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SCENIC BIKE RIDE, ITALIAN PICNIC JULY 4 IN TWIN CITIES
Minnesota – The Hiawatha Bicycling Club's (HBC) third Annual Tour
D'Amico is a unique bike tour that features fun, friends, fitness and great Italian food. Riders on this bicycling extravaganza can select one of three southwest Metro routes, starting and ending at Preserve Village
Shopping Center, D'Amico and Sons Café and Prairie Cycle, in Eden Prairie.
Up to 400 bicyclists will discover fun and scenic byways when they choose one of the safely designed routes that HBC has planned. All
loops include food–sampling rest stops at the D'Amico and Sons Cafés in Wayazata and Edina and an Italian Fourth of July picnic back at Preserve Village in Eden Prairie.
For the social rider, there's a 28–mile loop that winds through Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Edina and Bloomington before returning to the starting point. Intermediate riders will venture out through the many celebrations
around scenic Lake Minnetonka on the 45–mile route. The metric–century riders will enjoy some of the best–kept secrets of Metro bike touring routes on the 65–mile circuit.
In running the Tour D'Amico, HBC will use the same safety formula it follows when running the hundreds of rides it offers during the year. For added safety, sag vehicles will patrol the designated routes and Prairie
Cycle will provide mechanical support to ensure that every guest reaches the finish.
After the ride cyclists will be treated to a fabulous Italian buffet, served
alfresco (open air) at Preserve Village Shopping Center in Eden Prairie.
The cost of the ride, including the magnificent Italian delicacies, is $25
per person, $15 for children ages 6–11, and free for children under 6 years of age. After June 20 the cost to register rises to $35 for adults and
$25 for children ages 6–11. Riders may also buy Tour D'Amico T–shirts, cycling shorts and cycling socks. You can get a registration form by going to any one of D'Amico and Sons' 10 locations in the Twin Cities or by
visiting the HBC Web site at www.HiawathaBike.org.
Registration is limited to only 400 riders. Check–in is between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. All proceeds will benefit the nonprofit
Hiawatha Bicycling Club's efforts to promote safe and friendly cycling as part of a healthy lifestyle.
GREAT RIVER ENERGY BICYCLE FEST
Minnesota – The third annual Great River Energy Bicycle Festival vists
Winona, Minn. on Friday, June 14, St. Paul on Saturday, June 15 and Stillwater, Sunday, June 16. Many fun family events are scheduled around the Nature Valley Grand Prix professional bicycle races to benefit
Camp Heartland (an outdoor camp for children with AIDS).
In a carnival atmosphere, three Minnesota river towns will be host to many activities centered around bicycles. Surrounded by live music, food
and free drawings, the Camp Heartland Kids' Fun Area and the Nature Valley Grand Prix offers something for everyone.
In the Kids' Fun Area, a $5 donation to Camp Heartland enters a child
into the bicycle safety education scavenger hunt, the bike decoration contest and parade. By bringing their bikes, all children ages 12 and under will have a chance to ride on the official Nature Valley
Racecourse. All those participating will win a medal and get their picture taken with a bike racing pro.
The Nature Valley Grand Prix offers high–energy excitement, drama and
danger. On all three days, top national and international racers will feed off the energy of the crowd, riding faster and taking greater chances.
After the competition, pro–racers will meet the public for an autograph session.
For more information, go to www.MinnBikeFestival.com or call 651/633–3416.
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CASEY FITZRANDOLPH SELECTED HONORARY ATHLETE FOR BADGER STATE SUMMER GAMES
WISCONSIN – Olympic gold medalist Casey FitzRandolph has been
selected as the Honorary Athlete for the 2002 Badger State Summer Games.
"I am honored to receive this award, particularly because I've been a
participant in Badger State Games. I attended the opening ceremony and remember when the Honorary Athlete lit the torch, I wanted that to be me, and knew someday it would be me," said FitzRandolph.
"I skipped National Championships to go to those Badger State Games," FitzRandolph recalled. "It was a blast. It's a Wisconsin mini–Olympics
and I like that idea. It's fun, but it can also provide the perfect goal to help meet your ultimate dream. Anytime you encourage people to set a goal, train to achieve that goal, and go out there and have fun in the
process, it's a winning situation."
As Honorary Athlete, Verona native FitzRandolph will light the torch and preside over the opening ceremony on Friday, June 28, 6 p.m. at Verona
High School. Concluding with fireworks, the opening ceremony is a free public event presented by Wausau Insurance Companies.
