeMeWear.com
- Quilt Raffle Friday Night BBQ & Bluegrass Helping to Support:
User-Activated Lights on Main St.
Check website for updates & limited edition T’s and bike jerseys! 84 www.shawanopathways.org • 715-304-9796
By Jennifer Pulvermacher
Waushara County has become an amazing destination for cyclists of all ages and interests; come visit us and join in the fun! Riding the roads in Waushara County is a beautiful, scenic adventure. There are 10 official bike routes with wayfinding signs around the county, so you get a chance to enjoy all of beautiful Waushara County. These routes were created and are maintained by a collaboration of the Waushara Social Cycling Group and REACH (Recognize Educate Activate Community Health) Waushara, which is made up of community members and partners throughout the county. Bike Route Booklets found on the Waushara County Public Health and Parks Department websites can be viewed and downloaded to guide your adventures. For off-road fun, Nordic Mountain Ski Area has nine miles of challenging mountain bike trails and three miles of groomed winter fat bike trails down in the lower Willow Creek area, all of which are located in Mt. Morris, WI. You can learn more about the mountain bike trails on the Waushara Area Mountain Bike Association Facebook page. The cycling community in Waushara County is a very close and welcoming group, hosting weekly group rides for all abilities throughout the spring, summer and fall. You can find the schedule and more information on the Waushara Social Cycling and Fitness Facebook page. The group has over 400 members, so there are rides for different abilities almost every day of the week. We have beginner rides for people new to group riding, faster rides for more competitive people, and a relaxed pace ride for those who want to socialize as they pedal. For instance, the intermediate pace Sunday Morning Coffee Ride is followed by a mid-morning relaxed pace Secret Destination Bloody Mary Ride. The
group has also been known to have last-minute popup rides posted with pace expectations, inviting anyone to join them. If you have never ridden in Waushara County, we encourage you to join us June 25th for the 3rd annual Paul Walker 103; this is an informal ride. Find the event on the Waushara Social Cycling and Fitness Facebook Page. COME TO WAUSHARA COUNTY AND RIDE WITH US!
WinMan Trails by Isaac Cowert
We had a great 2021 at WinMan Trails. We added three completely new trails and were able to restore and renovate some of our most popular trails. Thank you to all our supporters and donors who have allowed WinMan Trails to continue to grow and improve. In 2021, we began a three-year process of improving navigation on our mountain bike trail system by implementing a hub design. The design allows for natural stopping points during your ride and makes navigating our various trails much easier. To capitalize on this redesign, we built Earn It, which is a short 0.4-mile trail that takes you from the main trailhead to the top of our trail system. The trail provides a great way to session some of our most popular gravity-fed trails like Send It and Twins. In the coming years, we plan to build more trails to and from this hub, allowing you to easily session our looped trail system. This summer we also built Gene Machine, a 2.1-mile loop cross-country trail that has both technical and flow sections. The progressive trail features unique A/B lines, allowing riders the ability to experience advanced drops and jumps or fast and flow turns on the same section of trail. It has been a great addition to our trail system that allows riders with different skill levels to ride the same trail and still have fun! Finally, we built Scout Trail, which is a 0.5-mile beginner trail. The goal was to create a trail that would allow firsttime riders an opportunity to ease into the sport of mountain biking, whether you are a child still on a strider bike or an adult new to the sport. We designed the trail as a closed loop that starts and ends at our main trailhead. It intentionally does not connect with our full trail system. This makes navigation easy for novices and gives parents the confidence that if their child wants to go alone, they will return in just a few minutes. In 2022, we plan to extend Scout Trail. We will still offer the 0.5-mile loop but will add an additional loop allowing riders a total of 1.2 miles of beginner trail. We will also be installing progressive features along the trail to allow riders to improve their skills and techniques. We are looking forward to even more improvements in 2022. Connect with us by visiting our website, winmantrails@gmail.com, and sign-up for our monthly newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date with all the latest improvements happening at WinMan.
WisconsinBikeFed.org
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WORS- Englewood Open, May 20 - May 22, All Day,
MTB Race
Mike_monger@trekbikes.com
WISCONSIN
BICYCLING EVENTS BIKE FED PARTNER EVENT Official Ride Across Wisconsin Training Event
Milwaukee Bike Bingo: The Fun Rolls on!, Apr 1 - Nov 1, 12:00 am, Family Fun Ride https://www.eventbrite.com/e/milwaukee-bikebingo-2022-the-fun-rolls-on-tickets-254276386517, 518-396-8376 ian@bicyclebenefits.org Milwaukee Bike Bingo started in 2015 and it’s been the highlight of many people’s bike life ever since. We put it on to inspire people to pedal a little bit further, to ride to a new part of town, take a new route and to visit Bicycle Benefits businesses. It’s a celebration of a new city or get to know your own hometown. Bike Bingo cards are available for $2 each at participating businesses, through Eventbrite or by emailing ian@bicyclebenefits.org GENEVA LAKES COMMUNITY BIKE & OUTDOOR GEAR SWAP, Apr 23, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Town Bank Parking Lot, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Community Events https://treadheadcycling.com/, 262442-0582 bigjohngraf@yahoo.com BIKES - PADDLE BOARDS - SKISCLOTHING, RAIN OR SHINE - Have a bike or outdoor gear collecting dust? Consider donating it to the swap. Pick up available. All donated bikes and gear will be sold with proceeds going to local charities. Tax deductible! Questions? Contact Andrea Pether- akpether@gmail.com 262-215-8679 Cheesehead Roubaix XI, Apr 30, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Gravel Ride https://www.facebook.com/events/334484431846106, 4148404734 dlhanrahan@yahoo.com Inspired by Spring Classics like Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, Cheesehead Roubaix is a 63-mile ride that features almost 10 miles of dirt and gravel. The ride will test your fitness with rough road conditions and about 2,000 feet of climbing. Cedar Creek Outdoors will provide technical support and a mid-ride rest stop in Belgium WI. The ride is free, but please consider making a voluntary contribution to the Newburg Fire Department to show your appreciation for the use of its facility. Donations will be accepted at the concessions stand before and after the ride. Please register on the Facebook event page and follow the link to the document repository to download your cuesheet and GPS data file. WORS- Iola Bump and Jump, Apr 30 - May 1, All Day, MTB Race https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/wors/, Mike_monger@ trekbikes.com La Crosse Omnium, May 6 - May 8, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm,
Road Race https://www.bikereg.com/la-crosse-omnium, 920-379-5197 christopherstindt@gmail.com The 3-day La Crosse Omnium is back for another year! A 2.4 mile time trial up the historic Grandad’s Bluff kicks things off Friday evening. Saturday is a rolling road race on the scenic back roads of Vernon County. And finally, the Sunday criterium returns, seeing riders speed along the Mississippi River and now riding underneath the La Crosse Center. Great fun for the whole family, with a kid’s race on Sunday.
Rock County Parks Ride, May 21, 7:00 am - 12:00 pm,
Ride Guide, Family Fun Ride https://www.co.rock.wi.us/parks, 608-7575473 Amy.Friend@co.rock.wi.us This year’s ride tours the parks in the northwestern portion of Rock County. Starts and end at Gibbs Lake Park. Routes from 20 to 65 miles. Emergency SAG support.
Experience the Keweenaw, May 27 - May 29, All Day, MTB Race, Family Fun Ride https://copperharbortrails.org/event/experiencethe-keweenaw, nathan@copperharbortrails.org Experience the Keweenaw is all about exploring the amazing natural and recreational resources the Keweenaw region has to offer. Best of all, you get to ride all of the Copper Country’s amazing trails, from Söké all the way to Copper Harbor and everywhere in between. Join us this Memorial Day weekend for three days of non-stop mountain bike trail riding. Starting on Friday May 27th, we’ll take a guided ride through the caverns at Adventure Mine, checking out the bats and old mine workings along the way. On Saturday May 28th, we’ll wake up bright and early with a guided group ride at the Michigan Tech Trails. Bring the whole family because there will be a variety of rides for people of all abilities. Later in the afternoon we’ll head over to Churning Rapids and explore these backcountry trails close to home. Finally, we’ll wrap up our Saturday with a late-afternoon ride on the twisty, turny, and all-ages Swedetown Trails. On Sunday, May 29th, the riding action is all in Copper Harbor. The first Lake Superior Gravity Series Enduro of 2022 kicks off in the morning with two-stage Sport and three-stage Expert classes. Space will be limited, so register early once the full details are released! Following our last day of riding, we’ll gather up in the park for the unveiling of our latest crop of stellar ArtBike posters. Chippewa Valley Century Ride, May 29, All Day,
Charity Ride, Family Fun Ride https://www.chippewavalleyride.us, 6087640113 cvcride.questions@gmail.com Starting in Chippewa Falls, WI, the Chippewa Valley Century Ride is a not for profit bike ride that benefits hunger task force agencies, local parks, youth organizations, and special needs in the Chippewa Valley. Our courses includes a 35, 50, 75, or 100 mile option all on blacktop roads, leading through the beautiful farmland of Chippewa County along the Chippewa and Flambeau Rivers, Lakes Wissota and Holcombe, and through the kettle moraine topography of the Chippewa County Forest. The entry fee covers our 4 full-service rest stops with snacks, refreshments and full facilities, water stops, “sag”/support vehicles and a full meal featuring locally made brats with all the ‘fixins’, soda and Leinenkugel’s beer. A vegetarian meal is available if ordered in advance (just let us know on your pre-registration form). Riders can register and check in from 7am10am and immediately start the Ride. www.chippewavalleyride.us for more information and registration form.
