Wisconsin Bike Fed 2021 Ride Guide Magazine

MAGAZINE APRIL 2021

2021 RIDE GUIDE

INJURED?

THIS IS WHAT RESULTS LOOK LIKE

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NON-NEGOTIABLES · 4

ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, WE’LL RIDE FOR HOPE. For 30 years running, The MACC Fund has relied on Trek 100 riders like you to help end childhood cancer and related blood disorders.

In 2021, 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.

No matter when, where, or how we ride, we can make a difference together. trek100.org

BIKES

FOR EVERY ONE

Enjoy Your Ride!

W H E E L A N D S P R O C K E T. C O M

YOU’RE INVITED! Join us for the Wisconsin High School Mountain Bike State Championships on October 23 and 24 and watch the state’s best high school athletes race for the 2021 state title.

Move Your Community Further Faster Building bike lanes, fixing unsafe intersections, and creating great public places the traditional way takes too long. We all notice these uncomfortable and unsafe places, but we don’t know what to do or where to start.

What if moving forward–faster was possible? What if YOU could be the catalyst for real change? Through small-scale improvements that lead to incremental growth, you can realize the progress you want to see in your community and create a safe, bike friendly environment.

Create change and empower your community in the short term with three strategies: • Pilot to Permanent is an interim design strategy that allows communities to evaluate the pros and cons of public space improvements temporarily to build support and refine the idea before a permanent solution is implemented. It is generally led by city staff.

• Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) is often citizen led and encourages low-risk improvements, with neighborhood and city alignment that is inclusive of all stakeholders.

• Tactical Urbanism is all about organized action and often led by grassroots groups, non-profits, and citizens.

It utilizes low cost materials to experiment and gather input on potential public realm changes.

Examples of where you can make an impact

Parklet

An example of these strategies in action: COVID hits and Main Street businesses struggle. In mid-2020, downtown Green Bay leaders saw a great opportunity to leverage an underutilized parking lot to create a temporary outdoor dining room. They also created a new parklet ordinance to allow business owners to add cafe dining to adjacent parking stalls. Both LQC projects were supported by our team with design insight and content development.

The Downtown Dining Room project remained open throughout the summer and early fall. Through a low-cost infrastructure investment, a small group of volunteers made a difference to the economic health of the Green Bay community and demonstrated how easy it can be to activate underused spaces. Green Bay parklets are being planned for Spring 2021 and permit applicants will have a user-friendly handbook and resources for creation of the self-contained units.

Soft-Hit Posts Narrow Intersection

Temporary Painted Bike Lanes

Temporary Curb Bumpouts

1 2

Pick your Passion Identify the area that needs attention. Be its champion.

Gather Intel Review existing planning documents.

Find these by searching the planning or mapping section of your community’s website.

3

Build a Coalition Connect with folks in and outside of your network. The local health department, economic development groups, and business owners are great options to energize an idea.

!

DO THIS

Architecture Engineering Environmental Planning

NOW

ISGInc.com

By adopting any of these methods, you can move impactful ideas forward quickly, test, and adjust them as you learn about their effect in real-time. So let’s get started. The six steps outlined here will help you plan, implement, and measure the impact of your project.

Through resourcefulness and a collaborative approach, you can create buy-in for permanent change—creating a healthy and vibrant bike friendly community in your city.

For more information visit ISGInc.com.

Add your community's Park Director, Public Works Director, Planning Director, and Alderperson/Councilperson's email and phone number to your cell phone. This will make it easy to send a snapshot and ideas for improvement areas while you're experiencing them in real-time.

4

Ask + Install Contact the person who manages this area - property owner, business owner, city staff.

Champion your cause, layout your plan, and create buy-in.

5

Track It + Adjust Work the plan.

Learn from the project and adjust as needed. Show and SHARE its impact on social media and with the coalition you built in step 3.

6

Show Up + Advocate Join your city’s planning groups.

Engage in local policy discussions. Connect with your city officials. Share your enthusiasm.

ISG Parklet Des Moines, IA

LOCAL LE ADERS

Danyelle Pierquet, PLA

Will Kratt, PE

When she’s not exploring local trails with her family, Danyelle volunteers with a variety of state and local urban and park committees. An urban designer and landscape architect out of ISG’s Green Bay office, she is passionate about engaging grassroots momentum and sharing her knowledge to create meaningful change.

Will is a RAW veteran and cycles throughout La Crosse regularly with his family. He leads the transportation group at ISG and is based in La Crosse. Engaged in a variety of local development and advocacy, Will is passionate about optimizing multi-modal transportation networks to create great places.

Landscape Architect, ISG

Transportation Practice Group Leader, ISG

contents

features 14 Ride Across Wisconsin

22 Tour de Nicolet 30 99 Bridges 40 No Stopping Now 46 Who is Truly Served by Closing Streets to Car Traffic?

52 Off Road in the City

56 Friends Group Sues Over State Trail Use Decision

58 Strength in Numbers

64 Hank Aaron Left a Legacy Off the Field

66 Get in the Loops in the Fox Cities

70 Tunnels Open on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail

72 Mountain Biking Adds $7.8 Million to the Chequamegon Area Economy

78 The Schwinn Paramount Build 12

guide 98 Program Updates 119 Regional Updates 127 Events 131 Shops 137 Clubs 138 Trails

WisconsinBikeFed.org

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Issue 25 – April 2021 STAFF

Michael Anderson / Milwaukee Youth Education Program Manager michael.anderson@wisconsinbikefed.org Michelle Bachaus / Community Engagement michelleb@wisconsinbikefed.org Anthony Casagrande / Mobile Bike Repair Manager mobilerepair@wisconsinbikefed.org Bethany Deyo / Creative Services Coordinator bethany@wisconsinbikefed.org Kirsten Finn / Executive Director kirsten@wisconsinbikefed.org Caressa Givens / Milwaukee Project Manager caressa@wisconsinbikefed.org Grace Labinski / Office Manager and Bookkeeper grace@wisconsinbikefed.org Laura Mandella / Membership and Communications Manager laura@wisconsinbikefed.org Jake Newborn / Assistant Director jake.newborn@wisconsinbikefed.org Leilani Robertson-Hoyt / Membership Specialist leilani@wisconsinbikefed.org Chris Stindt / Communications Coordinator & RAW Ride Director chris@wisconsinbikefed.org

MILWAUKEE EDUCATION TEAM Angie Livermore Barb Blick Eric Crouthamel Caitlin Hussey Victoria McNally

MAGAZINE STAFF

Editor: Joel Patenaude Art Director: Stefan Davis Advertising Sales: Michelle Bachaus Proofreader: Meredith Ennis WisconsinBikeFed.org

As cyclists we know that so long as we keep pushing the pedals we will keep moving forward. Winston Churchill famously said, “When you’re going through hell, keep going.” Looking back at our beautiful 2020 Ride Guide, published a year ago, it is easy to focus on all of the events listed in it that didn’t happen — yet many wonderful things did.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people drove cars, more people rode bikes and the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change acknowledged that investments in cycling infrastructure and policy are needed to reduce carbon emissions. We were thrilled to see that several of our recommendations to the task force — such as restoring a statewide Complete Streets mandate, allowing the use of eminent domain for bike paths and pedestrian walkways, and increased funding for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) — were included in Gov. Tony Evers’ 2021-2023 budget proposal.

In 2020, Bike Fed education programs and Adventure Bike Camps couldn’t serve large groups of kids, but the kids we did serve got more one-on-one instruction and rode more miles than ever before. Our program staff also adapted many of our program materials to be used virtually by teachers and families. New bikes were scarce, but local bike shops thrived. Beautiful bikes were built or restored, and people rode the bikes they had. And while supply shortages affected many shops, our Mobile Repair program in Milwaukee was able to use a stockpile of used parts to keep bikes going.

A recurring theme in this year’s Ride Guide is the way bicycles kept us going through this pandemic. As we worked on this year’s magazine, the longer days and warmer temperatures gave us hope for the many days of cycling ahead. Like you, we long for the normalcy of group rides that end with a cup of coffee or a beer. Our rider interest surveys show that Wisconsin cyclists are evenly split between those who want to “get back to normal” immediately, those who are still uncomfortable riding in groups and those who are going to wait and see.

I challenge you to choose your own adventure. This year’s Ride Across Wisconsin, for example, will enable more people to participate by opening the course for four days. Ride as fast or as leisurely as you choose — you can even ride your ebike. Or take inspiration from the bikepacking stories, the report on reimagined charity rides and updates on urban routes and new trails detailed in this magazine and create your own awesome Wisconsin adventure on two wheels.

Where will your bike take you this year?

Cover photo by Dave Schlabowske

Kirsten Finn —Executive Director WisconsinBikeFed.org

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July 30 - August 2, 2021

La Crosse to Green Bay

4 Days - 225 Miles

You spoke and we listened. The Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW) is not the kind of event that lends itself to going virtual. However, out of an abundance of caution for our riders, staff and volunteers — not to mention respect for the communities on the route — RAW will need to be a bit different this year.

Once again, RAW will visit central Wisconsin. But we are eliminating the mass start and large group gatherings that increase the potential for spreading the COVID-19 virus. The upside is this creates more ways to go “RAW.” Grab a small group of friends and challenge yourself to complete the ride in one day. Or take your time and complete the ride in two, three or even four days. Along the route we will introduce you to some awesome places to hydrate, eat, sleep or charge your ebike battery.

Also in 2021, the RAW entry fee will be cut in half but the time allowed to complete the course will double. The course will still be marked and SAG and technical assistance made available, but the experience will be largely self-guided. Please see the chart on the next page to see what is included and get ready to Ride Across Wisconsin.

WisconsinBikeFed.org

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Ride Across Wisconsin

I

By Chris Stindt

n late 2019, I started to have some conversations with folks at the Bike Fed about managing RAW. They were looking for someone with passion and experience, someone who would treat this event as the special ride it truly is. I rode the new RAW route in 2019, from La Crosse to Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Prior to that August, I had never ridden more than 110 miles in a day. I got to experience the highs, lows and everything in between as I rode, ate and chatted all day across our beautiful state.

Not much compares to the feeling you have crossing the finish line. I was hooked and excited to share that experience with others.

Whether you do RAW in one day or multiple days, you, too, will feel you have truly accomplished something. This isn’t just another fundraiser. It’s something special. You can make it a focal point of your summer by training your body and testing your mental capacity. Or maybe you’re already planning to put on big miles and want to sneak in one more great event. Even the most seasoned cyclists know that a ride this big isn’t something to be taken lightly.

In 2021 we are introducing a new

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format for the Ride Across Wisconsin. We appreciate the spectrum of thoughts about how events should be handled during the pandemic, and we plan to make the safety of our participants, volunteers, staff and the communities we visit our highest priority.

We also know that everyone is striving to get back to normal, and that many folks miss training, goal setting and events like RAW. They miss the excitement of traveling to the start of a new riding adventure — in this case from the bank of the majestic Mississippi River — before clipping in and heading east.

In order to accommodate a full spectrum of public health settings across the state, we are doing this differently in 2021. We will offer four full days for the ride: Friday, July 30, through Monday, August 2. We will have on-course support from Wheel & Sprocket in case you tear a sidewall in the

July 30 - August 2, 2021 middle of a cranberry bog without a bike shop in sight, for example. We’ll be offering a PDF map of the route and directions to gas stations, restaurants and hotels. We’ll have a special 2021 website with many of the links from the PDF as well. This way you’ll be covered whether or not you have cell phone reception. And there will be cool swag so you can commemorate your RAW ride.

RAW has always been special and it will continue to be. We wish we could all gather together and ride as a huge group out of La Crosse, but alas, that’s not meant to be. This doesn’t mean we’re giving up on 2021, and it doesn’t mean you should either.

We’ve heard from multiple riders who have done the route unsupported and they inspired us to choose this format for 2021.

Their experience encouraged us to offer support along the route. But we encourage everyone to find a group with which to ride. A good group can have a very positive impact on each member. If you get together before the ride, you can train together over the summer as well as support one another during the event. A unique experience shared like this can add depth to group dynamics and relationships.

I was able to do the 2019 RAW with a small

group of folks with whom I regularly ride. We unintentionally connected at a rest stop, and I found much comfort in the conversations and growing familiarity as we passed the miles. We took turns taking a pull and giving positive encouragement as needed.

My approach to organizing 2021 RAW is to put on an event I would want to participate in as a rider. This format won’t be a typical large group event with a party at the end. But the ride can still go on and the accomplishment of finishing is there for those who embrace the challenge.

WisconsinBikeFed.org

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Ride Across Wisconsin

Route Inspiration In 2017, I was still relatively new to cycling.

Strava tells me that September 2017 is when I completed my first century ride. I was not even thinking about a double century, plus a few bonus miles. But someone else was.

My friend Dan Luebke is a cycling endurance giant. He did the previous RAW route twice, but believed there was a better way to cross the state. As an aside, those of us who ride in La Crosse are biased, but know that we have some of the best road riding around. Dan’s friend, Marvin, had some business interests in Green Bay, and I think that inspired him to consider riding it. Marvin tasked Dan with finding a route, as Dan is truly a route-making master. I’ve enjoyed every ride that he’s planned.

Dan and Marvin convinced a couple of endurance cycling friends to join them and dubbed their ride from La Crosse to Green Bay “Slaying the Badger.” They had such a good time they decided to do it again in 2018.

They recruited a few more friends so a group of eight did it that year. Some slight tweaks to the route improved things, but they all agreed it had all the elements of an epic ride: Great scenery, nice pavement on low traffic roads and plenty of rest stops, Overall, it was a winner. In conjunction with local cycling 20

July 30 - August 2, 2021

advocate Rick Diermeier, the group was able to convince Dave Schlabowske, then the executive director of the Bike Fed, to adopt the route.

So, 2019 rolled around and La Crosse played host to the start line. People loved it.

The average rating of the route from riders surveyed was over 9 out of 10. We made some slight modifications since, but the route remained largely the same as the one Dan and his three friends first did for fun.

The RAW team added a two-day option, which proved quite popular. That option appealed to Mary, Dan’s wife, and a lessextreme-distance cyclist. She joined a group of friends planning to ride the RAW route over two days. Mary was nervous though, as she had not ridden a century before that summer. But she got in several longer training rides over the summer, so when the time came to embark on the twoday RAW, she was ready. Mary said the first day went great. And although she was still a little apprehensive about getting back in the saddle for a second long day, she and her group completed their second century ride in as many days. Mary described finishing as a huge accomplishment.

We’ve considered expanding RAW yet

again to offer a second, weeklong event. That might come in the future. But the beauty of our 2021 event is that you now have a chance to spread the ride out over four days. You could bike and camp every 60 to 70 miles. Or maybe you want to dip a toe into bikepacking, but would rather stay in a comfortable bed with a hot shower. There are hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts all along the way.

If you are still thinking RAW is not for you, it’s time to reconsider. Sixty miles a day is much more manageable than 240, but the ultimate accomplishment will remain. Even many ebikes have a 60-mile range and you can charge or swap out your battery along the route. Maybe you have a friend or family member who you’ve dreamt of taking on an event like this. The time is now!

WisconsinBikeFed.org

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A bikepacking trip perfect for newcomers and veterans alike

IN A NUTSHELL DISTANCE: 320 MILES DAYS: 5 74% UNPAVED 4% SINGLETRACK DIFFICULTY (1-10): 3 100% OF ROUTE IS RIDEABLE 11,724 FEET OF CLIMBING HIGH POINT: 1,843 FEET

T

he following point-to-point route and trip was developed and organized

by Shane Hitz, who was bitten by the bikepacking bug after going on one of the first organized Tour de Chequamegon bikepacking trips. That trip inspired Shane to develop his own routes closer to his home turf of Wausau. He publishes photos of his adventures and shares gpx tracks of the routes he and his friends create on the North Central Wisconsin Gravel and Bikepacking Facebook page he administers.

Shane was nice enough to invite me to

Story and photos by Dave Schlabowske

tag along with a group of 12 friends, mostly from the Wausau area, for the 2020 Tour de Nicolet trip he organized. (It was great to finally go on a ride that someone else organized where all I had to do was pedal and take photos.)

Thanks to the last glacial period, 12,000 to 15,000 years ago, the 1.5-million-acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin is a bikepacker’s dream.

A network of beautiful rolling gravel forest roads, rough twotrack and well-maintained mountain bike trails pass by thousands of small lakes and streams.

This route through the Lakewood-Laona and Eagle River-Florence Ranger districts includes some fun, intermediate singletrack at the Jake Lake and Nicolet Roche Mountain Bike Trails. “Roche” is French for boulder, and the forest is littered with big erratics left behind when the glaciers receded.

This 320-mile, point-to-point route takes riders through some very remote forest, and riders may be lucky enough to see black bears, elk, bald eagles, porcupines and lots of deer. There are plenty of places to camp, but

the recommended sites where we stopped on this trip are all on lakes or rivers—perfect for fishing and cooling off after a hot, dusty day in the saddle.

Anyone attempting the Tour de Nicolet should be able to eat at least one meal each day at any of the well-stocked gas stations, convenience stores, taverns and restaurants marked on this route. Highlights for me were the smoked quarter chicken with two delicious homemade sides for $8 at Roadhouse 139 in Lakewood and the amazing craft beer selection on tap and homemade pizza at the Thirsty Bear Pub overlooking Long Lake, about 13 miles north of Antigo. Be sure to pack at least one meal a day you can prepare at camp though.

Most of the riders shuttled the trip using a rented school bus from First Student Inc. in Wausau. Shane has a commercial driver’s license, which saved us the cost of hiring a driver. The other riders either shuttled themselves or had a friend or spouse pick them up at the end. This year the fourth annual Tour de Nicolet has a new 300-plusmile looped route that eliminates the need for a shuttle. Check out the Facebook pages for North Central Wisconsin Gravel and Bikepacking or Wisconsin Gravel Syndicate to find that new route this summer.

The people in the group I rode with were all very strong riders, many faster than me, but nobody pedaled like they had something to prove. Most of the riders had previous experience bikepacking, camping or canoe camping. More importantly, they were all interesting to talk to. On a long day in the saddle, it is nice to ride next to different people and get to know them. Most of my WisconsinBikeFed.org

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chats started with questions ride than flat pedals. Having HIGHLIGHTS about what folks do for a living a comfortable pair of shoes to A great mixture of or about their bikepacking wear at camp that you don’t have gravel roads, ATV trails and some setups. Our only rule was no talk to pack is a huge bonus after a singletrack with a about politics or religion. long day in the saddle. river crossing Camp life was pretty basic, They are not the lightest, Climb the town with everyone picking a spot but my go-to footwear for of Mountain Fire Lookout Tower to set up their tents as soon as bikepacking are a pair of Hillbilly Hilton we stopped for the night. Some leather Thorogood work boots. bunker folks brought fishing gear. There They’re made in Wisconsin, Crotch of the was even some beer stashed in have a stiff enough sole, but are Virgin pines, AKA Crotch Vegas rest the river at one of our stops. (It great for hike-a-bike sections stop pays to ride with locals.) and surprisingly comfortable Camping by water When putting bags on my bike for around camp. I started every night for a trip like this, I always make wearing my well-worn pair Headwaters of the sure I leave space for things I after I saw Wisconsin native Wisconsin River at Lac Vieux desert pick up along the way. That may and bikepacking superhero include lunch fixings or baked Alexandera Houchin winning goods grabbed at a convenience the Tour Divide and other store. It also allows me to stash endurance races in the same a can of beer or two for after dinner at camp. pair of boots.

One other tip I give avid cyclists and racers I want to thank Shane and the Wausau/ who are new to bikepacking is to swap out Gleason crew for welcoming me on this their clipless pedals for a good pair of flats. adventure. The route, resupply stops There are many studies that prove clipless and campsites were all incredibly well pedals are no more efficient over a long bike researched. I’d like to thank Mother Nature 26

for providing near-perfect weather for the entire trip.

I have included some tips (see sidebar) and a suggested itinerary for a five-day trip on this point-to-point route. If you download the route from RideWithGPS, it includes points of interest (POI) markers for all the food stops, campgrounds and other highlights, such as the fire towers.

Below is a suggested itinerary for a fiveday trip on this point-to-point route. Note that the daily mileage includes travel on gravel forest roads and trails where ATVs are allowed, which can create loose surfaces on which it is difficult to maintain higher speeds by bike.

• Wednesday, 60 miles: 12:00 p.m.

Gran Depart from La Taqueria, 520 S 17th Ave, Wausau. Camp at High Lake Wilderness sites or Jack Lake Campground.

• Thursday, 62 miles: 7:30 a.m.

Gran Depart from in front of the war memorial and flagpoles at Jack Lake

MUST KNOW Download the route in advance as you will not have cell service for much of the route.

Forest Service paper maps of the ranger districts and the state bike map both show all the unimproved roads. These are much easier to use for finding detours and shortcuts than the small screen on mobile devices.

Best time to go: October when the fall colors are in full effect.

Best time to go if you want to swim: July and August. But since black flies, mosquitoes and ticks are in abundance during the summer months, bring DEET. Highly recommended: a head net and a lightweight long sleeve shirt treated with permethrin that you can wear if the flies are bad, and to avoid ticks when riding through heavy forest.

Check for ticks every night.

November is also a good time to go, but Wisconsin’s nine-day rifle season for deer hunting is November 20-28, 2021, so wear blaze orange if you ride then.

WisconsinBikeFed.org

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CAMPING There are many national forest campsites and county campsites along the route. Many of the sites are on lakes or rivers.

Dispersed campsites are first come, no reservations.

Free dispersed camping is allowed anywhere in the national and county forests, but you must camp 200 feet from water, be aware of current fire restrictions and follow leave-no-trace guidelines.

FOOD/H2O There are numerous places to eat or replenish food stocks along the route, just not at any of the campgrounds.

It is a good idea to pack one meal for each night. You will be able to eat out at a tavern, restaurant or convenience store each day.

There is potable water available at many campgrounds. But if you run out, it helps to have a filter to treat water from the rivers and streams along the route.

The ice-cold artisanal spring at Chipmunk Rapids Campground runs year round.

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Campground. Camp Thursday night at Bagley Rapids National Forest campground.

• Friday, 76 miles: 7:30 a.m.

Gran Depart from the BP gas station at mile 127. Dispersed camping is available on the Peshtigo River at mile 203.

• Saturday, 72 miles: 7:30 a.m.

Gran Depart from Camp Three Lake State Natural Area at mile 204. Camping at Franklin Lake Recreation Area Campground.

• Sunday, 43 miles: 7:30 a.m.

Gran Depart at the large hiking trail head parking lot at mile 272 on the right side of the road.

PANDEMIC PRECAUTIONS

With more and more people getting vaccinated and outdoor activities relatively low risk for spreading the virus, bikepacking on little used gravel forest roads and camping in Wisconsin’s sparsely populated

Northwoods might be the perfect social distancing activity. On a typical day riding gravel, I often only pass one or two other vehicles and might never talk to another person. The most contact I have is going into a gas station or ordering a burger at a tavern — both easy places to manage social distancing if you wear a mask, and then take your food outside to eat.

Since the start of the pandemic, this trip was my first group ride of any kind with people I did not know. I still felt a little nervous.

What made me feel safe was knowing that prior to the trip all participants monitored their health closely. Nearly everyone in the group of riders knew each other well and trusted they were following recommended precautions.

During our five days of riding together, we donned our masks before going into convenience stores, and for the most part we had all meals outside, staying a safe distance apart when dining and back at camp. While riding, we stayed more than six feet apart and had no contact with people or vehicles outside our group.

On a couple occasions, like in the Waubee Lodge, restaurant staff took our temperatures before we entered, the staff wore masks and we were seated together at a table, but apart from anyone else in the restaurant.

I must admit that my fears relaxed the longer we rode together. As I look back on the photos, there were also a couple times when we probably dropped our guard too much and sat a bit to close while eating.

I was happy to see that many businesses we encountered on the trip did request people and employees wear masks. All in all, bikepacking in small groups on gravel roads and camping outdoors while taking proper precautions ranks relatively low on the risk scale, but extremely high on the fun meter.

Route GPX: ridewithgps.com/routes/33097540 Dave Schlabowske is a former executive director of the Bike Fed, former editor of the Ride Guide and current executive director of the Chequamegon Area Mountain Biking Association.

WisconsinBikeFed.org

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2021

JULY 31 - AUGUST 2 Ride for healthy lungs and clean air!

MILES

RIDE

All experience levels welcome.

Put your miles toward a future free of lung disease at the 25th annual CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tour.

This scenic ride through N. Illinois & S. Wisconsin is fully supported with SAG vehicles, volunteer medical, bike mechanics, gear transportation & stocked rest stops.

Our ride will follow national, state & local guidelines for a safe and healthy event. There will also be a virtual ride option available.

Learn more at resphealth.org/cow

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

4

5

@ jaredlinzmeier

Schmeeckle Reserve

Standing Rocks Park

Green Circle Trail

This 280-acre nature preserve offers over 5 miles of trails and serves as the Green Circle Trailhead.