NONMOTORIZED BOATING FATALITIES INCREASE IN WISCONSIN
Wisconsin – The number of people who drowned while using canoes,
kayaks and other nonmotorized boats in Wisconsin has steadily increased during the last three years, reaching a high of 10 in 2001. While there were fewer boating–related fatalities overall compared to the
previous year (21 in 2001 versus 25 in 2000), nonmotorized boating fatalities accounted for 48 percent of last year's fatal boating accidents.
These kinds of watercraft do not have to be registered with the state, but Department of Natural Resources safety officials say it is apparent from
looking out on almost any lake or river during the boating season that more and more people are enjoying them. And, they add, their increasing popularity raises concerns on how to prevent more accidents from
occurring in the future.
"Just four years ago nonmotorized boats accounted for only 13 percent of all our boating fatalities," said John Lacenski, DNR boating law
administrator. "Now, as more people are taking an interest in the 'silent sports,' nearly half of all fatalities fall into this category. And as the
popularity of these craft increases, I'm concerned that even more people are going to meet with tragedy."
Why the concern? Lacenski says the general attitude toward such craft
can be summed up like this: "If it doesn't have a motor and can't go very fast, it can't be dangerous. That's simply wrong."
And the problem isn't unique to Wisconsin. A 1998 study by the U.S.
Coast Guard showed that canoe and kayak fatalities happened at three times the rate of that of motorboats and nearly twice that of personal watercraft, even though people spent less time using those nonmotorized
vessels.
"In particular, canoes and kayaks have very different handling characteristics than their wider–bodied counterparts," Lacenski said.
"Getting into and out of them can be difficult and their stability while underway is less than larger boats under certain conditions."
There are a few simple ways users of nonmotorized boats can be as safe
as possible on the water. Chief among them is the wearing of a personal flotation device.
"Wearing a life jacket or PFD is undoubtedly the best thing a boater can
do to minimize the risks involved with operating some of these smaller craft," Lacenski said. "If you happen to capsize or go overboard, a proper–fitting life jacket will help keep you afloat until help arrives."
Lacenski also recommends that nonmotorized boat users consider taking a DNR or Coast Guard approved boating safety course, or safety courses specifically for canoes and kayaks taught through dealers,
especially if a person is going to participate in any whitewater or coastal boating activities where certain skills are a necessity.
"Paddling down a river or across a lake is a great way to enjoy many of
Wisconsin's wonderful waters," said Lacenski. "By wearing a life jacket and taking the time to learn the proper way to handle your canoe of kayak, you'll enjoy many years of this peaceful pastime."
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES KICKOFF FOR YEAR OF THE TRAILS
Wisconsin – Gov. Scott McCallum has announced the official beginning
of the "Wisconsin Year of the Trails," a yearlong event celebrating the state's extensive recreational trail system. Lt. Gov. Margaret Farrow officially kicked off the event in April at a spring trails workshop in
Madison.
McCallum said more than 130 events are being held at state, county and local trails throughout the year. Events range from hikes and interpretive
programs to trail development workshops and volunteer trail maintenance. The Wisconsin State Park System serves as an information and planning clearinghouse for the events, which are listed on the Dept.
of Natural Resources Web site at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/trails/yotevents.html.
"The Year of the Trails celebration is not only about using our trails, but
also about ensuring the health and vitality of Wisconsin's trails and maintaining them for the enjoyment of future generations," the governor said.
"This event is a wonderful opportunity for families to see Wis-consin by bike or on foot, and to learn more about our top-notch trail system."
McCallum has declared 2002 as the Wisconsin Year of the Trails and appointed a commission to provide guidance and support for the celebration. The commission will help promote the various benefits of
trails and encourage residents to use them for recreation and as an alternate means of transportation.
"The Year of the Trails is a chance for all of us to recognize the positive
contributions that trails make to the quality of life in Wisconsin," said Sue Black, director of the Wisconsin State Park System.
For more information about the Year of the Trails, call the Wisconsin
State Park System office at 608/266-2181 or visit www.wiparks.net.
22ND ANNUAL MILLER LITE RIDE FOR THE ARTS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 2
Wisconsin – Mark your calendars – the 22nd annual Miller Lite Ride for
the Arts will be held Sunday, June 2. The Miller Lite Ride for the Arts is among the largest recreational bike rides in the nation and annually attracts nearly 10,000 riders from throughout Wisconsin and the nation.
Since the ride's inception as the Uecker Ride for the Arts in 1980, it has raised nearly $4 million to help support Milwaukee's performing arts groups, including $338,000 raised through last year's ride.
New this year, the 15-mile route, one of the ride's most popular, will be revised, giving participants a tour of Milwaukee's north shore. In
addition, families, along with individuals, will be able to register online. Making a return visit to the ride will be "Sunny," a 17-foot-tall bike puppet, as well as a vintage bike display at the Finish Line Party.