IRONBULL Essential Gravel, Jun 3 - Jun 19, All Day, Ringle trailhead, Ringle, WI, Gravel Ride https://www.ironbull.org/essentialgravel-ride-details, 7158485949 executivedirector@ironbull.org This free bike ride is returning in 2022 for its third year! Its purpose is to introduce people to gravel riding and provide an option for gravel enthusiasts. You may ride at a leisurely pace or race and get some competitive juices flowing. You can even ride the course as many times as you want! You may participate as a small group or solo. We want to offer the bike community a free ride to stay active and fit during this unprecedented time. There are three looped route options, all starting and ending at the Mountain-Bay Trailhead at the Marathon County Solid Waste landfill, 1.5 miles east of Ringle, WI. All riders (age 16+) will need to purchase a state trail pass (available at the trailhead) for the route which includes the Mountain-Bay and Wiouwash State Trails (44 mile route only). WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Ride into a new adventure
BayCare Clinic Century Bayshore to Lakeshore, Jun 4, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, BayCare Clinic Headquarters, Green Bay, WI, Charity Ride https://www.baycare.net/baycare-clinic-century-bayshore-tolakeshore/registration/, 414-626-1540 centuryride@baycare.net The BayCare Clinic Century Bayshore to Lakeshore bicycle tour is one of the most popular cycling events in northeastern Wisconsin. The ride offers 100-, 60-, 30- and 15-mile routes No matter your age or skill level, we’ll have an adventure tailored for you to enjoy. All routes start and finish at BayCare Clinic Headquarters where riders will enjoy a picnic-style celebration after their ride. This year, it’ll feature expanded beverage choices from Badger State Brewing Co in Green Bay. All proceeds from the event go to the BayCare Clinic Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which supports causes and organizations that promote improved health and livelihood in northeastern Wisconsin. Questions? Please email us at centuryride@baycare.net 18th Annual Ride to Farm, Jun 4, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, New Glarus State Park, New Glarus, WI, Charity Ride https://go.dojiggy.io/ridetofarm, 608-924-1154 nalber@wisc.edu Join us for a beautiful 100k, or half-day, ride in Green County on June 4th, 2022. Our 18th Annual Ride to Farm event will start and end at New Glarus Woods State Park, WI with a morning rest stop at Morning Dew Dairy (Organic Valley Member) outside Argyle, a lunch rest stop at Culver’s Restaurant in Monroe, and an afternoon rest stop at Green Fire Farm! Ride to Farm is a bicycle ride to raise awareness and funds for the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers (WSBDF) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The school’s mission is “If you have a dream to farm, we’re here to help you get started.” The WSBDF emphasizes business planning and pasture-based farm management. Riders must raise a minimum of $100 to participate in Ride to Farm. Please see our website for 2022 Ride to Farm details and to register: https:// go.dojiggy.io/ridetofarm
Arlington 500, Jun 5, 6:30 am - 2:30 pm, Barrington High School,
LOOP THE LITTLE LAKE TRAIL What began as a dream to connect two communities via a historic railroad trestle – and create Wisconsin’s longest trestle trail bridge - has become a scenic reality of four trestles, four developed parks and miles of shoreline often referred to as “The Loop.” Bike this 3.5-mile loop for stunning views of Little Lake Butte des Morts’ vistas and its abundant wildlife. Explore the beauty of the waterfront at this Fox Cities Original, and find your original.
For more Originals stories, visit FoxCities.org/originals
Barrington, IL, Family Fun Ride https://cyclearlington.com/500, 847-373-8079 ahbccyclists@gmail.com The Arlington 500 is a recreational bike ride on scenic roads in Lake County, Illinois. You have the option of doing a 25, 42, 51, or 70 mile (500 furlongs) route. The ride draws hundreds of riders to the Northwest Chicago Suburbs. The Arlington 500 is a fully supported ride. You get all this on every route! Well marked routes.Downloadable GPS route and / or cue sheet. Ride with GPS directions with an account. Bike shop support at start and rest stop. Rest stop with food / beverages until 3:00PM. Support vehicles on the route until 3:30PM. Mostly level terrain with some moderate hills. Training? Use our multiple loop route to get in your miles.
2022 UPAF Ride for the Arts, Jun 5, 7:00 am - 1:00 pm, Urban Park (outside the north gates to Summerfest), Milwaukee, WI, Ride Guide, Charity Ride https://events.upaf.org/event/2022-upaf-ridefor-the-arts-presented-by-miller-lite/e352078, jmoffat@upaf.org This community event is a fundraiser for UPAF Performing Arts Members, representing the best of music, theatre, dance and song in Eastern Wisconsin. New in 2022: Introducing the new Hoan Loop Course and Slow Roll for the Arts! Utilizing Interstate 794, over the Hoan Bridge, from downtown Milwaukee to Cudahy and back again, this exciting course offers scenic views for riders of all ages and abilities. Completely closed to car traffic, bikes rule the road! This 12-mile loop will be available to riders from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Following at 10:30 a.m., the Slow Roll for the Arts will embark on a celebratory 1-mile group ride through the Historic Third Ward. Ride in costume for a chance to win prizes! Participants can register for both experiences or just one. Learn more at UPAFRide.org. Rob’s Sugar River Ramble, Jun 5, 7:30 am - 2:00 pm, Charity Ride, Family Fun Ride https://uppersugar.org/ramble, 608-437-7707
wade@uppersugar.org Connect with the Upper Sugar River Watershed by land and water as you cycle through the beautiful countryside beginning in Mt. Horeb, WI, then paddle the sparkling Sugar River until you reach your destination near Paoli, WI. After the event, get transported back to Mount Horeb with your fellow participants for a locally-sourced feast, beer tasting, raffle, and live music from 11 am - 2 pm.
Total Tomahawk Terrain 4th Edition Gravel, Jun 5, 9:00 am 3:00 pm, SARA Park, Tomahawk, WI, Gravel Race, Gravel Ride https://www.ironbull.org/registration-ttt, 715-848-5949 executivedirector@ironbull.org This is an old school free gravel bike ride so be prepared to support yourself with 33, 63, and 103 mile ride options. Use paper cue sheets, gpx, or your phone to navigate because the course is not marked. You must register to be included in the results. The ride starts in Somo Area Recreation Arena (SARA) Park. SARA Park has showers and a beach so bring a towel. SARA Park has camping. All riders will check in at the Windmill “finish” on the way back to claim a custom bottle opener medal and then spin down the bike path back to SARA Park. We like Bambino’s downtown for beer, pizza, and more ice cream afterwards.
WORS- Battle of CamRock, Jun 11 - Jun 12, All Day, MTB Race https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/wors/, Mike_monger@ trekbikes.com Backdraft Bike Tour, Jun 12, All Day, Clovis Grove School, Menasha, WI, Charity Ride https://www.backdraftbiketour.com, 920740-7289 patterson0415@yahoo.com The 10th Annual Backdraft Bike Tour is set for Sunday, June 12th 2022! We have new routes planned for this years event and we will be returning to Clovis Grove School in Menasha for the start/finish. Our 10 mile Family Route will continue to use the Trestle Bridge pedestrian path as well as the newly completed Loop the Lake trail. You will go over three scenic bridges that take you around the south end of Little Lake Butte Des Morts. All other routes take you across the Trestle Bridge and explore the roads to the south and west of the Fox Cities! You will travel along the rural roads that Wisconsin is famous for. Rest stops will be at local fire stations and new this year, a stop at Bare Bones Brewery! Choose from 30, 62, and 100 mile distances. Each rider will receive a goody bag, fully stocked rest stops, SAG service and a great meal at the end. Those registering by May 29th, 2022 will receive a dry wick t-shirt! To celebrate our tenth year we have designed a custom cycling jersey from Borah Teamwear based right here in Wisconsin! The tour is open to the public and all ages and abilities are welcome! This is a rain or shine event. Helmets are required for all riders. Proceeds from this event go the the PFFWCF Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth and Neenah Menasha Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation. Lad Lake Kettle Classic, Jun 18, All Day, Lad Lake Dousman Campus, Dousman, Wisconsin, Charity Ride https://www.ladlake. org, 262-312-0992 onefootinthegrave@wi.rr.com Metric Century (62 miles) 7:00 AM start 15 & 30 Mile 9:00 AM start Box lunch Dousman Campus 11 AM Contact Bridgett Brown 414-763-3447
Escape to the North Tour, Jun 19 - Jun 24, All Day, Americinn, Rice Lake, WI, Family Fun Ride https://www.aroundwisbike.com, 715-216-4005 aroundwisbikemj@gmail.com The 2022 tour showcases the many miles of scenic country roads. Wildlife sightings are common each day. Wisconsin cities visited are Rice Lake, Hayward, Cable and the Trego Area. The tour includes five nights lodging in hotels and two waterfront resorts, all dinners and breakfasts, luggage handling, SAG, maps, cue sheets, RidewithGPS routing and well stocked rest stops.
36th Annual Bike Tour, Jul 24, All Day,
Community Events https://www.bbbsecw.org/events/bike/, 920-739-3542 aguenther@ bbbsecw.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin’s Bike WisconsinBikeFed.org
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LOT S OF SHO RE T O
E X PLO R E GR EEN LAKE, WI
Get on your bikes and ride! Wisconsin has regularly been ranked one of the top states for cyclists and Green Lake shows visitors why. Explore the area by bike on
miles of paved trails and casual rides around the lake! We welcome you to participate in the annual Green Lake Bike 100 event., held the first Saturday in June.