Over 13 miles of mountain bike single-track trails for beginners to expert cyclists + fat tire, too.

A unique 27-mile 4 Find your pace trail linking scenic on many of the natural areas that follow paved and low traffic along the Wisconsin and county roads in rural Plover Rivers.

Portage County.

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Road Biking

Tomorrow River State Trail 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

99 BRIDGES BIKEPACKING WISCONSIN’S DAIRYLAND Story and photos by Scott Haraldson

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hen I married my wife, Laura, 14 years ago, I also married a little bit of Wisconsin, too, as she was born and raised in Oshkosh. I have been an avid cyclist my entire life and Laura has really gotten into cycling over the last handful of years. She is now quite the accomplished cyclist, having done a strenuous bikepacking trip in Montana and completed numerous 100 and 200 mile gravel races all over the country. I, too, have done a little bikepacking, but we had never done one of any distance together. This past summer we decided to change that.

After riding the first day we noticed we had gone over a significant number of small bridges. The trails we rode were former railways, where bridges allowed trains to pass over streams and farm crossings. When we set out on our second day of the trip we started yelling out the number of every new bridge we crossed.

In the final mile of our 225-mile excursion, we encountered bridge number 99.

The following is an account of the fourday trip I took with my wife and our good friend Art Brown II.

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LOCATING THE GRAVEL Construction of the 1,200-foot-long Putting together the route involved Stewart Tunnel began in 1886 to connect finding all the gravel roads I could between Freeport, Illinois, to Madison via railway. campsites. With information gleaned from Built with hand-fired bricks and natural fellow cyclists, Gravel Maps and Google limestone, the tunnel has a slight curve in the Maps, I pulled together a four-day route that middle, resulting in near complete darkness was 65% gravel. within.

Settling on Verona as a starting point, I Imagine my disappointment when, within quickly contacted Atkins Verona Bicycle a mile of the tunnel, we found fencing and Shoppe to inquire about leaving our vehicles notices from the Wisconsin Department of for the duration of the trip. Dan Atkins, the Natural Resources informing us the tunnel was closed due to owner, was quick to Governor Dodge State Park welcome us to park safety concerns.

Verona Not interested in our cars in his lot. breaking the law Dan and his family to see the tunnel, have been in the bike we followed the business since 1955 New Glarus when Dan’s father and reroute. At the same grandfather first opened time, a large storm Darlington a shop on the west side of rolled in. If only we had had a tunnel Madison. Dan and his brothers in which to wait it grew up working in their father’s out. Instead the rain store, and when his dad sold the clouds opened up, drenching us. business in 1982 to a competitor it didn’t take long before Dan realized he wanted to own a bike shop. He opened his own store in WAITING OUT THE STORM Verona in 1983. I highly recommend anyone The hard rain reduced visibility to near zero, planning to tackle this route to stop in and but we made it to New Glarus State Park and say “hi” to Dan and the staff. They truly are took refuge under a picnic shelter. We waited for the storm to abate by wringing out our good people. wet clothes. Then we ventured into the town of New Glarus in search of dinner.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS With our friend, Art, driving down from In the early 1840s, after several years of Minneapolis and Laura and I coming from failed crops, much of the canton of Glarus Oshkosh, we chose to have a short first day in Switzerland found itself deep in poverty. on the bikes. We set out on a Sunday hoping With more workers than available jobs, the we would have the trails to ourselves and Glarus Emigration Society was established better camping options each night. in 1844 and offered loans to help residents With our bikes packed and the route loaded purchase land in America. Nearly 200 into my Garmin, we pedaled out of Verona volunteers decided to leave their homelands destined for New Glarus State Park. The to start anew, founding the town of New highlight of the route was to be the Stewart Glarus.

Tunnel on the Badger State Trail.

Fast forward to 1993 when Deborah and 34

Art Brown II, Scott Haraldson and Laura Haraldson (left to right) stand in front of the historic Belleville railroad depot, constructed in 1888.

Dan Carey founded New Glarus Brewing Co. The brewery grew quickly, and in 2004 they broke ground on a $20-million facility to handle the increasing demand for their beer. Despite selling their beer exclusively in Wisconsin, the New Glarus Brewing Co. is the 25th largest brewery in the United States.

The original plan was to pair my love for bikes and my love for beer with a trip to the brewery. But due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the brewery was closed for the summer. Instead we were able to get a great meal out on the patio of Sugar River Pizza Co. Established in 2013, Sugar River is a familyrun business with a made-from-scratch menu serving up pizza, calzones, salads and a vast selection of local and regional beers.

After we filled our bellies, we sought out the local liquor store for a small bottle of bourbon. We then stopped at the laundromat across the street to dry our wet clothes and shoes. We spared ourselves no such creature

comforts on this bikepacking trip.

There are two campgrounds at New Glarus State Park. One is directly off the bike path coming back from town. These sites are only accessible by bicycle or foot but are also the closest to the highway, and suffer from lots of truck traffic noise. The other section is farther away from the highway but also accessible by vehicle, so we expected to see more camper trailers. Though the park offices were closed, firewood was available for purchase on the honor system.

THE ICE AGE The Sugar River State Trail, from Exeter Crossing Road outside New Glarus to Bump Road near Albany, is on the route of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. More than 12,000 years ago, a mammoth flow of glacial ice carved out the landscape across southern Wisconsin. As the glacier retreated, it left behind a variety of unique features. These glacial remnants are now widely considered WisconsinBikeFed.org

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A 165-foot truss bridge spans the Pecatonica River just north of Darlington.

some the world’s finest examples of how ALWAYS STOP FOR ICE CREAM continental glaciation sculpted the earth.

By the time we reached the town of Monroe, the temps were already in the 90s with BRIDGES AND BARN QUILTS humidity in the high 80s. It felt like riding in Leaving New Glarus, the Sugar River State a hot bath. So when we saw the sign for ice Trail follows an abandoned railroad line for cream, it was like a beacon of light calling us 24 miles all the way to Brodhead. It has 14 in. bridges spanning the river as the trail passes Local resident and businessman Jim through woods and farmlands, over rolling Becker decided the community could use hills and through prairies. a quality hardware store, so he opened a The Clarence Covered Bridge, just north Hardware Hank so no one would need to of Brodhead, crosses Norwegian Creek. This drive out of town to get tools and supplies. replica 1800s covered bridge was built in But then he added something extra: Jim had 1984. Covered bridges were built to shelter always wanted to open an ice cream parlor, wooden bridges from inclement weather and too, so he opened the Swirl Station next door. to allow farmers with cattle to cross safely. Now families can enjoy the best ice cream Covered bridges were once commonplace around, as well as burgers, pulled pork, in Wisconsin, with nearly 40 of them at chicken and hot dogs. Only a small detour one point. The advent of concrete and steel from the Badger State Trail, I recommend bridges made covered bridges obsolete but a checking it out. Refuel with a cheeseburger handful of replicas remain. and a scoop of chocolate caramel brownie Heading west, we ventured back onto explosion in a waffle cone while soaking in pavement. Riding past fields of cows grazing the air conditioning before moving on. on lush green fields, picturesque dairy farms dotted the horizon. We also began to notice STORMS BREWING intricate colorful quilt patterns painted on Leaving Monroe, we ventured onto the the sides of barns.

Cheese Country Trail and could see the The barn quilts are unique family designs storm clouds rolling our way. Checking radar that have been passed down through the on our phones, we figured we had an hour generations. The family’s quilt pattern is before meeting the storm front. So we set off painted onto wood and then hung, creating a to see if we could make it to South Wayne. quilt trail one can follow.

The rain started to fall sooner than expected, and as we rode we looked for places 36

Passing under a bridge, like this one on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail outside Monticello, was a rarity on the route.

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to take shelter. With the rain increasing and the wind picking up, we made it to Browntown in the nick of time. We sheltered on the front porch of a local tavern that was closed at the time. In short order, the storm went from heavy rain to torrential downpour with a straight-line wind. Things went from bad to worse when the tornado sirens sounded and multiple firetrucks went screaming by. We hunkered down below the concrete porch slab in a small cellar door opening. The wind was so strong we saw large dairy trucks pull over to avoid being blown off the road. All we could do was don our dry layers, huddle together to stay warm and wait it out.

Once the storm abated, we repacked our gear before heading out again. We found the trail littered with full size trees blown down by the wind. After bushwhacking for five miles, we realized we would not make it to our destination at our current pace. We pieced together a road route that eliminated 10 of the 17 miles of the gravel trail we had planned to follow.

THE DARLING TOWN OF DARLINGTON Darlington is known as the “Pearl of the Pecatonica” for the time when people harvested clams out of the river to produce pearl button blankets. This small charming community is the county seat of Lafayette County.

Pecatonica River Trails Park is a cityrun campground with 24 sites of riverfront camping. A hot shower for 50 cents was a welcome bargain after our time in the rain.

Also in order was a stop at the Piggly Wiggly for a six pack of New Glarus Moon Man and another stop at the laundromat to use a dryer.

Setting up our tents in one of the nonelectric sites, we were afforded the sound of the passing river as we ate beside a warm fire to finish the day.

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THE BIG PUSH Having planned the route, I knew the real test of our strength would come on the third day when we’d need to tackle half of the route’s entire elevation gain over 70 miles.

That morning started out beautifully as we rose early to make use of the cooler weather. We started back on the Cheese County Trail, a trail that I understand can be heavily trafficked by ATVs on the weekends.

Being a weekday, though, we saw only a few of the wider two-seater UTVs. What we did encounter was lots of freshly laid chunky gravel which made for slow going.

Arriving in Mineral Point, we exited the trail and got back on pavement. The next section of the route, leaving Mineral Point to Linden, was by far the most dangerous.

The route had us on a well-trafficked road with no shoulder and a handful of sweeping turns. My Garmin Varia radar alerted us to approaching vehicles so we could get onto the rocky shoulder to avoid being struck by a distracted driver. If I were to do this ride again I would avoid this stretch and add a few extra miles on other area roads.

The sun was high in the sky and the roads curvy east of the village of Highland.

GOVERNOR DODGE STATE PARK Our destination for our final night of the trip was Governor Dodge State Park. The park is named after the first territorial governor of who served from 1836 to 1841.

The park is large with two campgrounds, including a backpacking-only campground.

The backpacking sites are located at the northern-most part of the park and were our initial destination until we stopped at the small Jumping Jupiter General Store just outside the park entrance.

Cold beer and firewood were a strong draw.

Store owners Susan and Doyle are some of the kindest people you will ever meet. They volunteered to drive our purchases to our campsite.

STEPHENS FALLS Stephens Falls, located within the state park, is a waterfall that flows over a mossy cliff into a small pool 20 feet below. The falls are named for the Stephens family, who operated a farmstead there from 1854 until 1943.

Biking is not allowed on the path to the falls so we left our bikes just a short way

down the trail out of view from passing cars.

The trail to the falls is short, less than half a mile. Along the way we found the remains of the Rock Spring House. Built in the 1850s on top of a natural spring, it was used by the Stephens family to keep their food and milk cold. Rusted pipes inside are evidence of the pump that once drew water from the spring to storage tanks uphill.

THE HOMESTRETCH Leaving Fort Dodge, we hooked up with the Military Ridge Trail that would take us all the way back to Verona. The history of the Military Ridge corridor dates back to the mid-1800s. In 1835, the Army built a road connecting Green Bay with Fort Crawford in Prairie du Chien. The section between Dodgeville and Mount Horeb runs along the top of the ridge, the divide between the Wisconsin River watershed to the north and the Pecatonica and Rock River watershed to the south. The mostly crushed limestone trail follows the former Chicago and Northwestern railway corridor and can be covered quickly by bike.

Worth a detour is Blue Mound State Park.

Located atop the largest hill in the southern half of the state, a steep climb brings you to the base of two observation towers affording views of the Wisconsin River Valley.

Unfortunately, the towers were closed when we visited. The view from below is stunning nevertheless.

Our final stop of the trip was for one final cheeseburger at the Grumpy Troll Brew Pub in Mount Horeb. A couple pints were just what was needed for the final stretch of trail.

I tried the radler, a shandy-style brew that combines lemonade with beer. It originated in early 20th-century Germany, where — as the legend goes — a group of parched cyclists swarmed a bar on a popular cycling route.

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On the final day of riding, there were still plenty of bridges left to cross on the Military Ridge State Trail.

The bartender was almost out of beer, and in a moment of panic, he mixed what beer he had with lemon water. The drink was well-received by the riders, and grew to become incredibly popular in beer gardens in Munich and beyond. A nod to the pedalers that inspired the beverage, the concoction was called a radle, which means “cyclist” in German.

BACK TO REALITY Arriving once again in Verona, hot and sweaty, we packed up our bikes and gear in our cars, said our goodbyes and headed home.

On the drive back to Oshkosh to be reunited with our children, I couldn’t help but begin to ponder the next adventure.

Scott Haraldson works for Quality Bicycle Products in Bloomington, Minn. He lives in nearby Maplewood with his wife, their four children and two dogs.

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No Stopping Now How charity groups held rides through the pandemic

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By DJ Pangburn

n the world of bike races and rides, it’s understood that people will amass. Groups large and small will ride one or several routes, partaking in the road’s challenges and the camaraderie, as they pedal toward a common goal.

COVID-19 threw this model out the window. In the era of social distancing, there would be no great gatherings of people. Cyclists simply could not share the road at the same time—the risk was too great. Understandably, charity bike rides had no user manual for how to proceed.

If ever the mantra “we’ll figure things out as we go” became a primary operating principle, it was in 2020.

And so it was with charity bike events in Wisconsin.

COVID-19 cancelled virtually all spring and summer bike races and tours. Others soldiered on, holding events virtually with participants putting in the miles on their own. A few rides were charity events, like the Trek 100, Scenic Shore 150, Slow Roll and others. These rides responded in truly inspiring ways, proving once again how truly adaptive human beings can be.

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“We did temperature checks at the gate, everyone got a bike rack and extra space for their camping area, and we spaced everyone out in the pit lane."

Looking Back at 2020 Each year, the UPAF Ride for the Arts, which originated in 1981 as the (Bob) Uecker Ride for the Arts, brings thousands of people to Milwaukee’s lakefront for five routes ranging from five to 70 miles. The proceeds benefit member groups and organizations like Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra,

Milwaukee Repertory Theater and other organizations. One of the state’s largest bike events, the UPAF ride quickly went virtual.

Katie Korek, public relations and digital media senior specialist with the UPAF Ride for the Arts, says the group originally intended to wait out the pandemic. But in April it was clear that UPAF couldn’t simply reschedule a 4,000-plus rider event, so they made a game-time decision to go virtual.

To pull it off, UPAF set up a contactless ride packet pickup location in downtown Milwaukee, that included event information and a T-shirt for each rider. For UPAF, it was a chance to appeal to noncyclists.

“We encouraged people to walk, run, roll, whatever they could do to support the performing arts on that day,” Korek says.

In 2019, the UPAF ride attracted 4,300 participants. In 2020, that number fell to just over 2,000 riders. But since it was a virtual event, expenses were down, allowing UPAF to net about the same profit as the previous year.

“We have countless great photos that people submitted to us of their ride experience, which was very different,” she says. “It was a solo experience for them but they were still able to participate in some shape or form.”

The Scenic Shore 150, a ride WisconsinBikeFed.org

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from Mequon to Sturgeon Bay benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of the Upper Plains Region, responded much like UPAF. The two-day ride covers 150 miles (75 miles each day), with an optional century loop that allows riders to pedal 100 miles in a single day. After consulting with vendors, LLS opted for a one-day virtual ride on a Saturday in September. Instead of asking riders to bike the traditional route, LLS encouraged cyclists to find their own paths, even if that meant walking or running.

“Participants did it successfully and we still raised quite [a lot] of funds,” says Jen Grandkowski, campaign development director of the upper plains region for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “Obviously 2020 myTEAM TRIUMPH ride it wasn't as much as normal, but we still surpassed the $800,000 mark. Pretty good for a pandemic year.” that found success amidst the pandemic.

It wasn’t just the large charity rides The 2020 edition of the much smaller Bike the Barn Quilts Ride, which attracts about 300 cyclists each year to tour Shawano County barns decorated with painted quilt patterns, also adapted quickly to a socially distanced format. (Bike the Barn Quilts Ride benefits the Friends of Mountain Bay State Trail.)

The organizers billed the virtual event as a “Wherever, Whenever, However.” Like both the Scenic Shore 150 and UPAF ride, it attracted out-of-state riders who wanted to participate in whatever way they could.

Organizers gave participants the option to complete either a 40-mile bike ride or a 10K walk or run on their own time.

“My 95-year-old mom walked 13 miles to qualify for her 10K,” says Matty Mathison, an event organizer with the Bike the Barn Quilts Ride. “We had people participating from 17 states including Washington, Wyoming, Michigan, Massachusetts, 2020 Bike the Barn Quilts remote ride Missouri, California and Mississippi. If they 44

signed up and registered, we really believed that they would do the ride.”

Wisconsin’s myTEAM TRIUMPH, part of a national effort that benefits athletes with disabilities, took a much different approach for their second annual “12 Hours of Road America” ride. Held at the Road America race track, located on 640 acres of private land in Elkhart Lake, organizers concluded there was more than enough space for participants to socially distance.

“We have one point of contact and that’s Road America,” says Christian Jensen, Executive Director of myTEAM Triumph Wisconsin. “So we worked to marry our respective policies to minimize risk and make people feel as comfortable as possible.”

“We did temperature checks at the gate, everyone got a bike rack and extra space for their camping area, and we spaced everyone out in the pit lane,” Jensen says. “We made sure that whatever changes we made didn’t take away from the experience.”

Both before and during the event, organizers

asked folks to stay home if they felt sick, or if they were worried about contracting COVID-19.

Jensen says myTEAM TRIUMPH tried to empower people to minimize their risk. Despite the pandemic, the 2020 ride saw an increase from 300 riders in 2019 to about 400 participants, with Jensen saying more spectators attended in 2020 than the previous year.

“People thought it was awesome and were very thankful, appreciative, but also super respectful,” Jensen recalls. “Since it was 100% outside we didn’t demand that people wear a mask, but we did notify people where they would be close to others and encouraged them to spread out and wear masks. Some people wore masks and others didn’t, but everyone was really respectful because they were just happy to be out doing something.”

2021 and Beyond Stephanie Ahrens, development and events director at UPAF, says the 2021 edition will look very different compared to 2020. The team began planning for 2021 last October.

Since then, they’ve been working in lockstep with the health department to develop a “COVID-proof” concept.

UPAF is creating a three-part ride series, stretching it out over three weekends in June.

The ride will kick off on June 6 at Veterans Park in Milwaukee County, then move to the Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield for the second weekend on June 13. The series’ final leg is set for June 27 at Coal Dock Park in Port Washington.

“The tagline that sums up this experience is what we're calling “Your path, Your pace, Your reward,” Ahrens says. UPAF will mail each participant a ride T-shirt and bike bib, which will be their tickets into the event.

Riders will choose their own path and ride at their own pace, with special prizes that vary WisconsinBikeFed.org

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2020 myTEAM TRIUMPH ride

depending on respective participant fees.

Each location will have reward stations and goodie bags for each rider, while local arts groups will perform live.

“We'll set up a really nice tool to help people plan their own paths depending on what kind of rider they are and what they're up for,” Ahrens says. “The locations are all strategically selected because they're right off of a bike path, they're accessible and they have a ton of green space. We're giving them a purpose-driven destination.”

For now, the Scenic Shore 150 is scheduled for September 18-19. LLS is currently planning to do an in-person event, but Grandkoski says it will be modified and look a little different from past rides. And if plans demand recalibration, LLS is prepared.

“I always say that people can handle disappointment better than uncertainty,” Grandkowski says. “We want to make our decision early and stand by it. That is one of the main reasons we moved it to September right away, instead of trying to promise July but not being able to deliver.”

The Bike the Barn Quilts Ride, on the other 46

hand, is staying remote — at least for 2021.

“Doing it remote in 2020 worked so perfectly that we will use that format again this year,” says Mathison. “Why reinvent the wheel?”

Jensen says the 2021 edition of MyTEAM TRIUMPH’s 12 Hours of Road America is scheduled for August 14. The plan is to replicate the 2020 format, but organizers will remain nimble if the pandemic suddenly worsens.

“I don't think we're going to change much,” Jensens says. “We're pretty pleased that we didn't hear through our participant survey about anyone contracting COVID.” “I think there might be certain things we could do to just further spread people out, and some of it depends on numbers,” he says. “We’re also adding a two-hour option for groups who don’t want to commit to the overnight thing. Other than that, we don’t expect to make a lot of changes for 2021.”

DJ Pangburn is a Madison-based journalist and marketing writer. He also writes fiction, produces music and videos, writes fiction and rides his

The Largest competitive road cycling series in the U.s.

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Bianchi Pista Celeste way too fast.

D E V R E S Y L U R T IS O H W

BY CLOSING STREETS TO CAR TRAFFIC?

BY CARESSA GIVENS IT CANNOT BE OVERSTATED THAT IN 2020 THERE WAS A BIKE-BUYING BOOM. MANY ALSO DUSTED OFF THEIR OLD SCHWINNS TO RIDE. ANYTHING TO BEAT THE COVID-19 BLUES. THE BIKE FED WITNESSED FIRSTHAND THE DESPERATE NEED WISCONSINITES FELT TO GET OUT AND SAFELY MOVE, ESPECIALLY IN MAJOR METROPOLITAN CITIES LIKE MADISON AND MILWAUKEE. 48

MADISON AND MILWA UKEE PROGRAMS RESTART UNDER REN EWED SCRUTINY

Milwaukee County Trails Coordinator Jessica Wineberg reported that data taken from counters along the Oak Leaf Trail revealed that the number of trips increased by 39.5 percent, from 342,396 in 2019 to 478,364 in 2020, and the city saw a 20% increase overall. (The data did not include Hank Aaron State Trail usage, as counters there were in for repair last season.)

Anecdotally, regular trail users grew more frustrated than usual about the influx of trail “newbies” and a lack of public awareness around trail etiquette.

Like many other bike and walk advocacy organizations nationwide, the Bike Fed urged state and local government agencies to partially restrict car use on local streets and parkways in order to alleviate congestion on mixed-use trail networks, encourage physical activity and allow for the public to better physically distance themselves from one another.

Starting in April and May 2020, the City of Madison, City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Parks did close some parkways and streets to car traffic in order to promote safer physical activity and travel. The criteria for selecting corridors ranged from neighborhood distance from trails, whether or not local streets were slated for future safety upgrades, and consideration of geographical equity.

In Milwaukee, residents monitored closures and organized COVID-conscious activities.

RETHINKING PUBLIC SPACES

On the national level, urban planner Dr. Destiny Thomas wrote an opinion piece last summer for Bloomberg CityLab titled “‘Safe Streets’ Are Not Safe for Black Lives.” On the growing trend to free up public space, Thomas argued that the rapid “redesigns would deepen inequity and mistrust in communities that have been disenfranchised and underserved for generations.”

Thomas said local governments must continue to endeavor to understand the different impacts that the built environment has on different people. The

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT WHO WE’RE HELPING AND WHO WE’RE HARMING

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Photo courtesy of City of Milwaukee.

response to COVID-19 and the rise of civil unrest over race relations have the potential to atone for how hostile our urban spaces have been for so many people long before the pandemic, he said.

Advocates for active transportation know not to balk at attempts to promote wellness and access in the public right of way. We embrace any such opportunity because the majority of public spaces are meant to accommodate motor vehicles, moving or parked. But Thomas is right: We need to continue to think critically about who we’re helping and who we’re harming by supporting temporary closures of roadways to motorized users. Our transportation system has a long-standing history of putting people of color in harm’s way, and the pandemic has only increased the liklihood.

So now that the pandemic is harming everyone, these problems over safe and enjoyable mobility are now positively catalyzing. With that said, the Bike Fed 50

and local groups like Milwaukee Safe & Healthy Streets have advocated for a more comprehensive program that puts residents’ needs first.

REACTIVATING ACTIVE STREETS

At the launch of the Active Streets program in the City of Milwaukee, we worked closely with community groups, residents and local government leaders to offer paid opportunities and more personnel for activities on foot. More importantly, we tried to slow down the process of implementing closed corridors until more residents were knowledgeable about the implications.

The Active Streets program in Milwaukee County went dormant over the winter.

However, the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Parks programs are set to restart this spring. Intended to be a multiphase program, the relaunch of Active Streets in the city will allow residents to partially close a local street, activate and live on it, as

Photo courtesy of City of Milwaukee.

well as have the opportunity to curate that street over time to fit their neighborhood’s specific safety and accessibility needs. Most importantly, it is anticipated that additional programmatic phases will result in the construction of permanent infrastructure as grants or budgets allow.