"The 22nd annual Miller Lite Ride for the Arts promises to be a great event for bike riders, arts supporters and everyone throughout Milwaukee and the Midwest," said Laura Emory, co-chair of this year's
ride and brand manager for Miller Brewing Company. "We think participants in our 15-mile route will enjoy the new scenery this year, as they head back downtown for the Finish Line Party."
Participant registration fees include a commemorative Miller Lite Ride T-shirt and admission to the postride Finish Line Party, which will be held downtown on the grounds of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
and Red Arrow Park. In addition to registration fees, participants are encouraged to gather pledges and can win prizes for raising specified amounts.
"We appreciate every single participant in the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts, and one way we like to show that appreciation is with great pledge prizes," said Jennifer Kent, co-chair of the Miller Lite Ride and an
associate with Foley and Lardner. "With as little as $25 in pledges, riders can start earning great prizes, and with $50 in pledges, the registration fee is waived."
The Miller Lite Ride raises money for 20 UPAF member groups in southeastern Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Theatre, First Stage Children's Theater,
Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, Renaissance Theaterworks and the Skylight Opera Theater.
Miller Brewing Company became the ride's primary corporate sponsor
in 1990, and TODAY'S TMJ4 and 94.5 WKTI have provided support since 1991.
All routes start and finish at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts,
929 N. Water St., and start times range from approximately 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., depending on the route.
The Miller Lite Ride for the Arts offers four bike routes – 5, 15, 25 or 50
miles – throughout the metro Milwaukee area. The 5-mile route takes riders past Milwaukee's lakefront and marinas; new this year, the 15-mile route will head north through the communities of Shorewood and
Whitefish Bay, returning on the Estabrook Parkway; the 25-mile route runs through several south-side parks; and the 50-mile route offers a scenic look at Milwaukee along the north shore.
Individual registration fees are $20 for adults and $10 for youths age 20 and under. Families can register two adults and two youths, age 20 and under, for the discounted price of $50.
Team participants receive special T-shirts imprinted with their team logo. Team registration fees begin at $70 and vary depending on the number of members. Day-of-event registration fees are $25 per adult, $15 per
youth and $60 per family.
All Miller Lite Ride participants are required to wear a helmet.
For More Information
To obtain more information or a registration brochure, call
414/276-RIDE (7433) or visit the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts Web site at www.millerliteride.com.
SAGBRAW FILLED
Wisconsin – SAGBRAW, Wisconsin's oldest cross–state bicycle tour, is
filled. The 1,000 rider spots were gone by the first week of May.
SAGBRAW, Sprocket's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Wisconsin, is celebrating its 25th year on a route following the Green Bay and Lake
Michigan shore from Marinette to Port Washington, just north of Milwaukee. The "Sprocket" in the name refers to the Milwaukee–based Wheel & Sprocket bicycle shops, which provide mechanical support for the event.
Bike Wisconsin said this was the earliest fill up since it began directing the event in 1998. The early closing date was attributed to a combination of
the scenic lake shore route and the fact that the ride is celebrating its 25th birthday.
The many cyclists who got left out by the early closing still have a
possibility of getting in. Bike Wisconsin said some of the registered riders will, for various reasons, have ride numbers available for sale. To check on the availability of spots, call 888/575–3640 (toll free).
SENATOR GAYLORD NELSON TO BE HONORED ON NAT'L. TRAILS DAY
Wisconsin – Outdoor enthusiasts from across the Midwest are invited to
gather near Brule on National Trails Day, Sat., June 1, to honor Sen. Gaylord Nelson for his vision and support of the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Senator Nelson will be recognized with the dedication of a new trailhead and marker at 11 a.m. The trailhead is eight miles south of Brule, along
Wisconsin Highway 27 in the Brule River State Forest. Senator Nelson is expected to attend, along with representatives of the National Park Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and North
Country Trail Association. The senator will also receive a special award from the National Park Service.
The North Country National Scenic Trail had its origin when a 60–mile
hiking trail was established in the mid–1960s in Wisconsin's Chequamegon National Forest. Senator Nelson and his staff became interested in the opportunity to use the original North Country Trail as the
foundation for a national trail across America's northern woodlands and prairies. The senator was instrumental in including this vision in the National Trails System Act of 1968. His efforts also contributed to the
establishment of Wisconsin's Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
When completed, the North Country National Scenic Trail will extend 4,600 miles from Crown Point, N.Y., to Lake Sakakawea, N.D. More
than 1,600 miles have been certified as complete by the National Park Service, including 96 miles in Wisconsin. The trail offers high–quality, scenic recreation opportunities to hikers, backpackers, snowshoers and
backcountry skiers.