Tour (formerly Best Friends Bike Tour) is a ride through the Fox Cities countryside with many routes to choose from. There is a 4-mile family route open to families with children 12 and under as well as more challenging options including the 12, 25, 55, 75, and 100-mile routes. The health, safety, and well-being of our community, riders, and volunteers will be our top priority at this year’s Bike Tour. Increased safety measures and modified event logistics will be in place throughout the event. For more information or to see this year’s maps, please visit www. bbbsecw.org/events/bike/. The mapped tour will have mechanical assistance and SAG wagons. Thank you for your support! We look forward to seeing you in July! If you have any additional questions or concerns, you can reach us at 920-383-4902 or aguenther@bbbsecw.org.
WORS- Trek Red Barn Classic, Jun 25 - Jun 26, All Day,
MTB
Race https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/wors/, Mike_monger@trekbikes.com
Bike MS: Tour de Farms, Jun 25 - Jun 26, All Day,
Charity Ride https://mssociety.donordrive.com/ 312-423-9820 alisha.baugh@ nmss.org Enjoy midwestern charm - complete with minimal hills - as you cycle through suburban St. Charles and the surrounding rural farmlands of Kane County on fully supported routes. After this two-day ride, enjoy charming local shops and dining in nearby Geneva, Illinois. Feel the extraordinary support and excitement throughout your journey as we come together to reach our goal—a world free of MS. FUNDRAISING MIN: $300 REGISTRATION DISCOUNT CODE: CLIPIN: 25% off
Tour da Goose, Jun 25, All Day, Riverside Park, Watertown, WI,
POPULAR ROUTES
1
Loop the Lake 23 Miles
2
Mascoutin Valley State Trail | 11 Miles
Enjoy beautiful views of the lake on one of the most enjoyable routes in the state. You will be surrounded by hardwood forest and tall white pines. Green Lake is the deepest lake in the state.
This trail stretches across the old Milwaukee railroad bed. You will pass along and through several state protected wildlife areas and wetlands. This route is a birders paradise.
3
Northwestern Trail 2.5 Miles
4
Laurie's Trail 10 | 6.8 | 3.2 Miles
This shaded old railroad bed, part of the Rails-to-Trails network takes bicyclists into Ripon's historic downtown. Explore a treasure-trove of botique shops and restaurants.
Chose your distance with this family friendly trail. Head west to enter charming Green Lake, or east towards historic downtown Ripon.
JUNE 4, 2022 greenlake100.com
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Multiple Scenic Routes Food & Refreshments Live Music Raffle Prizes
Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce | 920.294.3231 | visitgreenlake.com
Charity Ride https://www.tourdagoose.com/, 920-568-5244 traci. wilson@forthc.com Ride to support the Rock River Community Clinic in Jefferson County, WI The Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) provides medical and dental care for the underserved, low income population in Jefferson, Dodge and parts of Walworth Counties. The Jon Fisch Memorial Tour da Goose bike ride is a fund raising event for the Rock River Community Clinic. We have distances for everyone from families to century riders (12, 22, 42, 62 and 100 mile) . The routes will be well supported with rest stops and sag assistance. The ride will take you through the picturesque countryside of Jefferson County. More information on ride routes, including maps and rest stops can be found on our website.
St. Nazianz Bicycle Tour 2022, Jun 25, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Family Fun Ride 920 684 4025 snoworatzky49@gmail.com Fun Ride starts and ends at the park with choices of 5, 10, 16, or 30 mile scenic countryside looped routes with all paved roads supported with emergency SAG units. Free T-shirts and refreshments included. There will be rest stops on the 16 and 30 mile routes. Proceeds support Lions Club activities. 3rd Annual Paul Walker 103, Jun 25, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Ride Guide https://www.facebook.com/groups/292330094302427/, 920787-6538 jennifer.pulvermacher@co.waushara.wi.us FREE AND VERY INFORMAL RIDE! It’s a nice little ride around Waushara County with three (at least) beverage stops at our favorite haunts. Rain or Shine the ride will depart from the heart of beautiful downtown Wautoma. Paul Walker’s partner in establishing the Waushara County group rides in the 1980s will lead the roll out. A bag with recovery fuel and water will be placed at the Raisin Cain bar in Heffron (about halfway) , but please respond on the Facebook event whether you are going so we can TRY to accommodate the best we can. Join or See the Facebook Group “Waushara Social Cycling and Fitness”. The route is a large loop around Wautoma, therefore there are many ways to make a shorter route if you want to turn back early. As we stated, it is an informal ride with NO SUPPORT OR SAG or DESIGNATED WATER STOPS. WNBR Milwaukee World Naked Bike Ride Milwaukee, Jun 25, 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Community Events https://wnbrmilwaukee.
com/, 414-313-9446 johnjankowskisr84@yahoo.com Details to follow - please visit WNBRMilwaukee on Facebook.
Oshkosh Century, Jun 26, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm,
Charity Ride https://oshkoshymca.ejoinme.org/OshkoshCentury2022, 920-3795308 mghalron@gmail.com Join us for the inaugural event of the Oshkosh Century. All fully supported routes start and finish at the Oshkosh YMCA - 20th Avenue location. There will be four routes to choose from; 30, 57, 74, and 101. All routes offer a beautiful, scenic ride West and South of Oshkosh. The 101 mile route takes riders around Green Lake. Five rest stops along the way will include restrooms, water, food and mechanical support. All riders will receive a moisture wicking T-Shirt and catered meal with beverages at the conclusion of their ride.
WORS- Colectivo Coffee Bean Classic, Jul 9 - Jul 10, All Day, MTB Race https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/wors/, Mike_monger@trekbikes.com
Fitchburg Festival of Speed, Jul 9, 7:00 am - 11:00 pm, The Agora Fitchburg, Fitchburg, WI, Community Events, Family Fun Ride, Road Race https://fitchburgfestivalofspeed.com/, 608-288-8284 kminski-kirchner@fitchburgchamber.com The Fitchburg Festival of Speed has a little something for everyone including biking, running, live music, food, beer and fireworks. Everyone is welcome in the morning for the Fitchburg Family Pharmacy 25 Mile Bike Ride or participate in the Andy Nelesen Donor Dash 5K Run/Walk. Stay all day for fast paced criterium action that once again plays host to the some of the fastest local athletes in the Wisconsin Cycling Association State Criterium Championships. Another highlight of the day is the $1000! Mile pitting the fastest men and women against each other to bring home the winner takes all prize of $1000! Throughout the day there will be beer and food for purchase with all of the racing fun culminating in a fireworks show for all to enjoy. Don’t miss great racing action and family fun The Salvation Ride, Jul 9, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm,
Charity Ride http://www.thesalvationride.org/, 920-694-1271 carryejo.cony@usc. salvationarmy.org Join us as we RIDE FOR A REASON…to support the hungry, homeless and hurting served by The Salvation Army Sheboygan county. 5 ROUTES. We want everyone from highly experienced riders to families who might be new to biking to have a blast which is why we offer 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mile routes. All riders are encouraged to ride at their own pace and enjoy the view! From beautiful bluff views of Lake Michigan to sand dunes to farm fields and forest, riders experience it all. A delightful meal, Culvers custard, finish line photos and fellowship await each riders return to King Park. Your registration fee provides a night of shelter, three meals, case management and other vital needs for a homeless neighbor. Each year The Salvation Army provides life-changing services to thousands of men, women and children.
Wisconsin Women Century, July 17, 2021 6:00 am – 2:00 pm, Cedarburg, WI Wisconsin’s Premier Women-Only Century Ride, presented by Wi Women Cycling. 105, 85, 65, 45 & 25-mile fullysupported routes plus tee, map, rest stops and post-ride meal & drink tickets. ***Official Training Ride of the Ride Across WI benefiting Wi Bike Fed***
Holy Hill Hundo, July 18, 2021 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Cedarburg, WI Looking for a challenge? Open to men & women, 3 semi-support routes – 105, 85, & 65-milers. Includes shirt, map, water stops, one (1) fully supported rest stop, and post-ride BBQ. *** Official Training Ride of the Ride Across WI, benefiting WI Bike Fed ***
Mishigami Bicycle Challenge, Jul 23 - Aug 2, All Day,
Community Events https://www.mishigamichallenge.com/, 847-912-6836
14
AL ANNU
2022
s n r a B e de to th TH
Ri
D S AT U R
AY , A
UGUST
13
TH
A FUNDRAISING EVENT TO BENEFIT LAND CONSERVATION
— — — — — — TRY —— BI— KE TOUR OF LAKE COUN FARMS REST STOPS AT LOCAL TASTE LOCAL FOOD
Schedule of Events 7:30am ................ 60+ mile route departs 8am ...................... 45+ mile route departs 9am ...................... 30+ mile route departs 11:30am–3pm .... Join us for post ride refreshment & more local food Bikers depart from Camp/Quad – 6886 County Rd. Q – Washington County (Hwy Q & Hwy 83) A waiver will need to be signed before departure. Registration Registration thru August 8th: $75 per person* August 9th & after: $95 per person* TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT:
www.tallpinesconservancy.org OR info@tallpinesconservancy.org
93 * Tall Pines Conservancy isWisconsinBikeFed.org a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Registration is a tax deductible donation.
parknichols10@hotmail.com The inaugural Mishigami Bicycle Challenge will take riders on an 1,100-mile self-supported odyssey around the shores of Lake Michigan. We provide the route. Your challenge is to complete the route under your own power, as fast as you safely can, with no outside assistance (except commercially available services). You are on the clock and on your own.
