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BUILD UP BEGINS FOR MILWAUKEE'S LAKEFRONT MARATHON
Wisconsin In an effort to help runners achieve their marathon goals, the
Badgerland Striders and Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon is hosting a series of buildup runs that began on Saturday, July 5. Anyone thinking about running Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon or have already
registered, now is the ideal time to ramp up training for this year's 26.2 mile event scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2003.
"These buildups are modeled after several proven training programs
designed to gradually increase a person's endurance and speed so they can successfully complete a marathon and achieve their goals," says Kristine Hinrichs, race director for Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon.
"By participating in some (or all) of our buildup runs, participants can have fun training with other runners, as well as learn from the experienced marathoners. The goal is to build skills, abilities and
confidence that can help runners succeed."
Interested runners just need to show up at Milwaukee's Lake Park Pavilion at 8 a.m. on Saturday mornings through Saturday, Sept. 27.
The runs will gradually build in distance each Saturday from seven miles on July 5, to a long distance of 21 miles on Sunday, Sept. 21 (Sunday due to Al's Run on Saturday). The distance tapers after September 21,
leading up to the Marathon on October 5. Water and refreshments are available to runners after each buildup run to quench thirsts and replenish some of the lost fluids from the activity.
Fast or slow, there are enough participants that everyone finds someone they can run with. Membership in Badgerland Striders or participation in
the marathon is not a requirement to participate. Additionally, runners can show up to as few (or as many) of these buildup runs as they would like.
According to Lowell Mutchelknaus, an experienced marathoner from Brookfield, Wis., "Whether you are running the full marathon or participating on a relay team, these buildup runs are a terrific way to
meet other runners and train for what many consider to be one of life's greater accomplishments, running 26.2 miles to complete a marathon. Heck, if I can do it, anyone can, and these buildups will help."
More than 2,000 runners from all over the United States will participate in the 23rd running of Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon, which begins at
8 a.m. in Grafton, Wis., and winds 26.2 miles along a scenic lakefront route to finish in Veteran's Park next to the beautiful Milwaukee Art Museum. Prize money will be awarded to top finishers. There also is a
unique five person relay opportunity for those runners who want to team up to complete the marathon distance.
People interested in registering for the marathon are encouraged to pick
up an entry from at any one of the sponsors: Custom Cuts, Great Harvest, Alterra Coffee, Rodiez Running, Milwaukee Ale House, area YMCAs, Courtyard by Marriott Milwaukee Downtown, and the
Greater Milwaukee Convention Visitors Bureau.
"We enjoy supporting the Lakefront Marathon because the event promotes a healthy lifestyle," said John McCabbe, manager of
Milwaukee's Ale House. "Working the day of the event itself is a blast. The event organizers are really good to work with and help us get the appropriate recognition for our support."
"We hope the increased availability of entry forms through area sponsors and businesses will boost participation and support. We've found that once a runner completes their entry form they are more committed to
complete the event so we encourage runners to enter early and offer price breaks as an incentive," says Hinrichs. "Additionally, many popular
marathon training programs are 16 weeks long, so the earlier a runner enters, the more time they have to prepare."
The Badgerland Striders will distribute entry forms to its members, and
forms are also being sent to many area running clubs, health clubs and several corporate fitness centers. Hinrichs says that if any group or organization wants extra entry forms, all they have to do is e mail their
request to lfm@execpc.com or call the Lakefront Hot Line 414/291
2647. Runners may also enter online at www.badgerlandstrider.org/lakefront.
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CHEQUAMEGON NICOLET NAT'L FOREST PLAN COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED TO AUG. 11
Wisconsin The comment period for the revision of the Forest Plan that will govern the management of the Chequamegon Nicolet National
Forest for the next 10 to 15 years has been extended to August 11. The CNNF is the largest single public landmass in Wisconsin and comprises an area of approximately 1.3 million acres in northwest and northeast
Wisconsin. Several public open house meetings have been held throughout the state and this final round of public comment is the last phase of the revision process before a decision memo is issued.
Key topics of potential interest to Silent Sports ' readers include:
Expanded opportunities for nonmotorized recreation.