Renee Callaway, bicycle and pedestrian administrator for the City of Madison, reports that in 2020 some corridors in the Shared Streets program were removed and/ or barricades adjusted on chosen corridors by public request. Madison also plans to relaunch Shared Streets this spring.

The renewed commitment to making it safer for people to bike and walk builds public trust. After all, pandemic or not, we all deserve safe and healthy streets.

For more information on the Milwaukee Active Streets Program, visit the City of Milwaukee’s Multimodal project page. And details about Madison’s Shared Streets program can be found on the city’s program page.

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Off Road in the

City

The Madison Bicycle Adventure Trail gets real

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By Joel Patenaude

adison mountain bikers pretty much need to leave the city limits to find dedicated dirt trails. Other than a couple places such as Quarry Park, a dense spiderweb of singletrack in a near-westside neighborhood, the knobby-tired set heads to the trails in the suburbs of Verona, Fitchburg, Middleton and Sun Prairie, and further afield to Blue Mounds State Park and Cam-Rock near Cambridge.

It’s not that Madison proper has been unwelcoming to cyclists. Far from it. Bikefriendly Madison — still one of only five cities in the nation with a platinum-level designation from the League of American Bicyclists — has just prioritized paved paths and bike lanes favored by bike commuters, college students and families of riders.

Now imagine Madison adding flow trails, purpose-built features and pump tracks to its inventory of bicycle facilities for mountain bikers. All that is in the works now that the

city is adopting a master plan that identifies 80-some prime sites for mountain biking adjacent or close to existing paved paths.

“We've identified five priority projects,” said Mike Repyak, director of planning and design for Trail Solutions, the consulting arm of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), working on the Madison Bicycle Adventure Trail (MadBAT) plan for the city.

The priority sites include Aldo Leopold Park (near Cannonball Path on the southwest side), Sycamore Park on the east side, Walnut Madison,” Repyak said.

Grove Park (between Old Sauk and Mineral Aldo Leopold Park near Cannonball Path Point roads on the near west side) and a — which links the Military Ridge and Badger couple places on the Southwest Commuter state trails to the Capital City State Trail — is Path (along the southeast border of the slated to be built out this year. The park will Odana Hills Golf Course). likely be home to a 7,000-square-foot, paved Except for Aldo Leopold Park, which is pump track, on which a rider’s momentum set to get bike facilities this year, there’s no pushes them over a rolling course with timeline yet to complete banked turns. Madison projects at the other Parks engineer Corey "Imagine Madison sites. “Once a couple of Stelljes says a “best adding flow trails, them are developed, I example” of the kind of foresee neighborhoods purpose-built features pump track the city has asking for their own in mind for the site is in and pump tracks to bike-optimized La Crosse’s Lueth Park, experiences to be its inventory of bicycle which kids of all ages implemented sooner can ride. (A video of the facilities for mountain than later,” Repyak said. park in use can be seen MadBAT is a visionary here: bit.ly/3r82wFV.) bikers." look at what could be The plan for the Aldo — a series of small but Leopold Park also mighty bicycle play areas easily reached includes an optional skills trail consisting of from existing city bike paths. a series of built structures and a trail around “MadBAT sets the stage for the the perimeter. This would be added if the development of bike facilities that are within project budget allows. rideable distances for families and youth, “This has been a long-standing ask from the serving just about every neighborhood in neighborhood, specifically to build a pump WisconsinBikeFed.org

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track. So that’s the highest priority site in harness gravity in a manner that offers a the city,” Stelljes said. How many more of the roller coaster feel as you ride downhill,” he identified sites will be developed will largely said. depend on available funding over the coming MadBAT is the result of mountain bikers years, he added.

— including member-volunteers of the For those unfamiliar with bicycle Capital Off Road Pathfinders (CORP) who playgrounds, pump develop and maintain tracks and flow trails, the popular singletrack "Hey, can we build a Repyak offers quick systems in the ‘burbs mountain bike trail descriptions: “Bicycle (see madcitydirt.org) playgrounds are for — asking the city to here?

Can we build the never-evers and accommodate them. one there?" beginners.

Pump “We were getting a tracks facilitate bikelot of input from the body awareness as one public: ‘Hey, can we navigates a closed circuit without pedaling build mountain bike trail here? Can we build but using body movement to pump the bike one there? There’s this vacant parcel in through rollers and berms. And flow trails my backyard’ et cetera,” says Stelljes. “We 56

needed to develop a guide for people and city staff where trails may be appropriate some day and how they would all fit together.”

The idea of MadBAT began after a few city employees and CORP members attended IMBA Trails Lab workshops in Bentonville, Arkansas, and left inspired a couple years ago.

Madison Parks then sought and secured a $20,000 grant from IMBA. The city matched that amount to pay for the feasibility and planning work done by Repyak’s Trail Solutions.

As it happens, Repyak was perfectly situated to take on the project: He’s a Madison resident, and not for the first time.

As a landscape architecture student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the late 1990s, he helped plan the extensive

mountain bike trails at CamRock County Park near Cambridge, where his family has deep roots.

After designing ski resorts in Colorado for 15 years, Repyak returned to Wisconsin.

He served as the DNR’s Regional Trails Coordinator in Rhinelander before taking the position overseeing IMBA Trail Solutions in 2016, at which time he relocated to Madison.

Repyak said he intended to deliver a final draft of the MadBAT plan to the city by late April, capping a 16-month process. In February, Stelljes said city staff had already favorably reviewed the MadBAT plan but that Repyak’s final report would be submitted for approval from the Madison Board of Parks Commissioners on its way to a vote by the full Common Council. A GIS-based map identifying all the potential bike facility sites has been viewable online (at bit.ly/3dXhtXn and bit.ly/3uIdbcy) since last fall.

Repyak characterized IMBA’s relationship with Madison Parks as “great” and “collaborative.” It also didn’t hurt that Stelljes is a mountain biker. “Not just any rider,” Repyak said. “[He] holds his own with pro [racers].”

Repyak said the MadBAT plan will remain a “living document that will be updated as opportunities arise and urban bike facilities evolve.”

Eighty-some sites “is more than we’ll ever get built,” CORP President Jon Augspurger admits. “And none of these are going to be destination sites. On their own they’ll be neighborhood resources and you can link them up using the city’s existing cycling infrastructure … on the way to Quarry Park or Pleasant View Golf Course or something else that already exists to enhance the [bicycling] experience throughout the city.”

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Friends group sues over state trail use decision Stower Seven Lakes State Trail saga continues

By Joel Patenaude

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16-year fight over keeping a state trail in northwest Wisconsin nonmotorized entered a new chapter this spring.

The Friends of the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail filed suit in January against Polk County and the Department of Natural Resources after the government entities last December agreed to amend a 2019 master plan for the trail to allow winter snowmobilers and horseback riders, with pedestrians and cross-country skiers to be accommodated elsewhere.

In March, attorneys for the friends group sought a restraining order against the county permitting snowmobilers and equestrians on the trail until the amended plan can be evaluated by the courts in Polk and Dane counties. As of press time, a St. Croix County Circuit judge had not issued a ruling on the requested restraining order.

Snowmobilers celebrated their pending, long-sought access to the trail, according to local press reports. But current users and owners of property along the trail believe their concerns over noise, speed and safety 58

continue to go unheeded.

Friends group president Brook Waalen says the “so-called compromise” of the amended master plan for the Stower trail will give snowmobilers and horseback riders access to the full 14-mile trail while shunting pedestrians onto a short alternative route he has derisively dubbed “Swamp Walk.” The narrow corridor with steep embankments will still require people on foot to cross the main trail, possibly putting them in the path of snowmobilers.

“The plan says this is the most dangerous option for everybody involved,” Waalen says.

“It’s insanity.”

Many of Wisconsin’s state trails are maintained by local governments under agreements called memorandums of understanding (MOUs). These legal arrangements give local officials the authority to address trail issues as they come up, but they also complicate decisionmaking over who can use particular trails.

The history of the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail is a particularly fraught example.

In 2003, the state purchased the railway

corridor — extending 14 miles between the small communities Amery and Dresser— and the following year entered a MOU with Polk County to maintain it.

A master plan for the trail was drafted soon thereafter, but it called for separate and parallel trails for motorized and nonmotorized users. Due to the narrow corridor through an abundance of wetlands, development of the plan was deemed too costly to be feasibly developed. In 2008, a judge ordered the DNR to prohibit motorized vehicles on the trail.

Since the trail opened in 2010, people have enjoyed walking, running, snowshoeing, bicycling and crosscountry skiing there without fear of encountering horses, ATVs or snowmobiles.

Two years after the county and DNR forged a cooperative easement for the trail in 2018, the county proposed allowing snowmobiles and equestrians on it. The county plan acknowledged that the introduction of snowmobiles would displace skiers and pedestrians, and engine noise would bother adjacent property owners.

The plan further noted “significant safety challenges” posed by equestrians whose horses can be spooked by quiet and fast moving bicyclists. DNR staff created a matrix which concluded the county plan was unsafe for all trail users and made the county aware of the deficiencies of its proposed master plan.

Last December, county and DNR staff met and drafted an amendment to the plan allowing snowmobiles on the trail from December through March, conditions permitting, and equestrian use from October to the Friday before gun deer season.

To mitigate user conflicts, the county agreed to construct a three-quarter mile “off-trail, rustic, winter-use pedestrian trail” east from the Amery trailhead that would “traverse several wetlands that will be accessible when frozen.” The amended plan also suggested expanding cross-country ski trails at DD Kennedy County Park and Ahlgren Wildlife Preserve, the terrain of which is challenging to novice skiers.

Motorsport enthusiasts already have ample trail-riding opportunities in northwest Wisconsin. On private land, snowmobilers have two trails parallel to the

Stower. And the Cattail State Trail, which shares the same corridor as the Stower, extends the 18 miles from Amery to Almena and is open to year-round ATVing.

“We’ve got enough public land in this state to knit together some high-quality trail experiences for a bunch of different user groups,” Waalen argues, adding that trail master plans need to focus on minimizing user conflicts.

“Share where you can but make sure to separate disparate users,” he says.

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STRENGTH IN NUMBERS An organizer of last summer’s Bla ck is Beautiful Rides promises more A Q&A with Sam Ahmed

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he first Black is Beautiful Rides held in Milwaukee took place on June 21 and August 16, 2020, to promote equity, unity, justice and collective enjoyment of feeling the wind in our faces.

The events, while fun, also shed light on the systemic racism at play in land use and transportation policy.

Historical disenfranchisement, disinvestment, disproportionate exposure to pollution, and repressive policing in BIPOC communities negatively affects collective health, wealth and mobility security. In a time when more and more people are out riding bikes and bike shops are selling out of bikes, equitable access to trails, green space, and bikes in general, are ongoing concerns.

The Bike Fed reached out to the rapper and singersongwriter Sam Ahmed (aka WebsterX) to ask about his experience organizing the Black is Beautiful Rides and how bicycling can address some of the issues facing people of color in the city.

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Sam Ahmed, with bullhorn, faces fellow riders at one of the Black is Beautiful Rides he organized in Milwaukee after the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis. PHOTO BY Dave Schlabowske.

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e out at sunset.”

“Nothing felt better than taking my bik Can you share how important bicycling is in your life? Where did you ride growing up?

Biking has always spoken to me. At the end of the day, it’s a freeing and fun feeling. I grew up biking on the north side of Milwaukee, 53rd and

Auer Avenue is where I grew up. I’ve only had two bikes in my lifetime. My first bike when I was 12 was a red and black Huffy. And now I’ve got this coral Republic bike I custom built a few years ago. Getting around on a bike became important to me for three reasons: [it’s]

Sam Ahmed (aka WebsterX)

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a fun alternative to a car, important for my mental health and, again, the freeing feeling of it all.

What inspired you to incorporate riding into peaceful protest actions?

That came about so naturally.

I was already biking a ton at the beginning of quarantine for my mental health.

Nothing felt better than taking my bike out at sunset to cruise an empty downtown Milwaukee. I felt alive again.

I posted a lot of videos of me biking on my social media and lots of people would DM me saying how much they wanted to get back on their bikes or purchase new ones to cope with lockdown. That felt amazing.

Then the George Floyd killing happened.

And when the protests came to Milwaukee, I got heavily involved. My friend Mag texted me a flyer of a protest that happened in LA called “Ride for Black Lives.” The lightbulb went off and I realized getting people off their feet and on some wheels would add the perfect energizing feeling to these already draining yet

empowering protests.

What was one moment during the rides that really stood out to you in a positive way? Was there a negative moment that stood out?

During the first ride, the DJ car fell to the back and we stopped in the middle of this massive intersection. I had to part a sea of close to 3,000 people to go get [the DJ] Mr. New York and bring him to the front. It was my first chance at getting to see all these faces of all walks of life getting down for this one cause that started as an idea.

Seeing your ideas

Milwaukee rapper Shadi participated in the Black is Beautiful Rides.

manifest in a major way is always electrifying. I’ll never forget that, man.

I mean it when I say it: Both rides were so full of love and purpose, I can’t remember one negative thing [about them]. We were lucky to have

almost no police presence and only one injury during both rides that was handled very well and quickly.

Strength in numbers.

What ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WAS INSPIRED TO HOST A SIMILAR RIDE IN THEIR COMMUNITY? Organize your ideas with a strong team of people that you trust, who share the common goal of helping the community. And make sure you get the word out to as many people as possible.

We know systemic racism affects Black people on bikes. What is one thing you’d like to see changed in the immediate future and another long-term solution to convince more people of color to take up biking?

In the immediate future I’d like to see more WisconsinBikeFed.org

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“Get into it, feel the wind, go explore and have some affordable bike shops on the north and south sides of Milwaukee. Positive options that promote physical health and fun are so key in our neighborhoods. We’ve been drowning in big box stores forever.

Long term I’d like to see a change in policing in those neighborhoods. We can have all the new bike shops in the world but it won’t mean anything if police continue to harass and repress people of color [and discourage enjoyable] biking experiences from even happening.

What piece of advice would you give to a young person of color who wants to get on a bike more often?

Get into it, feel the wind, go explore and have some fun.

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What is next for Black is Beautiful MKE? Any more rides? Anything you can share or want to hype?

For now all I can say is, yes, Black Is Beautiful is 100% returning for rides this summer, we can’t wait to do it all over again.

The Bike Fed looks forward to participating again, too. Before the first Black is Beautiful Ride, the Milwaukee Mobile Bike Repair team, along with staff from Dream Bikes and Wheel & Sprocket, tended to the bikes of hundreds of participating riders to ensure they had a safe and enjoyable experience.

For more BIPOC-friendly riding, check out the Facebook pages for Red Bike & GreenMilwaukee and Black Girls Do Bike.

Aside from the rides, the Mobile

fun .”

Bike Repair Program will install a repair stand in Tiefenthaler Park, as part of a partnership with PEAK Initiative. Bike Fed is training and employing a local ambassador to assist with repairs, offer safety and mechanic education, as well as provide outreach to those in the surrounding community as has been done in Madison. The goal is to empower young riders of color to repair their own bikes and help others fix bikes where bike shops are currently scarce.

Bike Fed staff believe Black Lives Matter. Until all riders are treated equally and have access to safe riding conditions and supportive communities, our job is not done. Our mission is to build a better, more bike-friendly Wisconsin for everyone.

Jake Newborn, assistant director of the Bike Fed, interviewed Sam Ahmed for this piece.

SARIS BIKE PARKS FOR KIDS We’re 100% committed to creating ways for all youth to fall in love with the bike - and what better place to do that than a bike park? Learn about our journey at saris.com/bikeparksforkids.

Hank Aaron left a legacy off the field

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he Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail (FOHAST) expressed sadness over news of the passing of Henry “Hank” Aaron on Jan. 22. “Hammerin’ Hank” was one of baseball’s greatest players and a man of enormous accomplishments and integrity as he broke many racial and cultural barriers.

The Hank Aaron Trail, which connects the diverse neighborhoods of the greater Milwaukee area, exemplifies his legacy.

Although Aaron lived in Atlanta after retiring from baseball, he left his mark on Milwaukee. Aaron and his family lent his name and support to the creation of the Hank Aaron State Trail, returning to Milwaukee for the opening of the trail in 66

The Hank Aaron State Trail will continue to connect the community and serve children Submitted by Friends of the Hank Aaron State Trail

2006 and numerous other events on or related to the trail. As the nonprofit tasked with enhancing, supporting and promoting the Hank Aaron State Trail, FOHAST aims to honor his legacy by providing a welcoming public space that helps bridge the divides that exist in our community.

“Hank Aaron was authentically humble and was truly honored to have the trail named after him,” said Melissa Cook, retired Hank Aaron State Trail manager for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. She said he was pleased the trail serves so many diverse neighborhoods and particularly children. According to Cook, Aaron said, “This is great! We need to do everything we

can to get children [away from] television screens.”

Bruce Keyes, former president of the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail, spent time with Aaron and his wife, Billye, at several trail events over the years.

“He was the kindest of souls, always engaging and took a real interest in our efforts to make the trail a connecting point for the neighborhoods and for kids to get outdoors,” Keyes said. “It is our obligation to carry forward his legacy of unification across people of all colors and walks of life. The trail will persevere as a common meeting ground for the simple purpose of a walk or ride outdoors.”

While it is easy to remember the batting records and great plays, it is important to recognize the challenging path Aaron traveled to achieve success in baseball. He was part of a small group of Black players in the major leagues when he played his first game with the Milwaukee Braves in 1954.

Throughout his career, he received taunts

at games, hate mail and even death threats simply due to the color of his skin. Through it all, Aaron persevered to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time and an inspiration to millions.

After retirement, Aaron continued to break racial barriers when he was named vice president of player development for the Atlanta Braves, one of the first Black Americans in senior management in Major League Baseball. He was a long-time supporter of the NAACP and with Billye, cofounded the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation to help children achieve their dreams.

The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining, promoting and enhancing the Hank Aaron State Trail. The group has sent more than 1,200 neighborhood kids to Bike Camps along the trail; has installed numerous art installations and cultural signs along the trail; coordinatedsenvironmental restoration activities; and organizes several annual events.

For more information, go to hankaaronstatetrail.org.

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roudly boasting over 340 miles of trails and bicycle-friendly routes, the Fox Valley region is a bicyclist’s dream. From urban rides and city escapes to rail trails and singletrack, there is something for every bicyclist. With an eye to connectivity and natural and historic features, the routes and trails wind through downtowns, along scenic waterfronts, loop around and over lakes, through wooded areas and even to the Fox Cities Stadium for family-friendly baseball games.

This connectivity is the result of shared vision, dedication and efforts by local communities and organizations. These 68

bicycle and pedestrian connections appeal to those looking for new recreational opportunities as well as routes to commute to their destinations. They also immerse users in some of the natural beauty and history of northeast Wisconsin’s Fox Valley region.

LOOP THE LITTLE LAKE What started as a connection between two communities via a rail trestle crossing Little Lake Butte des Morts established in 2005, recently evolved into a 3.5-mile loop that connects the cities of Neenah, Menasha and the Village of Fox Crossing. The project required considerable coordination among

GET IN THE

LOOPS IN THE FOX CITIES TRESTLE TRAILS MORE CONNECTED THAN EVER

By Kim Biedermann

the municipalities and community partners.

The municipalities coordinated their funding efforts with nonprofit organizations, such as Fox Cities Greenways and Future Neenah.

Now complete, Loop the Little Lake takes visitors and residents over four trestles to view Little Lake Butte des Morts, historic paper mills, native shorelines, parks, the Menasha Locks and the Miron Lift Bridge.

This loop has become a local treasure.

And those who frequent it can win prizes, thanks to Future Neenah. For the past two summers, Future Neenah and local sponsors have promoted Log Your Loops, a program recognizing anyone who walks, bikes or

otherwise completes 25 loops or more or 50 loops or more between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In 2019, 102 individuals completed 50 loops, and in 2020 the number of riders to do it more than doubled to 230.

Future Neenah is planning for the program to take place again from May 31 to Sept. 6, 2021.

LOOP THE LOCKS The neighboring communities of Little Chute, Appleton, Kaukauna and Kimberly partnered to receive a grant from Outagamie County and the Fox River Greenway Fund to complete a regionally connecting network dubbed Loop the Locks. Upon completion, WisconsinBikeFed.org

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this network will span 15 miles through the Heart of the Valley Region and feature views of the Fox River in each community, the Konkapot Creek in Kaukauna, river locks and dams in Little Chute and Kimberly, and trestle bridges in Kaukauna, Little Chute and Appleton. Many segments are substantially complete at this time, with construction ongoing. The 1,100-foot trestle crossing the Fox River from Kaukauna to Little Chute is scheduled for completion this summer. While Outagamie County was the impetus behind this vision to fill in existing gaps in the trail network, local nonprofits, community organizations and other funding organizations stepped in to help make the loop a reality.

PARTNERSHIPS As stated above, improving the rideability THE NETWORK EXPERIENCE of the Fox Valley has involved businesses, These current and future efforts nonprofits, donors and grantors, partner complement existing trail and on-road organizations and individual riders. Without systems. The WIOUWASH State Trail these key players many of these projects and the Friendship State Trail can quickly would face significant challenges and transport an urban bicyclist to prairies, barriers. Both the Fox Cities Convention farmland and woodlands that comprise the and Visitors Bureau and the Community urban fringe of the Fox Valley region. The Foundation for the Fox Valley serve as Tribal Heritage Crossing Trail, along with champions for our trails, including the trails adjacent to county highways CE and Loop the Little Lake and Loop the Locks CB, allow for recreational and transportation projects. Fox Cities Greenways, Inc. is a opportunities. local nonprofit dedicated to preserving and Looking to add some thrill to your ride? It’s maintaining the trails in the region through easy enough to take a city ride and stop at any cleanups, grants programs and leveraging one singletrack along the way. Offering both funding to expand and create new bicycle built and natural features, these trails offer and pedestrian accommodations. riders the ability to hone their mountain Bring your bike to the Fox Valley region and bike skills close to home. ride these amazing trails for yourself. For Looking to fuel up during a ride or wind more information and a map, go to ecwrpc. down after a ride? Hit up on of the many org or foxcitiesgreenways.org. eateries you can find on your route. Many are Bicycle Benefits businesses, so bring your Kim Biedermann is bicycle and pedestrian helmet in with your Bicycle Benefits sticker coordinator for the East Central Wisconsin affixed to it and get a discount or special treat Regional Planning Commission. just because you rode a bike.

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Cyclists emerge from Tunnel 3, located between Norwalk and Sparta.

Tunnels Open on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail Trail repairs on two sections to be finished this fall Story and photo by Joel Patenaude

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Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Sparta

Tunnel #3

A OPEN A Sparta to Norwalk (11 miles) B Norwalk to Wilton (6 miles)

D F G

Elroy to Union Center (4 miles)

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Wonewoc to N. Dutch Hollow Road (5.5 miles)

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J

P

Norwalk

B

Tunnel #2

Logan Rd. to Kendall (5.3 miles) Union Center to Wonewoc (4 miles)

N. Dutch Hollow Road to Reedsburg (8.5 miles) Hillsboro State Trail (4.2 miles)

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OPEN CLOSED

OPENING 2021

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Wilton to Logan Road (3.7 miles)

E

Kendall to Elroy (6 miles)

he Elroy-Sparta State Trail — the nation’s first rail-trail and a popular attraction in central Wisconsin for cycling tourism — will open in May. Most of it, anyway.

While bicyclists and pedestrians will be able to pass through all three of the ElroySparta’s iconic tunnels — and are encouraged to do so — two sections of the trail between the Town of Wilton and the City of Elroy (on either side of Tunnel No. 1) will remain closed until this fall.

“We had damage almost the entire length of the 32-mile trail,” said Andrew Haffele, superintendent of the Elroy-Sparta, 400 and La Crosse River state trails as well as three area state parks. “We’ve been able to reopen [the Elroy-Sparta trail] section by section.

Those last couple closures include the worst damage that we suffered there.”

“But we’re making progress, so that’s good,” he added.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources official said he’s already overseen $89,000 worth of repairs to the ElroySparta. But it will cost another $1.8 million to replace two trail bridges between the Town

C Wilton

Logan Rd. Tunnel #1

D

Kendall

E Elroy

of Kendall and the City of Elroy and address a large landslide and trail washout along the Baraboo River between the Town of Wilton and Logan Road.

Haffele said the work is scheduled for completion on Sept. 19. The trail is traditionally open for the season to nonmotorized use from May to November.

The DNR estimated that the 2018 storms and flooding caused $8 million worth of damage to state properties. Severe flooding and debris wreaked havoc across 14 southcentral counties. The 400 State Trail, which suffered roughly $350,000 in damages, reopened in 2019. Repairs were also made to Badger, Sugar River and Military Ridge state trails and several state parks.

“We still have a lot of the Elroy-Sparta trail to offer [this spring and summer], especially from Wilton to Sparta,” Haffele said. “Just doing that section alone covers one of the big draws on the trail there, which are obviously the tunnels. Between Wilton and Sparta you get to experience two of the three tunnels that we have. And the other tunnel is in an open section, it’s just a smaller section of trail that will be open.”

