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TELEMARK RESORT HOSTS 2nd ANNUAL FAT TIRE TRIATHLON
Wisconsin Telemark Resort in Cable, Wisconsin, will host the second
annual Fat Tire Triathlon on Saturday, August 23. Racers reported the event was a fun, first class race with tons of volunteers and a challenging course. The common theme was "I haven't had that much fun in a
triathlon in such a long time." With last year's inaugural event filling at 300 participants, race organizers have agreed to raise the field limit to 500.
The event takes place in the beautiful Chequamegon National Forest in northwest Wisconsin, site of the Midwest's premiere mountain biking trail system. The area is home to North America's largest cross country ski
race and largest mountain bike race.
The race site is Telemark Pointe a Telemark Resort property on the sandy shores of Garden Lake nine miles east of the resort. Participants
swim in Garden Lake then mountain bike and run on the densely wooded Namekagon Trail Cluster, part of the renowned Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) trail system.
Participants get to choose between a short or long course. The short course consists of a .3 mile swim, 11 mile mountain bike, and a 3.5 mile trail run. The long course consists of a .75 mile swim, 18 mile mountain
bike and a 7 mile trail run. The long course includes relay teams.
Race day concludes with a complimentary Summit Brewing Northwoods Barbeque Awards Presentation held at Telemark Resort. Over $6,000 in
prizes will be awarded, including HED mountain bike wheel sets, Fat Tire Triathlon custom race wear, and more. Other sponsors include Park Tools, GearWest, New Moon Bike and Ski Shop, Cliff Bar, Chippewa
Spring Water, Ultima Replenisher and The Victor swim apparel.
For more information and/or a race application, visit www.FatTireTri.com or call 651/762 1510.
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ROCK LAKE TRAIL RELOCATION TO BEGIN THIS SUMMER
Wisconsin The Rock Lake Trail has been one of the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association's (CAMBA) most popular trails. While a
challenging and fun trail to ride, it was originally designed as a ski trail and has proven to be a difficult trail to maintain and sustain over time. Working with the U.S. Forest Service, CAMBA has embarked on a
major relocation of this great trail. The new Rock Lake Trail will include over 14 miles of challenging single track and another two miles of less
technical single track. The trail will wind deep into the forest, providing views of several remote lakes and touring numerous glacial features. It is destined to become a trail of national significance.
The field work, environmental analysis and public input has been completed. The final decision has been issued and at long last, work will begin this summer. It is estimated that it will take two years to complete
the project. As they are completed, sections of the new trail will be phased in and corresponding sections of the old trail will be closed to bicycle use.
The old trail will eventually be restored to its original condition, seeded and when ready, again opened to hiking and skiing.
The new Rock Lake Trail will be constructed using a combination of
mechanized equipment and hand labor. CAMBA will be contracting much of the work with Trail Source of Minneapolis with additional labor provided by the CAMBA Trail Camp and other volunteers.
Costs for the complete, two year project are estimated to run between $25,000 and $30,000. Funding sources will include matching funds from the Forest Service, a grant from Quality Bicycle Products, the
Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Save the Trails contributions, and donations from individuals and businesses.
For further information about the project or to make a donation, contact CAMBA at 715/798 3599 or camba@cheqnet.net.
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SARAH'S STRIDE RUN WALK MAY 17
Wisconsin The Wisconsin Donor Network, eastern Wisconsin's organ procurement organization, will host the fifth annual Sarah's Stride run walk, 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Hart Park, Wauwatosa, to raise
funds for organ donation awareness.
Sarah's Stride includes a 2 mile walk and 5K certified run that winds through Honey Creek Parkway. Cash awards will be given to the top
five male and female finishers. All participants receive a T shirt, refreshments, entrance to HartFest, and are eligible to win door prizes. Registration fees, until Friday, May 2, are $15 per individual; $52 for a
family of four, plus $12 for each additional person; and $75 per team (plus individual registration fees). After May 2 the registration fees will be
$18 per person and $64 per family, plus $15 for each additional person.
Sarah's Stride is held in honor of Sarah Hegarty, a local teen who died in
1998 while awaiting a lifesaving transplant. In her memory and inspired by her courageous spirit, her crusade for organ donation awareness continues. Sarah's Stride proceeds benefit organ donation awareness
efforts in Wisconsin. More than 4,400 participants have raised over $210,000 over the first four years of the event.
Sarah's Stride has enabled the Wisconsin Donor Network to develop a
Web site as well as two different high school curricula: one used in driver's education instruction and one used in health education. When Wisconsin passed a law that driver's education students must have at
least 30 minutes of organ donation instruction, the curriculum developed by the Wisconsin Donor Network became an essential tool for instructors. Every driver's education program in Wisconsin has received
the curriculum. Every high school in the state has received the other curriculum.