Expanded ATV trails.
Proposed additions to existing wilderness areas and timber harvest projections.
It is important that the silent sport community speak up and voice their
opinions about these issues. The motorized sport proponents are particularly well organized and vocal. While the preferred alternative (5) does provide for additional ATV trails and connectors, it is highly
restrictive of all other ATV use on the forest, including eliminating cross country use and use of all forest roads and trails unless they are specifically posted as open. The Forest Service is quite responsive to
public comment and it is possible that they may modify their stance regarding ATV use based on input received from ATV clubs, manufacturers, the Tavern League and other lobby organizations.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement and management plan is available for review at Forest Service offices in Eagle River, Florence, Glidden, Hayward, Lakewood, Laona, Medford, Park Falls,
Rhinelander and Washburn, as well as University of Wisconsin and other college libraries and many public libraries.
Written comments may be submitted to: Chequamegon Nicolet National
Forest Plan Revision DEIS, P.O. Box 221090, Salt Lake City, UT 84122 1090; or by fax 801/517 1014; e mail: chequamegonnicolet@fs.fed.us
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CENTRAL CROSS COUNTRY SKIING ANNOUNCES THE CENTRAL REGIONAL ELITE GROUP FOR 2003
The board of directors of Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC) congratulates the following skiers for their qualification and selection to the CXC Regional Elite Group. In order to qualify for this honor, these
21 athletes raced at the very highest levels during this past season at the U.S. National Championships in Rumford, Maine, the Junior Olympics in Fairbanks, Alaska, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association
Championships at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire. They scored many gold medals and podium finishes. They are among the very best cross country skiers in this country.
Anna Coulter, Traverse City, Mich.
Julia Coulter, Traverse City, Mich.
Benjamin Cline, Madison, Wis., Madison Nordic Ski Club, Northern Michigan University
Chris Cook, Rhinelander, Wis., US Ski Team Development Group, Northern Michigan University
Bryan Cook, Rhinelander, Wis., Northern Michigan University
Courtney Dauwalter, Edina, Minn., White Noise Ski Club, Hopkins High School
Donovan Dums, Hayward, Wis., Middlebury College
Cassidy Edwards, Glen Arbor, Mich.
Chad Giese, St. Paul, Minn., SISU Skiers
Garrett Heath, Winona, Minn., Winona High School
Abigail Larson, Minneapolis, Minn.
Andy Liebner, Marquette, Mich., Superiorland Ski Club
Nicole Olson Elk River, Minn. White Noise Ski Club
Melissa Oram, U.S. Ski Team Development Group
Hillary Patzer, Northern Michigan University
Steve Scott, St Paul, Minn.
Aubrey Smith , Marquette, Mich., Superiorland Ski Club
Maria Stuber, Waukesha, Wis., Northern Michigan University
Lindsey Weier, Mahtomedi, Minn., U.S. Ski Team Development Group, Northern Michigan University, Minneapolis Ski Club
Lindsay Williams, Hastings, Minn., Northern Michigan University, Minneapolis Ski Club
Corey Wubbles, Marquette, Mich., Superiorland Ski Club
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AUTHOR SAYS NEW RESEARCH PROVES HIS CASE THAT MAY CHANGE HOW WE EXERCISE FOREVER
A new research study published by the National Institutes of Health pulls together a body of previous studies and makes the case that middle age and older adults should be doing anaerobic exercise high intensity wind
sprints rather than cardio says author Phil Campbell, M.S., M.A.
"Anaerobic sprinting types of exercise whether it's running, cycling, swimming, cross country skiing is shown by medical researchers to
make the body produce significant amounts anti aging growth hormone," says Campbell, author of a fitness book for middle age adults, now in its second edition (Ready, Set, GO! Synergy Fitness , Pristine Publishers,
368 pages, $19.95).
It's widely reported that several well known entertainers take growth hormone (GH) injections for its body fat cutting, muscle toning, youth
rejuvenating properties, but Campbell cautions that there can be serious side effects from GH injections. At age 50, Campbell prefers getting the benefits of GH by running sprints and other types of high intensity
exercise.
