Off the Couch
In a quiet way, the thousands of people who run, bike, hike, ski and paddle make a lot of noise in Wisconsin
Peak Nordic lines up a 5K under the lights at Lapham, even without snow
The popularity of the Wednesday night ski races at Lapham Peak State Park prompted organizers to try a summer version: the Prowl the Peak 5K race scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Proceeds from the run will support the Peak Nordic Ski Team, which has close to 100 youths that train, ski and race on the hills in the Town of Delafield.
Organizer cancels 2011 Unnamed Epic
The organizers of the Unnamed Epic mountain bike race followed their own "go epic or go home" creed and canceled the event after failing to develop a suitable course.
Jack Hirt announced the cancellation in an email to the registered riders, who will receive full refunds. Hirt will work to put together a 75-mile, point-to-point lay out for 2012.
Badger State Games will end after 25 years
Started in 1985 to re-create the Olympic experience for citizen athletes, the Badger State Games has reached its own finish line.
The nonprofit Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation announced Tuesday it would drop the games it organized for both winter and summer sports.
Tour de Fat brews up $9,000 for Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
New Belgium Brewing's Tour de Fat drew nearly 1,500 cyclists and onlookers to Humboldt Park on Saturday and generated $8,921 for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, through donations and beer sales.
Taking the bike lane; cyclists spin tank video
Arturas Zuokas. the pro-cycling mayor of Vilnius, Lithuania, has become a much-celebrated man among American cyclists, thanks to the cyber spin of this video
Green Bay woman dies after bike crash; fourth fatality since July 1
A report in the Green Bay Press Gazette identifies a cyclist who died after a crash in the Town of Oneida on Monday as Kris Hanson.
The 56-year-old was riding on a tandem with her husband, Douglas Hanson, 59, who was injured and hospitalized.
Cyclist remembered as aspiring artist
Kudos to Jeff Starck at the Wausau Daily Herald for letting readers know that Easton Shryne was more than a 22-year-old killed while riding his bicycle.
Starck talked to Shryne's mother, who shared her son's dreams of moving to California and becoming a successful artist. He also reminded everyone that the impact of a fatality like this is felt by the motorist, as well.
Safer than walking down stairs: Bike Fed analyzes dangers of cycling
Cycling promoter Dave Schlabowske analyzed statistics from the National Safety Council and other sources to debunk the myth that taking the roads on a bike is an inherently life-threatening exercise.
Jorgensen ready to race for spot on U.S. Olympic triathlon team
Gwen Jorgensen traveled to London for the first time this week and will race on Saturday to book a return trip for the 2012 Olympics.
In just her second year as a professional triathlete, the part-time tax accountant from Milwaukee is one five women from the U.S. invited to compete in the International Triathlon Union World Championship Series race. The top two U.S. women will qualify for the Olympic squad, provided they are in the top nine overall.
County Supervisor Jursik envisions a bike lane attachment for Hoan Bridge
"Why not suspend a bridge cantilevered off the side of the arch of the Hoan?"
In a recent guest column, Milwaukee County Supervisor Patricia Jursik proposes that fresh and serious idea for providing a bike and pedestrian lane on the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge.
Report offers details on crash that killed cyclist on charity tour
The driver of a Chevrolet Corvette that hit a Green Bay couple on a tandem bicycle reported he didn't see them as they pedaled westbound on County Highway EE, according to a report released Wednesday by the Outagamie County Sheriff's Department.
Michael Gustman of Seymour estimated he was traveling 55 mph on the rural road at the time of the crash, about 11 a.m. Monday.
National Geographic rates Milwaukee in top 15 hiking cities
Proximity to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail earned Milwaukee a spot on National Geographic's list of top 15 cities for hiking in the United States.
The magazine's write up: "Eskers, kames, and potholes are a few of the trippy things you might see on Wisconsin’s 1,000-mile-long Ice Age Trail. (Translation: the elongated ridges, small marshes, and teardrop-shaped hills that the last continental ice shelf left behind.) And one section of it, in the northern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, is located just 53 miles north of Milwaukee."
Prosecutors charge motorist with negligence in death of cyclist
A Kenosha teenager was charged Monday morning with negligent homicide a bicyclist was struck early Sunday morning on County Highway H in the Village of Pleasant Prairie.
Friends reported the victim, Devin Kunich, 22, was biking home from his job at the Bristol Renaissance Fair when he was hit about 12:30 a.m. He is the fifth cyclist struck and killed by a motor vehicle in Wisconsin since July 1.
Jorgensen earns spot on U.S. Olympic triathlon team, talks tactics in post-race interview
Gwen Jorgensen, a part-time tax accountant from Milwaukee, surged to second place in the International Triathlon Union Championship Series race on Saturday and earned a return trip to the London course for the 2012 Olympics.