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Mountain Biking Adds $7.8 Million to the Chequamegon Area Economy

Surveys reveal CAMBA trail riders to be big spenders

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Story and photos by Dave Schlabowske

y mom’s side of our family is from Park Falls, Wisconsin.

As a kid, all our vacations involved driving up north to visit relatives and go fishing.

When we stayed at the historic Boyd’s Mason Lake Resort, our days typically consisted of loading rods, tackle and the works into a rented aluminum boat after breakfast and fishing until 74

lunch. After lunch, we would fish from the dock by our cabin until dinner.

Those are great memories, but I never tried to repeat them with my own family.

While we did head north for vacations on lakes, we picked Boulder Junction over Park Falls. This was not because it lays claim to the title Musky Capital of the World, but because the tiny town is

on the amazing network of paved Heart of Vilas County Trails. The icing on the cake was we also could head over to Aqualand for great craft beer and wood-fired pizzas.

My wife and I recently became permanent residents of Seeley after I accepted the position of executive director for the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA). Prior to this,

“YOU WILL ATTRACT MORE VISITORS FROM NEAR AND FAR IF YOU HAVE MORE TO OFFER” my personal vacations up north were either for an annual deer hunt or to ride gravel and singletrack with buddies. We played a driving game along the way to see who could count the most bikes on other cars and trucks. Sometimes we gave additional points for highend bikes versus department store models or for the number of handlebars we could see through the tinted windows of a minivan.

Depending on the season, the game often also prompted a discussion

about the number of ATVs or snowmobiles we’d see on trailers. Beer is a big part of both motorized and nonmotorized recreational culture, fueling many an animated post-ride discussion. But if you ask a tavern owner north of Hwy. 8, they will likely tell you the 4-wheelers and sleds parked in their lots are what keep their doors open and the local economy humming.

As someone who recently moved to the outskirts of Seeley, I know the parking lot of the Sawmill Saloon

is full of snowmobiles all winter long. But so was the parking lot at the trailhead for the Seeley winter bike and ski trails around the corner. And the little lot at the Rivers Eatery in Cable could have used a parking attendant to help direct traffic as a constant stream of vehicles with racks full of skis and fat bikes flowed in and out to pick up carryout wood-fired pizza, Tilly’s Pies and craft beer.

So, yes, snowmobiles and ATVs might be the bread and butter for taverns, but silent WisconsinBikeFed.org

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CAMBA Survey Says...

Part I of a recent survey gathered information about CAMBA trail users, their biking practices and the amount of money they expected to spend during their trip to the CAMBA trails.

Part II included more data gathered through an online survey of the respondents, more detailed information about their biking habits, their experiences and assessment of the CAMBA trails.

Here is some of what was learned.

Demographics • More men (66% of the sample) were interviewed than women (33%) • A majority (56%) were 45 or older • Approximately eight in 10 respondents had at least a bachelor’s degree • 61% of respondents had six-figure household incomes • Nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents reside outside of Sawyer and Bayfield Counties

Riding Experiences • Median number of days/year that CAMBA riders travel away from their home to bike, 15 days • Median spending on cycling by CAMBA riders, $1,000

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sport enthusiasts are also big contributors to the economy, as are people who hunt, fish or just like heading up north to relax. The timber industry remains important and there is still manufacturing in the Northwoods, too.

The recipe for a healthy local economy in today’s Northwoods is like a layer cake. You can’t make it without the basic ingredients. Think of the beautiful forests, lakes, rivers and quaint small towns filled with welcoming people as the flour, sugar, eggs, butter and milk. The different layers are flavored with hunting, fishing, motorsports, bicycling and skiing. Retail shopping, restaurants and taverns make up the icing on the cake. While you can still get by with a basic chocolate or yellow cake, you will attract more visitors from near and far if you have more to offer.

If you want to perfect the recipe, it helps to know how much each ingredient contributes to a great cake and how much they cost. In order to try to quantify the return on investments made in bike trails, many local communities and mountain bike clubs are doing economic impact studies.

The trails around the Hayward and Cable area,

built and maintained by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation and CAMBA, attract tens of thousands of visitors each year for recreation and competition.

Some of those visitors eventually buy vacation homes in the area, pay taxes and even become permanent residents, like me and my wife.

In order to learn more about what mountain bikers like and how much they contribute to the local economy, CAMBA partnered with the Survey Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to do an economic impact study.

The CAMBA study consisted of two surveys, one focused on measuring the economic impact of the trails and the other on users’ experiences out on the trails.

The first CAMBA survey (Part I) started in mid July 2019, and data was collected until late October 2019. Data collection resumed in mid February 2020 and finished a month later. This was an intercept survey in which CAMBA trail users at 12 trailheads were interviewed by volunteers.

The second survey (Part II) was online, following up with participants from the intercept surveys done at the trails, but also

CAMBA Experiences • Most respondents (89%) had ridden on CAMBA trails before, and four in 10 had ridden CAMBA trails in the winter • The median number of times respondents had ridden on the CAMBA trails, nine • The median number of times respondents had ridden CAMBA trails in winter, one • A majority of survey respondents were either riding alone or with one other person

Accommodations When Visiting CAMBA Area • About one in five CAMBA users who live outside the area stay in a rented cabin or house (23%) or a vacation or second home they own (20%) • The typical non-local CAMBA user stays two nights during their visit

Spending by CAMBA Visitors • On average, each non-local visitor of CAMBA trails expects to spend $200 per day during their visit to the area

Total Economic Impact The spending of CAMBA users is estimated to have boosted the 2019 Bayfield and Sawyer County economies by: • Creating 118 jobs • Generating $2.3 million in labor income • Generating $3.2 million in total value WisconsinBikeFed.org

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• Having a total impact of $7.8 million to Bayfield and Sawyer Counties during 2019 • Spending by CAMBA users added approximately $1.8 million to the total value of both full-service restaurants and hotels and motels in the two counties

Winter CAMBA Users • Only about 10% of CAMBA trail riders use the trails during winter

CAMBA User Characteristics • A majority of survey respondents (62%) classify themselves as having above average or expert biking ability • Two-thirds said they ride more than 10 miles daily • Approximately nine of 10 respondents said that singletrack, trail variety and quiet, natural surroundings were important or very important trail characteristics • Singletrack trails is the “most important” trail characteristic respondents consider when deciding which trail to ride • 87% of respondents have ridden on other trail systems in Wisconsin, the Midwest or elsewhere in the U.S. • Respondents were most likely to have ridden on trails in the Twin Cities metro area • More than half (58%) of the 796 non-Wisconsin trails identified were located in the Midwest 78

including CAMBA members and people who are on our email mailing list. This survey started April 7, 2020, and data collection was completed April 18, 2020.

What we found is that more than 30,000 people riding CAMBA’s 120-plus miles of mountain bike trails annually contribute nearly $8 million to the area economy by what they spend on food, beverages, lodging and shopping at retail stores. That is a lot of money spent on ingredients for the economic layer cake.

Put that layer on top of other tasty Northwoods flavors like skiing, hunting, fishing and motorsports and you get a rich, delicious cake almost anyone would enjoy.

I have shared the major highlights of the surveys and economic study here, but you can find a link to the full study on our website, cambatrails.org. Thanks to everyone who participated, the many volunteers who spent their time waiting at trailheads, and to former CAMBA Executive Director Ron Bergin and the members of the CAMBA board of directors for this major effort. And thanks to the experts at UW-River Falls for analyzing and making sense of all the data.

Milwaukee Area Whitefish Bay • East Side • Grafton • Greenfield Madison East Side • West Side Eau Claire

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S c h w i n n PA R A M O U N T BUILD

Story by Joel Patenaude Photos by Dave Schlabowske and Jonathan Ninmer

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week before I talked to Keven Eccles of Wauwatosa earlier this year, the former bike racer and race organizer had taken possession of a very special bike. The bike, prized among fellow collectors and eerily resembling one he raced in his youth, took two years to build up. But for Eccles, the selection of builder was as special as the steel frame and the unique groupset that went into the final product — a 50th anniversary edition Schwinn Paramount with its trademark goldplated front fork.

Given Schwinn’s more recent reputation as the maker of affordable bikes for the average consumer (a chapter that predates the company’s 1992 bankruptcy, resulting in Madisonbased Pacific Cycle buying the brand), it’s easy to forget the company dominated the market for decades. And the Schwinn Paramount was the highend bike of choice for many U.S. pro racers and teams through the 1980s.

Eccles, in fact, started racing as a 14year old in 1984 on a Schwinn Prologue.

Growing up in Oshkosh, he first raced 80

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Ellis Cycles owner Dave Wages (above) did the build of Kevin Eccles' 50th-anniversary Schwinn Paramount. Eccles is a big fan of Wages’ work. “He just does quality, in addition to being an insanely talented frame builder. His bikes are so beautiful.”

for Bikeland and then Fond du Lac Cyclery, teams run by bike shop owner John Bartow.

It was the Prologue that Eccles took to Belgium the summer after his junior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Acting on the suggestion of a cycling coach, he and a friend flew to Gent.

“We just got off the plane, went downtown and found a hotel to stay at for a couple hundred bucks for a month,” Eccles recalled.

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They immediately started entering races.

“The first week was ride until you get dropped. Then we’d do intervals all the way home and try to get in shape. And the next week we’d try to last a little longer [in the field before getting dropped.] Then we started making it into some breakaways and started placing and doing OK in some by the end of the month,” he said.

By then, Eccles noticed a crack near one of

Eccles brought the bike frame, a 25th-anniversary Shimano Dura Ace groupset he bought from Tom Schuler (complete with its original James Bond-esque aluminum case) and other vintage new/old parts to Wages.

Wages is a former frame builder for Waterford Precision Cycles. That company is operated out of the old Schwinn machine shop bought in 1993 by Richard Schwinn, great-grandson of company founder Ignaz Schwinn, after the bankruptcy.

Wages was able to spread the rear triangle of the special edition Paramount to fit the wider axle for the Dura Ace componentry. “It was built for a 126mm rear hub and needed 130mm,” Eccles said. (Wages is pictured here working on a different bike frame.)

the lugs on his bike. So he called the Fond du Lac bike shop to ask for another frame to be ready for him upon his return to the states. “I didn’t think, boy, I should really get an Eddy Merckx bike while I’m here in Belgium,” he said. “Maybe I wasn’t the smartest guy.”

Waiting for him back home was a Schwinn Paramount, a bike he raced as a newly minted Cat 2 competitor in the Superweek series that summer. He would go on to race

on Treks, but it was the Paramount he took to France for a junior year abroad spent racing.

Eccles said he became aware of the 50th anniversary Schwinn Paramounts — only about 600 of which were manufactured at a plant in Waterford, Wisconsin — right around when they were issued in 1988. “I remember it was really cool but really ugly with that gold fork,” he said. “All the guys on the team were a little frothy over that.”

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The Paramount Eccles owned was not one of those. “But it was definitely same era, similar ergonometry, similar setup,” he said.

Eccles would continue to race until 1996, a couple years into his 8-year tenure managing race events for Tom Schuler’s Team Sports Inc., including the mountain biking events 24 Hours of Nine Mile, 24 Hours of Telemark and the NORBA National at Alpine Valley. Schuler, who by then was managing professional cycling teams, was an original member of the American 7-Eleven Cycling Team founded by Olympian Jim Ochowicz, another member of Wisconsin’s cycling royalty. Schuler was the 1981 U.S. criterium champion and the 1987 USPRO national road champion.

“The unique part was the serial number was [on the Shimano groupset] 1987, the year Tom won the USPRO championship,”

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Eccles said. The group was a gift to Schuler from Wayne Stetina, an American Olympian cyclist and long-time executive at Shimano.

“Wayne made sure to hand select it for Tom,” Eccles said. “I remember we were all looking at it going, wow, that’s cool. [We told] Tom, you need to get a Schwinn Paramount anniversary bike to put this on, which was produced 10 years before this group came out.”

Fast forward to 2019 when Eccles happened to see a post on a Facebook page for enthusiasts of the Schwinn Paramount.

The post listed for sale a 50th anniversary Paramount frame in Eccles’ size.

“I don’t know about the angles and such, but the positioning should be almost identical” to the one he rode as a younger man. “So I decided to go after it and get the bike.”

Soon thereafter, Eccles remembered

The bike is complete with a 25th-anniversary Shimano Dura Ace groupset Eccles bought last summer from Tom Schuler. It was a gift to Schuler from Wayne Stetina, an American Olympian cyclist and long-time executive at Shimano.

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Only 600-some 50th-anniversary Schwinn Paramounts were built in Waterford in 1988.

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Kevin Eccles shows off his completed Schwinn Paramount. “It’s really pretty,” he admits.

Shuler’s Dura Ace groupset. He contacted his former boss and learned that Schuler had never made use of it. Eccles said he wasn’t surprised.

“Tom isn’t that much of a bike geek for as much as people are bike geeky about him,” Eccles said. “If you asked Tom what bike he wished he had that he doesn’t have, it’s the 7-Eleven Eddy Merckx that he rode.” And not a replica.

Last summer Schuler found the “1987” Dura Ace group and sold it to Eccles. A business development executive, Eccles declined to say how much he spent on the bike and build.

What are Eccles’ plans for the bike? “I have no idea,” he said. “Maybe I’ll ride 50 miles on it for the 50th anniversary, I don’t know. I’m not sure, I haven’t decided yet.

“Maybe it’s a bike to be on display in a [bike] shop. It’s definitely not going to be on display in my house, my wife told me,” he said.

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The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System A unique paved cycling trail is helping cyclists discover the abundant natural beauty and local history of the Northwoods

By Theresa Smith

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he Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System is a scenic 52-mile paved trail that connects the communities of St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters in Vilas County and Mercer in Iron County.

The smooth asphalt trail travels through Wisconsin’s largest state forest — the 223,000-acre Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest — giving riders a wilderness experience while offering amenities that make the journey as easy as it is rewarding.

The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System was recently named a National Recreation Trail, an honor the Department of the Interior gives to exemplary trails of local and regional significance. Local trail advocates say the recognition is well-deserved.

“These trails are a huge draw to this area and something that is very unique to Northern Wisconsin,” Sara Pearson, northern region program manager for the Wisconsin WisconsinBikeFed.org

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some cyclists opt to ride the entire route point to point, many choose to pick a shorter segment to ride. There are 20 parking areas along the trail, so it’s easy to break the trail into a series of rides. Several restrooms and bicycle repair stations are available to trail users.

Department of Natural Resources, said in a letter nominating the trail for the honor.

Cherie Sanderson, president of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce and director of the Boulder Junction Library, said that one of the things that makes the trail special is the varied landscape it crosses, including wild forests, wetlands, prairie areas and undeveloped glacial lakes.

Sanderson is a cyclist who has logged a lot of miles on the system on her hybrid bike.

“It’s simply a beautiful ride,” she said.

“Every part of it offers something new and beautiful that you would not see if you were riding on the road.”

While the trail rolls through some incredible Northwoods scenery, its connection to the communities of northern Wisconsin is also part of the trail’s charm.

“Every community has a different personality, so it’s fun to ride into these small towns and meet the people who live here and work here,” Smith said.

The trail takes riders through various terrain, from flat to rolling land, manageable hills and multiple scenic bridges. The segments between towns form a complete route that involves little road riding. While 90

RIDE DETAILS The trail’s southern terminus is in St. Germain, a popular vacation town of about 2,000 people. There is free parking available at the trailhead on Highway 70. The trail passes St. Germain’s business district, and it’s a good place to pull off to grab some breakfast, a cup of coffee or some last-minute supplies for the ride. There is also a grocery store and lodging available along the trail.

From St. Germain, the trail heads west and north to a small community with a big history. Sayner’s claim to fame is connected to trails of a different sort — the modern snowmobile was invented in this town. You can see some early snowmobiles, including an original “motor toboggan” as well as other interesting bits of local history at the Vilas County Historical Museum. Lodging and dining is also available in Sayner.

From Sayner, the trail continues west,

WWW.SAYNER-STARLAKE.ORG

passing Crystal Lake about six miles from Sayner. The undeveloped lake is surrounded by state forest and is worth a stop. The lake is appropriately named — the water is perfectly clear. Soft sand beaches make Crystal Lake an inviting place to cool off on a warm summer day. There’s also a popular campground adjacent to the lake.

From Crystal Lake, the trail continues west about three miles before turning north to skirt South Trout Lake and North Trout Lake. The trail passes some gorgeous lake vistas as well as a couple of good trails for a short and scenic hike.

The North Trout Nature Trail is a hiking path that meanders about a mile through the forest, crossing some scenic boardwalks.

Cathedral Point is another beautiful spot worth a stop. From the trail, you can reach the point via a short ride down Cathedral

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BIKE NORTHWEST WISconsin

Find your trail get your free map at nwwisconsin..com nwwisconsin Photos: Washburn County/James Netz Photography

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Point Road. Cathedral Point is a narrow strip of land between the basins of North and South Trout Lake, studded with gorgeous 100-foot pines.

Continuing north, the trail winds into Boulder Junction. This town — surrounded by 194 glacial lakes — is also known as the Musky Capital of the World. While the town has long been a mecca for anglers, it has also become a destination for silent sports. Bike repairs and rentals are available in town, as well as lodging, dining and a grocery store.

From Boulder Junction, the trail heads west, passing Nichols Lake. There’s a park with a pleasant swimming beach that makes a good rest stop.

The trail continues west to Manitowish Waters, passing some beautiful views and a pleasant pedestrian bridge. In Manitowish Waters, you’ll find a range of good lodging and dining and a well-stocked grocery store.

Manitowish Waters is a popular recreation destination and is near a connecting trail that travels four miles north to the WinMan Trails, a renowned off-road trail system for mountain biking, fat biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Heart of Vilas continues west from Manitowish Waters to the Iron County community of Mercer. In Mercer, you’ll reach the western trailhead and more opportunity for adventure. Mercer is a good point to stage a paddling trip into the 14,300acre Turtle Flambeau Flowage, and it’s also surrounded by more than 74,000 acres of public forestland and miles of backcountry hiking trails.

While the Heart of Vilas crosses some wild areas, amenities along the trail are plentiful.

Because the trail passes through towns that serve travelers, cyclists are never far from a refueling spot to enjoy a hot coffee, refreshing beer or an ice cream cone. There

More Trails to Come in Vilas County

By Jeff Currie A new trail between Conover and Phelps will be completed this summer, and groundwork has been made for a trail that will add 10 miles (a 20% expansion) to the nationally recognized Heart of Vilas Trail System.

The paved River Trail will connect Eagle River into the Heart of Vilas System at St. Germain along the Wisconsin River. The River Trail Commission hopes to start work on River Trail in 2022.

The last section of the Conover-Phelps Trail will be completed this summer. Currently the trail starts in Conover’s Town Park and follows a railroad corridor east before it ends 1.9 miles short of Phelps. That last stretch to be built will bring the trail to Phelps’ Lakefront Pines Park on North Twin Lake.

Other new trails include Three Eagle Trail, which lets people get deep into wetlands and woodlands south of Eagle River as it makes its way 13 miles to Three Lakes. Trail users encounter three boardwalks and a bridge crossing Mud Creek, whose name belies the great views from the trail.

Land O’Lakes, at the border of Michigan’s U.P., boasts a variety of riding venues thanks to Wilderness Lakes Trails volunteers. Their 12mile paved trail wends its way through Land O’ Lakes to the beach at Black Oak Lake. Running north to Watersmeet, Michigan, is the 14mile Agonikak Trail, best explored by mountain bike. Those wanting to combine trail riding and road riding can make the 36-mile loop into the U.P., around the Sylvania Wilderness Area, and back to Land O’ Lakes.

Jeff Currie is executive director of the nonprofit Great Headwaters Trail based in eastern Vilas County. For more information, go to www.ghtrails.org.

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are more than 20 public restrooms along the route and seven well-equipped bike repair stations.

The trail is smooth and can accommodate road and touring bikes and the terrain is mostly flat with a few small hills.

Sanderson said the trail is safe and relaxing and she is comfortable embarking on solo rides.

“It’s quiet and you feel like you are in nature, but you are not too far away from civilization,” she said.

Mary Van Grinsven, a member of the Northwoods Ski Touring Association (NSTA), said her group often rides the Heart of Vilas system on its weekly summer bike rides. The association was founded as a cross-country ski club but has expanded to silent sports activities throughout the year, with between 75 and 100 active members in northern Wisconsin.

Van Grinsven said her club’s rides can draw around 25 riders and the trail is ideal for the group’s outings, as it’s separated from traffic, scenic and well maintained.

She said that because the trail extends more than 50 miles it’s never crowded, although the word is getting out about the Heart of Vilas trail system.

“Every year, we are seeing more and more bikes on the trail,” she said.

For GPS maps of the trail segments, you can download the free Map It Vilas County trails app on Apple and Android (more information at vilaswi.com/trails).

Theresa Smith is executive director of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more and order a free map of the Heart of Vilas, visit biketheheart.org.

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Building a Child Friendly Future in Milwaukee Safe Routes to Schools Finds Way Through Pandemic

D

By Michael Anderson

espite the cancellation of so many things last year, Milwaukee’s Safe Routes to School team found a path forward. We charted a way to stay active and lay the foundations for an even more impactful future.

Our Safe Routes team has been working with Milwaukee Public School students for 16 years, primarily with 5th graders who, at age 10, can no longer ride their bikes on sidewalks, according to best practices and 100

state law. Despite our extensive efforts, we estimate we have reached only one-fifth of this population.

Yet by applying best public health practices, we found a way to reset, revisit and improve our programs to benefit even more families in the future.

This past year, our Safe Routes team adapted and kept pushing forward in other ways as well. The new models that we have been building — such as after-school

bike clubs, champion trainings and virtual lessons — are helping leaders in Milwaukee chart a future of increased capacity for Safe Routes and meaningful changes for active transportation. These measures led to the Milwaukee Department of Public Works Multi-Modal team and Wisconsin Bike Fed receiving the Vision Zero for Youth Innovation Award from the National Center for Safe Routes. We received this award for our collaborative work on street improvement projects that emphasize youth voices, community participatory design, dedication to serving communities of color and sheer grit to continue pounding the pavement in face of great obstacles While this paradigm shift was brought about in response to the pandemic, it is also due to the talent, dedication and experiences of our Safe Routes instructors.

Their commitment to keep kids safe and moving through a pandemic helped provide what we view as an essential service: giving youth the physical and geographic skills to make bicycling a meaningful mode of transportation.

This is not only a Milwaukee story. The programs that have been historically forged here in Milwaukee County — new ones piloted recently, combined with statewide advocacy efforts — could be the building blocks of

comprehensive Safe Routes programming statewide. Many communities in Wisconsin that have faced their own unique challenges have Safe Routes programs. It is likely that there is a youth bicycling effort in your area that can use your support. Your Bike Fed membership helps advocate at a state level to direct federal funding to Safe Routes to School projects.

While we have been busy adapting and building capacity, our partners in the MPS Physical Education Department likewise have been developing new curriculum for bike programming. Their efforts are gradelevel specific so that physical education teachers have appropriate guidance.

Our partnership with the Milwaukee Department of Public Works, which gained us national recognition, is centered on the concept of highlighting and elevating youth voices. We are using Safe Routes as the framework to bring together parties from public health, city development, public works, public schools and other agencies to address the pressing needs for safer more inclusive streets.

Moving forward, we not only aim to expand the reach of our student population but also how we value and highlight their perspectives in the development of a more bike-and-family-friendly Milwaukee.

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Trails Cross The Wisconsin Legislative Trails Caucus­unites behind a winning issue

Party Lines

By Brian K. Housh

T

he Badger State offers exciting opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy trails for biking, hiking, ATVing and snowmobiling, horseback riding and paddling. Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation economy currently generates around $18 billion in annual consumer spending and supports approximately 168,000 jobs. This past year elevated the importance of biking and trails in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, movement for racial equality and the climate crisis we must continue to actively address.

Dramatic increases in trail use — ranging from 70% to 200% in some places — during the pandemic highlights the importance of this critical infrastructure. This is an important time to continue funding trail development and maintenance given the challenges to meet the demands placed on our state's trails systems. Public health officials emphasize the need to prioritize mental health and well-being in response to the pandemic, and “linear parks,” aka trails, provide safe and relaxing spaces that often allow for physical distancing.

During the height of the pandemic, many municipalities opened streets to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, 102

further underscoring the need for trail networks that people can enjoy. Sustaining physical health is more important than ever now, and trails are ideal spaces for exercise — whether it’s walking, biking or rolling — and should be accessible to all Wisconsinites.

The coronavirus has exposed many cracks in our social service systems, including the lack of safe places to bike and walk.

Republican State Rep. Tony Kurtz recognizes “the need to get outside, to get fresh air, is something I see living so close to a trail. Seeing people get out to walk, bike and canoe has been a tremendous opportunity.