"Growth hormone injections are given to children with clinical stature growth problems to help them grow normally," explains Campbell.
"However, GH does not make adults grow taller."
For middle age adults, GH can reverse several measurable clinical factors of the middle age bulge, now named "the somatopause" by
researchers. The middle age somatopause is signified by energy decline, weight gain (around the middle and hips), loss of muscle, and wrinkled skin after the age of 30.
"Anaerobic exercise should be a part of every fitness routine," says Campbell. However, he cautions that physician clearance and a
progressive build up of the high intensity exercise is necessary to prevent injury.
Researchers report; "Aging is often associated with a progressive
decrease in the volume and, especially, the intensity of exercise. A growing body of evidence suggests that higher intensity exercise is effective in eliciting beneficial health, well being and training outcomes. In
a great many cases, the impact of some of the deleterious effects of ageing could be reduced if exercise focused on promoting exercise produced growth hormone," ("The exercise induced growth hormone
response in athletes," Godfrey, Sports Med. 2003; 33(8):599 613.2003)
Campbell cites 160 biomedical research studies in his book to make the
case middle age and older adults should be performing shorter, but more intense forms of exercise.
"The welcome message of Campbell's book is that you can multiply your
body's supply of HGH safely and naturally," says Art Carey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"I was amazed at the results I achieved in body flexibility, strength and
endurance," says Dr. Keith Williams, OBGYN. "Most of all, I was able to accomplish this with a very reasonable time investment. This fitness
plan is practical, scientifically based and meets my goals for good health now and into the future."
A link to the National Institute of Health Research studay is at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve
Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness is available online and at bookstores. The Web site is www.readysetgofitness.com/
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON WINS 2003 ASCE/MBT NATIONAL CONCRETE CANOE COMPETITION
The University of Wisconsin Madison overcame torrential rains, a change in race venue and challenging new rules to capture its first national title at the 16th annual ASCE/MBT National Concrete Canoe
Competition. The team's canoe, the Chequamegon, surpassed entries from 23 other universities and colleges in design, construction and overall performance. The three day competition, hosted by Drexel
University in Philadelphia, proved to be the most dramatic in the event's history when the original race site on the Schuylkill River was flooded due to intense rainfall during the first two days of the event.
Just 24 hours before the start of race day, the fast currents and high water on the Schuylkill River destroyed the docks and flooded the spectator areas at the original race site in Fairmount Park. The City of
Brotherly Love and local park and planning officials salvaged the races, worth 30 percent of each team's overall score, when it granted use of the lake at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Park as the new race venue.
Ironically, in the language of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, Chequamegon means "place of shallow water." The 145 pound, 22 foot Chequamegon proved that through good engineering, concrete can
indeed float. For their ingenuity, the team earned $5,000 in scholarship money awarded by Master Builders Inc., sponsor of the competition since it began in 1988.
"It is incredible to see how the students continue to challenge themselves by elevating the quality of their design and engineering technique," said
ASCE President Thomas L. Jackson, P.E., F.ASCE. "The best engineers not only make the impossible a reality, they work toward perfecting it."
With the slalom/endurance and sprint races accounting for only 30 percent of the total score, the remaining 70 percent is based on a design paper (30 percent), a business presentation (25 percent), and the end
product or final racing canoe (15 percent). In addition, the canoes must pass a flotation test in which the students must prove that their canoes do indeed float.
"These civil engineering students are gaining problem solving and project management skills by demonstrating that concrete is a remarkable and
versatile building material as they develop innovative concrete mixes that have numerous applications in the building industry," said Master Builders president and CEO Mike Shydlowski.
For more information on the competition please visit the Master Builders Inc. Web site at www.masterbuilders.com.
Founded in 1852, ASCE represents more than 130,000 civil engineers
worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. ASCE celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2002.
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NEW TRAIL ASSOCIATION FORMED ON MINNESOTA'S NORTH SHORE
Minnesota The Sugarbush Trail Association (STA) was formed this spring as a nonprofit corporation to manage, maintain and improve the
non motorized trails of the Sugarbush Trail system near Tofte, Minn. Tofte is located in Cook County in the tip of the Arrowhead area of Minnesota, home to moose, deer, bear, wolves and challenging terrain.