In just her second year as a pro triathlete, Jorgensen posted the best finish by an American in the history of the International Triathlon Union World Championship Series and leaped to the top echelon of the sport.
David Landgraf, Birkebeiner "founder," killed while cycling near Hayward
David Landgraf, one of only three people to ski in every American Birkebeiner since its founding in 1973, died Monday afternoon from the injuries he suffered when a car hit him while he biked on Hwy. 27 south of Hayward.
According to the Sawyer County Sheriff’s report, a 24-year-old woman from Hayward turned to speak to her children while driving south on Hwy. 27 about 6:50 p.m. Friday. She turned back and saw Landgraf, but too late to swerve and avoid him.
Safer roads for motorists and cyclists
I had hoped intently that the rumor shared last night about David Landgraf being hit and killed while cycling would turn out to be wrong.
Tragically, for all those who knew and respected the retired teacher and Birkebeiner skier, Landgraf died Monday afternoon from the injuries he suffered when a car hit him on Highway 27, south of Hayward.
Streaking runner marks 30 years with 30 laps
John Chandler fretted that his plans to run 30 laps on the Whitefish Bay track Tuesday night would jinx his streak, something akin to talking about a no-hitter in progress or printing playoff tickets in advance.
His celebratory side took over, however, and the financial planner has invited guests to join him as he marks 30 years of continuous running - at least one mile a day for 10,958 days. His streak ranks 52nd on the list of active streaks recognized by the United States Running Streak Association Inc.
Asthma, injured shoulder end Nyad's bid to swim from Cuba to Key West
I was disappointed to read earlier today that Diana Nyad had to abandon her attempt to swim from Cuba to Key West due to asthma and an injured shoulder.
While swimming isn't as much a part of my Off the Couch reporting as it should be, Nyad's story stuck with me. I was captivated by her interview on NPR in July, when she talked about making another attempt at the 103-mile swim with sharks, at age 61.
Birkebeiner director issues statement on death of David Landgraf
The American Birkebeiner lost one of its most inspirational skiers and one of its founders on Monday, when David Landgraf died of injuries he suffered in a cycling crash.
The 61-year-old retired school teacher was one of only three people to have finished every Birkebeiner, since the first race in 1973.
Ice Age trail group plans moonlight trek
The Washington/Ozaukee County Ice Age Trail group will take advantage of a big, but-not-quite-full moon to light their hike at the Sunburst Ski Hill Friday night.
Anyone interested in the hike should meet at the Ice Age Trail parking lot on Ridge Road, near Sunburst, then joined the car pool to Highway H and 45. The trek from there will be about 2.5 miles, with some hills to tackle on the way to the top of the ski hill.
Singing a joyful tune: 100 miles on the AT in Vermont
"They call me mellow yellow ... "
It was the first song to get firmly stuck in my head. I had told my father, Sam (trail name Festus), and his good buddy Ron (Dr. Schlepper) that the terrain on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont would be mellow - it was.
Beer Runner joins the streak runner for 30 laps
Tim Cigelske, who writes the Beer Runner blog for Draft Magazine, caught a glimpse of his future on the track in Whitefish Bay last night, when he joined John Chandler to celebrate his 30-year running streak.
Chandler is a mere 29 years of running up on Cigelske, whose own run of continuous days with at least one mile hits 311 today. Chandler is at 10,958, and counting.
More hiking in the moonlight
Hiking by the light of the moon will be a popular activity this weekend.
I wrote earlier this week about the moonlight hike on Friday, organized by the Washington/Ozaukee County Ice Age Trail group. That prompted a note from the Waukesha/Milwaukee chapter letting me know about their trek at Lapham Peak on Saturday.
Hank Aaron State Trail extends its run
State officials have set Oct. 15 as the finish date for a gravel extension of the Hank Aaron State Trail, giving trail users something extra to celebrate at the annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday.
Money raised at the charity event will be used by the Friends of the Hank Aaron State Trail to refurbish and install a historic streetcar shelter at the new western trailhead in Underwood Parkway, just south of Blue Mound Road.
More tips for safe cycling in traffic
Responding to this post on safe cycling, a reader wrote and reminded me that its best to wear reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to motorists.
That definitely should have made the list.
New running store promotes the bare minimum
As a reformed orthotics-maker, Kyle Roberts pitches a strong argument for the benefits of the minimalist running shoes he sells at his new store in Wauwatosa.
It was ego, though, that persuaded me to pull out a credit card and add a pair of lightweight, low-heel Inov-8 flats to my shoe collection.
MS riders deal with epidemic of flat tires
Although weather and road conditions are beyond her control, the woman in charge of the MS: Toyota Best Dam Bike Ride stepped up and apologized this week for the epidemic of flats encountered on the weekend ride.