For a registration form or for more information about Sarah's Stride, call
the Sarah's Stride information line, 414/805 4698, or visit
www.wisdonornetwork.org.
More than 1,500 people in Wisconsin are currently waiting for an organ
transplant, and more than 80,000 nationally. Seventeen people on the national waiting list die every day, more than 6,000 every year, because there are not enough donated organs.
The Wisconsin Donor Network is the federally designated organ procurement organization supporting organ donation and transplantation in eastern Wisconsin. It is located in Milwaukee and serves a population
of 2.2 million people in a 10 county region, including Door, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties.
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MOONLIGHT RIDE ON THE GLACIAL DRUMLIN TRAIL JUNE 14
Wisconsin It's now a classic! The Friends of the Glacial Drumlin Trail are once again sponsoring the Moonlight Festival Ride to Cottage Grove.
The date is June 14.
Here's how it goes.
Arrive in Deerfield, where the trail crosses Highway 73, well before 7 p.m. You will need time to unload your bicycles, register for the ride, and
buy a trail pass (all riders over 16 need one). The ride starts at 7 a.m. sharp. We bike on the Glacial Drumlin Trail for 6.7 miles to Cottage Grove. It usually takes just under an hour. The bikes are parked and
guarded while everyone disperses to enjoy the fun of the Fireman's Festival the carnival games, the amusement rides, the pie, the ice cream, softball and much much more. At 9 p.m., as the sun starts to set, we
return to the bikes. We turn on our lights and bike back to Deerfield as the sky darkens. This year it is the night of a true full moon, so we turn on
our bike lights so we can gaze up at the moon and then start back on the trail to Deerfield.
Something new this year is drawings for prizes from area businesses.
Your name will be put in a helmet and if we draw it, the prize is yours. The drawings will be at the start of the ride in Deerfield so be sure to
come early for your chance to win. Also at the start, along with selling the trail passes ($10 annual and $3 daily), there will be Glacial Drumlin Trail T shirts and patches for sale.
The Moonlight Rides are always assisted by staff from the Department of Natural Resources.
The Friends of the Glacial Drumlin Trail are sponsoring other programs
and recreational events this summer. The next Moonlight Ride is July 12 to Deerfield. The Prairie Preservation Days are the second Saturday of every month through October. For more details on these and other
events go online to www.glacialdrumlin.org or call Nancy Ahlquist at 608/221 4995 or the Lake Mills Depot at 920/648 8774.
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HOW TO STAY YOUNG AT 80
Wisconsin Helen Klein will be the guest speaker at the Titletown Brewing Co. pasta dinner, Saturday, May 17, at 6 p.m. This is part of the weekend long Green Bay Marathon Activities from May 16 18.
The woman is incredible. She holds the world marathon age group record with a time of 4:31 minutes set at the age of 80. Klein also holds the age group record for a 100 mile run, 21:03:01, and has completed
136 ultramarathons. She has completed the 145 mile Marathon Des Sables and the 370 mile Eco Challenge in Utah. If you have additional questions, please call 800/889 1859.
Tickets can be purchased through the Web site at http://www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com/registration/extras.pht ml. Fees are adults, $10; age 5 12, $5; 4 and under are free.
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CAMBA TRAIL CAMP JUNE 8 14, 2003
Wisconsin The third annual CAMBA Trail Camp is set for June 18 14, 2003. The CAMBA Trail Camp is a trail building service project that will help create new single track trails in the Cable and Namakagon Clusters
of the CAMBA trail system. Camp participants will stay at Telemark Resort and work approximately six hours a day constructing new trail. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all participants who must be a
minimum of 18 years old or 16 years old if accompanied by a parent. The cost for the camp is $50, which will help defray some camp expenses.
Participants will need to provide their own rain gear, work gloves,
appropriate work clothing, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat and other personal gear. Water, energy drinks and snacks will be provided by CAMBA. All participants will receive a special edition
CAMBA Trail Crew T shirt and other swag. Participants are encouraged to bring their bikes and tour the area trails in the evening or on off days.
For additional information call 715/798 3599 or camba@cheqnet.net.
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ORE TO SHORE PLANS BEGIN
Michigan Planning is underway for the fourth annual Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic, scheduled for Saturday, August 9, beginning in Negaunee traveling to Ishpeming and ending at Marquette's Lakeview Arena.
"We are Michigan's largest mass start point to point race," says race director Scott Tuma. "With both 45 and 25 mile races, we have something for everybody."
Last year 1,200 bikers pariticpated in Ore to Shore events, which include the Hard Rock and Soft Rock as well as the Junior, Little and Littlest Rock races for younger riders.