Local silent sport enthusiasts spearheaded the movement so that a better trail system can be achieved and to implement visions for the future. Cross country skiing, mountain biking, hiking and snowshoeing are
typical activities for the trail system.
"I have been enjoying the XC trails for many years," says STA board member Joe Stasney of Schroeder, "and I want to give something back
to the system and make them even more enjoyable to others for years to come."
The Sugarbush Trail System is well known to many local cross country
skiers, as well as skiers throughout Minnesota, as a premier place to ski. The 65 plus kilometers of groomed trails offer something for everyone,
from level and rolling beginner trails to the screaming downhills and turns of the expert trails. The Onion River Road portion of the trail network is
groomed earliest in the season with the first snowfall and remains open the longest into early spring.
"When you mention the Picnic Loop, Homestead Loop or Hogback,
many cross country skiers will know what you are talking about," says Greg Fangel, Sugarbush Trail Association and Minnesota Nordic Ski Association board member. "The Picnic Loop is well known in the
Minnesota cross country skiing community as a long, hard challenging trail for many skiers."
The North Shore Mountain Challenge, a cross country ski race/tour, will
be held on Saturday, February 14, 2004 on the Sugarbush trail system. The events include a 25K classic and skate race and a 10K classic only race/tour with a wooden ski option. The trails wind through the rugged
Sawtooth Mountains through a mixture of deciduous and conifer forest land. This race promises to test skiers' endurance, technique and strength in preparation for the American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon, held
the following weekend. The Lutsen/Tofte Tourism Association recently delegated the running of the North Shore Mountain Challenge to the Sugarbush Trail Association.
"Trail improvement goals include trail brushing, grading, re alignments, additions, improved signage and gates," says Jeff Lynch, trail supervisor
and board member of STA . "We are in the process of procuring bids on completely new signage for the whole trail system."
Visions for the future include a possible trailhead building, snowmaking,
and holding regional, national and international ski and mountain bike competitions. Mountain biking goals include the development of a single track system independent of the ski trails.
"Creating a single track trail will be a big job and take a while," said Lynch. "After we get our plans together, we will submit them to the U.S.
Forest Service and then there will have to be an Environmental Impact Survey done on the proposed new trail. We will need to have funding plans in place before submitting to the Forest Service."
More information on the Sugarbush Trail Association is located at www.sugarbushtrail.org
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PEDRO'S FEST BUZZARD BUSTER BUZZ
Wisconsin In the grassy meadow of Bruce Mound, Wis., tents and trailers cover the campgrounds. Colorful clothing is everywhere. Music echoes through the hills and fields. People smile all the time. If not for the
hi tech, two wheeled machines everyone rides, you'd swear you had stepped into a time machine and are at a Grateful Dead concert. The Annual Pedro's Midwest Buzzard Buster Mountain Bike Festival,
August 1 3 this year, has that kind of tribal feel.
Formerly known as Pedro's Fest, named for Pedro, the Tufts College roommate of one of the company's founders and developer of Pedro's
SynLube, Bruce Fina, is a three day gathering of mountain bike enthusiasts ready to have a ball. It's older festival brother in western Massachusetts has been around for a little longer (eight years), but last
year's Midwest Fest grew in attendance to over 1,000 riders, their families and event volunteers.
At Hatfield, in the Indian Head Country of Wisconsin, Pedro's Fest
Buzzard Buster brings the community of mountain bike riders together to sample some of the finest trails in the Midwest. Maintained by the Neillsvile Area Trail Association (NASTI.), the trails take you along
bluffs and sandstone mounds for hundreds of miles. Whether riding by yourself or with one of the volunteer or celebrity guides, a better mountain biking experience is hard to imagine.
When you aren't riding one of the beginner, intermediate or expert trail rides on Bruce Mound and Levis Trow Mound, you can wander the exhibitors' booths and determine your cardio fitness at the Polar Fitness
Monitor booth or demo a bike from the folks at Gary Fisher or Trek. When you aren't competing in the log pull or racing in the mud bog, you can ride the unique all wheel drive bicycle from Christiani or sample
fixed gear fun from the guys at the Surley booth. Pat at Langreck Custom Frames can explain the intricacies of micro filets and lugged fittings as he describes your perfectly fit bicycle frame. Or gather round
the Timex tent and win prizes that range from watches to water bottles.