Hikers can begin the day's activities with a hike in the trailhead area at 9:30 a.m. The dedication will be followed by a picnic lunch at the North
Country Trail's Lake St. Croix Trailhead on Douglas County Highway A, four miles northeast of Solon Springs, beginning at noon. Following the lunch, participants can enjoy a hike on the North Country Trail, or work
with the North Country Trail Association's Brule–St. Croix Chapter on a new section of trail.
The dedication and associated activities are part of Wisconsin's Year of
the Trails celebration in 2002. Sponsors include the North Country Trail Association and its Brule–St. Croix, Chequamegon and Heritage chapters in Wisconsin, the Brule River State Forest and the National
Park Service.
For more information, contact Gaylord Yost, president, North Country Trail Association, 414/354–8987, gaylyost@aol.com, or Steven
Petersen, superintendent, Brule River State Forest, 715/372–5678, petersp@dnr.state.wi.us.
MRS. T'S CLOSES REGISTRATION, BUT OPTIONS REMAIN
Illinois – Chicagoland's largest triathlon, Mrs. T's, officially closed
registration in April, according to Jan Caille, president of Capri Events, but area athletes need not feel shutout because registration is still available for two other triathlons also staged by Capri.
Signups continue for the June 23 Rivers Edge Women's Triathlon (formerly the Danskin Triathlon), which will be held for the seventh straight year in Naperville, and the brand–new Harbor Lights Triathlon
on Aug. 4 in Waukegan. As an added bonus, participants in the Harbor Lights race will have a shot at one of 100 random spots being held for Mrs. T's for participants in the newly created race.
Despite the name change to Rivers Edge, the Naperville sprint distance event "is really the same race – only cooler," suggested Caille. "Like its
previous incarnation, the Rivers Edge Triathlon is Chicago's one and only all–woman triathlon. It will continue to be run on the same course with
the same cheering spectators and caring volunteers, but the date has been moved up by a month to allow for cooler temperatures than when we held it in July." As before, participants may choose to sign up for
individual competition, as part of a relay team or part of a corporate team.
The Rivers Edge will also benefit a new charity on 2002, the Ovarian
Cancer Research Fund. Ovarian cancer is diagnosed in 24,000 women per year in the United States. It is one of the most deadly forms of cancer to strike women, with 14,500 per year losing their lives to the disease.
The inaugural Harbor Lights Marathon is a coed sprint distance race in a spectacular flat and fast setting in Waukegan. Participants will swim in a
contained harbor on Lake Michigan, bike on a four–lane expressway closed to vehicular traffic just for the race and run along the lakefront on scenic Sheridan Road.
Falling just three weeks before the Mrs. T's Triathlon, the Harbor Lights Triathlon will serve as a great warmup for the longer race and also offers
100 qualifying spots to the later race. Hosted by the city of Waukegan, the Harbor Lights race site is just 40 minutes north of downtown Chicago and within easy reach of triathletes from southeast Wisconsin, Chicago
and its surrounding communities and southwest Indiana. The Harbor Lights Triathlon will benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which was started by actor Danny Thomas and is recognized worldwide
for its work in pediatrics and research. Information, including online registration and downloadable applications, for both the Rivers Edge Women's Triathlon and the Harbor Lights Triathlon, is available at www.CapriEvents.com.
NEW DIRECTOR FOR THE BIRKIE
Wisconsin – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Board of
Directors welcomes a new executive director, Shirley Riedmann. Riedmann was working with the last director, Cherie Morgan, and the rest of the staff to step into her new position upon Morgan's departure in
the middle of May.
Riedmann enters her new position with years of business–management experience and various community and volunteer fund–raising efforts. In
addition to her career, she has been involved in the United Way, YWCA, Special Olympics, Sydney Summer Olympics and a variety of other professional and community organizations.
Bill Pierce, chairman of the board, enthusiastically stated, "Shirley's past employment and volunteer efforts have really prepared her to step right
into the position of executive director with the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. She has been involved in organizing and leading fund–raising campaigns, supplying volunteers, training volunteers, promotional
campaigns and many other business and volunteer endeavors."
Riedmann recently moved to the Hayward area and looks forward to enjoying some of the many wonderful activities that the area offers:
fishing, golfing, cross country skiing and hiking.