RIDING THE
SHORE FOR A CURE
July 23 - 24, 2022 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Scenic Shore 150 Bike Tour is a two-day, 150-mile, fully-supported cycling event that is open to riders of all ages and abilities. Additional one-day route options available of 25-miles and 75-miles.
Ride the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan while pedaling in support of a cure for blood cancer.
Pedal and Party in Pardeeville with a Purpose, Jul 23, 7:00 am - 5:30 pm, Chandler Park in Pardeeville WI, Pardeeville, WI, Charity Ride https://pedalandparty.com/, 608-225-3578 kay@kaylumdesign.com Ride the rolling hills of Pardeeville Wisconsin, located about 30 miles north of Madison! This will be our 20th Annual PPPP! Choose from 4 distances: 12, 32, 40 or 57 miles! The first rest stop features FREE breakfast burritos and Amish bakery for purchase! There are other rest stops with free snacks, water and energy drink. One stop is at an Amish Grocery store and another is at another Amish store! The ride ends with a Party out back at the Caddyshack Bar just a few blocks from the ride Start at Chandler Park. Get a free 1/2 pound shack burger, side dishes and beer and soda free after the ride. Best of all, this ride is a fundraiser for MS! Just pay the entry fee (extra donations are of course welcome!) Things can change, so be sure to check the website for updates! We also mark the roads and have readable maps! What more could you want? WORS- Mount Morris Challenge, Jul 23 - Jul 24, All Day, Race https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/wors/, Mike_monger@trekbikes.com
MTB
Scenic Shore Bike Tour, Jul 23 - Jul 24, All Day,
Charity Ride https://www.scenicshore150.org, 262-613-1785 jen.grandkoski@ lls.org The 30th Annual Scenic Shore Bike Tour is a fully- supported cycling event that is open to riders of all ages and abilities. One of Wisconsin’s most popular bike rides, the Scenic Shore 150 is the largest locally organized and supported event for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. With 1,5 00 riders raising over $1.5 million we continue to be one of the premier charity cycling events in the Midwest. The beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan is the picturesque setting for a weekend of riding the shore for a cure! We invite you to join fellow cycling enthusiasts who will pedal 25, 75, 150 or 175 miles in support of a cure for blood cancer. Your life will be forever changed as you are cheered on and supported on the route by blood cancer survivors and their families! 150- mile ITINERARY - Saturday: Riders pedal 75-miles north from Mequon to Manitowoc then spend the night in Manitowoc. Sunday: Riders begin the final 75-mile stretch toward Door Country, ending in Sturgeon Bay. Alternative one-day routes start at 25-miles. E-bike friendly!
Lake Ripley Ride, Jul 30, 7:45 am - 4:00 pm, Ripley Park, Cambridge, WI, Family Fun Ride https://www.lakeripleyride.com, 608669-2732 bradyj07@gmail.com The 2022 tenth annual Cambridge Lake Ripley Ride includes an exciting 62-mile metric century, a scenic 40-mile route, and a family friendly 22-mile route! Beautiful/bountiful rest stops, men’s/women’s t-shirts, SAG support, and a FANTASTIC post-ride celebration featuring a sandy swimming beach, live music, cold beer and other thirst quenchers, and a tasty Cambridge Lions Club dinner (including vegetarian and GF options). All proceeds support non-profits JDRF (Ride to Cure Diabetes) and CAP (Cambridge Community Activities Program) Ride with Leinie, Jul 30, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Conover Town Park,
REGISTER NOW 94
ScenicShore150.org
Conover, WI, Ride Guide, Family Fun Ride, Charity Ride, Community Events https://ghtrails.org/ridewithleinie/, 715-617-0080 curriefam@gmail.com This well established ride featuring Dick Leinenkugel will be switching from its previous Land O’ Lakes location to the Conover-Phelps Trail this summer. Ride with Leinie will be held on July 30 and will include two trail rides, a 10 mile out and back led by Dick
Leinenkugel and a 20 mile round trip on the whole trail. A 40 mile road ride in this quiet and scenic northeast corner of the county is also an option. The registration fee is $40 until July 29 and $45 on the day of the Ride. It includes an event shirt, the ride itself, and a brat picnic afterwards featuring samples of Leinenkugel beer and root beer, and raffle and door prize drawings. Dick Leinenkugel presides over the festivities. All proceeds from Ride with Leinie go toward development and enhancement of eastern Vilas County bike trails.
BENEFITING:
CHARITY
BIKE TOUR
Oshkosh Century, Badfish Creek 20K/40K Time Trial July 30, 2022 9:30 am - 11:30 am, madcityvelo.org MadCity Velo Club hosts this annual 20K/40K Time Trial on July 30, 2022, on some of the nicest country roads in Wisconsin. The race occurs in the Town of Rutland in Dane County and circles the Badfish Creek State Wildlife Area. The course starts at the intersection of Center Road & Old Stone Road. Racers head east on Old Stone, turn south on Danks Road, turn west on Old Stage Road, turn east on Old Stone and finish just before Center Road. Athletes 14 and under or 70 and over will do one loop, all others do two loops. Flat on some stretches, rolling on others the three roads sample the interesting terrain of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The race is open to any healthy athlete. Those cyclists with USA Cycling/WCA, WiSport or ABR/MATTS licenses may race in those age group categories. Others may race in the Open age group categories.
2022
JULY 30 - AUGUST 1
CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tour, Jul 30 - Aug 1, 9:00 am - 8:30 pm, Gurnee Mills Mall, Gurnee, Illinois, Charity Ride https://resphealth.org/cowalunga/, 1-888-880-5864 jdiaz@resphealth.org Escape the bustle for a weekend pedaling over rolling hills through northern Illinois into southern Wisconsin. You can choose either a One Day Ride (18 or 65 miles), a Two Day Ride (130 miles) or a Three Day Ride (190 miles). Along the way, you’ll experience an unparalleled level of camaraderie and support from other cyclists and Respiratory Health Association, while helping us achieve our vision of healthy lungs and clean air for all.
Bike to the Beat, Aug 6, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm, Family Fun Ride
WORS- Refo Ramble, Aug 6 - Aug 7, All Day,
MTB Race https://
www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/wors/, Mike_monger@trekbikes.com
Dan Claussen Memorial Escarpment Ride, Aug 7, 9:00 am 3:00 pm, Ledge View Nature Center, Chilton, WI, Family Fun Ride https://ledgeviewnaturecenter.org, 920-901-7746 djgramling@gmail. com Join us for a fun ride in memory of Dan Claussen, founder of the annual Escarpment Bike Tour from 1987 to 2017. The 8 mile route loops around to Charlesburg and the 45 mile route rides along the Niagara Escarpment to Calumet County park on Lake Winnebago. Riders on both routes meet back at the nature center for a dedication of the memorial bike rack and refreshments. 920-849-1471
MILES
https://www.biketothebeat.com, 920-419-6684 hwessley@foxcu. org Bike to the Beat is a family-friendly bike ride suitable for all ages! Pedal as little as 5 miles or push yourself to do 50 miles or anything in between! There will be seven food and music stops for riders to enjoy. Food will vary from station to station and will include bagels, cheese curds, root beer floats, chicken wings, brats, sliders, ice cream, and more! While you are eating and drinking along the route, each stop also features live music from artists in town for The Mile of Music that you can dance and boogie to! Register today for the best rate!
RIDE FOR HEALTHY LUNGS & CLEAN AIR RIDE
Phelps Twin Triathlon, Aug 6, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Gravel Race, Family Fun Ride https://www.phelpswi.us/event/twin-triathlon/, 7155453800 laura@phelpswi.us A family fun triathlon in the beautiful Northwoods! Join us for an 8k paddle, 15k bike ride and 5k run. Complete all legs on your own or finish as a relay team and split up the legs! All participants get a T-shirt. Post race party at Wavering Park in Phelps for the fireman’s picnic and pig roast.
ESCAPE THE BUSTLE FOR A WEEKEND PEDALING OVER ROLLING HILLS THROUGH NORTHERN ILLINOIS INTO SOUTHERN WISCONSIN. ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS WELCOME! OUR RIDE WILL FOLLOW ALL GUIDELINES FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY EVENT.
LEARN MORE AT RESPHEALTH.ORG/COW WisconsinBikeFed.org
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14th Annual Ride to the Barns, Aug 13, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Camp Quad, Hartford, WI, Charity Ride https://tallpinesconservancy. org/ride-to-the-barns-2020, 262-369-0500 beth@tallpinesconservancy.org Ride to the Barns is a cycling event through lake and farm country in southeastern Wisconsin to benefit the land conservation work of Tall Pines Conservancy. The ride features three routes- 30, 45 and 60 mile -with rest stops at farms where riders enjoy locally sourced food. The event concludes with a post-ride party featuring lunch, beer and music. 2022 will be the 14th year of Ride to the Barns, and we are continuing to cap our ride at 500 riders to keep the quality of the riding experience. Registration is $75 per person through Monday, August 8th and $95 thereafter.
Northern Woods and Waters Tour, Aug 13 - Aug 19, All Day,
• 250 person limit • Fully supported • 200 to 380 miles
Our 2022 tour will explore the heart of central Illinois. Join us for a fun, fully-supported ride!