We must prioritize repairing trails such as the Elroy-Sparta—a premiere trail with several segments closed since 2018, limiting the number of people who can get outside.”

[For an update on repairs along the largely open Elroy-Sparta State Trail, which was extensively damaged by flooding in 2018, turn to page 70.]

Trails Make Economic Sense

“Trails are an economic driver,” State Rep. Evan Goyke, a Democrat, emphasizes.

“Imagine the opportunities for local businesses when we create and connect trails in urban, suburban and rural areas so

“Trails are a great vehicle for connecting “Living right next to the 400 State Trail, I people from different backgrounds who see the vitality this critical infrastructure can work together to create jobs, provide brings to communities. We must safe places for recreation, and build recognize that Wisconsin’s trails system healthy communities.” is a gem providing important benefits for the entire state.”

—Rep. Evan Goyke, D-Milwaukee —Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc

that you can bike to anywhere in the state.”

State investments in trails provide significant bang for the buck. According to the Federal Highway Administration, trail projects bring more jobs per dollar invested than does road construction. Trails secure lasting economic benefits for communities as local businesses develop along trails — everything from ice cream shops and B&Bs — to attract visitors.

Wisconsin is in recovery mode and maintaining and expanding trail networks generates significant economic activity.

During the pandemic, which cut global supply chains for materials and manufacturing, bike shops were unable to keep up with the demand for bicycles. Other outdoor recreation-related businesses experienced similar issues.

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of trail systems and their many health, economic, recreational and environmental benefits. The development of urban trails in Wisconsin is helping to connect people to food, health care, jobs and education.

The transformative 30th Street Corridor, part of the 700-plus-mile Route of the Badger, exemplifies the potential for trail networks to connect people of all backgrounds and abilities to opportunities. This inclusive urban trail through the heart of Milwaukee, if built, will facilitate safe transportation, physical activity, tourism, recreation and a stronger business community. There is much to be done to make this project a reality, but the opportunities this trail presents would be transformative for the city.

Save The Planet

Equity Matters

These challenging times require thoughtful allocation of state resources to address the health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

The current crisis has exposed many inequities in our state, and all Wisconsinites need and deserve access to safe and wellmaintained trails.

“We must ensure that every resident of our state can take part in these tremendous quality of life amenities,” Goyke says.

“Everyone wants to be included on the trail, and we must be intentional about accessibility for all and that we are connecting people to people, places and opportunities.”

Many are using trails for the first time during the pandemic, and lawmakers should leverage this by prioritizing the importance 104

“Representing a rural area with two iconic trails running through it, I recognize that long-term funding for trail networks is critical,” Kurtz says. “The 2018 flooding led to small businesses losing 30% to 50% of their revenue because of the closure of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, and many will likely close given the impacts of the pandemic.”

Severe weather incidents have become more common, highlighting the need to actively manage carbon emissions as well as to build more resilient trails. Investing in active transportation infrastructure is a meaningful response to the climate crisis since facilitating walking and biking can significantly lower our carbon footprint.

Trails are an important aspect of active transportation infrastructure and serve to mitigate climate change.

Wisconsin’s active transportation infrastructure is uniquely positioned to expand trail networks, which would benefit the overall economy, environment and public health. Intentional investments to expand,

connect and maintain existing trails (which is happening in neighboring Michigan, Minnesota and elsewhere) are necessary to remain competitive and attract businesses, jobs and talented workers.

Unfortunately, Wisconsin is currently investing less than half of its federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds, which are designed to finance biking and trail projects. With better and smarter planning, the Badger State can create a truly transformative statewide trails system.

A Caucus Is Born

The bipartisan Wisconsin Legislative Trails Caucus­has been championed by co-chairs Kurtz and Goyke. The caucus highlights the potential for trails to break through political division and increase the health and well-being of all Wisconsin residents. The collaboration of senators and representatives from all regions of the state is critical to establishing policies and sustainable funding mechanisms that facilitate planning, construction and maintenance of recreational trail and active transportation networks to build strong and vibrant communities.

“A Wisconsin Legislative Trails Caucus will facilitate conversations about policies that can streamline processes to help groups across the state build their trails,” Goyke says.

Trails caucuses have helped secure new funding and better policies for maintaining and connecting trails in such states as Ohio and Indiana, he noted.

phone call. Better yet, take your legislators out on a trail for an impactful experience.

However you’re able to interact, our state senators and representatives need to hear from you. Ask them to join the Wisconsin Legislative Trails Caucus to improve the lives of all Wisconsinites by using this form provided by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: rtc.li/WI_caucus.

As you enjoy the trails this year, #RecreateResponsibly and appreciate that your active use of these linear parks and transportation corridors is making the case to expand and maintain these networks.

Support and encourage new trail users Make A Difference and celebrate the amazing Wisconsin trail Ask your elected officials to make trails system and its continuous improvement. and active transportation infrastructure a priority. Share your stories about why trails Brian K. Housh is the Midwest Policy Manager for are important to you with a letter, email or the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

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Helping Kids Develop Safe Biking Habits That Last a Lifetime

T

By Michelle Bachaus

eaching kids to ride a bicycle used to be nothing more than a balancing act, at best. Bikes were toys. Starting with the tricycle, as young people we were left to sort out our skills amidst friends on the driveway. As we grew, these games spilled into the street.

Teaching Safe Bicycling (TSB) is a class that helps adults learn to teach kids how to ride a bike safely.. This class specifically teaches kids how to avoid crashes with cars and other kids on bikes. Taught at appropriate age and ability levels, controlled practice activities help kids become proficient and ever-ready to skillfully maneuver out of a potentially bad situation.

In 2020 the Bike Fed adapted the TSB in-person classes to small family classes, creating videos to reach even more people.

Working with the Wisconsin Department of

Transportation we have built a series of twominute videos to bring these tips and practice activities to every community. These videos address seven different skills that help avoid the most common and severe crashes. They offer tips to help teach at different levels plus games that kids want to play to help them become proficient at these skills. Each video aims to develop strong and confident riders.

In early summer of 2021, we will be introducing the Teaching Safe Bicycling — Video Series and provide YouTube links, printable practice materials and QR codes to post along trails throughout the community.

Please follow us on social media and consider joining the Wisconsin Bike Fed to support our efforts to make biking safe, easy and fun in your community.

For more information, please contact

Michelleb@wisconsinbikefed.org

Progress made despite pandemic

By Willie Karidis

T

he Route of the Badger (ROTB) is a Milwaukee-area trail system project designed to merge current trail and on-street infrastructure with new trail and on-street facilities to create a seamless 700mile connected network.

An initiative of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the Bike Fed and the

Existing Trails Planned Trails Existing On-Street Planned On-Street Highways Parks Footprint Counties

WASHINGTON

OZAUKEE

43

CP Corridor Funding

94

94

WAUKESHA MILWAUKEE

43

94

RACINE 43

WALWORTH

KENOSHA

WISCONSIN

108

Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC), the ROTB is one of RTC’s eight TrailNation projects throughout the country. TrailNation projects bring to life RTC’s vision of trails at the heart of healthy, thriving communities from coast to coast.

But all good things take time. — a commonality shared between all eight of the TrailNation projects. But progress does indeed happen as long as you stay committed to the cause and you are able to build relationships with the people who are touched by a given trail project. All of this is challenging, especially when it is difficult to sit down face to face over coffee.

COVID-19’s effects run deep, and trails were not immune to the pandemic. In March and April 2020, RTC tracked trail use nationally and saw an explosion of activity — a 200% average increase nationally. That total has since slowed to a 50% increase in trail use over previous years. Since pandemic restrictions took place, the messaging was clear: It was not only safe, but encouraged, to spend time outdoors. Trails, naturally, became magnets for activity.

The importance of the ROTB has never been more apparent. New places to explore are in high demand, so it’s fortunate that progress for the development of ROTB can be reported. Here are a few highlights.

ILLINOIS

Racine County announced it would invest $500,000 to purchase the 10.7-mile CP Corridor that will extend the eastern end of the White River State Trail into Sturtevant.

With another $1 million already dedicated to this acquisition, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources now has the needed funds to finalize the purchase from the Canadian Pacific Railroad. If all goes to plan, the final documents will be completed in May

Whitewater Caledonia

RACINE Racine

§ ¦ ¨

§ ¦ ¨

43

WALWORTH

Elkhorn

94

Mount Pleasant

Burlington

KENOSHA

Kenosha

TRAIL TRAIL

and then the work of design, engineering and construction will follow. As can never be emphasized enough, trails take a long time to build.

New TAP Projects

New projects that were funded through the federal Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) in the ROTB footprint show great promise for the future of trails.

TAP is a legislative program that was authorized in the 2015 Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). All TAP projects require sponsors pay 20% of approved projects costs.

• Waukesha: The Fox River Trail will be expanded from North Brookfield Road to Watertown Plank Road • Greenfield: The Powerline Trail, connecting the Oak Leaf Trail at Coldspring Road, will run west under the interstate, turn north to

•

• •

• • •

run parallel with Hwy. 894 to the WE Energies powerline, then turn east along the powerline to 60th Street Milwaukee: An on-street protected lane from Lincoln Avenue to Maple Street will serve as an extension of the KK River Trail Milwaukee: 20th Street Corridor, WE Energies easement, Olive Street to Meaux Park Milwaukee: 20th Street between Purdue Street and West Cornell Street, NW to 24th Street, extension of the Beerline Trail Milwaukee County: Drexel Avenue to Ryan Road Milwaukee County: Bender Park Milwaukee County: Kohl Park

All of these projects are within the ROTB network with construction planned to start on some in 2023.

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30th Street Industrial Corridor

In addition to these funded trail projects, a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) was completed in October 2020. The goal of the study was to determine whether the 30th Street Industrial Corridor rail line is able to support a parallel trail. The study takes into account pinch points, land ownership, bridges and street crossings. In the end, it was determined that a trail can co-exist with the existing rail line with potential on-street connections in areas of significant pinch points. The PFS recommended as a next step the development of a community-driven equitable development plan which will be led by the 30th Street Industrial Corridor Corp.

The project is a partnership with the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District, Northwest Side Community Development Corp., Villard Avenue Business Improvement District, Havenwoods Economic Development Corp., Near West Side Partners, Urban Ecology Center and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

As 2021 unfolds, the ROTB continues to contribute to building healthy and thriving communities in southeast Wisconsin centered around a world-class, 700-plusmile regional trail system that connects people across towns and counties and provides transformational opportunities for physical activity, tourism, connections to nature, recreation and stronger businesses along the route.

Willie Karidis is project manager for Route of the Badger.

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GETTING RIDE READY MOBILE BIKE REPAIR PROGRAM POSITIVELY IMPACTS RIDERS IN NEED

By Jake Newborn and Anthony Casagrande

B

ikes flew off showroom floors in 2020 demand spiked. as more people looked to riding as The Bike Fed’s Milwaukee Mobile a way to get outdoors, stay active Bike Repair program had a cache of and stay safe from the spread of COVID-19. used components, which came in handy.

That much was widely reported. But there Fifteen years of hoarding cheap used bike was another story parts became an that received less “YEARS OF HOARDING CHEAP USED advantage. news coverage. BIKE PARTS BECAME AN ADVANTAGE” Every year we Countless bikes report the number dug out of garages and basements needed to of bikes repaired for free, sites visited and be made road and trail ready, too. But bike youth trained and employed by the Mobile repair services were hampered and supply Bike Repair program. But over the past year, chains for parts were stretched thin as the program’s effectiveness was trickier WisconsinBikeFed.org

111

Bikes Repaired Despite Challenges A scaled-down Milwaukee Mobile Bike Repair program accomplished a lot in 2020 due largely to its reuse of donated bike parts. By avoiding the difficulty of procuring new parts during a global pandemic, the team was able to fix 290 bikes at several sites throughout the city, and in partnership with Dream Bikes, repaired an additional 120 bikes to distribute at no cost to those in need.

Our three mechanics stayed busy from June through the end of September despite working at new sites where health and safety protocols could be more easily followed. Our flexibility and dedication ensured that we were able to have perhaps our most efficient summer.

New procedures included the use of PPE for staff and community members, regular COVID-19 testing of all staff, moving to a drop-off/pick-up model for repairs and partnering with several community schools, businesses and organizations to provide access to sanitary and socially distanced space in which to operate.

We are grateful to COA Youth & Family Centers, Bounce Milwaukee, Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers and Neighborhood House of Milwaukee for hosting the team. We are happy to report no positive COVID-19 cases on staff.

The summer program was a massive success, and we are thankful for the continuing support that makes this program possible. — ­ AC

112

to quantify. The team of Anthony Rafael Casagrande, Jean “Jeans” Carlo Aleman Tenorio and John White put in a tremendous effort, positively impacting hundreds of people across the city in need of working bikes. The need was so much greater, and efforts to coordinate and keep staff healthy was paramount as was our resolve to carry out the program’s mission.

In a year of so much pain and hardship, providing a simple and reliable form of transportation like a bike is an act of human kindness. Sometimes the charity the Mobile “THE OLDER MAN GAVE THEM THE TWO BIKES THAT WE JUST FIXED UP”

Bike Repair program does is paid forward.

For example, lead mechanic Casagrande says an older gentleman brought two bikes to be fixed by the team on the last day of a week-long stay in Moody Park last summer.

The bikes were in good working order by the end of the day and ready for pickup by their owner. Two young boys then arrived asking if repairs were still going on.

“Unfortunately,” Casagrande says, “the tools were packed up and it was well past when we were scheduled to leave. I offered them information on our future repair dates, but they were unlikely to be able to travel to another site. Crestfallen, they prepared to head home. [That’s] when the older man gave them the two bikes that we just fixed up and took their broken bikes with him.”

The impact of the Mobile Bike Repair program is not measured solely by the number of bikes we fix. The impact is also felt by whom we train and employ. If you watched our video from the Bike Fed’s fall fundraiser (bit.ly/3s84VQW), you saw assistant mechanic Tenorio, a young man who came to us as a shy, quiet but eager to

learn high school freshman.

As a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient, Tenorio has struggled to find work, and bikes have been a huge part of his coming of age. Several of his school projects have involved riding and repairing bikes. He credits Mobile Bike Repair for helping him to communicate better in English, his second language, give back to his community and become the positive person he has become. I’ve personally seen his confidence and abilities grow over the past six summers he’s been working with us.

We are looking forward to another impactful 2021 season. If you are inspired to support this program, please visit wisconsinbikefed.org to donate.

Jake Newborn is assistant director of the Bike Fed and Anthony Casagrande is the program coordinator for the Milwaukee Mobile Bike Repair program

TAKE A GANDER...

Join us for a VIRTUAL RIDE THIS SUMMER to Support

Let’s Ride the Weekend of

June 26/27

2021

ROCK RIVER COMMUNITY CLINIC Whitewater

Fort Atkinson

Jefferson

Watertown

$25 registration fee for the weekend of June 26-27

A Virtual Ride is your own personalized charity bike ride. All you need to do is sign up at tourdagoose.com , choose a distance recommended by TDG or your own routes. Ride alone, with your family, or in a socially distant group. Take pictures & send them to our Facebook page so we can make you famous.

www.tourdagoose.com WisconsinBikeFed.org

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Everyone Benefits The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program proves its worth

By Charles Carlin

W

isconsin’s most successful environmental conservation program is also one of the state’s best kept secrets. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program works behind the scenes to provide grants to local governments and nonprofits to build bike trails, campgrounds, develop trailheads, purchase parkland and so much more.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources uses the program for all those reasons, too.

Support for developing Wisconsin’s recreation infrastructure and protecting our land and water resources is at an all-time high. Recent polling shows that more than nine in 10 Wisconsinites support increased funding for recreation and conservation. More than twothirds of those polled — Republicans and Democrats — said they have a more favorable view of legislators who support environmental conservation and outdoor recreation.

Knowles-Nelson, however, has had a rough go in the Legislature over the past several years. In 2007, the program received $87 million in funding. That amount has been cut in nearly every

state budget since. At the beginning of 2021, Knowles-Nelson received just $33 million, despite the fact that demand for conservation and recreation investments is higher than ever.

Team Knowles-Nelson — a remarkably diverse coalition of bikers, hikers, conservationists, birdwatchers, hunters, business owners, local governments and others — have come together to organize and fight for the KnowlesNelson Stewardship Program. Check out KnowlesNelson.org to join the team and learn about all their work on behalf of the beautiful places that make Wisconsin special.

Knowles-Nelson and Bikes More than 1,500 Knowles-Nelson grants have been awarded to nonprofits and local governments for trail building, trailheads, parks, shelters, restrooms and more. The paths that many of us use to commute to work every day, as well as the places where we get away on the weekends, are sustained by Knowles-Nelson funding.

Just a few of the bike projects funded by the program include:

IN 2007, THE PROGRAM RECEIVED $87 MILLION IN FUNDING. THAT AMOUNT HAS BEEN CUT IN NEARLY EVERY STATE BUDGET SINCE.

• Capital City State Trail - Dane County • Nine Mile County Forest Marathon County • Oak Leaf Trail - Milwaukee • The Elroy-Sparta State Trail - The nation’s first rail trail • Great Headwaters Trail - Vilas County • Loop the Little Lake - Neenah and Menasha • Great River State Trail - La Crosse And so many more. If you’re curious to see where Knowles-Nelson money has been put to work in your community, have a look at the interactive map Team Knowles-Nelson put together at Map. KnowlesNelson.org.

History of the Stewardship Program For 30 years, Knowles-Nelson has provided funds to build trails and campgrounds, buy land for parks and protect Wisconsin’s iconic landscapes. Named after two former Wisconsin governors — Warren Knowles, a Republican, and Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat — the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program honors Wisconsin’s bipartisan commitment to land and water protection.

Iconic landscapes, like the Lower Wisconsin River, old growth hemlock stands and vast working forests in the Northwoods and hundreds of spots throughout Door County, have all been protected with Knowles-Nelson dollars.

But the program also helps us pay for the places where we seek and find respite. Neighborhood parks and trails, baseball fields

BY THE NUMBERS

$19.75

annual cost per Wisconsin resident for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program

650,000 ACRES

conserved by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program over 30 years

$2

Billion

value returned to Wisconsin per year

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PARK, THE BIKE TRAIL YOU RIDE ON EVERY DAY AND YOUR FAVORITE CAMPING SPOT HAVE LIKELY ALL BENEFITED FROM A KNOWLES-NELSON GRANT. and the pavilions that host local farmers markets also exist because of KnowlesNelson dollars.

More than 90% of Wisconsin households are within one mile of a Knowles-Nelson investment.

Your neighborhood park, the bike trail you ride on every day and your favorite camping spot have likely all benefited from a Knowles-Nelson grant. And the program only costs each of us about $19.75 per year. That’s less than a state park pass, a local trail pass or the cost of going out to eat after a big ride.

An Impressive Return on Investment The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is an investment in Wisconsin’s natural infrastructure. Our land and water are the basic foundation that supports Wisconsinites’ lives and our economy. And when we protect nature, nature works for us.

Trees filter the air, sequester carbon and provide shade on hot, sunny days. Grasslands store immense amounts of carbon in their roots deep beneath the soil. Wetlands

protect our communities from floods and filter our drinking water. Beautiful views soothe the soul. And healthy ecosystems support diverse wildlife populations.

Placing a dollar value on nature’s work is challenging because the products of that labor are not bought and sold like lumber, energy or agricultural goods. But scientists have been hard at work doing just that, quantifying the value of nature’s work. Recent research on the value of Knowles-Nelson lands shows that the 650,000 acres protected by KnowlesNelson dollars return more than $2 billion to Wisconsin annually. And nature will continue to work for us as long as we protect it’s basic integrity.

The trails, campgrounds and boat launches funded by Knowles-Nelson are also essential infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear just how much we value getting outside, riding our bikes and enjoying Wisconsin’s beauty. Purchases of state park stickers are through the roof, trail counters show huge jumps in traffic, and every bike shop owner can tell you how hard it was to keep bikes in stock last year. But we all need places to ride and play.

That’s where Knowles-Nelson comes in. A grant from the state is often the first piece of the puzzle in funding a new portion of trail. That state money can then be matched with federal grants, money from local governments and donations

from passionate and generous individuals.

Every single one of those 1,500 KnowlesNelson grants to local governments has a story behind it that includes planning, organizing, fundraising and eventually celebrating a new success.

Where to Go From Here A major debate about the future of the program has been playing out in the state Legislature. In February, Gov. Tony Evers proposed renewing the program for 10 years and more than doubling its funding to $70 million per year. Visit KnowlesNelson. org for the latest news on the debate and the future of the program.

As cyclists, we’re all activists and community builders, too. Bike lanes, singletrack networks and paths on converted rail corridors don’t appear magically. They’re all the result of the hard work of countless people who advocate for bikes with government officials, build community with like-minded folks and build consensus with those who aren’t bikers but share our love for Wisconsin’s natural places.

Once we’re sure that the future of Knowles-Nelson is secure, we can focus on improving the program and supporting all the nonprofits and local governments that work so hard to build and maintain our trails.

Research.KnowlesNelson.org. It’s a treasure trove of information on how the program works, where money is invested and the benefits we all receive from Wisconsin’s most successful environmental conservation program.

Finally, make sure to tell a friend about Knowles-Nelson. The more people who know about how our trails, parks and wild places get built and protected, the better.

99%

of households are within 5 miles of a Knowles-Nelson investment

1,500 GRANTS

to improve parks and trails

400+ GRANTS

to support trail building

400

GRANTS

to help access our waterways

The Ultimate Coupon Story by Dave Schlabowske Photos by Ian Klepetar, Bicycle Benefits

never want to miss out on a deal, whether I am stopping after a ride with friends or pedaling my cargo bike to the grocery store. A Bicycle Benefits sticker is like a universal coupon good on everything I need in my corner of Milwaukee, from Amaranth Bakery & Cafe and Bliffert Hardware to Valentine Coffee Co. Of all the Bicycle Benefits discounts I get, I think my favorite is the $5 off any bill of $30 or more at Metcalfe’s Market on State Street in Wauwatosa.

No matter where you live in Wisconsin, you should look for Bicycle Benefits stickers on the front door of businesses. Thanks to the hard grew up in a family that shopped for work of Bicycle Benefits founder Ian groceries on Thursdays because the Kleptar and his fellow volunteer bike coupons were in Wednesday’s newspapers. discount evangelists, there are more We clipped coupons, than 400 participating redeemed Sperry & businesses in "WISCONSIN NOW Hutchinson Green Wisconsin. If there Stamps and watched HAS MORE SUPPORT is a bicycle-friendly for by-one-get-one free business in your area FROM INDIVIDUALS, (BOGO) sales. My staythat might be interested BUSINESSES AND at-home mother added in participating, just to our set of dinnerware talk to the owner COMMUNITIES THAN with a free dish a week or manager about ANY OTHER STATE.” by shopping at the ordering a business neighborhood Kroeger start-up kit online from store. We lived a very comfortable life on my bicyclebenefits.org/#/new_member. auto mechanic father’s salary, but looking Madison is fortunate to have several grocery stores participating. The Willy for discounts was ingrained in my DNA from an early age.

St. Co-op, Festival Foods and Metcalfe’s Perhaps that is one reason why I have Market all offer a discount on groceries.

Bicycle Benefits stickers on all three of the This encourages folks to outfit their rigs bike helmets I use depending on the season. I with panniers and trailers and gets folks

I

rethinking their trips.

Many bars and breweries across the state offer BOGO specials, creating the perfect opportunities for destination dating by bike. Yoga studios and indoor rock climbing walls are other unique venues that support the program.

What are Bicycle Benefits?

The program is a partnership between businesses and individuals. When a person has a Bike Benefits helmet sticker, they show it at participating locations and are given a discount or reward for arriving by bicycle.

Like having bike parking racks outside a business, a Bicycle Benefits sticker on the door is an effective way for businesses to communicate that they support customers who arrive by bike and encourage others to do the same.

History of the Program “Bicycle Benefits was a component of a healthy transportation initiative I started when I lived in Saratoga Springs, New York, roughly 13 years ago,” program founder Ian Kleptar says. “As in most U.S. cities at the time, people on bikes were treated as second-class citizens on the roadways there. I saw how strong the voice of the local business community was and recognized that facilitating a stronger connection to bike riders was timely. I left the organization when it seemed to hit a political and cultural ceiling in Saratoga Springs. Pedaling away, I took my ideas, energy and show on the road.”

Kleptar said that when Trek launched its “One World Two Wheels” campaign, the company asked him to expand Bicycle Benefits to help the company's program

reach its national ridership goals.

“Trek offered to sponsor me with a new bike if I would come to Wisconsin to help start Bicycle Benefits here,” he says. “Having never ridden more than a hundred miles at a time, I rode from Boston to Madison to bring the program to life roughly 11 years ago. Wisconsin now has more support from individuals, businesses and communities than any other state.”