75–LAP POINTS RACE TO CELEBRATE NORTHBROOK's 75th ANNIVERSARY
Illinois – The town of Northbrook, Ill., will celebrate its 75 anniversary
this year, and the NCC will join in with a 75–lap points race on June 13, in recognition of the diamond jubilee. There will be free admission for Northbrook resident fans and free registration to Northbrook resident
riders. For more information on other Northbrook diamond jubilee festivities, see www.nbparks.org/html/75th_anniversary.html.
OBERSTAR 100: A CENTURY RIDE TO BENEFIT REP. JAMES OBERSTAR
Minnesota – The Oberstar 100 is a century ride through the Twin Cities
of Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota on Sunday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting and ending at Penn Cycle in Bloomington, Minn.
The Oberstar 100 is a fund–raiser for Rep. Jim Oberstar, who will
complete his first–ever century ride. In the past decade, Rep. Oberstar has been cycling's best friend on Capitol Hill. No member of Congress
has had more impact on the daily lives of the traveling public, whether by rail, plane, ship, car, truck or thankfully, by bicycle.
Together with other visionary members of Congress, Oberstar stitched
together ISTEA in 1991, and then TEA–21 in 1998, landmark transportation policy that has allowed states to spend nearly $2 billion in the past decade to build bike trails, to mark bike lanes in urban areas,
and to put more than 40,000 bike racks on buses nationwide. Oberstar's newest initiative for 2003 will be Safe Routes to School, an innovative program that helps communities encourage bicycling and walking to
school for children.
The 67–years–young Oberstar keeps five bikes stashed around the country to ride whenever he visits his children. He rides nearly 3,000
miles each year, working out rigorously on a trainer when he can't fit a ride into his busy travel schedule. A strong rider, Oberstar is passionate
about cycling and its effect on our health, transportation and air–quality problems.
The Oberstar 100 is a fund–raiser, with all proceeds going to the Friends
of Jim Oberstar re–election campaign, and is hosted and organized by Gary Sjoquist of Quality Bicycle Products. Participation is limited: 100 people will pay $100 to ride this event.
There will be a post–event dinner at Quality Bicycle Products with Rep. Oberstar, and cool bike stuff giveaways included in registration fee.
The ride will be fully supported, with rest stops and guides. Route will be mostly flat, winding through the south suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul, on low traffic roads with mostly wide shoulders. No beginning
riders, or cyclists used to riding only on trails, please. Riders need to average 12 to 15 mph, regardless of wind, so please assess your ability realistically for this ride.
Registration for the Oberstar 100 at www.penncycle.com and hit the Oberstar 100 link to the congressman's campaign Web site to register. Lodging for the Oberstar 100 is at the Wyndham Minneapolis Airport
Hotel in Bloomington, www.wyndham.com/bloomington.
For more information, contact all Gary Sjoquist at 952/941–9391, ext 288 or gary@bikesbelong.org for more information.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ROAD BICYCLING COURSE RELEASE
Wisconsin – The Mad City Cycling Team and WipWak Promotions
have finalized the course approval for the 2002 Capital Brewery State Championship Road Race. The event will take place June 1, 2002, and will start and finish near Capital Brewery, "America's No. 1 Rated Brewery."
The championship course heads west of Middleton traveling south of Hwy 14 toward Cross Plains. Those familiar with this area will immediately recognize the diverse terrain. The unglaciated, or "driftless
area" of southwest Wisconsin is a landscape of twisting valleys, ancient ridges and sandstone bluffs. The most prominent feature of this area for cyclists is the constantly changing elevation.
The course will have a common nine–mile start and finish leg with 520 feet of climbing, and a 16–mile race loop with 950 feet of climbing. Race
distances will range from 16 miles to 80 miles. Racing gets underway at 9 a.m. on Saturday and will continue through the afternoon.
In addition to the Capital Brewery State Championship Road Race,
Saturday evening will feature bike street sprints in downtown Madison. Sunday's events include a 1K running race around Capitol Square and the exciting TDS Telecom Criterium (www.tdstelecomcriterium.com).
Cyclist can look forward to this full weekend of racing and a complete festival atmosphere. You can check out the event Web site at www.wipak.com or sign up at madcitycycling@yahoo.com. For
up–to–date event details, contact Craig Goldensoph at 508/846–7026 or Nathan Baker, 920/723–2240.
CAMBA TO PRESENT FAT TIRE POKER RIDE X
Wisconsin – No, CAMBA is not introducing an extreme version of its
popular poker ride event. It is, however, CAMBA's 10th anniversary and also CAMBA's 10th Fat Tire Poker Ride. There hasn't actually been a poker ride every year, as in CAMBA's first year, when a
grand–opening ride was held in August. The following year, however, CAMBA held two poker rides, one in Seeley and Hayward in June and one in Namakagon in the fall. Since then, there has been an annual poker
ride on the first Saturday in June timed to coincide with National Trails Day.