Americinn, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Family Fun Ride https://www. aroundwisbike.com, 715-216-4005 mjfilbrandt@gmail.com The 2022 tour showcases the many miles of asphalt bicycle trails that Vilas County has been constructing for the past fifteen years in its effort to add bicyclists to the group of sports enthusiasts who are already fans of this popular northern county. Over 75 miles of this 300 mile tour take place on paved trails, which wind through the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest past campgrounds and lakeside beaches. Wildlife sightings are common each day. We stay in popular tourist towns including Minocqua, Eagle River, Boulder Junction and Land O Lakes. Upscale lodging, most meals, routes and sag included.
Menomin Meander, Aug 20, 9:00 am - 11:30 am, Dunn County Recreation Park, Menomonie, WI, Family Fun Ride https://sadisticcentury.com/, 715-309-8992 williamsda@uwstout.edu Familyfriendly 8.5 mile ride around Menomonie’s Lake Menomin Loop, with gentle terrain. FREE! Begins and ends at the Dunn County Recreation Park, mostly on segregated trails or quiet bike route streets. Rest stop halfway around with restrooms, water and snacks, including Culvers custard. Sag supported and ideal for families with children of all ages. Sponsored by the Menomonie Optimist Club. No advance registration or cost for the Menomin Meander.
Sadistic Century, Aug 20, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm, Dunn County Recreation Park, Menomonie, WI, Charity Ride https://sadisticcentury. com/, 715-330-4646 porterbicycle@gmail.com Want a challenging, super fun ride? The Sadistic Century, since 2015 is a fun and challenging 100 mile, 100 km and 60 km bicycling ride in Western Wisconsin. Short drive from Madison and Twin Cities Area. August 20th, 2022. All proceeds from the Sadistic Century ride will go the following non-profit groups in the Menomonie Area. Stepping Stones of Dunn County Food, Shelter, Community Connections, The Menomonie Area Trails of CORBA via the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club Bike4Friendship, Aug 21 - Aug 22, All Day, The Friendship Circle, Fox Point, WI, Charity Ride https://fcwi.org/bike, 414-755-5855 lstein@fcwi.org On August 21-22, join Team Friendship Wisconsin for a one-of-a-kind adventure this summer. Pedal for an amazing cause that empowers a dynamic community of love, support and belonging for children and individuals with special needs. Feel the excitement and thrill while riding alongside tens of fellow Team Friendship cyclists!
WORS- Treadfest, Aug 27 - Aug 28, All Day,
MTB Race https://
www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/wors/, Mike_monger@trekbikes.com
Learn more at rideillinois.org
Chris Kegel Slow Roll, Aug 28, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Family Fun Ride https://www.chriskegel.org, 414-336-1270 amelia.kegel@ wheelandsprocket.com Join us for this FREE, fun, family friendly 10 mile bike ride that starts and ends at the War Memorial in Downtown Milwaukee. This ride celebrates our amazing bike community and raises money for the Chris Kegel Foundation. Learn more: www. chriskegel.org
29th Annual Copper Harbor Trails Fest Presented by the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, Sep 2 - Sep 4, All Day, MTB Race https://copperharbortrails.org/event/copper-harbor-trails-fest, nathan@copperharbortrails.org The 29th Annual Copper Harbor Trails Fest Presented by the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge takes place September 2 - September 4, 2022 in Copper Harbor, MI. The annual Labor Day Weekend event features races, music, beer, and good times on Saturday and Sunday! This all-ages event has something for everyone, whether you’re a cross-country lover, blazing-fast downhiller, enduro expert, sure-footed trail runner, or aspiring young ripper. Saturday brings our classic XC mountain bike race in the morning, split into long and short depending on your appetite for pedaling. Later in the afternoon we kick off our Downhill race on East Bluff, featuring a brand new course for the first time in nearly a decade. Shortly after that our young riders take to the Back 9 Trails to show us what they’ve got in their quest for pint-sized glory. We wrap it up in the park downtown with music and beer from local and regional breweries. Sunday picks up where we left off with a rugged 10k Trail Run that will have you wondering if you should have worn hiking boots instead of running shoes. Later in the morning we send it with our new-and-improved Enduro, split into three classes for you to choose from. Stick around for the music into the evening. It all culminates with the drawing of winners for our summer raffle and crowning of the King & Queen of the Mountain and Beast Mode Champions. Think you’ll win big this year? The expert-class Enduro and Downhill race are part of the Lake Superior Gravity Series. Compete in the long XC, Donwhill, and Expert Enduro races for a chance to become the King or Queen of the Mountain! The fastest male and female racers across all three events will take home the top prize. VOLUNTEER FOR THE EVENT! Volunteers are our favorite kind of people. These awesome folks give their time to make this event possible, keeping racers safe and ensuring everything goes smoothly. Want to lend a hand? We’ve got tasks as short as an hour or as long as an afternoon. Volunteers get rewards for helping out! We’ll release details on volunteering closer to the event.
SepTimber Ride, Sep 10, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Tribute Brewing Company, Eagle River, WI, Ride Guide, Charity Ride, Community Events https://eagleriver.org/featured/septimber-ride/, 715-4796400 events@eagleriver.org On September 10, the SepTimber Ride offers three unique and fun routes with a pair of the area’s favorite destinations for beer and wine enthusiasts - Tribute Brewing Company and Three Lakes Winery. All we need is you and your friends! Save $10 by registering online by August 1. Proceeds go toward the development and enhancement of eastern Vilas County bike trails – such as the River Trail connecting Eagle River to the Heart of Vilas Trail. All SepTimber Ride routes begin at Tribute Brewing Company in Eagle River and make a pass through Three Lakes Winery at roughly the halfway point. The full schedule includes registration from 7 to 9 a.m., with the 100K Northwoods Road Ride starting at 8 a.m., the 60K Northwoods Road Ride leaving at 8:30 a.m., and the 28-mile Trail Ride setting off at 9 a.m. All participants must be age 21 years or older. Registration includes the bike ride, wine and beer sampling, a long sleeve wickaway event shirt, and a brat picnic to celebrate the conclusion of the ride. All rides are self-guided. It is strongly recommended that everyone participating wear a CPSC approved helmet.
September Song Memorial Ride, Sep 10, 10:00 am, Veteran’s Memorial Park (formerly City Park), Rice Lake, WI, Community Events 715-234-4127 membership@wisconsinbikefed.org Registration 9-10am. Single 50-mile blacktop loop. Self reliant ride. For inquiries contact North Roads Bicycle Club at 715-234-4127 or 307 W Newton Rice Lake WI 54868. $1 route sheet.
Peace Trail Time Trial, Sep 11, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm,
Road Race https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/WI/Afton/PeaceTrailEvents, 608-362-9384 Info@rocktrailcoalition.org 25 Kilometer bike time trial with proceeds to benefit paving of the Janesville Beloit Peace Trail.
Bike the Barns, Sep 18, All Day, Lake Farm Park, Madison, WI, Charity Ride https://www.csacoalition.org/bikethebarns, 608-2260300 tess@csacoalition.org The 2022 Bike the Barns ride will be departing from Lake Farm County Park (Madison,WI). Riders can choose from two route options: a short route (~30-40miles), and a long route (~60 miles). Participants can expect a scenic ride around southeastern Dane County, with 3-4 farm stops along the way, food, community, music, and MORE!
FallColorFestival.org
¡Pick Me Up at the Border! 2022, Sep 23 - Sep 24, 7:00 pm - 5:00 am, Race Day Events, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, Gravel Ride, Charity Ride https://www.bikefitchburg.org/events.html, 608-393900 steve.arnold@fitchburg.wi.us This is a long-distance, nighttime, gravel ride. Don’t miss this unique experience! There will be three ride options: 25 mile (Belleville), 50 mile (Monticello), and 80 mile (Illinois state line and back), all gravel/dirt trail bike ride (except for a 2.2-mile detour around the closed Stewart Tunnel) beginning at nightfall. End times vary according to distance. Participants generally return to their motor vehicles at the start point or ride home. Meet before the ride to grab some snacks before you hit the trail! The ride starts at 7pm. We will ride as a group south to the crossing of County Highway M, after which riders may ride in small groups or alone at their own pace and distance. Your on-line registration fee of $15 is a donation to Bike Fitchburg, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charity devoted to improving biking in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, and is deductible to full the extent of federal and state tax law. (You will also sign a release and pay a $2.50 service fee when you register.) Additional donations and donations from non-riders support our work and are greatly appreciated! Helmet and long lasting headlight(s) are required. Spare lights, batteries, and/or power packs are recommended for the longer distances. Face masks are required at the start and at snack stops.
Tour de Chequamegon, Sep 23 - Sep 25, All Day,
Gravel Ride https://lifeaboveeight.com/events/tour-de-chequamegon/, 414-3361270 amelia.kegel@wheelandsprocket.com Have an adventure with us… Ride the scenic gravel roads of the Wisconsin Northwoods this fall with Seeley Dave and Wheel & Sprocket on the 6th annual Tour de Chequamegon! Roll through dense forest, uplands and remote lakes of the Chequamegon National Forest. Join the bikepacking ride that literally put Wisconsin gravel on the map!
THEDACARE presents Shawano Pathway’s 10th annual Bike the Barn Quilts, Sep 24, All Day, Memorial Athletic Park, Shawano, WI, Ride Guide, Charity Ride, Community Events https://www.shawanopathways.org/, 715-304-9796 28degreesandsnowing@gmail. com Help us celebrate our 10th ANNUAL “Bike the Barn Quilts!” Enjoy beautiful fall colors and many of our 300+ barn quilts while riding any of our of our six routes. Choose a distance between 17 and 70 miles or take a 22-mile guided tour at a slower pace. Join us on Friday night for Bluegrass and bbq!. Great music &food--and your final chance for a discounted rate and pre-registration pick-up. Registration includes continental breakfast, maps. SAGS, food stations,bbox lunch, Quilt raffle! Limited edition T’s and bike jerseys!! Proceeds support User-activated lights on Main Street and Mountain Bay Trail Crossing.