Jorgensen takes her first ITU World Cup victory
Gwen Jorgensen is making her mid-summer trip to Europe a victory lap around the continent.
A week after securing a berth in the 2012 Olympics, the Waukesha native won the Tiszaujvaros ITU Triathlon World Cup, in Hungary. The 25-year-old snatched her first career ITU victory by chasing down two-dozen competitors on the 10K run.
Friends plan memorials, seek law on cellphone use to honor Kenosha cyclist
Devin Kunich was many things - jokester, romantic and a future police officer.
Police share details in fatal crash in Fond du Lac
A 62-year-old man died over the weekend after a cycling crash on a busy street in Fond du Lac.
The cyclist, Daniel Cady, crossed into the path of a Lincoln LS traveling eastbound on W. Johson St., according to Police Capt. Steve Klein. Cady was traveling southbound, from the entry to the Forest Mall toward the Forest Plaza and the McDonald's Restaurant.
Busche to make Grand Tour debut in Vuelta Espana
Matthew Busche will make his debut in cycling's Grand Tours when he takes the start line for Team RadioShack in the Vuelta a Espana on Saturday.
It marks another step in his ascendancy to the top ranks of pro cycling.
DOT staff, area reps host meeting on Hoan Bridge bike lane
Prospects for a bike and pedestrian lane on the Hoan Bridge have shifted from no to maybe, and residents have been invited to share their views at a neighborhood meeting in Bay View on Aug. 23.
The session will start at 5 p.m. in the Beulah Brinton Community Center, 2555 S. Bay St.
Jorgensen grabs win and SI.com attention
Sports Illustrated calls Gwen Jorgensen a medal contender in the 2012 Olympics and the top triathlon handicappers cite her foot speed as an asset that could propel the U.S. to victory this weekend in the 2011 Team Triathlon World Championship.
The races in Lausanne Switzerland will be the finish line for Jorgensen's European vacation, a racing diversion from her part-time duties as a tax accountant at Ernst & Young in Milwaukee.
Life Time Fitness buys Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival
The Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival has been sold.
Operated for 29 years under race director Gary Crandall, the country's largest off-road bike races have become the property of Life Time Fitness, the Minnesota-based company that operates 200 events and 90 health clubs around the country.
Madison athletes lead pursuit of USA Triathlon titles
As a defending national champion, Michael Meteyer might expect some preferential treatment from his fellow Madison-area triathletes.
Not at all.
Jorgensen, Team USA 5th in Team Triathlon World Championships
Waukesha native Gwen Jorgensen wrapped up her European tour over the weekend by racing to top-10 finishes in the individual and team contests as part of the ITU world championships in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Jorgensen earned a trip to the Olympics earlier in the month and took her first ITU World Cup victory in Hungary on Aug. 12.
Wausau runner finishes third in Leadville 100 Trail Run
Andrea Metz, an ultra runner from Wausau, raced onto the podium Sunday in one of the sport's signature events, the Leadville 100 Trail Run.
Metz covered the high-altitude run in 21 hours, 13 minutes. She finished in third place, an hour and 14 minutes behind the race winner and Leadville native, Lynette Clemons.
Injury forces Solinsky out of IAAF World Championships
A recurring hamstring problem forced Chris Solinsky to withdraw from the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, Korea, where he planned to race the 5,000 meters.
An All-American at the University of Wisconsin, Solinksy set the American record in the 10,000 meters in May 2010, and raised his profile among the athletes with Olympic potential. His 2011 season, however, has been a disappointing struggle with the hamstring problem.
DOT ready to listen on Hoan Bridge bike, pedestrian options
Engineers planning the reconstruction of the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge will listen to ideas for the addition of a bike and pedestrian lane during a town hall meeting in Bay View on Tuesday night.
Nearly a decade after rejecting a bike-lane proposal, the planners will take another look at how access for nonmotorized traffic could be accommodated during the reconstruction set to begin in 2013. The DOT will make its decision - yes or no on the nonmotorized addition to the Hoan - by late fall, according to Brian Roper, design supervisor for the I-794/Hoan Bridge project.
DOT plans to build bike / pedestrian bridge along I-94 in Dunn County
Scores of cyclists are expected to turn out tonight in Bay View to make their pitch for a bicycle and pedestrian pathway on the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge, something similar to what the Wisconsin Department of Transportation plans to do on the Interstate 94 bridge over the Red Cedar River in Dunn County.
The story in the Dunn County News details the proposal to build a separate, stand-alone bridge adjacent to the two bridges that carry eastbound and westbound traffic on the interstate.
Cancer survivors, Jensen triumph in Danskin Triathlon (updated with photos)
Thirteen cancer survivors lived up to their Team Phoenix name on Sunday and created a loud and proud scene at the finish line of the Danskin Triathlon in Pleasant Prairie.