"Our kids' events are really gaining popularity," says assistant race director Rhea Dever. "I believe we are the biggest children's bike race east of the Mississippi."
Registration will be available shortly at www.oretoshore.com.
"We will have to limit the field to 2,000 riders," says Tuma, "so it's important to register early."
Last year registration for the Iceman Mountain Bike Race from Kalkaska to Traverse City was closed after Labor Day in September, two months ahead of race day the first Saturday in November.
Also new this year, race organizers are hosting an art contest.
"We'll be awarding two $100 prizes," says committee member Carol
Fulsher. "We will reward the best adult and children's T shirt design." The 2003 Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic gives complimentary T shirts to
all children and adult registered racers. Entry deadline for the T shirt contest is April 15.
For details on the Ore to Shore Art Contest contact Carol Fulsher at the
Lake Superior Community Partnership Ishpeming office at 906/486 4841 or at cfulsher@chartermi.net.
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BADGER STATE GAMES TRIATHLON CLINIC
Wisconsin In preparation for the Badger State Games' June 26 sprint triathlon, the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation is offering two half day triathlon clinics for beginners wanting to compete in triathlons. No previous triathlon experience required.
Veteran triathlete and coach Tim Gattenby will discuss training principles, how to create a training plan, proper technique for each sport, and what to expect on race day.
The clinics are Saturday, March 30 in Verona and Sunday, April 6, in Whitewater. The cost is $49 per clinic.
For details, call Jennifer Hassrick at 608/226 4780, Ext. 236 or visit www.sportsinwisconsin.com.
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FOX CITIES MARATHON GIVEN TOURISM AWARD
Wisconsin The Community First Fox Cities Marathon was recently presented the annual Sports Tourism Award by the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau at their annual breakfast in February in
Appleton. This award is given to a group or event that promotes tourism and provides economic impact to the Fox Cities area through sports.
Many nominations are received for this award each year with an awards committee evaluating all nominees and selecting a winner. Some past winners of this local sports award include the Kimberly Recreation
Association, Paper Valley Youth Soccer Club, and WIAA State Baseball and Volleyball tournaments.
Over 4,000 runners and walkers participate in the Community First Fox
Cities Marathon weekend of events annually. This year's marathon is slated for September 27 28, 2003. Over 1,800 volunteers provide support for athletes along the course and at the start and finish lines. The
University of Wisconsin Fox Valley continues as the host facility and finish line area. Participants will come from over 30 states and several countries to take part in the 13th annual event.
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NEW TOUR DE HOPE RIDE IN LAKE MILLS
Wisconsin Tour de Hope officially announced its newest ride. On October 4, 2003, the first ever Tyranena Octoberfest Bike Ride will start and end at the Tyranena Brewery in Lake Mills, Wis.
The ride will include a rest stop at the Trek World headquarters in Waterloo. Riders will be able to take a tour of the plant. Also, two riders
from the U.S. Postal Team will join the ride. Kenny Labbe and Robbie Ventura have volunteered their time to help make this a great ride. For more info on Labbe and Ventura, go to www.uspsprocycling.com.
Upon returning to the brewery, riders, as well as the general public, will
be treated to a hog roast along with beer or soft drinks and a band. Of course, the beer will be provided by Tyranena Brewery (www.tyranena.com).
More info will be available shortly at www.tourdehope.org. Check back often for new info. Early registraton is appreciated.
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BIRKIE REVIVES NATIVE SPIRIT ON 3OTH
Wisconsin "Tony Wise, the late founder of the Birkebeiner, America's largest cross country race, must be smiling on his race's 30th anniversary. Six youth of the state's Ho Chunk and Lac Courte Oreilles Tribes,
including two first time skiers, finished in the Junior Birkie," said Olympic skier Suzy Chaffee, co chair of the bridge making Native Voices Foundation (NVF), at opening ceremonies before the race.
Thanks to a handful of Midwestern visionaries, the Birkebeiner is reaching out to their state's tribal youth, like the LaCoute Oreille and Ho Chunks, to include them in the Junior Birkebeiner.
The night before, Ho Chunk judge Mark Butterfield and Chief Winneshiek, both skiers, and Chaffee were presented at the VIP dinner. That inspired an Olympian, a senator and two ski companies to offer
coaching, participation, equipment and sponsorship, including support of Chaffee's dream of a World Indigenous Games in Lillehammer to balance globalization with preservation of tribes priceless role models for a
sustainable world. Coincidentally, a Ho Chunk Drum Group participated in the wonderful Norway Games, which honored their Laplanders, who together with American Indians invented eight Olympic sports.