Although Wisconsin is now home to the highest number of participating businesses, there are Bicycle Benefits to be had from Florida to Alaska. The program transcends city and state boundaries. If you ride to another town, across the state, or across the country, you can get Bicycle Benefits at any participating business. The program

has ambassadors and organizations heading their communities,” Kleptar says. it up from coast to coast. That being said, One example of this, he says, is you can only use it if you are biking. A map requesting local officials to improve of participating businesses can be found at safety and enhance bikeability in their benefitsby.bike. communities by enacting 20 mph speed The website, bicyclebenefits.org, lists limits wherever possible.

Wisconsin locations “Speed is the critical that sell the stickers. factor in the severity of "2021 IS THE YEAR Most locations that crashes and one of the TO HELP UNIFY OUR honor the program sell biggest reasons that more them for $5. Individuals COMMUNITIES AND people don’t ride bicycles can also purchase a five for transportation,” Kleptar GROW BIKING pack of stickers from the says. “We need to slow BY FOCUSING ON website if they cannot down vehicular traffic and EVERYTHING BUT find a participating are asking readers to bring business near them. a local campaign to their THE BICYCLE.” Even though you may see Wisconsin community.” different color stickers on people’s helmets, Kleptar says Wisconsin bicycling has a don’t worry. Whatever color sticker you get, lot going for it already, especially when the stickers never expire. After a couple it comes to trails. “But people have the years, one is often left worn and torn, but it is right to feel a similar sense of safety well worth spending another $5 to replace it. when biking on city streets as they do while riding on the great trails around Bicycle Benefits and Then Some the state,” he says.

The program encourages users to play Bike Advocacy efforts need to start focusing Bingo, a game that further incentivizes on what really matters to the 99% of people to ride their bicycles outside their people who are not riding bicycles. neighborhoods to businesses they might not “We need to grow biking in our normally visit. Partnering businesses are communities by appealing and rewarded with bicycle floor pumps for use redirecting our attention to those who by customers and employees. The pumps are not regular bike riders, haven’t ridden are donated by Madison-based bicycle in a while and do not feel comfortable accessories manufacturer Planet Bike. riding.” Kleptar says. “2021 is the year “At all our events and with all our to help unify our communities and grow communications, we try to educate, inform biking by focusing on everything but the and empower our members and businesses bicycle.” to get involved and make biking better in

WISCONSIN

REGIONAL UPDATES Southeast Wisconsin What’s Happening in West Bend Craig Walker and Jeff Puetz The efforts of the Glacial Edge Area Riding Society (GEARS) are focused on trail building at Glacial Blue Hills in West Bend.

In fall of 2020 we completed phase 1 of our 3 phase improvement project. Phase 1 included creating three easy to follow routes of progressive difficulty, completing several connector trails, installing 40-plus signposts and extending the boardwalk through a wet section. Phase 2 will commence this spring where we plan to add some machine-built flow trails and continue overall park improvements. This winter saw a tremendous uptick in fat bike traffic as a core group of volunteers groomed several miles of trails in the park. GEARS also hosted two Hugh Jass fat bike series races which benefit local trail development.

We heard many positive comments on the trails at Glacial Blue Hills this winter.

The West Bend Common Council approved West Bend’s first bike route. The route is mainly on city streets but also makes use of the Eisenbahn State Trail. The

route is expected to be completed by the end of June. Washington County has plans to develop a trailhead at the intersection of Rusco Road and the Eisenbahn State Trail this summer. The trailhead will include about a dozen parking spaces, a restroom, signage and a permanent bike repair stand.

The parking lot will relieve stress on parking at this well-loved end of the trail as well as improve safety.

------------------------------------------------Northeast Wisconsin 2020 Was A Lion, Will 2021 Be A Lamb Heather Gentry

Well, here we are in 2021. We hope this year will show us some mercy and we can slowly come together and enjoy a ride or two. 2020 was interesting for the Green Bay Bicycle Collective, as we limited our interaction with the public through community events.

However, at our community bike shop, our bike sales were up considerably. Due to quarantine and social distancing, local bike shops and box stores sold out of their bike stock, so people were scouring Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and rummage sales for bikes. We met dozens of people who had just found out about us and we were happy to outfit them with refurbished bikes that will certainly outlast any box store bikes.

That being said, we are looking forward to going back to regular hours in March and will have plenty of bikes thanks to continued bike donations from the community and countless volunteer hours to refurbish donated bikes. Thanks for thinking of us!

Your donations keep us moving.

During our winter break from the shop, we worked with Green Bay officials and WisconsinBikeFed.org

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employees to outline bike use in our parks.

One park in particular, He-Nis-Ra, has several dirt, mulched and/or groomed ski trails enjoyed by residents for decades. Fat bike trails were recently added separate from ski trails, but some residents were concerned about the safety of walkers.

A proposal to prohibit bikes in the park came before the city council. After some community outreach and amicable discussion with concerned parties and cyclists, the city council voted 12-0 in favor of the park being open to all nonmotorized users. This may seem like a small win for cyclists, but the real accomplishment was how different park users came together and realized we enjoy this beautiful park and the time we spend outside.

Over the years we've been a part of numerous projects and agendas concerning

multi-modal mobility in the Greater Green Bay Area. All of our success has been rooted in finding common ground and its been a pleasure to see our community thrive because of it. So whether 2021 is a lion or a lamb, be sure to get out and enjoy. Ride on!

------------------------------------------------Chippewa Valley Chippewa Valley Finally United By Three Connected State Trails Jeremy Gragert

Bicycling in the Chippewa Valley has never been better, and I have had a front row seat as a member of the Eau Claire City Council and as president of Bike Chippewa Valley, a new nonprofit working to get more people on bikes and improve cycling infrastructure

Share The Road!

Bicycles are vehicles and bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of any other vehicle. Help keep the roads safe by remembering these important traffic rules: • Stay to the right as far as practicable.

• Ride on the right, in the same direction as other traffic.

• Give at least three feet of clearance when passing a parked, stopped or moving vehicle.

Did you know?

• Bicyclists are entitled to use the entire lane if the lane is narrow.

• Bicyclists are permitted to ride two abreast on any street if other traffic is not impeded.

SHARE THE ROAD

Courtesy, common sense and following the rules can make roads safer for everyone.

For more safety info, visit: wisconsindot.gov/bikesafety

in West Central Wisconsin.

Last summer, the most important trail project in the region was finished in the City of Chippewa Falls: the Old Abe State Trail, which follows the Chippewa River north from downtown Eau Claire to Cornell via Chippewa Falls. Now, much of the Chippewa Valley is united by three connected state trails, because the Old Abe connects to the Chippewa River State Trail in Eau Claire, which heads southwest to Durand, and part way there one can catch the Red Cedar State Trail north to Menomonie. That is over 75 miles of connected trails; perfect for a weekend trip. Check out a map of the three trails at tinyurl.com/4z76k7dw Also last year, the City of Eau Claire completed trail connections from downtown Eau Claire north to the High Bridge on both sides of the Chippewa River. The High Bridge was built in 1881 as a railroad bridge 80 feet over the Chippewa River and was converted to a bike/pedestrian bridge in 2015. It provides spectacular views and a cool breeze.

Soon to be released is the second edition of the Chippewa Valley Bike Map, which includes recommended on-street bike routes and trails in and around Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Altoona and Lake Hallie.

The map will be available this spring in printed form and as a PDF. It is already available online at bikechippewavalley. com.Please email bikechippewavalley@ gmail.com to request a free printed copy in the mail.

On-street bike routes, particularly in Eau Claire and Menomonie, have improved significantly in recent years, and we have started to experiment with new features such as bike boxes, buffered bike lanes and bicycle boulevards. Communities in the Chippewa Valley want to make sure

that biking is accessible and safe, not just for recreation, but for transportation and to foster more sustainable and equitable streets and neighborhoods.

We are wishing everyone in Wisconsin a safe and fruitful year ahead, and we know that getting on bikes more often will help more than anything.

------------------------------------------------North Central Wisconsin Registration is Open for Events and Races in CAMBA Country Dave Schlabowske

Like seeing your first hungry robin or blooming crocus, the Bike Fed’s Ride Guide is a sign that spring is here for Wisconsin cyclists. For members of the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, it means we need to get our trails in shape for all the visitors, big races, educational clinics and fun rides CAMBA Country is known for.

All of the 2021 CAMBA-area events will have COVID-19 protocols in place to ensure participants are safe. If you are interested in participating but are still concerned about your health, be sure to look at the precautions planned for each event as different organizers have different safety plans.

If you do want to register for any area event, I suggest you do so soon. In fact, CAMBA’s North Women’s Weekend Clinic up in Ashwabay is already sold out. The South Women’s Clinic and brand new Men’s Weekend MTB Clinic still have some openings, but they will both certainly fill up.

If you have done one of these clinics in the past, you know riders of all abilities have fun and improve their skills. We will have to make some changes this year, moving WisconsinBikeFed.org

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the indoor learning and meals outdoors.

Despite the changes, we know you will have a great time and be a better rider when in the end..

You should also register soon if you are interested in joining me and the crew from Fyxation Bicycle Co. for the Tour de Chequamegon Bikepacking Weekend.

Even though that ride is not until the first weekend in October, this year spots have been reduced to 40 people to make camping less crowded. The fully-supported weekend tour through CAMBA Country typically sells out by the end of April every year anyway, even when we allow 50 people on the trip.

Racers aching to get off Zwift and pass real human beings riding actual bicycles should register for the Borah Epic and Gravel Epic scheduled for June 5. That event is limited to 1,000 people but was more than 30% full within days of registration opening.

And once again registration is open for the Chequamegon MTB Festival, the granddaddy of mountain bike events in CAMBA Country. This year’s race will be Sept.18 with plans for it to finish in downtown Cable with a huge outdoor party.

Like you, we really miss getting together in person. We hope to see you up here enjoying CAMBA's big woods and endless trails soon.

------------------------------------------------Northwestern Wisconsin Riding Adventures in Northwestern Wisconsin Stephanie Lundeen

Northwestern Wisconsin offers year-round riding adventures. In addition to miles of flat-surface rail trails, like the Gandy Dancer 124

State Trail, there are thrilling mountain bike trails, fat-tire biking in the snow and scenic road routes. All of these trails and routes include beginner to advanced options, and provide everything from a short family ride to all-day and multi-day adventures.

The Gandy Dancer State Trail is a 47mile rail trail that passes through seven rural communities between St. Croix Falls and Danbury. Bicyclists love the tree-lined corridor which frequently opens up to picturesque farm fields, lakes and wetlands.

The Friends of Gandy Dancer promote, maintain and enhance the trail which is popular with locals, lake home owners and tourists.

The friends group invites you to bring your bike and stay a while. Enjoy pedaling the Gandy Dancer, do some camping under the stars and head back out in the morning to ride another rail-trail gem called the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail.

If you mountain bike, be sure to check out the Woolly Trails in St. Croix Falls. With an abundant of amenities, like breweries, galleries, cafes and ice cream shops, we can grow our economy through biking.

And let's get real. One of the reasons the Friends of Gandy Dancer is working hard to promote the trail is to protect the trail. We must advocate for silent sports and keep our alternative transportation corridors safe. To plan your adventure and learn more about the Friends of Gandy Dancer, visit GandyDancerTrail.org.

------------------------------------------------Southwest Wisconsin Sun Prairie Moves Peter Dettmer

A lot of things changed in 2020. We all had

ShawanoPathways_QtrPage_SpringBikeFed2021_Layout 1 1/20/2021 3:44 PM

presents:

th S h a w a n o Pa t h w a y s 9 A n n u a l Or REMOTE 10K Walk/Run and/or 40-Mile Bike

Saturday, September 25, 2021 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

Friday Night BBQ & Bluegrass Helping to Support:

WI Bookworms Program

Check website for updates!

shawanopathways.org • 715-304-9796

We all had made big plans in 2020 only to see them changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, here are a couple of good stories from Sun Prairie.

On August 27-28, Sunshine Place, in partnership with Community Schools and the Sun Prairie Police Department, distributed 30 bicycles to children in our community. Each kid received a brand new bike, helmet, bike lock, safety bell, bag and bike registration with the police department. These kids were selected based on the school they attended and their need for transportation to school. As a result, these kids will be able to ride their bikes to school and to Sunshine Place. This was a pilot program we hope to scale up in the coming years.

A huge thank you to 100 Men of Dane County, Steve Stricker American Pag Family Insurance Foundation, Walmart Foundation, Sun Prairie Optimist Club and individual donors to Sunshine Place.

We also wish to thank Sun Prairie Moves for help assembling and checking each and every bicycle prior to distribution. Thanks as well to the Safety Center at American Family Children’s Hospital for donating all of the bike helmets for the event.

Nearly 350 individuals participated in the Sun Prairie Park and Recreation’s Pedal the Prairie Challenge. The challenge was open to everyone June 15 to August 20.

Pedal The Prairie Challenge by the numbers: • Total number of participants = 347 (largest participation for any SPPRF event ever!)

• Age range = 4 yrs to 79 yrs (Sun Prairie resident participation) • Total miles ridden by all participants = over 47,200 miles WisconsinBikeFed.org

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• People who completed the 100mi challenge = over 50 individuals We saw an overall increase of people riding bicycles in Sun Prairie. And to continue that trend, the No. 1 goal of our advocacy group is to work with the city of Sun Prairie to develop an active transportation plan.

------------------------------------------------Northern Wisconsin Trail completion in Phelp!

Jeff Currie

A new Northwoods trail will be ready to ride by the end of this summer. The ConoverPhelps Trail is already 8.6-miles long as it runs east from Conover through pristine wetlands and classic Northern Wisconsin woodlands well away from traffic. The last 1.9 miles of trail, connecting it to Phelps, will be built by Janke General Contractors this summer. Phelps is located at the eastern tip of North Twin Lake and the trail will end in the town's new lakefront park. Conover and Phelps are located in the most picturesque part of lake-filled Vilas County. The new trail is great for family biking and hiking as well as birding and getting up close to the flora and fauna of the wetlands.

Campgrounds, resorts and B&Bs abound in Vilas County. So do biking opportunities of all kinds. There are miles of rural roads, several mountain bike parks and almost 80 miles of other hard-surface trails, including the 55-mile paved Heart of Vilas Trail System.

Building on all this has been the job of the local nonprofit Great Headwaters Trails (GHT) established in 2010. Since then it has worked with the towns in the eastern part of the county to develop and maintain 126

Plan Your North Central Wisconsin Cycling Adventure Free Maps and Visitor Guides

NorthCentralWisconsin.com

Download the BCycle App and enter the promo code provided or simply scan the QR code below to get 50% off the Bublr Bikes Weekender Pass.

The Weekender Pass gives you unlimited Two Hour Rides for Three Whole Days!

RIDEGUIDE2021

biking and walking trails.

After the Conover-Phelps Trail is complete, GHT will turn its full attention to developing the paved River Trail which will connect Eagle River to where the Heart of Vilas Trail currently ends in St. Germain.

For that project, GHT is working with the River Trail Commission which represents the towns of St. Germain and Cloverland and the City of Eagle River.

For more information about these trail projects and about GHT, go to ghtrails.org.

------------------------------------------------Madison Area Updates from Madison and Fitchburg Harald Kliems & Steve Arnold

For Madison Bikes, 2020 started out splendidly with two events celebrating winter biking. Then COVID-19 threw a 15mm wrench in our spokes. Madison Bike Week was first postponed and then reimagined to make it pandemic-safe. We made the best of it but also look forward to a more normal Madison Bike Week hopefully this year.

Our advocacy work led to several wins.

Madison was rated the second-best biking city by People for Bikes. Madison Bikes successfully advocated for the city's Shared Streets program, meant to create safe spaces for people walking, biking and rolling during the pandemic (and hopefully beyond). Our multi-year advocacy forsafe, low-stress bike facilities on Wilson Street finally came to fruition. This is a main corridor into downtown, and the adopted plan includes a protected bike lane.

The killing of George Floyd by police and the subsequent protests led us to reflect

on the role of racism and whiteness in transportation and biking. We dedicated funding to a 2021 grant program for minority-led organizations and we weighed in on the city's Vision Zero initiative, raising concerns about police traffic enforcement having disparate impacts on BIPOC. For 2021, we're excited to continue our work identifying gaps in Madison's bike network, weighing in on city initiatives like Complete Streets and bus rapid transit and advocating for our vision: A city where everyone can bike safely and comfortably anywhere, year-round.

In Fitchburg, COVID-19 and construction cast long shadows on our annual events.

Some longstanding events went virtual or were cancelled. However, Bike Fitchburg was able to hold its annual fundraising night ride to Illinois, called Pick Me Up at the Border, in September despite a driving rainstorm.

On the infrastructure front, the region endured a multi-month closure of the Badger State Trail and detour around McKee Road construction. But the wait was worth it: In September a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge opened, carrying the trail over McKee, a busy, four-lane highway.

Fitchburg also completed multi-use paths on both sides of McKee Road as part of this project.

The reconstruction of Fish Hatchery Road brought a major safety upgrade for people who walk and bike, with an extension of a multi-use path along Fitchburg's busiest commercial corridor. We look forward to the 2021 completion of the last piece of this path, including a bridge over Nine Springs Creek.

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WisconsinBikeFed.org

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Central Wisconsin Waushara County Riders Jennifer Pulvermacher

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wisconsindot.gov/bikemaps

Wisconsin Bicycle Map

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE ONLINE • Local bicycle maps • Urban bicycle maps • County bicycle maps • Great River Road Bicycle Map • NEW US Bike Route 30 and 230

»

Plan your trip

Waushara County is blessed with diverse topography and beautiful scenery ranging from wooded areas, wetlands, farmland and small villages and towns which provide excellent opportunititis for safe and enjoyable bicycling adventures.

For off-road biking fun, Nordic Mountain near Mt. Morris offers nine miles of summer mountain bike trails and three miles of winter fat bike trails.

Waushara County road riding is on mostly quiet country roads, where the scenery is unbelievably beautiful. We are proud to say that in Waushara County there are 10 designated bike routes, with over 270 combined miles for residents and tourists to enjoy. Signage for these routes requested by local bicyclists will be installed by the end of the year. Waushara County Health Department and the Waushara County Highway Department have begun installing bike route signs. Avid cyclists Rick and Julie Diermeier paid for signage on five of the routes. The remaining five routes were funded by state grants and donations from the Alliant Energy Foundation, ThedaCare, Wautoma Rotary, Waushara Area Mountain Bike Association and Kevin and Jennifer Pulvermacher. REACH Waushara and Waushara Social Cycling groups will work together to maintain these routes.

The biking community in Waushara County, first organized in the 1980s by the late Paul Walker, has grown from an elite few to a large group ranging widely in age and ability. Today the group rides have expanded from two to nine weekly rides welcoming to novice as well as veteran riders. These group rides are promoted on

the Waushara Social Cycling and Fitness Facebook page. The group has over 300 members, about 40 of which regularly participate in weekly rides.

Join us on June 26 for the second-annual Paul Walker 103. Details can be found on the aforementioned Facebook page.

Bike Route Booklets can also be had at wausharacountypublichealth.com and on the Waushara County Parks Department website.

WISCONSIN

BICYCLING EVENTS Fat Fish 40, 5/1/2021, Burnett County Central Fairgrounds, Webster, WI, Off-Road Race, Fatfishrace. com, (651) 249-9062, fatfishforty@gmail.com. 4th annual all terrain fat bike & MTB race. ________________________________________________ Trempealeau Hip Breaker, 5/8/2021, Driftless Bike N' Bean, Trempealeau WI, sites.google.com/view/hipbreaker, Explore the scenic back roads of Trempealeau County on this multi-loop tour suited for all levels of riders. The ride was started in 1992 and is named after the optional 18% climb up Pine Creek Ridge Rd. ________________________________________________

Root River Triathlon, 5/15/2021, Root River Triathlon, Houston, MN, Multi-Sport Event, rootrivertriathlon.org, (507) 429-4417, rootrivertriathlon@gmail.com. Canoe 6.8 miles, bike 7.9 miles and run 3 miles. ________________________________________________ White Deer Duathlon, 5/15/2021, Boulder Junction Community Center, Boulder Junction, WI, Multi-Sport Event, https://boulderjct.org/white-deer-triathlon/, (715) 385-2400, boulderjct@boulderjct.org. Held outdoors at the community center with COVID-19 safety guidelines.

The duathlon features a 6.5k run, 22k bike & 2k run.

Individuals and 2-person relay teams are welcome to participate. Your fun adventure begins in beautiful Boulder Junction! ________________________________________________ Rock County Parks Ride, 5/22/2021, Beckman Mill - Rock County Park, Beloit, WI, 608-757-5473, co.rock.wi.us/parks, This year’s ride tours the Rock County Parks in the southwestern portion of the county. Start and end at Beckman Mill, 11600 S. CTH H. Routes from 20 to 66 miles. Emergency SAG support. ________________________________________________ Rotary Ride - Cycling To Serve, 5/22/2021, Cedar Creek Park, Cedarburg, WI, Special Event, Rotary-Ride.com, (920) 901-1233, CindyPetted@gmail.com. Open to the

public, all riding abilities are welcome. 10 mile trail or 25, 45 & 65-mile road routes are planned along with a virtual ride. Proceeds support Cedarburg-Grafton Rotary's programs; vocational & technical scholarships & supporting local charities. ________________________________________________ Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge, 5/29/2021, secret location, Wausau, WI, Multi-Sport Event, ribmountainadventurechallenge.com/, (715) 848-5949, ribmountainadventurechallenge@gmail.com. Teams run, bike and paddle using a map and compass through a 3, 8, or 18 hour course. Test your team’s physical strength and mental resolve, fun for beginners and seasoned athletes.

COVID-19 adaptations to make a fun and safe event! ________________________________________________ Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge, 5/29/2021, within 30 miles of Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, WI, Multi-Sport Event, ironbull.org/rmac, (715) 848-5949, executivedirector@ironbull.org. Adventure race where team members stick together as they run, bike, and paddle their way through Central Wisconsin wilderness using only a map and compass to find the way. Choose from the 3-hour, 8-hour, or NEW 18-hour challenge. ________________________________________________ Chippewa Valley Century Ride, 5/30/2021, Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls, WI, Fun Ride, ChippewaValleyRide.us, questions@ chippewavalleyride.us. Courses includes a 35, 50, 75, or 100 mile option on blacktop roads. The entry fee covers 4 rest and water stops, support vehicles and a meal featuring brats, soda and Leinenkugel's beer. Riders can register and check in from 7-10 a.m. and immediately start. ________________________________________________ Backdraft Bike Tour, 6/6/2021, Jefferson Park, Menasha, WI, (920) 740-7289, backdraftbiketour.com, Five different routes for every skill level. Our 8.5 mile route takes you across the The Fox Cities Trestle Trail. If you are looking for more of a challenge then sign up for the 50, 75 or 100 mile route lengths! ________________________________________________ CWOCC Women's Mountain Bike Weekend, 6/25/2021, Nine Mile County Forest, Wausau, WI, Special Event, eventbrite.com/e/2021-cwocc-womens-mountainbike-weekend-tickets-116540514817, (715) 223-5851, rebeccatuley@hotmail.com. A women's only weekend of skills, drills and epic trail rides to improve your mountain biking experience. Led by certified coaches and local trail experts. All skill levels. ________________________________________________ Tour DA Goose-Virtual 2021, 6/26/2021, Virtual for 2021, Watertown, WI, Fun Ride, tourdagoose.com, (920) 9882163, jlwestenberg@yahoo.com. Tour da Goose bike ride has gone virtual for 2021! This is a ride to support the Rock River Community Clinic. Simply sign up, choose a distance recommended by TDG, or your own route, and then on June 26-27, go out on your bike and ride! $25 registration fee. ________________________________________________ St. Nazianz Bicycle Tour 2021, 6/26/2021, Bicycle WisconsinBikeFed.org

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Tour 2021, St. Nazianz, WI, Fun Ride, (920) 684-4025, snoworatzky49@gmail.com. Choose from 5, 10, 16, and 30 mile scenic countryside looped routes. Free T-shirts and refreshments will be handed out with precautions to social distancing. There will be rest stops on the 16 and 30 mile routes. ________________________________________________ Escape to the North, 6/27/2021, AmericInn, Rice Lake, WI, Fun Ride, aroundwisbike.com, (715) 216-4005, aroundwisbikemj@gmail.com. Cycle for six days on lightly traveled back roads through the woods of northwest Wisconsin, past quiet lakes too numerous to count. Paddle a kayak on a quiet lake and enjoy a group boat tour on Lake Namakagon. Lodging, meals, sag, rest stops. ________________________________________________ Couples on Wheels Tandem Club Summer Rally, 7/16/2021, Wausau, WI, Fun Ride, couplesonwheels.com, presidents@couplesonwheels.com. Join us in July for our annual rally. This year features picturesque country roads with limited traffic. Routes include an ice cream ride on Friday and 3 options on Saturday. Saturday evening will feature an optional banquet. See website for more details. ________________________________________________

Enjoy the View ...