Families and kids will enjoy the 200 foot downhill Slip and Slide. Last
year, we all held our breath as Lance Trappe, the Volvo Cannondale pro, took his bike on and off one precarious perch to the next during a special Trials Demonstration.
At the end of the day, you can kick back and throw your brats on one of the many community grills or buy some juicy hot dogs or burgers for sale next to the strategically located Pioneer Brewing Beer Garden.
Despite its name, the Chocolate Oatmeal Stout is pretty good. Last year's bands provided reggae music from Natty Nation on Friday night, and rock with a point of view from the Lovelies and Box O Car on
Saturday night to make the day complete almost.
For those with real stamina, night rides depart the campgrounds at 9 p.m. Cyclists' headlamps magically reappear out of the dark until
midnight. For the more relaxed, the Let's Make A Wheel game show has participants competing on stage, answering or just guessing general knowledge and cycling questions. After lots of good natured kidding,
you can manage to walk away with plenty of prizes, known as swag by the cycling community.
Other non sanctioned events, like Cocktails with Carl and the Naked
Mountain Bike Criteria Criterium, are available for participants if so inclined. The Naked Crit is not for the faint of heart and really not that pretty.
Campers should arrive early and try to find a site in the shade. Portable showers make Pedro's Fest Buzzard Buster participants a happier and better smelling group of souls, and town is not too far away.
Expendables like ice and beverages can be replenished daily. It's plenty hot so nearby Lake Arbuttus Beach is a favorite cycling destination. Bring lots of sunscreen and insect repellent. After the sun goes down,
Festival participants are the main entreé on the mosquito menu.
Don't laugh, but I brought a portable fan with me last year. After the amusement died down, it turned out I had plenty of new friends ready to
stand next to the whirring blades and just chat for a bit. Summer in Wisconsin is hot.
For the rare road biker who attends, maps are available to guide you
along beautiful Wisconsin state and county roads. Flatlanders like myself need to remember that Wisconsin road miles, with hill after hill after
endless hill, are different from regular miles. Bring extra water and be prepared to cut back your route to accommodate aching knees.
For those looking to test themselves against the clock, the Buzzard
Buster has added a 25 mile Marathon style mountain bike race to Sunday's agenda and is part of the famous Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS). Festival promoters claim this loop will be the most scenic
mountain bike race in the Midwest. There will also be a 15 mile option for beginner racers.
For mountain bikers of all persuasions and levels of expertise, Pedro's
Fest Buzzard Buster Midwest Festival is a great time. Information about the 2003 festival can be found at www.pedrosfest.com, www.teamsportsevents.com/buzzardbuster, phone TS Events Inc. in
Milwaukee, 414/651 2447 or e mail kpeccles@aol.com. Happy cycling!
Jerry Ryan
Cycling Columnist, Windy City Sports
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MINN., WIS. DNR STUDYING BOATING ON THE MISSISSIPPI
This spring and summer the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources will conduct a recreational boating study on the Mississippi River. The study area will include Pool 4 through Pool 9,
which is about from Red Wing, Minn., to Lansing, Iowa.
The Minnesota DNR is conducting the survey on the west side of the study area and the Wisconsin DNR is doing the east side. Both agencies
are using the same methodology.
The study is being funded by the Minnesota DNR's water access, boat and water safety program and the Wisconsin DNR's boating safety program.
The study will involve field data collection of boating traffic at all boating sources in the study area: marinas, public boat launches, campgrounds,
resorts, and riparian residences. In addition to boating traffic information collection, all boating sources will be surveyed about their activities on
the river, the type of boating equipment they use, problems they encountered on the river, boating safety concerns on the river, and opinions about future management of the river. The boater interviews
will target concerns about boating opportunities, boating safety and exotic species awareness and control.