At day's end, a phone call came through that a shipment of over a 100 cross country skis and plus boots had arrived from the Snowsports Industry, as part of a $400,000. gesture to honor the first Americans,
spearheaded by Abenaki Olympian Billy Kidd, a NVF board member. The donation is helping fulfill the dream of Dennis Kruse, a director of the Birke who's also on the Nordic Committee of the U.S. Ski and
Snowboard Association, to include native youth in his winter and summer cross country programs, coached by Olympians.
"This will open the doors for Native Americans to get involved in the
Olympics," said Michael Day, a Wisconsin Ho Chunk marathoner, and board member of NVF, which is spearheading breakthroughs like this in each of the U.S. regions as part of President Bush's Healthier U.S.
Initiative. The president launched this executive order in June, with a special emphasis on restoring the health of our "underserved, heroic
Native American population." It encourages everyone to reach out to give the tribal youth sports/health opportunities, especially in the great outdoors.
"The International Olympic Committee recommends that we include indigenous peoples in the Olympics to enhance their sustainability, which
is another reason Wise must be smiling," said Chaffe. "Making this step to include the first kids of Wisconsin is the best shot, (so also says the
World Bank and 40 U.N. Earth Charter countries), to ensure that events like the Birkebeiner will go on for another 30 years."
Chaffee's involvement with the Birkie resulted from a conversation during
the holidays.
"I loved the idea of Chicago businessman Michael Ponterelli of honoring the tribes at the Birkie when we met in Aspen over the holidays. But I
was delightfully stunned when he called a few weeks later and connected us with the Birkie and then Kruse."
Kruse asked around to see if there was support in speaking to the family of Wise.
"They felt efforts to promote skiing with Indian children are very much consistent with the legacy of their father. The directors of the Boys and
Girls Club on our local reservation assisted me in inviting junior skiers from other tribes to our event. Ernie St. Germaine, a role model native veteran of every Birkie, who works with children on the Flambeau
reservation, is excited about getting involved. Telemark Resort has offered assistance, and families want to host tribal members next year. It's a great start."
He and Chaffee first met when she and Wise were inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame in Ishpeming, Michigan.
Becky Taylor, a champion powwow dancer from the nearby Lac Courte
Oreilles Nation, who danced at Wise's first Birkie in 1973, reminisced, "Tony had a native soul. He envisioned creating a love affair between all
nations, including the first people of Wisconsin, because, to him, nature was sacred. And until his death in 1995, our tribe was always a big part of the event."
At the opening ceremonies, hundreds of racers and spectators from 14 countries watched Lac Courte Oreilles spiritual leader and traditional dancer, John Anderson, open the ceremony with a signed prayer and
lively friendship circle dance, accented by Birkie pep rally poetry. Then two magnificently cladded Vikings stood guard as the tribe's Woodland Dancer girls and Pipestone singers/drummers shared their earth honoring
culture at the equally splendid Telemark Lodge.
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DCBA AWARDS BICYCLING GRANTS
Wisconsin The Dane County Bicycle Association has approved more than $9,000 in grants for bicycling projects in Wisconsin this year. The approvals include funding for a unique study aimed at finding out why
helmet giveaway programs for low income children have such limited success.
The foundation gave $1,500 to help fund the helmet study, which will be coordinated by Steve Meiers, safety educator for the Madison
Department of Transportation. The plan calls for the creation of focus groups to explore the reasons low income children who are given free helmets do not tend to use them.
"No one has tried to understand why helmet use is so low among this population, so this study has national implications," Meiers said.
Helmet giveaways have long been a popular program for groups trying to educate children in bicycle safety. DCBA and other groups have traditionally funded such programs, but many people have come to
question their success.
Other grants included $2,000 for the Madison Wheels for Winners program, which allows disadvantaged young people to earn a bike in
exchange for community service. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee received $1,500 for its bicycle repair and recycle program, and Centro Hispano of Dane County for a youth bicycle education and
safety program.
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin received $1,700 for its bike clubs and other programs. A grant of $150 went to the Dodgeville, Wis.,
women's club to help fund a bicycle safety program for young people.
DCBA also created an annual $500 scholarship fund in honor of Andy Muzi, owner of the Yellow Jersey bicycle shop in Madison. Muzi's
purchase of the former Yellow Jersey bicycle co operative provided the funds that are now invested by the foundation to generate a perpetual source of funding for bicycle programs. The scholarship will be awarded
by the University of Wisconsin each year to a student in a bicycle transportation related curriculum.
Bicycle clubs and advocacy organizations can apply to DCBA for
funding for projects. For information, contact DCBA President Susan Kavulich at 608/831 2643.
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