Treadhead Fall Tour, Sep 25, 6:00 am - 3:00 pm, House of Music, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Charity Ride https://www.facebook.com/ treadheadfalltour, 262-374-4475 treadheadcycling@gmail.com An organized bicycle ride around beautiful Southeast Wisconsin. There are routes to meet everyone’s needs from 18 to 100 miles. There will be rest stops and support along the routes to make sure everyone enjoys their ride. The ride starts from the House of Music in Lake Geneva and they will have live music and food after the ride. Ride Description: Well marked and quiet country roads, cue sheets, SAG support, friendly volunteers and our well-stocked rest stops A non-competitive, scenic ride of 18, 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles. PDF Files as well as GPS files through our event on Ride with GPS. Starting and Closing Times:
Annual mountain bike fund-raiser held at the John Muir trails in Southeastern Wisconsin. Proceeds support future trail development and maintenance. Awards • Beer Garden • Food • Music Children’s Ride • Tag-Team Event • Raffle
Discover your Whitewater Adventure!
Exceptional cycling on stunning scenic routes. Over 30 miles of mountain bike trails and unlimited country roads throughout Wisconsin’s Southern Kettle Moraine state forest
All routes open at 6:00am. Century riders should begin no later than 8:00am. All riders must plan to complete their rides by 3:00pm when all routes close and SAG support ends. SAG Support: Phone equipped SAG’s are intended to help riders needing assistance. Priority will be given to riders in emergency situations - illness, injury or irreparable mechanical breakdowns. Flat tires are not considered emergencies. SAG service stops at 3:00pm. This is what it’s all about! Your participation helps support the advocacy work that Treadhead Cycling performs on behalf of all cyclists in Southeast Wisconsin
The Ride, Sep 25, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, American Family Insurance Headquarters, Madison, WI, Charity Ride https://therideuw. org, 608-263-7893 vrouse@wisc.edu Started in 2016, The Ride was established as a signature Wisconsin cycling event to raise funds for cancer research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the UW Carbone Cancer Center. This event has now grown to include running and walking events as well. Since its inception, The Ride has raised over $1.8 million to advance state of the art cancer research and treatment to serve patients and families in Wisconsin and beyond by funding the brightest cancer minds, ideas and technologies at the University of Wisconsin. Cycling routes include 100 mile, 100K, 50K, 25K, and a 5K family ride. Running events include a half marathon and a 5K run/walk.
Trek CX Cup, Oct 7 - Oct 9, All Day, MTB Race https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/trekcxcup/, Mike_monger@trekbikes.com IRONBULL Red Granite Grinder, Oct 15, 7:00 am - 7:30 pm, Gravel Race https://www.ironbull.org/red-granite-grinder-details, 7158485949 executivedirector@ironbull.org 144-mile, 85-mile, and 50-mile gravel bike races through Marathon County including rolling gravel roads, ATV trails, beautiful parks, forests, ginseng fields, and farm lands. 12-mile recreational ride free for kids
June 25, 2022 Casco, WI 4th A
nnu
al
Thumbs Up
www.discoverwhitewater.org
After a long ride . . . . relax & stay with us! BAYMONT INN (262) 472-9400 FAIRFIELD INN (262) 458-2065 HAMILTON HOUSE B&B (262) 473-1900 SUPER8 (262) 472-0400 VICTORIA ON MAIN B&B (262) 473-8400
for tourist information, bike maps, and more call us at 1-866-4WW-TOUR or visit us at 150 W Main Street in downtown Whitewater
In Memory of Andy Nowak
BIKE TOUR
Pedal up the thumb of Wisconsin. 15, 30, 60 + 100 mile scenic routes. The Andy Nowak Foundation, Inc. A non-profit Charity Organization 501(c)3 “To Better the Lives of Many in Need”
www.thumbsupbiketour.com Riding4acause17@gmail.com
2022 UNITED PERFORMING ARTS FUND
RIDE for the
ARTS
Bike the Hoan in support of the arts on the new Hoan Loop Course where bikes rule the road!
SIGN UP TODAY AT
Upafride.org Team Registration Deadline: May 9
Mail My Packet Deadline: May 16
PRESENTED BY
WISCONSIN
BIKE SHOPS Bike Fed Member
Burlington
Bob’s Pedal Pusher 817 N Pine St facebook.com/Bobs-Pedal-Pusher-155670771138030 262-763-7794
Chippewa Falls
Spring Street Sports, Inc. 12 W Spring St springshopstsports.com 715-723-6616
Cudahy
South Shore Cyclery 4758 S Packard Ave southshorecyclery.com 414-831-0211
De Pere
The Bike Hub 1025 N Broadway thebikehubonline.com 920-339-0229
Delafield
Endurance House 2736 Hillside Dr delafield.endurancehouse.com 262-646-7308
Wheel & Sprocket - Delafield 528 Wells St wheelandsprocket.com/about/delafield-wi-pg329.htm 262-646-6300
Appleton
Active Bike & Fitness LLC 1131 Badger Ave activebikeandfitness.com 920-202-3034
Appleton Bicycle Shop 121 S State St appletonbike.com 920-733-2595
Dousman
Bicycle Doctor Nordic Ski Shop 105 N Main St #8835 bikedr.com 262-965-4144
Eagle River
Forever Young Bike and Ski 107 N Railroad St
Affordable Mobile Bike Repair 370 E Coolidge Ave
foreveryoungbikeandski.com 715-479-3920
affordablebikerepair.com 920-428-7824
Eau Claire
REI-Appleton 3850 W Wisconsin Ave rei.com/stores/appleton.html 920-442-5550
Wheel & Sprocket - Appleton 3939 W College Ave wheelandsprocket.com/about/appleton-wi-pg327.htm 920-997-9300
Scheels-Appleton 4301 W Wisconsin Ave scheelssport.com 920-830-2977
Dick’s Sporting Goods 4350 Greenville Dr stores.dickssportinggoods.com/wi/appleton/109 920-954-9266
Chain Reaction Cyclery 818 N. Superior
ERIK’S Bike Board Ski - Eau Claire 4130 Commonwealth Ave eriksbikeshop.com 715-835-6746
Stache Bike and Adventure 414 North Farwell St eauclairebike.com 715-514-5068
Scheels-Eau Claire 4710 Golf Rd scheelssports.com 715-833-1886
Shift Cyclery & Coffee Bar 615 Graham Ave
eaushift.com 715-514-5060
Riverside Bike & Skate 937 Water St
chainreactioncycleryllc.com 920-733-1141
riversidebikenskate.com 715-835-0088
Arlington
Fish Creek
Yellow Jersey, Ltd 219 Main St yellowjersey.org 608-257-4737
Ashland
Bay City Cycles 412 Main St W bayshopcitycycles.com 715-682-2091
Baraboo
Wildside Action Sports 880 State Road 136 Ste 1 wildbaraboo.com 608-356-9218
Bellevue
Stadium Bike East 2633 Development Dr stadiumbike.com 920-632-2318
Beloit
Beloit Bicycle Company 110 W Grand Ave beloitbicyclecompany.com 608-362-8735
Boulder Junction
Nor Dor Sports & Cyclery- Fish Creek 4007 Hwy 42 nordoorsports.com 920-868-2275
Fitchburg
Curbside Bicycles - Mobile Bike Repair 203 Williamsburg Way Ct curbsidebicycles.com 920-574-5585
Fitchburg Cycles 2970 Cahill Main Ste 101 fitchburgcycles.com 608-630-8880
Fond du Lac
Attitude Sports- Fond du Lac 209 N Macy St attitudesports.com 920-923-2323
Fond du Lac Cyclery & Fitness 209 S Main St oshkoshcyclery.com 920-923-3211
Fort Atkinson
2 Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor- Ft Atkinson 33 W Sherman Ave 2riversbicycle.com 920-563-2222
Coontail Sports 5446 Park St coontail.com 888-874-0885
Fountain
Brookfield
bronesbikeshop.com 608-687-8601
REI-Brookfield 13100 W Capitol Dr rei.com/stores/brookfield. html 262-783-6150
Wheel & Sprocket - Brookfield 13925 W Capitol Dr wheelandsprocket.com/about/brookfield-wi-pg331.htm 262-783-0700 102
Brone’s Bike Shop 615 South Main St
Fox Point
Wheel & Sprocket - Fox Point 6940 N Santa Monica Blvd wheelandsprocket.com/about/fox-point-wi-pg328.htm 414-247-8100
July 26-31, 2022 Crossing the Mitten Lake Michigan to Lake Huron on the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail #1
Also from the League of Michigan Bicyclists: June 17-19 ADVENTURE
July 9-16
August 6-13
LMB.org/tours
Plan Your North Central Wisconsin Cycling Adventure Free Maps and Visitor Guides
NorthCentralWisconsin.com