Poker Ride X will take place this year on Saturday, June 1. This year the
event returns to one of CAMBA's most popular trail clusters, Namakagon, where the event will be based out of the Lakewoods Resort, across Highway M from the Rock Lake Trailhead. During the
event, participants will explore a variety of trails in the Namakagon area on their choice of a 10–, 15– or 25–mile poker ride route. Participants
will draw seven cards along the route from their guide/dealer and use their five best or worst cards to build a poker hand.
Registration is at 9 a.m. at the Lakewoods, with the first rides launching
at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served at Lakewoods following the rides, and prizes for the best and worst poker hands will be presented at 2 p.m.
Poker ride registration information is available directly from CAMBA or may be downloaded from the CAMBA Web site, www.cambatrails.org. It is also possible to register online at www.signmeupsports.com. For
additional information, call 715/798–3599.
12– & 24–HOUR NONSTOP ADVENTURE RACING CAMPS
Wisconsin – June 15–16, 2002; August 17–18, 2002 and October
19–20, 2002 are the dates set for Mid–America Xtreme's Adventure Racing Camps (ARC). Instruction and skill development in the disciplines of navigation/orienteering, climbing; road and mountain biking, team
paddling, running/hiking and team swimming will be emphasized, along with a focus on the team aspect and strategic requirements to be competitive in adventure racing.
Team dynamics and team strategy are unique to adventure racing, unlike many other competitive sports. "The fine points of team strategy, be it for winning teams or teams simply interested in completing a race with
friendships intact, is our mission," says Juli Lynch, ARC instructor. Lynch has competed as an adventure racer in the Eco–Challenge, RAID Gauloises, and ESPN X–Games.
Camps are designed for individuals and teams to enhance their skill levels in the many aspects of adventure racing. You don't need a team to attend; in fact, past camps have given individuals the chance to meet and
train with others who have become teammates. Consider your own skill level in night navigation, ascending and rappelling on fixed lines, pacing and bushwhacking, biking using a tow system, swimming with a pack and
paddling a variety of watercraft in whitewater, flat water and open seas. Consider your skills in developing a team strategy, in dealing with team conflict and creating a team with a shared vision.
"You may be quite accomplished in some sports, but until you master a team mindset and perform above average in all of the disciplines of adventurer racing, you will not be on a winning team," says Joe Selberg,
ARC instructor and captain of Team Rajalta Rajalle, winner of the 2001 Watertown Challenge, Mid–America Xtreme Adventure Race, Pathfinder Challenge and 2002 Great Mississippi Adventure Race.
Chris Ransom, National 24–Hour Solo Cross Country Ski record holder and ARC instructor explains, "An individual on an adventure racing team has to be able to navigate over rough terrain, deal with sleep deprivation,
roll a kayak upright, change a flat tire, swim a river, stop and admire a wildflower, use a bike tow system, tape one's feet properly, give encouragement, ascend and rappel, understand team dynamics, do a
J–stroke, endure heat, cold and pain, ask for forgiveness – specialization is for insects, not adventure racers."
ARC offers two types of camp, a 12–hour, nonstop camp for those just
starting out in adventure racing who have few of the skills mentioned above, little time to train and interest in competing in an adventure race
simply to complete it intact physically and mentally. The 24–hour nonstop camp is for those who are confident athletes in the disciplines of running
or biking or triathlons who seek to acquire the skills to begin adventure racing. All camps are held in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest of Wisconsin: two–hours from Chicago, four hours from the Twin Cities,
and one hour from Milwaukee.
For more information on Mid–America Xtreme Adventure Racing Camps and to register online, visit adventureracing.net and click on
training camps. You can also contact Chris Ransom at 920/648–6756 or wldrnss4me@gdinet.com
.
BIRKIE/CXC SKIING SUMMER CAMP
Wisconsin – The third Annual Birkie/CXC Skiing Summer Camp at
Telemark Resort, Cable, Wis., will be held June 19–23. It will be the same great camp with several new additions. This will be a summer ski carnival!
The program groups will work individually and collectively.
Masters (Saturday and Sunday): A new addition by request for master/citizen skiers at all levels looking for a jump start on the summer
season with emphasis on ski technique, visualization, strength and training methods. With the Friday night Olympic 4 X10 Men's Relay narrated by
John Bauer and the Saturday night "status of skiing in Central" symposium, it will be an action–packed two days.