Judy Tjoe, a cancer surgeon with Aurora Health Care, soaked in the emotions of the women she recruited to help their physical and emotional recoveries.
Advocates for bike/pedestrian lane on the Hoan show momentum in Bay View
With enthusiasm pent up over a decade, hundreds of cycling advocates argued passionately Tuesday night for a bike and pedestrian lane to be added to the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge.
Roughly 250 residents turned out for the fast-paced town hall meeting in Bay View, and the overwhelming majority made their case that the time had come to provide access to non-motorized traffic on the two-mile span that connects downtown Milwaukee and the lakeshore neighborhoods to the south.
Fit Milwaukee hosts trail running 101 clinic
Seeing a notice for a trail-running clinic organized by the Fit Milwaukee crew reminded me of a comment from Aaron Nodolf, after he had splashed his way to victory in the first Bear Trax 20K at Lapham Peak:
“It really embodied the purity of running, what it’s all about, going out there and having fun.”
Busche makes his mark in Vuelta Espana
Wauwatosa native Matthew Busche has made a solid impression in the Vuelta Espana, his virgin outing in cycling's Grant Tours.
Riding for Team RadioShack, Busche road into the main breakaway in stage four of the 2,000-mile race through the Spanish countryside.
Gov. Walker willing to listen on Hoan Bridge bike lane
Barring a strong push from the Legislature, the decision on whether to add a bike and pedestrian lane on the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge ultimately rests with Gov. Scott Walker, via his authority over the Department of Transportation and its top directors.
For decades, Walker has been solidly against the idea, as a state legislator, Milwaukee County executive and gubernatorial candidate.
Keep your toes together soldier: Army bans Vibram FiveFingers
A posting this month in the Wisconsin National Guard newsletter reminds soldiers that the Vibram FiveFingers shoes have been banned from the Army's official physical fitness uniform.
Meg Jones, the Journal Sentinel's war correspondent, shared the story after reading about my recent experiment with minimalist shoes.
Motorist headed to trial in cyclist's death
A Kenosha County judge ordered Quashae Taylor to be tried on the felony charge of negligence in the death of a cyclist she hit while driving on Aug. 7.
The 18-year-old pleaded not guilty, after the preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Cubs owner leads charity bike tour from Wrigley Field to Miller Park
Far different from the stereotype of obnoxious Cubs fans, a horde of Chicagoans led by team owner Todd Ricketts will roll into Milwaukee on Saturday as global do-gooders.
Combining bikes and baseball, the group of 650 will pedal 100 miles from Wrigley Field to Miller Park and raise roughly $300,000 for World Bicycle Relief, a charity that distributes heavy-duty bicycles in sub-Saharan Africa.
Runners' fall calender expands: ZOOMA half and Share the Harvest 20K
Runners, be sure to check out a few new runs coming to the area in the fall.
La Crosse hosts Labor Day weekend bike festival
Organizers of the first La Crosse Area Labor Day Weekend Bicycle Festival plan to show off the scenic spectacle of the Coulee Region through a collection of guided group rides Friday through Monday.
As detailed in the La Crosse Tribune, the four-day event will include regional tours of 28 to 85 miles, a 56-mile race on paved and gravel roads, a mountain bike time trial as well as local architecture tours, and rides to get coffee and ice cream.
Wausau becomes canoe destination for the world
The canoe and kayak slalom course on the east channel of the Wisconsin River in Wausau has been described as one of the best in the country.
Next summer, it will test the best paddlers in the world.
Cyclists surpass 1 million miles in Wisconsin Bike Challenge
Bicyclists participating in the Scott Get Up & Ride Bike Challenge have surpassed 1 million miles traveled, according to the tally from the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
That puts the total over the goal, with the full month of September left to ride.
Cyclist discovers the Heart of Vilas County
I had seen the paved bike trail winding along Highway M plenty of times during my summer in Boulder Junction, but didn’t give it another thought until August. Was it really likely to be much fun on my perilously outdated mountain bike?
Scenes from the Eisenbahn Marathon
In it's second year, the Eisenbahn Marathon and Half Marathon drew about 420 to run on the trail from Eden to West Bend.
Bill Flaws, of Running in the USA, turned his camera on the action, motivated in part by his wife. Mary Flaws continued to impress on the local scene by winning the marathon in 3:19:40. Full results are available here.
Bike Fed offers valet parking for Badgers football opener
Badgers football fans will enjoy the luxury of free, valet parking at the season opener Thursday night, if they arrive by bicycle.
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin set up the valet station in lot 114 on Engineering Dr., just north of Camp Randall Stadium. Racks donated by Saris Cycling Group will accommodate 200 bikes for fans looking to avoid traffic congestion.