Among the study's goals is the monitoring of boating opportunities and
boating conditions to ensure they remain acceptable to the state's boaters. Both states' DNRs have hired summer employees to carry out the lion's share of the data collection.
The data from the study will be compiled this winter and the results will be released in the spring of 2004.
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PADDLERS ASKED TO AID IN PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE CONTROL
Wisconsin Last year Wisconsin Wetlands Association, a Madison based nonprofit organization, surveyed 13 counties for one species, purple loosestrife. Volunteers found more than 600 infested areas that
are now posted at www.glifwc maps.org.
This year, thanks to continued funding from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and the American Transmission Co. and new
funding from the Great Lakes Protection Fund, We Energies Foundation, and Dairyland Power Cooperative, the program is growing.
More counties: WWA is offering training sessions in the coastal
counties, plus a couple dozen noncoastal counties. WWA will make a scripted training presentation available to local groups who want to train their members as a Power Point presentation or a slide show.
Since purple loosestrife is common along waterways, WWA is partnering with paddlers, anglers and outfitters to map the distribution of purple loosestrife, since these people know the rivers the best. Several
canoe and kayak outfitters are making it easier for volunteers to participate by offering special discounts on boat rentals for survey volunteers.
Another species: Phragmites australis, also called common reed grass, is a very tall grass that grows in wetlands. There are many strains of Phragmites, and several of them have come from Europe, leaving just
one native North American strain. The nonnative strains are highly invasive, but it is still possible that even the native strain is invasive under certain conditions. WWA is adding giant reed grass to the survey in
coastal counties.
For more information, contact Derek Strohl, WWA, 608/250 9971; Derek@wiscwetlands.org.
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GUNFLINT FIRE & RESCUE RECEIVES WENONAH CANOE DONATION
Minnesota Wenonah Canoe, well respected as the boat of choice among paddlers who enjoy Minnesota's renowned Boundary Waters
Canoe Area Wilderness, has donated a Spirit II, the all purpose use flagship of the 20 plus Wenonah fleet, as the grand prize in the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department's annual canoe race event.
The race will be held on July 16 in Grand Marais, Minnesota. The Wenonah Spirit II will be on display at Gunflint Lodge during the month
prior to the race. The event is sponsored by the Gunflint Lake Property Owners Association.
Wenonah Canoe was founded in 1968 by Mike Cichanowski. The
company has grown to become the world's largest producer of the finest canoes available with over two dozen models in various lightweight materials and construction methods. Together with its kayak brand,
Current Designs, located in Victoria, B.C., the company produces over 12,000 boats per year. Wenonah Canoe is the world's largest manufacturer of Kevlar canoes and composite kayaks. These boats are
represented throughout North America by over 400 specialty dealers. Wenonah Canoe and Current Designs are also represented by about 50 dealers throughout Europe.
For more information on the complete line of quality designed, constructed and performance canoes or kayaks by Wenonah Canoe, please refer to our Web site at www.wenonah.com, or contact us at
P.O. Box 247, Winona, MN 55987; 507/454 5430, fax 507/454 5448.
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COASTAL BEACH CONDITIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Wisconsin Swimmers planning to visit Wisconsin's coastal beaches can help ensure their fun and safety by going online before they enter the water. Results of water quality testing at Wisconsin's Great Lakes
beaches will be posted daily on a single unified beach health Web site at http://infotrek.er.usgs.gov/pls/beachhealth/
.
The daily postings are part of a new state beach health program scheduled to begin this weekend and developed by a team of state and local health and environmental officials to meet federal requirements for
coastal beaches under the federal Beach Act of 2000. The program establishes the first uniform, comprehensive system for monitoring water quality and advising the public when there's an increased risk of illness
for swimmers.
Signs posted at coastal beaches will be the main way to advise people of water quality conditions, but the Web site is another important
communication tool, says Ben Vail, who is coordinating the project for the Department of Natural Resources.
"We're offering the Web site partly in response to what I heard from the
beach goers I surveyed last summer at coastal beaches," Vail says. "A lot of people said they'd like a Web site they could go to before they left
home, or if they were from out of state, before they left for Wisconsin."