Join us for the first LMB-led Michigander Bicycle Tour, named “One of the Top Ten Multi-Day Rides in America” by Bicycling Magazine. Proceeds support Michigan trails and bicycle advocacy. WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Franklin
Lake Mills
wheelandsprocket.com/about/franklin-wi-pg506.htm 414-529-6600
thebikemobile.com 608-213-7476
Glendale
Lakewood
Wheel & Sprocket- Franklin 7044 S Ballpark Dr
ERIK’S Bike Board Ski - Glendale 598 W Northshore Dr eriksbikeshop.com 414-831-1001
Grafton
ERIK’S Bike Board Ski - Grafton 1275 Washington St eriksbikeshop.com 262-474-2453
Green Bay
Broken Spoke Bike Studio 115 Pine St # 101 brokenspokebikes.com 920-634-2040
Old Skool Bicycle Shop 1250 Bellevue St facebook.com/oldskoolbicycleshop 920-259-9253 Pete’s Garage 142 N Broadway petesgarage.com 920-857-1690
Stadium Bike West 2150 W Mason St stadiumbike.com 920-499-3400
JB Cycle & Sport 2500 Glendale Ave jbcyclesport.com 920-434-8338
Greenfield
ERIK’S Bike Board Ski - Greenfield 8401 W Layton Ave eriksbikeshop.com 414-448-1208
Hales Corners
Patio Bike Shop 9800 W Forest Home Ave facebook.com/patiobike 414-425-3535
Hartford
Expedition Supply- Hartford 20 W Sumner St expeditionsupply.com 262-673-7303
Hayward
The BikeMobile 213 W Madison St
Lakewood Ski and Sport 15309 State Highway 32 facebook. com/Lakewood-Ski-Sport-182298994995 715-276-3071
Madison
Dream Bikes-Madison 1131 N Sherman Ave dream-bikes.org 608-416-5536
Black Saddle Bike Shop 601 N Sherman Ave. Suite F blacksaddlebikeshop.com 608-283-9568
Budget Bicycle Center 1230 Regent St budgetbicyclectr.com 608-251-8413
The Cargo Bike Shop 1404 Williamson St facebook.com/thecargobikeshop 608-373-4798
Neff Cycle Service 1490 Martin St neffcycleservice.com 608-514-5393
Trek Bicycle Store - Madison East 1706 Eagan Rd trekbikes.com/us/en_US/retail/madison_east 608-442-8735
Freewheel Community Bike Shop 1804 S Park St #6 freewheelbikes.org 608-251-2453
Revolution Cycles 2330 Atwood Ave revolutioncycles.net 608244-0009
Cronometro 338 W Lakeside St cronometro.com 608-243-7760 ERIK’S Bike Board Ski - Madison East 3813 E Washington Ave eriksbikeshop.com 608-244-9825
UW-Madison Bicycle Resource Center 600 N Park St transportation.wisc.edu/bicycling/university-bicycle-resource-center 608-263-2969 Down With Bikes 601 Bram St downwithbikes.org 414-242-7064
Machinery Row Bicycles 601 Williamson St machineryrowbicycles.com 608-442-5974
Riverbrook Bike & Ski 10538 Main St
Crazy Lennys E-Bikes 6017 Odana Rd
riverbrookbike.com 715-634-0437
crazylennysebikes.com 608-276-5921
New Moon Ski & Bike Shop 15569 US Hwy 63 newmoonski.com 715-634-8685
Hudson
Art Doyle’s Spokes and Pedals 607 2nd St spokesandpedals.com 715-386-8500
Motorless Motion Bicycles 640 W Washington Ave motorlessmotionbicycles.com 608-443-0640
ERIK’S Bike Board Ski - Madison West 6610 Seybold Road eriksbikeshop.com 608-278-9000
REI-Madison 7483 West Towne Way rei.com/stores/madison.html 608-833-6680
Janesville
Trek Bicycle Store - Madison West 8108 Mineral Point Rd
facebook.com/veloshopcitymultisportandcycling 608-352-0649
Old Town Cycles 920 East Johnson St
Veloshopcity Multi-Sport & Cycling 1327 N Wright Rd Ste 180
trekbikes.com/us/en_US/retail/madison_west 608-833-8735
Michael’s Cycles 2716 Pontiac Dr
oldtowncycles.com 608-259-8696
michaelscycles.net 608-752-7676
Manitowoc
Kaukauna
Recyclist Bicycle Co. 631 Saunders Rd recyclist.com 920-759-1200
Kenosha
The Fitness Store 1410 Dewey St thefitnessstore.com 920-684-8088
The Bicycle & Fitness Co 1704 Memorial Dr bikenfit.com 920-682-1944
Total Cyclery 5039 6th Ave totalcycleryrepair.com 262-652-2222
Marinette
La Crosse
marinettecycle.com 715-735-5442
Bikes Limited 1001 La Crosse St. bikesltdlax.com 608 785-2326 Wrench & Roll Collective 1200 Caledonia St.
Marinette Cycle Center 1555 Pierce Ave
Marshfield
The Sports Den 1202 S Central Ave
wrenchnrollcollective.com 608-406-2261 Smith’s Bike Shop 125 7th St N smithsbikes.com 608-784-1175
thesportsden.net 715-384-8313
La Pointe
Menomonee Falls
Motion To Go 102 Lakeview Pl motion-to-go.com 715-747-6585
Lake Geneva
Avant Cycling Cafe 234 Broad St. avantcyclingcafe.com 262-203-5141
Emerys Cycling Triathlon & Fitness- Menomonee Falls N88W15036 Main St emerys.com/ 262-255-0770
Menomonie
Simple Sports 400 Main St E facebook.com/SimpleSportsUS 715-233-3493
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Mequon
Onalaska
belgianwerkx.com 262-518-0170
rivertrailcycles.com 608-519-5757
Belgianwerkx 10802 N Port Washington Rd
Middleton
Playtri Middleton 1661 Deming Way #154
River Trail Cycles 106 Mason St Coulee Bicycle Co 213 Main St couleebike.com 608-783-7433
Oshkosh
playtrimiddleton.com 608-203-8775
Wheel & Sprocket - Oshkosh 1451 Washburn St
Wheel & Sprocket - Middleton 6641 University Ave
wheelandsprocket.com/about/oshkosh-wi-pg333.htm 920-232-0900
wheelandsprocket.com/about/middleton-wi-pg338.htm 608-820-1166
Milwaukee
Ben’s Cycles 1018 W Lincoln Ave benscycle.net 414-384-2236 ERIK’S Bike Board Ski 1819 E Kenilworth Pl
Winnebago Bicycle 502 N Main St winnebagobicycle.com 920-426-3020
Pewaukee
VeloCity Cycling 203 W Wisconsin Ave
eriksbikeshop.com 414-831-9300
vshopcitycycling.com 262-695-7433
Wheel & Sprocket - Bay View 187 E Becher St
Platteville
wheelandsprocket.com/about/bay-view-wi-pg492.htm 414-234-5500
Dream Bikes-Milwaukee 2021 N Dr Martin Luther King Dr dream-bikes.org 414-763-0909
The Bikesmiths 2865 N Murray Ave
Momentum Bicycles 25 West Main St momentumbikes.com 608-348-6888
Plymouth
thebikesmiths.com 414-332-1330
Back Door Bike Shop 828 Eastern Ave
Milwaukee Bicycle Collective 2930 W Clybourn St
backdoorbikeshop.com 920-893-9786
bikecollective.org 414-431-0825
Bigfoot Bike and Skate LLC 350 East Ward St bigfootbikeandskate.com/home 1312-401-8491
Fyxation Bicycle Company 3618 W Pierce St fyxation.com 414-210-4907
Hometown Bikes 500 E Center St 414-502-7259 Truly Spoken Cycles 600 E Center St trulyspokencycles.com 414-263-2453
Vulture Space 651 N Plankinton Ave vulturespace.org 414-301-1661
Everyday Cycles 826 E Locust St everydaycycles.com 414-585-0366
Emerys Cycling Triathlon & Fitness 9929 W Lisbon Ave
Port Washington
ZuZu Pedals 211 North Franklin St #102 zuzupedals.com 262-988-4099
Racine
Trek Bicycle Store - Racine 5509 Durand Ave C trekstoreracine.com 262-770-3294
Rhinelander
Mel’s Trading Post 105 S Brown St melstradingpost.net 715-362-5800
Bikes N Boards 1670 N Stevens St bikes-n-boards.com 715-369-1999
emerys.com 414-463-2453
Rice Lake
Minocqua
grinders-sports.com 715-736-7858
Z-Best Bikes 329 Front St z-bestbikes.com 715-356-4224 Chequamegon’s Adventure Company 8576 U.S. 51 chequamegonadventurecompany.com 715-356-1618
BJ’s Sportshop Inc. 917 US Highway 51 bjssportshop.com 715-356-3900
Monona
Grinders Sports 816 Hammond Ave
Ripon
Mr. Barts Bike Shop 316 Doty St facebook.com/mr.bartsbikeshop 920-748-7801
River Falls
CrankWorx Bike Shop 101 South Main St
Slow Roll Cycles 4118 Monona Dr
crankworxbikeshop.com 715-629-7246
slowrollcycles.com 608-286-1176
Sheboygan
Stonehall Bicycle 907 16th Ave stonehallbicycle.com 608-328-3278
Johnnie’s Bike Shop 1001 Michigan Ave 920-452-0934 Wolf’s Cycle and Fitness 1702 South 12th St
Mount Horeb
Trek Bicycle Store - Sheboygan 4501 Vanguard Dr
Monroe
www.wolfcycle.com 920-457-0664
Trail This Bicycle Shop 103 S 2nd St trailthis.com 608-274-8447
trekbikes.com/us/en_US/store/403760 920-395-2017
Mukwonago
Sheboygan Falls
Won-A-Go Biking 106 Main St wonagobiking.com 262-363-4770
Neenah
Gear N Up Bicycle Shop 1276 W Winneconne Ave gearnup.com 920-722-2949
Bicycle Works LLC 1114 Plankview Green Blvd bicycleworkssheboygan.com 920-467-4549
Sparta
Speed’s Bicycle Shop 1126 John St
Cranked Bike Studio 407 S Green Bay Rd
speedsbike.com 608-269-2315
crankedbikestudio.com 920-720-0800
Star Prairie
New Berlin