Coaches Education Clinic: A hands–on clinic for all coaches from the
region with various experience levels interested in observing the interaction between visiting elite coaches and young athletes. Includes assisting camp coaches and discussion groups with a particular emphasis
on ski technique, training and strength.
Open/HS/Collegiate Camp: High school/junior and collegiate skiers from the area training and learning in a fun group environment.
J3/J4, 9–13–year–olds, (Saturday and Sunday): A special two–day camp for young skiers interested in a shorter introductory ski camp.
Regional Elite Group: The top 20 junior and senior skiers in Central
attending their annual group camp with U.S. Ski Team and Regional Elite coaches.
State Development Group: Junior Olympic Team members from Great
Lakes and Midwest organized by state of residence attending one of two or three summer camps.
Coaches include Sten Fjeldheim (Northern Michigan University head
coach), Chris Grover (U.S. Ski Team development coach), Kevin Brochman (x2 Olympian, Community Olympic Development coach, Central Elite), Jenny Ryan (NMU), John Bauer (three–time U.S.
Olympian and National Champion), Reid Lutter (MN Valley head coach), Randy Gibbs (White Noise Ski Club head coach), Joe Haggenmiller (Superiorland Ski Club coach), Steve Myrland (nationally
acclaimed strength coach), Phil Limberg (Tai Chi instructor), Jim Mullen (sports medicine), Ken Schoville (youth/junior coach, Minocqua), Bonnie
Fuller–Kask (youth/junior coach, Duluth), Scott Wilson (regional coach), and Bob and Karen Cook (youth/junior coaches, Rhinelander).
The camp will offer great meals and lodging at Telemark, running,
swimming, tubing, rollerskiing, stretching, ski imitation, medicine balls (learn to use them and take one home), exclusive 2002 Olympic race movies narrated by John Bauer, beach–front barbecue, drawings for
valuable merchandise and gift certificates, T–shirts, complimentary CXC skiing memberships, ski symposium and much more.
More information and application forms are available at
www.cxcskiing.org, www.birkie.com, www.skinnyski.com or call Dennis Kruse at 715/798–3571.
FIRST WORS RACE DRAWS RECORD 1,232 RACERS
Wisconsin – Alpine Valley Resort, near Lake Geneva, Wis., the home
for round 2 of the Chevy Trucks NORBA National Championship Mountain Bike Series (June 13–16), was home of the May 5 opening round of the newly NORBA–associated Wisconsin Off–Road Series
(WORS). The Team Sports Events set new WORS attendance records with 1,232 total riders and 541 sport riders on a weekend filled with sun and mild temperatures.
On an opening weekend that is usually marked by wet or cold conditions, the keystone race of the day, the 130 racer strong men's expert event, was composed of some familiar faces at the front with
some of the top contenders from the 2001 Series putting in early bids for the 2002 Series overall.
After the gun, a quartet of Minnesotan Dan Swanson (Penn Cycle),
Tristan Schouten (PCW), Craig Manthe (independent) and John Devine (Midwest Trek/VW) came to the front by the top of the opening fireroad climb. Midway through the first of five, five–mile laps, Manthe was left
behind as Swanson, Schouten and Devine drove the pace and opened up a gap on the rest of the pack. Pushing their speeds up the hills and into the tight single–track gave the three leaders more breathing room.
After the opening three–quarter–mile section of single–track on the second lap, Devine and Schouten dropped Swanson in the woods. Behind, a strong contingent of top–10 riders, Jay Lennon (Schwinn),
Brian Schaning (PCW), John Rawling (PCW), Brian Eppen, Craig Manthe and Jordan Roessingh all did what they could to try to trim the solid lead that was being built.
Halfway through the second lap, on the Dead Heifer climb, Schouten made his move and laid down an attack that would put a 30–second gap into the 16–year–old Devine that would not be recovered.
During the following three laps, Schouten continued adding seconds by attacking hard on the hills and being smooth through the tight Wisconsin single–track.
Taking the win at round 1 of the 2002 Wisconsin Off–Road Series was Tristan Schouten (1:39:15). Rounding out the top–five were John Devine (1:39:54), Brian Eppen (1:40:42), Dan Swanson (1:41:02), John Rowley
(1:41:15).
Following the award presentation, Schouten admitted that he was a bit nervous at the start of the race, considering it was the first race of the
2002 Series, adding that riders have no way of knowing how strong everyone else is.
In the Women's Expert race, a new face jumped and screamed with joy
on the top step of the podium, with Susan Juedes taking her first WORS win. The perennial podium contender was able to capture her first WORS title over past winner Rebecca Cleveland and youngster Holly Liske.