The beach health Web site expands an existing site that previously
reported water quality for Kenosha, Milwaukee and Racine beaches, and had been maintained in part under a DNR grant.
Although the beach health program has been designed to fit beaches
statewide, federal funding to implement the program is now available only to Wisconsin's coastal beaches.
Beach monitoring isn't mandatory under Wisconsin law and hasn't been
regular at some beaches, nor consistent among localities. Local health departments are responsible for beaches within their boundaries while DNR and the tribes are responsible for swimming areas under their
jurisdiction.
Under the new Wisconsin program, 25 high priority coastal beaches will be tested a minimum of five times a week, 38 medium priority beaches
at least twice weekly, and the remaining low priority beaches once a week or as determined on a case by case basis.
Swimming areas at state parks will be tested at least once a week, with
those located on the Great Lakes that are designated as high or medium priority tested more often. Heavy rainfall, sewage leaks, spills and beaches with elevated bacteria counts would warrant more frequent sampling.
"We're going to be looking more this year than we ever have," says Toni Glymph, the DNR environmental toxicologist who led the team that
developed the beach health program. "If it's there, we're going to find it. But we're not going to know if high levels exist more frequently than in
the past because many communities weren't monitoring regularly in the past."
The new program will help the state learn whether elevated contaminant
levels are truly a problem, and, if they are, help tease out the factors contributing to the contamination, Glymph says.
"We're really looking at this year as a learning year both for how this
new program works and any tweaking we may need to do in the future, as well as for helping us gain a better understanding of possible contamination trends," she says.
The lack of historical, statewide records makes it difficult to judge if beach water quality is worsening and if so, why? Daily bacterial loads from municipal and industrial waste water sources, once a big
contamination source, have been drastically cut since the 1980s and the number of sewerage overflows has been significantly slashed every year.
Whether or not sewage overflows are still a problem, or whether it's storm water, illegal discharges from boats, pet waste, waterfowl wastes, or a combination of those or other factors, remains to be seen and
probably differs by location, Glymph says.
People who swim at beaches that aren't regularly monitored can take the following steps to continue to enjoy swimming while reducing their risk
of illness from contaminated beach water.
Avoid swimming after a heavy rain.
Don't swim near storm drains if there are any along or near the beach.
Storm drains are pipes that carry rain and snowmelt from streets.
Look for trash and other signs of pollution such as oil slicks on the water. They may indicate the presence of disease causing
microorganisms that may also have washed into the water.
Wash your hands after swimming and before eating.
Where beach showers are available, use them after swimming.
Don't drink any raw water.
If you think your beach water is contaminated, contact your local health or environmental protection officials so they know about the contamination and can protect other swimmers from it.
Work with your local authorities to create a monitoring program.
Read more about beach health, research and Wisconsin's new testing and notification program in the June 2003 issue of Natural Resources
Magazine , available soon at local newsstands or online at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us and click on "Natural Resources Magazine."
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EVANSTON BICYCLE CLUB HOSTS 19TH ANNUAL NORTH SHORE CENTURY
Illinois Cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the North Shore Century ride when the Evanston Bicycle
Club sponsors this event for the 19th time on Sunday, September 21.
Participants can choose among five different routes of 8, 25, 50, 62 or 100 miles that roll through near countryside and some of the most
beautiful residential neighborhoods on Chicago's North Shore. All routes begin at Evanston's Dawes Park on the lakefront at the foot of Church Street. Riders on the 25, 50, 62 and 100 mile routes may depart
anytime from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and all routes close at 6 p.m.
The 8 mile family route is designed to attract families with young riders and introduce them to both the North Shore Century and the fun of
cycling around Evanston. This 2 year old route is a cruise north along the lake front, then east to the Skokie Sculpture Park and then back to the
lake front. It highlights Evanston's quiet neighborhoods, offering smooth paths and reduced car traffic.
Advance registration is $15 until August 23 and $20 from August 24 to
September 13. Riders may also register the day of the event at Dawes Park or online at www.evanstonbikeclub.org/nsc/indes.html. All
riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets during the event.