BIKE OZAUKEE COUNTY. The Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton invites you to bike the Rotary Ride

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Cedar Creek Park | Cedarburg, WI Individuals and Teams choose from a 10-mile trail ride, a 25, 45, or 65-mile road ride, or a virtual ride.

Proceeds from this charity ride benefit our vocational and technical scholarship fund and the community services we provide.

Pedal and Party in Pardeeville with a Purpose, 7/17/2021, Chandler Park, Pardeeville, WI, Fun Ride, pedalandparty. com, (608) 225-3578, kay@kaylumdesign.com. Ride the rolling Amish countryside! 4 distances: 12, 30, 40 or 60 miles. Free breakfast burritos at rest stop 1, other stops have water & snacks. Party at the finish with live music, food & beer/soda! Check updated details on our website!

Money goes to MS! ________________________________________________ Holy Hill Hundo, 7/18/2021, Cedars III, Cedarburg, WI, Fun Ride, wisconsinwomencycling.com, (920) 9011233, CindyPetted@gmail.com. Open to men & women, these semi-supported technical routes are intended for experienced riders looking for a challenge. Choose 105(4,500’ climbing), 85- or 65-mile route. Includes ride shirt, SAG, water stops, & post-ride BBQ. Great training for RAW or IMWI. ________________________________________________ Wausau 24 Bike & Trail Run, 7/23/2021, Nine Mile County Forest, Wausau, WI, Multi-Sport Event, bikesignup. com/Race/WI/Wausau/2021Wausau24, (715) 223-5851, rebeccatuley@hotmail.com. Endurance mountain bike race & trail run featuring Friday night trail run featuring a 5K, 10K or half-marathon. Saturday mountain bike race solo or in teams up to 4 in 6, 12 or 24 hour categories.

Live music, camping, food trucks and expo area. ________________________________________________ Ride Across Wisconsin, 7/30/2021, Riverside Park, La

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R

Wisconsin Women Century Ride, 7/17/2021, Cedars III, Cedarburg, WI, Fun Ride, wisconsinwomencycling.com, (920) 901-1233, CindyPetted@gmail.com. Wisconsin's Premier Women-Only Century Ride. Women of all abilities are welcome. Choose from 105, 85, 65, 45 or 25-mile routes. Includes ride shirt, fully supported with SAG & rest stops, and a post-ride meal & celebration. Great training ride for RAW or IMWI. ________________________________________________

y r a ot

m o c . e d -Ri

Tour de Belle Vin

Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021 Cedarburg, WI

Tour de Belle Vin

Tour de Belle Vin

A Bicycle Tour & Wine Tasting Open to men & women, age 21+ Presented by WWCycling Club • Choose from 65, 45, 25 or 15-mile routes.

• Fully-supported, well-thought-out routes, maps, SAG, and rest stops.

• Riders return to Cedarburg in time to celebrate their tour over a wine tasting at Cedar Creek Winery. After, plan to indulge yourself in Cedarburg’s Wine & Harvest Festival ;-)

TourDeBelleVin.com

Crosse, WI, Special Event, rideacrosswisconsin.com/, (920) 470-1185, michelleb@wisconsinbikefed.org. EPIC Ride across the state of Wisconsin. ________________________________________________ 51st Harmon Hundred, 8/1/2021, tbd, IL, Fun Ride, wheelmen.com, wheeling@wheelmen.com. COVID-19 permitting. We have moved back home, come ride with us in Illinois. A noncompetitive ride 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles.

Well marked roads, cue sheets, SAG support, with new guidelines. Visit our website regularly for updates. ________________________________________________ Badfish Creek 30k/18k Time Trial, 8/7/2021, Stoughton, WI (608) 512-8078, madcityvelo.com/time-trial. ________________________________________________

Ride with Leinie, 8/7/2021, Forest Lake Country Store, Land O' Lakes, WI, Fun Ride, golandolakeswi.com, (715) 547-6323, sara.beedie@gmail.com. Two bike rides followed by Leinenkugel's beer tasting and Trig's brats, all hosted by Dick Leinenkugel. Fundraiser for trail maintenance. T-shirt if register before July 27. $35 per person. ________________________________________________ Bike to the Beat-Virtual, 8/8/2021, Woodward Radio, Appleton, WI, Fun Ride, biketothebeat.com, (920) 9933735, hwessley@foxcu.org. Bike to the Beat is going virtual this year! Pick a date to ride, grab your friends and set off on a fun bike ride stopping at the venues that have always been a part of the in-person event! You choose how far you want to go! ________________________________________________ 35th Annual BBBS (formerly Best Friends) Bike Tour, 8/8 - 8/9/2021, The Friendship Circle, Fox Point, WI, (414) 755-5877 teamfriendship.org/bike4friendshipwi-2021/ Static/event-info. Day 1 - Fox Point, WI to The American Club Resort in Kohler, WI. Day 2 - The ride will return to The Friendship Circle. You may select a 180 mile route or a 120 mile route round trip. ________________________________________________ SepTimber Ride, 8/11/2021, Tribute Brewing Company Eagle River, WI, 715-479-6400, eagleriver.org/featured/ septimber-ride. Join us for one of three great rides: a trail ride from Tribute Brewing Co. to Three Lakes Winery and back on the Three Eagle Trail (28 miles), or one of two Northwoods Road Rides (a 60K or 100K ride) from Tribute Brewing Co. to Three Lakes Winery on scenic county roads ________________________________________________ Northern Woods and Waters Tour, 8/14/2021, AmericInn, Rhinelander, WI, Fun Ride, aroundwisbike.com, (715) 2164005, aroundwisbikemj@gmail.com. Cycle for six days on lightly traveled back roads through the woods of northern Wisconsin, past quiet lakes too numerous to count.

Paddle a kayak on a quiet lake and enjoy a group boat tour on the Eagle River chain of lakes! Lodging, meals, sag, rest stops. ________________________________________________ 13th Annual Ride to the Barns, 8/14/2021, Camp Quad, Hartford, WI, Special Event, tallpinesconservancy.org/, (262) 369-0500, info@tallpinesconservancy.org. Ride

to the Barns is a fundraising bicycle ride through Lake Country and rolling farmland in southeastern WI. Rest stops are at farms serving locally produced food to highlight farmland preservation. Registration: $75 per person through August 19th-$95 after. ________________________________________________ 12 Hours of Road America, 8/14 - 8/15/2021, Road America Race Track, Plymouth, WI, roadamerica12. com. Cycle. Run. Duathlon. The race track gives riders and runners the opportunity to race on the same pavement that's made history in the auto racing industry for years. The racing happens overnight on the partially illuminated track and roads around the track adding another exciting factor to the event. ________________________________________________ Menomin Meander, 8/21/2021, Dunn County Recreation Park, Menomonie, WI, 715-309-8992, sadisticcentury.com.

The Menomin Meander is a family-friendly, free, 8-mile bike ride around Menomonie's Lake Menomin. We provide a relatively flat course in partnership with the much more challenging Sadistic Century Ride. ________________________________________________ Phelps Twin Triathlon, 8/21/2021, Lakefront Pines Park, Phelps, WI, Multi-Sport Event, phelpswi.us/event/twintriathlon, (715) 545-3800, chamber-office@phelpswi. us. 8k paddle, 5k run and 16k bike through the beautiful Northwoods. Compete as an individual, family team or adult team. Do one leg or all three. ________________________________________________ Midwest Tandem Rally 2021, 9/3/2021, Delta Marriott, Racine, WI, Racine, WI, Special Event, mtr2021.org, mtr2021info@gmail.com. Multi-day event featuring rides of varying length, as well as social activities. Visit our website for more details. ________________________________________________ September Song, 9/11/2021, Veterans Memorial Park, Rice Lake, WI, Fun Ride, (715) 234-4127. One loop 50-mile tour on blacktop. ________________________________________________ Door County Century, 9/12/2021, John Miles Fairpark, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 920-727-9720, doorcountycentury.com, The DCC is the original century distance cycling event welcoming 3,000 riders each year to the scenic Door County peninsula. It’s been imitated, but never duplicated. ________________________________________________ Tour de Belle Vin, 9/18/2021, Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival, Cedarburg, WI, Fun Ride, wisconsinwomencycling.com, (920) 901-1233, CindyPetted@gmail.com. Bicycle Ride & Wine Tasting.

This co-ed ride is open to men & women, 21 & older.

Choose 65-, 45-, 25- or 15-miler. This fully-supported ride traverses the countryside & hamlets of Ozaukee & Washington counties. Includes shirt, SAG, rest stops, & wine tasting. ________________________________________________ Pick Me Up At The Border, 9/24/2021, Race Day Events, Fitchburg, WI, 608-288-8284, bikefitchburg.org/events. html. Pick Me Up At The Border is Bike Fitchburg's annual fundraiser that brings area bikers together for a night ride WisconsinBikeFed.org

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to the Illinois border and back, all along the Badger State Trail. ________________________________________________ Fall Color Festival, 9/25/2021, John Muir Trails, Whitewater, WI, 262-617-8272 fallcolorfestival.org.

Annual mountain bike fundraiser held at the John Muir trails in Southeastern Wisconsin. Proceeds support trail maintenance and development. ________________________________________________ ThedaCare Presents Bike the Barn Quilts, 9/25/2021, Memorial Athletic Park, Shawano, WI, Fun Ride, shawanopathways.org, (715) 304-9796, btbq@ shawanopathways.org. ThedaCare presents Shawano Pathway's 9th annual event! Rides from 17-70 miles + 22-mile guided tour. Continental breakfast, SAGS, food stations, lunch. ALSO a REMOTE 10 walk/run or 40-mile bike ride. Friday night BBQ & bluegrass. Check website for updates. ________________________________________________ The Ride, 9/26/2021, American Family Insurance Headquarters, Madison, WI, Fun Ride, therideuw.org, (608) 263-6359, hello@therideuw.org. Featuring five bike route and now including a half marathon and 5K run/walk, The Ride raises money for UW-Madison and Carbone Cancer Center. After your ride join us for lunch and a celebration of life honoring our patients and their families. ________________________________________________

BIKE THE ‘BURG

Embark on a biking adventure in 2021 with TWO great rides in Fitchburg, WI! July 10th - Fitchburg Festival of Speed

Compete in the State Criterium Championship, or take a 25-mile leisurely ride through Fitchburg and Dane County. www.fitchburgfestivalofspeed.com

Sept 24th - ¡Pick Me Up at the Border!

A round-trip non-competitive, night ride to the Illinois border and back along the Badger State Trail. www.bikefitchburg.org/events

IRONBULL Red Granite Grinder, 10/16/2021, 400 Block, Wausau, WI, Road Race, www.ironbull.org/red-granitegrinder-details, (715) 848-5949, executivedirector@ ironbull.org. Ready for adventure? Choose 50, 85 and 144 mile races or 12 mile recreational ride. Our routes are designed to give riders the chance to explore the grit in WI on several gems that can only be accessed through this race.

Visit the Wisconsin Bike Fed website, to find more events!

Follow the events tab and sort through to find the perfect events for you Charity Rides, MTB Races, Family Rides, Road Races, Gravel Races, Community Events

wisconsinbikefed.org/events

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Get out and ride in Fitchburg!

The community hosts the junction of several state trails and an expansive local path network that provide great experiences for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Our hotels are located near restaurants, shopping and the trails! For lodging and hotel info, go to visitfitchburg.com

WISCONSIN

BIKE SHOPS Bike Fed Member

Appleton Active Bike & Fitness, LLC, 1131 Badger Ave, activebikeandfitness.com, 920-202-3034 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Affordable Mobile Bike Repair, 370 E Coolidge Ave, affordablebikerepair.com, 920-428-7824 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Appleton Bicycle Shop, 121 S State St, appletonbike.com, 920-733-2595 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Chain Reaction Cyclery, 818 N. Superior Street, chainreactioncycleryllc.com, 920-733-1141 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dick's Sporting Goods, 4350 Greenville Dr, stores. dickssportinggoods.com/wi/appleton/109, 920-954-9266 --------------------------------------------------------------------------REI - Appleton, 3850 W Wisconsin Ave, rei.com/stores/ appleton, 920-442-5550 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Scheels - Appleton, 4301 W Wisconsin Ave, scheelssport.com, 920-830-2977 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wheel & Sprocket, 3939 W College Ave, wheelandsprocket.com/about/appleton-wi-pg327.htm, 920-997-9300 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Yellow Jersey, Ltd, 219 Main St, yellowjersey.org, 608-257-4737 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Ashland Bay City Cycles, 412 Main St W, baycitycycles.com, 715-6822091 --------------------------------------------------------------------------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 Coontail Sports, 5446 Park St, coontail.com, 888-874-0885 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Brookfield REI- Brookfield, 13100 W Capitol Dr, rei.com/stores/brookfield.html, 262-783-6150 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wheel & Sprocket, 13925 W Capitol Dr, wheelandsprocket.com/about/brookfield-wi-pg331.htm, 262783-0700 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Burlington Bob's Pedal Pusher, 817 N Pine St, facebook.com/Bobs-Pedal-Pusher, 262-763-7794 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Chippewa Falls Spring Street Sports, Inc., 12 W Spring St, springstreetsports.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, 528 Wells St, wheelandsprocket.com/about/delafield-wi-pg329.htm, 262-646-6300 --------------------------------------------------------------------------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, foreveryoungbikeandski.com, 715-479-3920 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Eau Claire ERIK'S Bike Board Ski - Eau Claire, 4130 Commonwealth Ave, eriksbikeshop.com, 715-835-6746 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Riverside Bike & Skate, 937 Water St, riversidebikenskate.com, 715-835-0088 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Scheels - Eau Claire, 4710 Golf Rd, scheelssports.com, 715-833-1886 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Shift Cyclery & Coffee Bar, 615 Graham Ave, eaushift.com, 715-514-5060 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Stache Bike and Adventure, 414 North Farwell St, eauclairebike.com, 715-514-5068 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Fish Creek Nor Dor Sports & Cyclery- Fish Creek, 4007 Hwy 42, nordoorsports.com, 920-868-2275 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Fitchburg 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, WisconsinBikeFed.org

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oshkoshcyclery.com, 920-923-3211 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Fort Atkinson 2 Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor - Ft Atkinson, 33 W Sherman Ave, 2riversbicycle.com, 920-563-2222 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Fountain City Brone's Bike Shop, 615 South Main St, bronesbikeshop.com, 608-687-8601 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Franklin Wheel & Sprocket, 7044 S Ballpark Dr, wheelandsprocket.com/about/franklin-wi-pg506.htm --------------------------------------------------------------------------Glendale ERIK'S Bike Board Ski, 598 W Northshore Dr, eriksbikeshop.com, 414-831-1001 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Grafton ERIK'S Bike Board Ski, ,1275 Washington St, eriksbikeshop.com, 262-474-2453 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Green Bay Broken Spoke Bike Studio, 115 Pine St # 101, brokenspokebikes.com, 920-634-2040 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Green Bay Bicycle Collective, 418 4th St, gbbicycle.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------JB Cycle & Sport, 2500 Glendale Ave, jbcyclesport.com, 920-434-8338 --------------------------------------------------------------------------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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wheel & Sprocket, 5722 S 108th St, wheelandsprocket.com/articles/wheel-sprocket-halescorners-location-pg1060.htm, 414-529-6600 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hartford Expedition Supply- Hartford, 20 W Sumner St, expeditionsupply.com, 262-673-7303 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hayward New Moon Ski & Bike Shop, 15569 US Hwy 63, newmoonski.com, 715-634-8685 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Riverbrook Bike & Ski, 10538 Main St, riverbrookbike.com, 715-634-0437 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hudson Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals, 607 2nd St, spokesandpedals.com, 715-386-8500 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Janesville Michael's Cycles, 2716 Pontiac Dr, michaelscycles.net, 608-752-7676 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Velocity Multi-Sport & Cycling, 1327 N Wright Rd Ste 180, facebook.com/velocitymultisportandcycling, 608-352-0649 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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INOIS L L I D RAN R

G

OU BIKE T-18, 2021 3

June 1

• 250 person limit • Fully supported • 200 to 375 miles

Explore the Trails of Madison County and the Metro East area on our fully-supported ride. Ride on paved trails and quiet roads, plus experience the charming towns and landscapes of our grand Illinois.

Learn more at rideillinois.org

Kaukauna Recyclist Bicycle Co., 631 Saunders Rd, recyclist.com, 920-759-1200 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Kenosha Total Cyclery, 5039 6th Ave, totalcycleryrepair.com, 262-652-2222 --------------------------------------------------------------------------La Crosse Bikes Limited, 1001 La Crosse St., bikesltdlax.com, 608-785-2326 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Smith's Bike Shop, 125 7th St N, www.smithsbikes.com, 608-784-1175 --------------------------------------------------------------------------La Pointe Motion To Go, 102 Lakeview Pl, motion-to-go.com, 715-747-6585 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Lake Mills The BikeMobile, 213 W Madison St, thebikemobile.com, 608-213-7476 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Lakewood Lakewood Ski and Sport, 15309 State Highway 32, facebook.com/Lakewood-Ski-Sport-182298994995, 715-276-3071 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Madison Black Saddle Bike Shop, 601 N Sherman Ave Ste F, blacksaddlebikeshop.com, 608-283-9568 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Budget Bicycle, 1230 Regent St, budgetbicyclectr.com, 608-251-8413 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Budget Bicycle Center, 1124 Regent St, budgetbicyclectr.com, 608-251-8413 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Budget Bicycle Center, 1201 Regent St, budgetbicyclectr.com, 608-251-8413 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Budget Bicycle Center, 930 Regent St, budgetbicyclectr.com, 608-251-8413 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Crazy Lennys E-Bikes, 6017 Odana Rd, crazylennysebikes.com, 608-276-5921 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Cronometro, 338 W Lakeside St, cronometro.com, 608-243-7760 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Down With Bikes, 601 Bram St, downwithbikes.org, 414-242-7064 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dream Bikes-Madison, 1131 N Sherman Ave, dream-bikes.org, 608-416-5536 --------------------------------------------------------------------------ERIK'S Bike Board Ski - Madison East, 3813 E Washington Ave, eriksbikeshop.com, 608-244-9825 --------------------------------------------------------------------------ERIK'S Bike Board Ski - Madison West, 6610 Seybold Road, eriksbikeshop.com, 608-278-9000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Freewheel Community Bike Shop, 1804 S Park St #6, freewheelbikes.org, 608-251-2453 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Machinery Row Bicycles, 601 Williamson St, machineryrowbicycles.com, 608-442-5974 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Motorless Motion Bicycles, 640 W Washington Ave, motorlessmotionbicycles.com, 608-443-0640 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Neff Cycle Service, 1490 Martin St, neffcycleservice.com, 608-514-5393 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Old Town Cycles, 920 East Johnson St, oldtowncycles.com, 608-259-8696 --------------------------------------------------------------------------REI-Madison, 7483 West Towne Way, rei.com/stores/madison.html, 608-833-6680 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Revolution Cycles, 2330 Atwood Ave, revolutioncycles.net, 608-244-0009 --------------------------------------------------------------------------The Cargo Bike Shop, 1404 Williamson St, facebook.com/ thecargobikeshop, 608-373-4798 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Trek Bicycle Store - Madison East, 1706 Eagan Rd, trekbikes.com/us/en_US/retail/madison_east, 608-442-8735 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Trek Bicycle Store - Madison West, 8108 Mineral Point Rd, trekbikes.com/us/en_US/retail/madison_west, 608-833-8735 --------------------------------------------------------------------------UW-Madison Bicycle Resource Center, 600 N Park St, transportation.wisc.edu/bicycling/university-bicycle-resourcecenter, 608-263-2969 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Manitowoc The Bicycle & Fitness Co, 1704 Memorial Dr, bikenfit.com, 920-682-1944 --------------------------------------------------------------------------The Fitness Store, 1410 Dewey St, thefitnessstore.com, 920-684-8088 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Marinette Marinette Cycle Center, 1555 Pierce Ave, marinettecycle.com, 715-735-5442 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Marshfield The Sports Den, 1202 S Central Ave, thesportsden.net, 715-384-8313 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Menomonee Falls 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mequon Belgianwerkx, 10802 N Port Washington Rd, belgianwerkx.com, 262-518-0170 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Middleton Middleton Cycle, 6641 University Ave, middletoncycle.net, 608-831-7433 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Playtri Middleton, 1661 Deming Way #154, playtrimiddleton.com, 608-203-8775 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wheel & Sprocket 6641 University Ave, wheelandsprocket.com/about/middleton-wi-pg338.htm, 608-820-1166 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Milwaukee Ben's Cycles, 1018 W Lincoln Ave, benscycle.net, 414-3842236 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Bigfoot Bike and Skate LLC, 350 East Ward St, bigfootbikeandskate.com, 1312-401-8491 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dream Bikes-Milwaukee, 2021 N Dr Martin Luther King Dr, dream-bikes.org, 414-763-0909 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Emerys Cycling Triathlon & Fitness, 9929 W Lisbon Ave, emerys.com, 414-463-2453 --------------------------------------------------------------------------ERIK'S Bike Board Ski - Eastside, 1819 E Kenilworth Pl, WisconsinBikeFed.org

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eriksbikeshop.com, 414-831-9300 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Everyday Cycles, 826 E Locust St, 414-585-0366 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Fyxation Bicycle Company, 3618 W Pierce St, fyxation.com, 414-210-4907 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hometown Bikes, 500 E Center St, 414-502-7259 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Milwaukee Bicycle Collective, 2930 W Clybourn St, bikecollective.org, 414-431-0825 --------------------------------------------------------------------------The Bikesmiths, 2865 N Murray Ave, thebikesmiths.com, 414-332-1330 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Truly Spoken Cycles, 600 E Center St, trulyspokencycles.com, 414-263-2453 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Vulture Space, 651 N Plankinton Ave, vulturespace.org, 414-301-1661 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wheel & Sprocket - Fox Point,6940 N Santa Monica Blvd, wheelandsprocket.com/about/fox-point-wi-pg328.htm, 414-234-5500 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wheel & Sprocket Bay View, 187 E Becher St, wheelandsprocket.com/about/bay-view-wi-pg492.htm, 414-247-8100 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Minocqua BJ's Sportshop Inc., 917 US Highway 51, bjssportshop.com, 715-356-3900 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Chequamegon's Adventure Company, 8576 U.S. 51, chequamegonadventurecompany.com, 715-356-1618 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Z-Best Bikes, 329 Front St, z-bestbikes.com, 715-356-4224 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Monona Slow Roll Cycles, 4118 Monona Dr, slowrollcycles.com, 608-286-1176 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Monroe Stonehall Bicycle, 907 16th Ave, www.stonehallbicycle.com, 608-328-3278 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mount Horeb Trail This Bicycle Shop, 103 S 2nd St, trailthis.com, 608-274-8447 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mukwonago Won-A-Go Biking, 106 Main St, wonagobiking.com, 262-363-4770 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Neenah Cranked Bike Studio, 407 S Green Bay Rd, crankedbikestudio.com, 920-720-0800 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Gear N Up Bicycle Shop, 1276 W Winneconne Ave, gearnup.com, 920-722-2949 --------------------------------------------------------------------------New Berlin Trailside Cycle, 1849 S Calhoun Rd, trailsidecycle.com, 262-782-7433 --------------------------------------------------------------------------North La Crosse Wrench & Roll Collective, 1200 Caledonia St., wrenchnrollcollective.com, 608-406-2261 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Onalaska Coulee Bicycle Co, 213 Main St, couleebike.com, 608-783-7433 --------------------------------------------------------------------------River Trail Cycles, 106 Mason St, rivertrailcycles.com, 608-519-5757