Trailside Cycle 1849 S Calhoun Rd
Russell’s Sport N’ Bike 703 Jewell St russellssportandbike.com 715-248-3644
trailsidecycle.com 262-782-7433
WisconsinBikeFed.org
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Stevens Point
West Allis
pointareabicycleservice.com 715-498-4122
allisbike.com 414-327-1290
campus-cycle.com 715-341-2151
West Bend
Point Area Bicycle Service 1311 Strongs Ave Campus Cycle & Sport Shop 1732 4th Ave Hostel Shoppe 3201 John Joanis Dr hostelshoppe.com 715-341-2453
Trek Bicycle Store 5370 Hwy 10 East Ste J
Allis Bike & Fitness 9622 W National Ave
Mountain Outfitters 109 S Main St mountainout.com 262-335-0424
Pedal Moraine 1421 South Main St
trekbikes.com/us/en_US/store/17571001 715-544-1600
pedalmoraine.com 262-338-2453
Stoughton
Whitewater
stotoncycle.com 608-877-1134
bicyclewise.com 262- 473-4730
Sturgeon Bay
quiethutsports.com 262-473-2950
Stoton Cycle 100 W Washington St
Nor Door Sport & Cyclery- Sturgeon Bay 1014 Egg Harbor Rd
BicycleWise & Sport Fitness 1155 W Main St Quiet Hut Sports 186 W Main St Backyard Bikes W6098 HWY 12
nordoorsports.com 920-818-0803
backyardbikes.com 262-495-8600
Sun Prairie
Wisconsin Rapids
Sun shopcity Cyclery 235 E Main St sunshopcitycyclery.com 608-837-2453
Bring’s Cycling & Fitness 1710 8th St S bringscycling.com 715-423-5520
Thiensville
Withee
extremeskiandbike.com 262-242-1442
marshfieldagriculture.com 715-229-4530
Extreme Ski & Bike 235 N Main St
Verona
Rocket Bicycle Studio 507 Bruce St Ste 101 rocketbicyclestudio.com 608-239-3837
Atkins Verona Bicycle Shoppe 517 Half Mile Rd atkinsbike.com 608-845-6644
Viroqua
Bluedog Cycles, Inc 201 S Main St bluedogcycles.com 608-637-6993
Waukesha
M&M Bike Repair 1230 E Broadway facebook.com/MMBikeRepair/?rf=390642831130186 262-542-5912 Fox River Sports 143 E North St foxriversports.net 262-544-5557 Mokros Cycle N6W23757 Bluemound Rd facebook.com/MokrosCycle-226905964173931 262-521-1300
Waupun
Ron’s Lawn and Sport 650 W Main St 920-324-3181
Wausau
Builer’s Cycle & Fitness 215 S 3rd Ave buildersbike.com 715-842-4185
Trek Bicycle Store 2601 Stewart Ave trekbikes.com/us/en_US/store/1757110 715-845-7433
Shepherd & Schaller Sporting Goods 324 Scott St shepssports.com 715-845-5432
Rib Mountain Cycles 4001 D Rib Mountain Dr ribmountaincycles.com 715-359-3925
Wauwatosa
Tosa Bike Garage 1500 Underwood Av tosabikegarage.com 414-758-5185
BikeSweets.com 6838 Maple Ter bikesweets.com 877-798-7933 ext 707
Johnson’s Cycle & Fitness 6916 W North Ave johnsonsbikeshop.com 414-476-2341
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Hene Supply N14704 French Town Ave
Ride our roads and trails, any time of the year
Visit www.wausharacountypublichealth.com
Libertyville, IL
Bicycle Club of Lake County bikebclc.com
Lombard, IL
WISCONSIN
Elmhurst Bicycle Club www.elmhurstbicycling.or smkamessina@gmail.com
BIKE CLUBS
Madison
Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison FB4KMadison.org info@fb4kmadison.org
Madison Women’s Cycling Club facebook.com/ groups/422391611714723
bandalaro@yahoo.com
Milwaukee
Bike Fed Member
Bay View Bicycle Club bayviewbikeclub.org/ info@bayviewbikeclub.org
Ashland
North Coast Cycling Assn northcoastcycling.com bike.north.coast@gmail.com
Cadence cadencemke.com mkecadence@gmail.com Snakebite Athletic Club (AC) serpentijn.bike/pages/snakebite-ac
Neenah
Cable, Hayward, Seeley, Bayfield
CAMBA - Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association cambatrails.org info@cambatrails.org
Fox Valley Different Spokes facebook.com/FV-Mens-DifferentSpokes-Bike-Club-112833939365078/
Wisconsin Women Cycling wisconsinwomencycling.com
Colfax
Oshkosh Cycling Club oshkoshcyclingclub.com oshkoshcyclingclub@gmail.com
Rice Lake
Sadistic Century sadisticcentury.com
North Roads Bicycle Club
sadisticcenturywi@gmail.com
River Falls
Eagle River
River Valley Trails rivervalleytrails.org
Great Headwaters Trails ghtrails.org Ghtrails@gmail.com
Shawano
Shawano Pathways/Bike The Barn Quilts shawanopathways.org
Eau Claire
CORBA corbatrails.or membership@corbatrails.org Eau Claire Pie Riders eauclairepieriders@googlegroups.com OutdoorMore Inc. - Pinehurst Park pinehurstpark.org thepinehurstproject@gmail.com
info@shawanopathways.org
Stoughton
Stoughton Cycle Club stotoncycle.com
Bike Fitchburg bikefitchburg.org info@bikefitchburg.org
Glendale
Black Girls Do Bike - Milwaukee facebook.com/groups/BlackGirlsDoBikeMilwaukee/
MadCity Velo Club madcityclubvelo.or wehrleysteve@gmail.com
Virtual
Inspyrd Movement: International Women’s Day Together We Ride inspyrdmovement.org/together-we-ride iwdbike@gmail.com
Waterloo
Greater Milwaukee Area
Trek Midwest Team
Cream City Cycle Club
president@creamcityclubcycleclub.com
Green Bay
Bay Shore Bicycle Club bayshorebikeclub.org President@bayshorebikeclub.org Green Bay Bicycle Collective gbbicycle.org info@gbbicycle.org
Hartland
TriBabesWI facebook.com/groups/2372288086372296
Waukesha
Cafe de Arts/CZ Velo Cycling Spring cityclub Spinners springcityclubspinners.org president@ springcityclubspinners.org
Waupaca
Couples on Wheels Tandem Club couplesonwheels.com
Wausau / Weston
Hudson
com/groups/wausauwheelers/
Wausau Wheelers Bicycle Club wausauwheelers.org; facebook.
Big Ring Flyers bigringflyers.com Kenosha Velosport Cycling kvcycling.com com
TreadHead Cycling treadheadcycling.com 108
presi-
dents@couplesonwheels.com
corinne.merten@gmail.com
Kenosha
stotoncycle@gmail.com
Verona
Fitchburg
Lake Geneva
Jojowesley217@gmail.com
Oshkosh
Cedarburg
creamcityclubcycleclub.com
robertson.hoyt@gmail.com
Sports for Active Seniors (SAS) sportsforactiveseniors.org
Info@WausauWheelers.org
Wauwatosa Kvcycling@gmail.
Team Wisconsin Cycling teamwisconsincycling.com bpchristopherson@gmail.com
Whitefish Bay
Ride MKE ridemke.org iloveridemke@gmail.com
Safe Biking Practices Maintain at least a six-foot distance from others. six-foot apart
Avoid Getting “Doored”
When you can’t maintain a safe distance, wear a face mask to help protect yourself and others.
Riding close to parked cars leaves cyclists vulnerable to car doors that open unexpectedly.
Be visible. If you can’t see the driver, they can’t see you.
DO
Use extra caution when passing trucks, buses or approaching an intersection alongside a large vehicle.
Be alert and watch parked vehicles carefully.
Be seen when stopped.
Ride in a straight line and maintain at least three feet of distance from parked vehicles.
At red lights, stop slightly ahead of a waiting vehicle. Avoid the driver’s blind spot.
Obey traffic laws, signs and signals. Running a red light or stop sign can result in a serious crash with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Be aware of your surroundings. If using earphones, wear only one while riding. Check behind you, especially when changing lanes. Watch for opening car doors.
Ride on the road, bike lane, paved shoulder or path. Follow the rules of the road. Ride to the right in the direction of traffic. Watch out for others and be alert for hazards that may result in a crash such as rocks, potholes, utility grates and train tracks.
Enhance visibility with proper lighting. Use a white headlight and a red taillight.
Wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet will significantly reduce your risk of being killed or seriously injured in a crash.
Watch vehicle tail lights to anticipate driver actions and for exiting passengers.
DON’T Swerve back and forth around vehicles.
Safety At Intersections When approaching intersections where cyclists and turning vehicles merge:
DO Look for turning traffic. Take the full lane as necessary.
DON’T Hug the curb or pass on the curbside of a turning vehicle. If vehicles are turning in front of you, move away from the direction of the turn.
WisDOT 102020
» Wheel & Sprocket advertorial
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