Last year, even with inclement weather, the North Shore Century attracted over 1,100 riders. Many riders return year after year, lured by
the enjoyable route plus the fabulous homemade treats, drinks and music at the rest stops. Bike mechanics at the start and finish line in Dawes Park will provide pre ride safety checks, and road monitors (on bikes)
will sweep the routes all day to assist bicyclists in need of support. Sag wagons are available in case of emergencies.
A large portion of the funds raised by the event have traditionally been
donated to such organizations as the League of Illinois Bicyclists, the Chicagoland Biking Federation, YOU (a youth services agency in Evanston), local police departments and other agencies that promote
safe, fun bicycling.
Registration forms may be downloaded from the club's Web site at www.evanstonbikeclub.org/nsc/index.html. Forms will also be available
at many bicycle shops and dealerships throughout Chicagoland. Each rider must submit an individual registration. For more information visit the club's Web site or call the EBC hotline at 847/866 7743.
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CHICAGO MARATHON INCREASES PRIZE POOL TO $550,000
Illinois The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has increased its prize purse for the 2003 race to $550,000, while continuing with the highest
first place payout of $100,000 to both the top male and female winner. The event continues to grow both in participation and stature and the purse increase is designed to keep the Chicago event as a leader among
the major marathons.
In 2003, the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will have the highest guaranteed prize purse compared to all major marathons including
London, Boston and New York. The total 2002 prize money payout, including guaranteed money and time bonuses, was $1,154,000 the largest single payout ever for a marathon.
"The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon attracts an outstanding mix of world class athletes and young developing American athletes because of our fast course, competitive field and a prize structure that handsomely
rewards the athletes," said executive race director Carey Pinkowski. "The prize structure we've laid out is extremely attractive and has built in
time bonuses for what the Chicago race has become known for, epic performances and historic times."
Included in the increase is $27,000 earmarked to reward top American
finishers. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has seen quality performances and record breaking times by top Americans.
"Chicago has become a great proving ground for American runners,"
added Pinkowski. "Several American runners have performed exceptionally well in Chicago, including great feats by Christy Johnston, Jerry Lawson, David Mones, Alan Culpepper, Deanna Drossin and, of
course, Khalid Khannouchi."
Another top American who has performed well in Chicago is former Olympian Rod DeHaven. The former Olympian who set his personal
best marathon time in Chicago with a 2:11:40 performance in the 2001 race, will be back for the 2003 race. DeHaven, 36, of Madison, sees the 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon as a tune up for the Olympic
Trials, which take place in Birmingham, Alabama, in February.
"I'm excited to be coming back to the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon as I hope to use my performance there as a springboard to the U.S.
Olympic Trials," said DeHaven. "I'll be eyeing a sub 2:12 time to obtain my Olympic A Qualifying Standard. Chicago has been terrific for me in
the past and I'm looking forward to competing against some of the best marathoners in the world in preparation for my bid to be in the 2004 Olympics."
DeHaven started running track in fourth grade and then went on to become a 16 time Division II All American while attending South Dakota State University and eventually an Olympian. He won the 2000
U.S. Olympic Men's Marathon Trials (2:15:30) and because of qualifying standards was the only American representative at the Sydney Olympic Marathon. In 2000 DeHaven took eighth place (28:48:9) at the
U.S. Olympic Trials 10,000m and for the third time in his career, he captured the national title at the U.S./Half Marathon Championships (01:03:06).
Also, during 2000, Track & Field News named DeHaven the No. 2
marathon runner and No. 7 10,000m runner and Running Times named him the No. 1 road racer in the country. 2001 was a good year for DeHaven, starting out with a fifth place finish (44:38) at the U.S. 15K
Championships and then taking sixth at the Boston Marathon in 2:12:41. Ending the year DeHaven placed sixth with a personal best time of 2:11:40 at the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. He holds the top two
marathon performances by an American for 2001.
A two time USA Road Racing Circuit Champion, Runner's World named him the No. 1 American Road Racer in 1998 and 1999.
DeHaven was the No. 1 ranked American marathon runner for 2001 by Track & Field News . DeHaven works part time as a computer programmer and spends his free time with his wife, Shelli, and their three
children.
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon takes place Sunday, October 12.
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