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Oshkosh Wheel & Sprocket, 1451 Washburn St, wheelandsprocket.com/about/oshkosh-wi-pg333.htm, 920-232-0900 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Winnebago Bicycle, 502 N Main St, winnebagobicycle.com, 920-426-3020 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Pewaukee VeloCity Cycling, 203 W Wisconsin Ave, vcitycycling.com, 262-695-7433 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Platteville Momentum Bicycles, 25 West Main St, www.momentumbikes.com, 608-348-6888 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Plymouth Back Door Bike Shop, 828 Eastern Ave, backdoorbikeshop.com, 920-893-9786 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Port Washington ZuZu Pedals, 211 North Franklin St #102, zuzupedals.com, 262-988-4099 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Racine Trek Bicycle Store, 5509 Durand Ave C, www.trekstoreracine.com, 262-770-3294 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Rhinelander Bikes -n- Boards, 1670 N Stevens St, bikes-n-boards.com, 715-369-1999 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mel's Trading Post, 105 S Brown St, melstradingpost.net, 715-362-5800 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Rice Lake Grinders Sports, 816 Hammond Ave, grinders-sports.com, 715-736-7858 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Ripon Mr. Barts Bike Shop, 316 Doty St, facebook.com/mr.bartsbikeshop, 920-748-7801 -------------------------------------------------------------------------River Falls CrankWorx Bike Shop, 101 South Main St, crankworxbikeshop.com, 715-629-7246 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Sheboygan Johnnie's Bike Shop, 1001 Michigan Ave, 920-452-0934 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Trek Bicycle Store, 4501 Vanguard Dr, trekbikes.com/us/en_US/store/403760, 920-395-2017 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wolf's Cycling & Fitness, 1702 South 12th St, wolfcycle.com, 920-457-0664 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Sheboygan Falls Bicycle Works LLC, 1114 Plankview Green Blvd, bicycleworkssheboygan.com, 920-467-4549 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Sparta Speed's Bicycle Shop, 1126 John St, speedsbike.com 608-269-2315 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Prairie Russell's Sport N' Bike, 703 Jewell St, russellssportandbike.com, 715-248-3644 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Stevens Point Campus Cycle & Sport Shop, 1732 4th Ave, campus-cycle.com, 715-341-2151 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hostel Shoppe,3201 John Joanis Dr, hostelshoppe.com, 715-341-2453 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Point Area Bicycle Service, 1311 Strongs Ave, pointareabicycleservice.com, 715-498-4122 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Trek Bicycle Store, 5370 Hwy 10 East Ste J, trekbikes.com/us/en_US/store/17571001, 715-544-1600 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Stoughton Stoton Cycle, 100 W Washington St, stotoncycle.com, 608-877-1134 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Sturgeon Bay Nor Door Sport & Cyclery, 1014 Egg Harbor Rd, nordoorsports.com, 920-818-0803 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Sun Prairie Sun City Cyclery, 235 E Main St, suncitycyclery.com, 608-837-2453 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Thiensville Extreme Ski & Bike, 235 N Main St, extremeskiandbike.com, 262-242-1442 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Verona Atkins Verona Bicycle Shoppe, 517 Half Mile Rd, atkinsbike.com, 608-845-6644 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Rocket Bicycle Studio, 507 Bruce St Ste 101, rocketbicyclestudio.com, 608-239-3837 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Viroqua Bluedog Cycles, Inc, 201 S Main St, bluedogcycles.com, 608-637-6993 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Waukesha Fox River Sports, 143 E North St, www.foxriversports.net, 262-544-5557 --------------------------------------------------------------------------M&M Bike Repair, 1230 E Broadway, facebook.com/MMBikeRepair, 262-542-5912 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mokros Cycle, N6W23757 Bluemound Rd, facebook.com/Mokros-Cycle-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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Rib Mountain Cycles, 4001 D Rib Mountain Dr, ribmountaincycles.com, 715-359-3925 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Shepherd & Schaller Sporting Goods, 324 Scott St, shepssports.com, 715-845-5432 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Trek Bicycle Store, 2601 Stewart Ave, trekbikes.com/us/en_US/store/1757110, 715-845-7433 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wauwatosa 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Tosa Bike Garage, 1500 Underwood Ave, Wauwatosa, tosabikegarage.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

West Allis Allis Bike & Fitness, 9622 W National Ave, allisbike.com, 414-327-1290 --------------------------------------------------------------------------West Bend Mountain Outfitters, 109 S Main St, mountainout.com, 262-335-0424 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Pedal Moraine, 1421 South Main St, pedalmoraine.com, 262-338-2453 --------------------------------------------------------------------------White Lake White Lake Market,633 Bissell St, 715-882-8419 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Whitewater Backyard Bikes, W6098 HWY 12, backyardbikes.com, 262-495-8600 --------------------------------------------------------------------------BicycleWise & Sport Fitness, 1155 W Main St, bicyclewise.com, 262-473-4730 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Quiet Hut Sports, 186 W Main St, quiethutsports.com, 262-473-2950 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wisconsin Rapids Bring's Cycling & Fitness, 1710 8th St S, bringscycling.com, 715-423-5520 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Withee Hene Supply, N14704 French Town Ave, marshfieldagriculture.com, 715-229-4530

13

A ANNU

Ri

AY , A D R U S AT

2021

UGUST

14

TH

A FUNDRAISING EVENT TO BENEFIT LAND CONSERVATION

— —— — — — —— —— NTRY BIKE TOUR OF LAKE COU 30 & 60 MILE ROUTES | FAR LOCAL FOOD TE TAS | MS AL REST STOPS AT LOC

Registration thru August 9th: $75* August 10th & after: $95* Ask about team discounts! REGISTER ONLINE AT:

tallpinesconservancy.org

OR BY EMAIL:

info@tallpinesconservancy.org

* Tall Pines Conservancy is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Registration is a tax deductible donation.

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s n r a B e de to th TH

WISCONSIN

BIKE CLUBS Bike Fed Member

Appleton Fox Valley Different Spokes Gay Men's Bike Group --------------------------------------------------------------------------Cable Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, cambatrails.org, info@cambatrails.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Colfax CORBA, sadisticcentury.com, porterbicycle@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Eau Claire Eau Claire Pie Riders, eauclairepieriders@googlegroups.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Fox Point Ride MKE, ridemke.org, Iloveridemke@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Green Bay Bay Shore Bicycle Club, bsbc.clubexpress.com, publicity@bayshorebikeclub.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Green Bay Bicycle Collective, gbbicycle.org, info@gbbicycle.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hudson River Valley Trails, rivervalleytrails.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Kaukauna Fox Cities Triathlon Club, foxtriclub.com, acherkasky@new.rr.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Kenosha Kenosha Velosport Cycling, KVcycling.com, Kvcycling@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Madison CycleNation, cyclenation.org/madison, jessica.lack@heart.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------MadCity Velo Club, madcityvelo.com, steve.wehrley@ngsd.k12.wi.us ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Madison Women’s Cycling Club, facebook.com/groups/422391611714723, Robertson.hoyt@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Team242, team242.com, andy@team242.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Trek Midwest Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------Milwaukee Bay View Bicycle Club, bayviewbikeclub.org, rtemple161@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Black Girls Do Bike, Blackgirlsdobike.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Cadence Cycling Milwaukee, cadencemke.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Metro Mountain Bikers, Milwaukee MTB Trail Advocates, metromountainbikers.com, metromountainbikers@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Milwaukee Bike Polo, Facebook: Milwaukee Bike Polo, tuckerschwinn@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Oshkosh Oshkosh Cycling Club, oshkoshcyclingclub.com, --------------------------------------------------------------------------Ottawa Starved Rock Cycling Association, starvedrockcycling.com, starvedrockcycling@yahoo.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Rice Lake North Roads Bicycle Club --------------------------------------------------------------------------Stoughton Stoughton Cycle Club, stotoncycle.com, stotoncycle@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Waukesha CZ Velo/Cafe de Arts Cycling Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------Spring City Spinners, springcityspinners.org, loneoakvoc@aol.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Waupaca Couples on Wheels Tandem Club, couplesonwheels.com, presidents@couplesonwheels.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Waupaca Chain Riders, facebook.com/bikethewaupacachainoflakes, ukalum93@yahoo.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wausau Wausau Wheelers Bicycle Club, WausauWheelers.org, Contact@WausauWheelers.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wautoma Waushara Social Cycling, facebook.com/groups/292330094302427 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wauwatosa Team Wisconsin Cycling, teamwisconsincycling.com, bpchristopherson@gmail.com WisconsinBikeFed.org

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WISCONSIN

BIKE TRAILS

Statewide Ice Age National Scenic Trail, 655 miles, 30 counties --------------------------------------------------------------------------Central Big Eau Pleine County Park & Big Eau Pleine Woods State Natural Area, Mosinee, 9 miles, 715-261-1566, co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/ Parks/ListofParks.aspx --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, 10 miles, 715-258-2372, dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/hartman --------------------------------------------------------------------------Levis-Trow Mounds Recreational Area, Neillsville, 25 miles, 715-743-5140, co.clark.wi.us --------------------------------------------------------------------------Nine Mile County Forest, Wausau, 18 miles, 715-261-1550, co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/ CountyForests/ForestUnits/NineMile.aspx --------------------------------------------------------------------------Nordic Mountain, Wild Rose, 8 miles, 920-787-3324, nordicmountain.com/mountain-biking --------------------------------------------------------------------------Ringle Trails, Wausau, 4 miles, 715-261-1550, co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/ CountyForests/ForestUnits/NineMile.aspx --------------------------------------------------------------------------Standing Rocks Trails, Stevens Point, 13 miles, 715-824-3949, co.portage.wi.us/department/parks/standingrocks-park --------------------------------------------------------------------------Sylvan Hill Bike Park, Wausau, 3 miles, 715-261-1550, co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/ CountyForests/ForestUnits/NineMile.aspx --------------------------------------------------------------------------Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 6 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, 9 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/mirrorlake --------------------------------------------------------------------------East Central Calumet Park Trails, Hilbert, 5 miles, 920-849-1493,

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travelcalumet.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Evergreen Park, Sheboygan, 6 miles, 920-459-3440, sheboyganwi.gov/departments/public-works/parks --------------------------------------------------------------------------Greenbush Recreation Area Trails, Greenbush, 9 miles, 262-626-2116, dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/kmn/trails.html --------------------------------------------------------------------------Kettle Moraine State Forest, Kewaskum, 6.5 miles, Limestone, --------------------------------------------------------------------------New Fane Trails, Kewaskum, 5 miles, 262-626-2116, dnr.wi.gov --------------------------------------------------------------------------Rocky Knoll, Plymouth, 5 miles, 920-459-3060, sheboygancounty.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 1 mile, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/harringtonbeach --------------------------------------------------------------------------High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 10 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/highcliff --------------------------------------------------------------------------North Bearskin State Trail, Minocqua-Harshaw, 22 miles, Granite, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/bearskin --------------------------------------------------------------------------Cattail State Trail, Amery-Almena, 18 miles --------------------------------------------------------------------------Gandy Dancer State Trail, St. Croix Falls-Superior, 62 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/gandydancer --------------------------------------------------------------------------Heart of Vilas County National Trail, St. Germain-SaynerBoulder Junction-Manitowish Waters-Mercer, Off Road, 52 miles, Asphalt, 715-385-2400, biketheheart.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Madeline Mountain Bike Trail, Woodruff, Mountain Biking 5 miles, vilaswi.com/madeline-lake-trail --------------------------------------------------------------------------McNaughton Mountain Bike Trail, McNaughton, Mountain Biking, 13 miles, oneidacountywi.com/trail/biking/ mcnaughton-trail --------------------------------------------------------------------------Nicolet State Trail, Gillett-Townsend, 89 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/nicolet --------------------------------------------------------------------------North Country National Scenic Trail, Spans northern WI, 4 counties, 121 miles --------------------------------------------------------------------------North Lakeland Discovery Center, Manitowish Waters, 4 miles, 715-543-2085, discoverycenter.net/trails-activities --------------------------------------------------------------------------Stower Seven Lakes State Trail, Amery-Dresser, 14 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/stower --------------------------------------------------------------------------Tuscobia State Trail, Park Falls-Rice Lake, 75 miles --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wild Rivers State Trail, Rice Lake-Solon Springs, 104 miles --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wolf River State Trail, Crandon-White Lake, 37 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/wolfriver --------------------------------------------------------------------------Copper Falls State Park, Mellen, 7 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/copperfalls --------------------------------------------------------------------------Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, 15 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/StateForests/flambeauRiver --------------------------------------------------------------------------Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Woodruff, 58 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/StateForests/nhal --------------------------------------------------------------------------Northeast Ahnapee State Trail, Sturgeon Bay-Casco, Luxemburg-

Explore Waushara County

•

270+ Miles over 10 different Bike Routes

•

Routes 4-7 signed, 1-3 & 8-10 all to be signed in 2021

•

9 Miles of Mountain Bike Trails-Summer

•

3 Miles of Fat Bike Trails-Winter

VISIT US www.wausharacountypublichealth.com

Kewaunee,48 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/ahnapee --------------------------------------------------------------------------Antigo Single Track Mountain Bike Trail, Antigo, 3 miles, 715-623-3633 ext 154, lambatrails.com/trails --------------------------------------------------------------------------Anvil Lake Trail, Eagle River, 12 miles, 608-266-0394, vilaswi.com/anvil-lake-trail --------------------------------------------------------------------------Baird Creek Trail, Green Bay, 10 miles, 920-448-3365, greenbaywi.gov --------------------------------------------------------------------------Camp Vits Park Mountain Bike Trail, Manitowoc, 3 miles, 920-686-3580, manitowoc.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/ Camp-Vits-22 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Devil's River State Trail, Denmark-Rockwood, 15 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilsriver --------------------------------------------------------------------------Eisenbahn State Trail, Eden-West Bend, 25 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/eisenbahn --------------------------------------------------------------------------Fox River State Trail, Hilbert-Green Bay, 25 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/foxriver --------------------------------------------------------------------------Friendship State Trail, Brillion-Forest Junction, 4 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/friendship --------------------------------------------------------------------------Lumberjack Trail, Boulder Junction, 5 miles, 715-385-2400, vilaswi.com/lumberjack-trail --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mascoutin Valley Miles State Trail, Ripon-Berlin, Rosendale-Fond du  270+ over 10 different Bike Routes Lac, 21 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/mascoutin -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Routes 4-7 Wausau-Green signed, 1-3Bay, & 83 8-10 Mountain-Bay State Trail, miles,all to be Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/mountainbay signed in 2021 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mud Lake Trail, Rhinelander, 8 miles, 715-365-7464,  9 Miles Mountain Bike Trails-Summer rastatrails.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blackmour 3 Miles State of Fat Trails-Winter Newton Trail,Bike New London-Seymour, 22 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/newton --------------------------------------------------------------------------Nicolet Roche Mountain Bike Trail, White Lake, 19 miles, 715-623-4134, lambatrails.com/trails --------------------------------------------------------------------------Nicolet State Trail, Gillett-Townsend (state line), 89 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/nicolet --------------------------------------------------------------------------Oconto River State Trail, Oconto-Stiles Junction, 8 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/oldabe --------------------------------------------------------------------------Peninsula State Park, Door County, 9 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/peninsula --------------------------------------------------------------------------Point Beach State Forest, Manitowoc, 5 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/pointbeach --------------------------------------------------------------------------Raven Trail, Minocqua, 7 miles, 715-542-3923, lamboriders.org/trails --------------------------------------------------------------------------Reforestation Camp Trails, Green Bay, 10 miles, 920-448-4466, co.brown.wi.us --------------------------------------------------------------------------Ryan Park, Kewaunee, 3 miles, 920-388-0444, visitkewauneecounty.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Tomorrow River State Trail, Plover-Manawa, 29 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/tomorrow --------------------------------------------------------------------------Underdown Trails, Merrill, 21 miles, 715-539-1034,

Explore Waushara County

VISIT US www.wausharacountypublichealth.com

WisconsinBikeFed.org

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ed-15 1

FallColorFestival.org

Join us on Saturday, Sept 25, 2021 Annual mountain bike fundraiser held at the John Muir trails in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Proceeds support trail maintenance and development.

The smart choice for today’s roads and distracted drivers.

3/4/21

920-337-0250 / seemewear.com

gototomahawk.com/recreation --------------------------------------------------------------------------Washburn Lake Trails, Rhinelander, 15 miles, 800-236-3006, oneidacountywi.com/trails-recreation --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wild Goose State Trail, Fond du Lac-Clyman Jct., 34 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/wildgoose --------------------------------------------------------------------------WinMan Trails, Winchester, 9 miles, 646-543-8784, winmantrails.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Winter Park, Kewaunee, 10 miles, 920-388-0444, visitkewauneecounty.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wiouwash State Trail, Oshkosh-Hortonville, Split Rock-Aniwa, 41 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/wiouwash --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wolf River Mountain Bike Trail, White Lake, 6 miles, 715-623-4134, lambatrails.com/trails --------------------------------------------------------------------------Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, 15 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/newport --------------------------------------------------------------------------Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers, 4 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/pointbeach --------------------------------------------------------------------------Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, 8 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/potawatomi --------------------------------------------------------------------------Northwest CAMBA Bike Trails, Cable, 300 miles, 715-798-3599,cambatrails.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hickory Ridge Trail, New Auburn, 15 miles, 715-723-0331, corbatrails.org/trails/hickory-ridge --------------------------------------------------------------------------Lowes Creek County Park, Eau Claire, 13 miles, 715-839-4738, 4:02 PMcorbatrails.org/trails/lowes-creek --------------------------------------------------------------------------Northwest Community Park, Eau Claire, 9 miles, 715-8395039, corbatrails.org/trails/northwest-park --------------------------------------------------------------------------Otter Creek Park, Altoona, 3 miles, 715-839-5039, chippewaoffroad.org/trails/otter-creek-park --------------------------------------------------------------------------Pokegama Trail, Superior, 4 miles, 715-395-7200, coggs.com/pokegama-trails --------------------------------------------------------------------------Rock Lake CAMBA Trails, Cable, 27 miles, 715-798-3599, cambatrails.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Sister's Farm Trail System, Ladysmith, 10 miles, ruskcountywi.com/recreation/biking --------------------------------------------------------------------------Whitetail Ridge Trail, River Falls, 5 miles, 715-426-3420, kinnioffroadcyclists.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Woolly Mountain Trail, St. Croix Falls, 7 miles, 651-465-6315, woollybikeclub.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Brule River State Forest, Brule, 34 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/StateForests/bruleRiver --------------------------------------------------------------------------South Central Badger State Trail, Madison-Freeport, IL, 40 miles, Asphalt, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/badger --------------------------------------------------------------------------Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, 13 miles, 608-437-5711, madcitydirt.com/bluemound --------------------------------------------------------------------------CamRock County Trails, Cambridge, 11 miles, 608-224-3730,

madcitydirt.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Capital City State Trail, Madison-Fitchburg, 17 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/capcity --------------------------------------------------------------------------Devil's Head Ski Area, Merrimac, 6 miles, 608-493-2204, devilsheadresort.com/mountain-biking --------------------------------------------------------------------------Glacial Drumlin State Trail, Waukesha-Cottage Grove, 52 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/glacialdrumlin --------------------------------------------------------------------------Great Sauk State Trail, Sauk Prairie-Sauk Prairie Rec Area, 5 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/greatsauk --------------------------------------------------------------------------Military Ridge State Trail, Fitchburg-Dodgeville, 40 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/militaryridge --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mound View State Trail, Belmont-Platteville, 7 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/moundview --------------------------------------------------------------------------Pecatonica State Trail, Belmont-Calamine, 10 miles --------------------------------------------------------------------------Pleasant View Park, Middleton, 3 miles, 800-688-5694, madcitydirt.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Quarry Ridge Recreation Area, Fitchburg, 5 miles, 608-2704288, madcitydirt.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Seminole Trails, Fitchburg, 608-270-4288, madcitydirt.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Sheehan Park, Sun Prairie, 2 miles, 608-318-3388, sunprairiemoves.org/sheehan-park-mountain-bike-trails --------------------------------------------------------------------------Sugar River State Trail, New Glarus-Broadhead, 24 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/sugarriver --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wild Goose State Trail, Fond du Lac-Clyman Jct., 34 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/wildgoose --------------------------------------------------------------------------Yellowstone Lake State Park, Blanchardville, 3 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/yellowstone --------------------------------------------------------------------------Southeast Alpine Valley, Elkhorn, 8 miles, 262-642-7374, alpinevalleyresort.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Eisenbahn State Trail, Eden-West Bend, 25 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/eisenbahn --------------------------------------------------------------------------Emma Carlin Trails, Palmyra, 8 miles, 262-594-6200, dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/kms/trails.html --------------------------------------------------------------------------Glacial Drumlin State Trail, Waukesha-Cottage Grove, 52 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/glacialdrumlin --------------------------------------------------------------------------Glacier Blue Hills, West Bend, 5 miles, 262-335-5080, ci.west-bend.wi.us --------------------------------------------------------------------------Grand Geneva, Lake Geneva, 7 miles, 262-248-8811, grandgeneva.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hank Aaron State Trail, Milwaukee-West Allis, 12 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/hankaaron --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hoyt Park Trail, Wauwatosa, 2.5 miles, 414-257-7275, metromountainbikers.com/hoyt --------------------------------------------------------------------------John Muir Trails, Whitewater, 25 miles, 262-594-6200, dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/kms/trails.html --------------------------------------------------------------------------Kegel Alpha Trail, Franklin, 4 miles, 414-257-7275,

county.milwaukee.gov/parks --------------------------------------------------------------------------Lake Geneva Canopy Tours, Lake Geneva, 12 miles, 262-2146838, lakegenevacanapytours.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Little Switzerland, Slinger, 10 miles, 262-297-9621, littleswitz.com/mountainbiking --------------------------------------------------------------------------Minooka Park, Waukesha, 16 miles, 262-548-7801, waukeshacounty.gov/minooka --------------------------------------------------------------------------Pleasant Valley Park, Cedarburg, 6 miles, 262-377-4509, ozcomtbr.com/trails/pleasant-valley-trails --------------------------------------------------------------------------Silver Lake County Park, Salem Lakes, 10 miles, 262-857-1869, kamba.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------White River State Trail, Elkhorn-Lyons, Burlington-Kansasville, 19 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/whiteriver --------------------------------------------------------------------------Kettle Moraine State Forest-Lapham Peak, Delafield, 5 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/laphampeak --------------------------------------------------------------------------Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 2.5 miles --------------------------------------------------------------------------Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, 12 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/richardbong --------------------------------------------------------------------------Southwest Ash Creek Community Forest, Richland Center, 7 miles, 608-647-2100, parkscommission.co.richland.wi.us/countyparks/ash-creek-community-forest --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hirsch Farm, Platteville, 9 miles, 608-695-8592, plattevilletrails.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Kickapoo Valley Reserve Trail, La Farge, 24 miles, 608-647-2100, kvr.state.wi.us --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mound View Park, Platteville, 1 mile, 608-695-8592, plattevilletrails.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Ocooch Mountain Trails, Richland Center, 4 miles, 608-647-2100 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Sidie Hollow County Park, Viroqua, 7 miles, 608-637-7335, vernontrails.com/trails/sidie-hollow --------------------------------------------------------------------------Upper Hixon Forest Trails, La Crosse, 12 miles ,608-789-7533, cityoflacrosse.org/parksandrec/outdoor/trails --------------------------------------------------------------------------Wyalusing State Park, Bagley, 5 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/wyalusing --------------------------------------------------------------------------Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, 8 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/govdodge --------------------------------------------------------------------------Pecatonica State Trail, Belmont, Calamine, 10 miles, Crushed Stone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/pecatonica --------------------------------------------------------------------------West Central 400 State Trail, Reedsburg-Elroy, 22 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/400 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Buffalo River State Trail, Fairchild-Mondovi, 36 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/buffalo --------------------------------------------------------------------------Chippewa River State Trail, Eau Claire-Durand, 30 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/chipriver --------------------------------------------------------------------------Elroy-Sparta State Trail, Elroy-Sparta, 32 miles, Limestone,

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dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/elroysparta --------------------------------------------------------------------------Great River State Trail, Onalaska-Marshland, 24 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/greatriver --------------------------------------------------------------------------Green Circle State Trail, Stevens Point, 31 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/greencircle --------------------------------------------------------------------------Hillsboro State Trail, Hillsboro-Union Center, 4 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/hillsboro --------------------------------------------------------------------------LaCrosse River State Trail, La Crosse-Sparta, 22 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/lacrosseriver --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mountain-Bay State Trail, Wausau-Green Bay, 83 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/mountainbay --------------------------------------------------------------------------Old Abe State Trail, Chippewa Falls-Cornell, 20 miles, Asphalt, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/oldabe --------------------------------------------------------------------------Red Cedar State Trail, Menomonie-Chippewa River 15 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/redcedar --------------------------------------------------------------------------Tomorrow River State Trail, Plover-Manawa,29 miles, Limestone, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/tomorrow --------------------------------------------------------------------------Black River State Forest, Black River Falls, 33 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/StateForests/blackRiver --------------------------------------------------------------------------Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, 11 miles, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/lakewissota --------------------------------------------------------------------------ParksPeopleMKE_quarter_page_spring2021.PDF

1

2/12/21

10:49 AM

PLAN AN

AWE-INSPIRING ADVENTURE

Whether you have a singletrack mind or you’re a roadie at heart, you’ll enjoy endless bike trails, places to stay and options for a refreshing post-ride beer across Wisconsin.

Find trip ideas, trails and more at TravelWisconsin.com

We inspire all types of people to ride, through awesome events, and by supporting transformative projects.

Trail Signage 2021: More signs on more trails

32 signs installed & counting

Craft Beer, Coffee , Pizza, & More NOW OPEN! Visit the Joy Ride Cafe, inside Wheel & Sprocket Bay View!

All proceeds go to the Chris Kegel Foundation

Fix-It Stands & Bike Racks

187 E. Becher St Milwaukee WI, 53207

Apply for one in your community!

Annual FREE, family-friendly bike ride

For 2021 updates on Chris’ Slow Roll, to donate, & more-- head to:

2021 details coming soon!

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.

Find it online at justcoffee.coop or ask for it where Just Coffee is sold.