Other top finishers on the day included Heidi Carter and Brian Wampler in the Citizen (Beginner) category. The Sport class saw winners Leanne
Greco–Gill and A.J. Ettmayer Jr. with the win going to Jeffery Johnson in the Comp. class.
HAPPY TRAILS BIKE TOUR IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN
Wisconsin – It took nearly 15 years for citizen volunteers to secure the
agreements, generate interest and fund the development of the 24–mile Green Circle trail that circumvents the Stevens Point and Plover communities. The trail has recently been voted one of the three top
attractions/features of the area by residents. Most in the area agree on environmental matters and the trails seem to have reconnected us to our
physical heritage. Trail use is brisk with runners, walkers, bikers, birders and photographers.
The addition of the Hoover Road trail spur now links the Green Circle
Trail with the recently developed Tomorrow River State Rail/Trail that heads east out of Plover and will soon link Portage and Waupaca counties.
To celebrate this good fortune and to generate annual income to maintain the beautiful trails, organizers have created a noncompetitive ride for all
ages and levels. It will be best for mountain and cross bikes, as most of the tour will be on trails. Alternative routes will be available for road bikers, however.
There will be loops of 26, 48 and 62 miles (100K). There will be rest stops approximately every 12 miles in one of the parks of Stevens Point, Plover or Portage County with restrooms, bike assistance and other
information.
All stops will offer nutritious food and beverages. Each stop will feature different items from Central Wisconsin's dairy, potato and cranberry
industries, along with other grains, vegetables and fruits grown in Portage County. There might even be some root beer and locally brewed Point Beer at the end of the ride.
Numerous area agencies and businesses are joining together to help sponsor an activity that organizers hope will become an annual event. The hope is that families and friends will calendar this day to share a fun,
healthy activity on the beautiful trails of Central Wisconsin. Someday, in the near future, organizers hope to connect with Waupaca County for yet another Central Wisconsin celebration when the trail systems connect.
All profits from this event will go to a trail maintenance fund established within the Community Foundation. Further information can be gained from John Jury at 715/346–3201 or Angie Diekroeger at
715/342–9446.
FOX RIVER: THE BUSIEST OF ALL WISCONSIN'S TRAILS
Wisconsin – Friends of the Fox River Trail recently announced that by
using trail counters, interviews and observations, the Brown County Parks Department estimates that the Fox River Trail experienced 119,000 "trips" in 2001, making it the busiest trail in the state. Over
8,300 trail passes were sold in 2001, generating $58,000 in revenue for the county.
Friends of the Fox River Trail is a group of interested citizens dedicated
to the promotion and preservation of the Fox River Trail, a 13.9-mile trail beginning on the waterfront in downtown Green Bay and progressing south to Greenleaf. The trail welcomes hikers, bikers, skaters and
horseback riders (in designated areas). Rules of the trail may be found at its Web site, www.foxrivertrail.org.
The trail passes through the Astor Historic District in Green Bay. This
25-block district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes some of Green Bay's most elegant Victorian-style homes. The trail also passes Hazelwood, the home of Morgan L. Martin. Built in
1837, Martin was prominent in state politics and the architect of the plan to create a passage from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River via a series of locks and dams on the Fox River.
As the trail enters the village of Allouez, the importance of the river to industrial growth and shipping can be observed in the Georgia-Pacific
Paper Mill located along the west shore of the river. The trail also passes through Heritage Hill State Park, with its living history collections depicting the settlement of Northeastern Wisconsin.
There are several parks and boat landings along the corridor as it passes through the city of De Pere. It is here that the first of 17 locks constructed for barge traffic on the Fox River can be observed. This is a
functioning lock, which today primarily serves recreational boaters. South of De Pere, the trail takes on a more rural feeling as it passes through agricultural lands. The Niagara Escarpment can be observed in the
distance from the trail. This prominent bluff formation stretches from eastern Wisconsin to Canada providing habitat to a variety of unique plant and animal species. The trail finally terminates on the north side of
the small agricultural community of Greenleaf.
The Fox River Trail corridor has a rich history, beginning with the Native Americans who used footpaths to travel between their villages located
along the river. The early French explorers, missionaries and traders built their posts and missions along these trails. Later, a military road would be
built along portions of the corridor linking Green Bay to Milwaukee. In the 1860s, the Milwaukee and Superior Railway acquired the present corridor and began planning for rail service. In 1873, the Milwaukee and
Northern Railway Company purchased the corridor and the first trains began making regular runs between the Green Bay and Milwaukee markets. Trains would continue to run on the corridor for the next 116
years. In 1989, regular rail service was discontinued, signaling the end of one era and the beginning of another with the development of the Fox River Recreational Trail.
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