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SPEAK UP NOW FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE KETTLES
Wisconsin Regional DNR have just released the Kettle Moraine
Mountain Bike Plan. This plan was required by the Natural Resources Board as a follow up to the addition of mountain biking as a recogized use in the Kettle Moraine in the early 1990s. Plan Recommendations and
Public Comment information is listed below.
Please take the time to read these recommendations and send your comment out via e mail ASAP. The deadline is Jan. 31, 2003! The future
of skiing and mountain biking in the Kettle Moraine is at stake here.
One very important comment you should consider making is the separation of ski trails and the new mountain bike trails in the Northern
Kettles. It appears the DNR would prefer to overlay new proposed mountain bike trails over the existing trails. This will not allow state of the
art mountain bike trail design, and current problems will continue to exist.
DNR Plan Recommendations:
1. Continue to implement the current Master Plans for the Northern and
Southern Units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
2. Maintain the current mileage of off road bike trails on both forests; consider, separating the trail treads that are used for both off road biking
and cross country skiing in the Northern Unit.
3. Maintain the off road bike trail systems in the current locations.
4. Rebuild sections of the off road trails to bring them up to IMBA trail
standards by 2006, in partnership with WORBA and other organizations.
5. Remediate abandoned trail sections to original grades by placement of
native soils and replant with native vegetation, where trails are re located to bring them up to IMBA standards.
6. Add a parallel trail tread to the connector trail between the Muir and
Carlin trails on the Southern Unit, to allow for safer one way traffic on this trail route.
7. Continue to explore measures to mitigate overcrowding of the trails in the future.
Public Comment
The public review and comment period will end on Jan. 31, 2003. It will be presented to the Natural Resources Board later this year. Please send, fax or e mail your comments regarding the report to:
Jerry Leiterman, Superintendent
Northern Unit KMSF
N 1765 Highway
Campbellsport, WI 53010
Fax: 262/626 2117
jerome.leiterman@dnr.state.wi.us
Paul Sandgren, Superintendent
Southern Unit KMSF
S91 W 39091 Hwy. 59 P.O. Box 70
Eagle, WI 53119
paul.sandgren@dnr.state.wi.us
In addition, two public forums will be held. Department staff will be available to answer questions and gather comments on the report.
Anyone with an interest in the report is invited to attend. Since there will be no formal presentation, visitors are welcome throughout the time periods listed below.
NORTHERN UNIT OF THE KETTLE MORAINE STATE FOREST
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center, N 2875 Hwy. 67, Campbellsport, WI 53010
SOUTHERN UNIT OF THE KETTLE MORAINE STATE FOREST
Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Eagle Municipal Building, 820 E. Main Street, Eagle, WI 53119.
Mike McFadzen
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NORTH SHORE SKI TRAILS DAMAGED BY OHV
Minnesota Jeff Lynch, trail maintenance supervisor for the North Shore
Mountain Challenge, has recently reported extensive damage to the North Shore cross country ski trails by an off highway vehicle (OHV).
"There are clearly over 25K of ski trails damaged by an OHV," says Lynch. OHV damage of the ski trails can be seen at the Minnesota Nordic Ski Association Web site, www.mnnordicski.org.
The North Shore Ski Trails are part of an extensive cross country ski trail network along the north shore of Lake Superior. Nearly 200K of trails are groomed for the enjoyment of skiers from Temperance River State
Park near Schroeder to the Bally Creek Trails off of the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais.
The North Shore ski trails are grant in aid ski trails that are maintained
with the help of funds from the Minnesota Ski Pass, the state general fund, local businesses and local and regional volunteer labor.
"MNSA is joining forces with conservation groups to lobby the
legislature to access the OHV dedicated account," says Roger Landers, from Brainerd, Minn., and a board member of MNSA. "MNSA and environmental groups believe the OHV dedicated account should be
used to repair trail and other damages caused by 4X4 off road trucks, dirt bikes and ATV's."
As reported in a newspaper article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on
Jan. 9, 2003, "The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has done a poor job in planning and managing a trail system for ATVs and other off road vehicles, and it has paid too little attention to local
recreational needs, environmental protection, costs and enforcement, according to a report issued recently by the Minnesota Legislative Auditor."
"The DNR relies on complaints to find out if there are problems with the trails," says John Patterson, author of the report.
The Minnesota Nordic Ski Association was formed to promote,
preserve and enhance the cross country ski trails in Minnesota through education and legislation with public and private funding sources.
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BIRKIE LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE FOR 30th ANNIVERSARY
Wisconsin The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation has a powerful
new tool to inform skiers, the general public and the media about 30th anniversary race activities, snow and trail conditions, and foundation updates. The new Birkie Web site, www.birkie.com, was designed by
Murphy McGinnis Interactive in Duluth. It builds upon the former site and reflects user input and questions being asked about the race, its history, 30th anniversary festivities and the weather.
"We found that skiers, media and the general public are regular users of the Birkie Web site," says Shirley Riedmann, executive director of the
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. "They tell us that they use the site throughout the year but particularly during the winter months and especially during race week."
Statistics support those statements. In December 2001, 5,980 unique visitors viewed a total of 23,372 pages or 3.91 pages per visitor. Those numbers jumped in January 2002 with 11,174 unique visitors viewing a
total of 43,821 pages or 3.93 pages per visitor. Another increase was seen in February 2002 with 46,217 unique visitors viewing a total of 311,517 pages or 6.74 pages per visitor.
"Because of these statistics and feedback from Web users, we decided it was time to launch a new site to provide exactly what viewers are
looking for," Riedmann says. "This year we are finding great interest in 30th anniversary festivities, weather forecasts and trail conditions."
Riedmann said the new home page reflects 2003 as an historic year and 30th anniversary of the event. The site details Birkie 2003 anniversary festivities, which begin on Thursday, Feb. 20, and continue through
Saturday, Feb. 22.
In addition to ski events for all ages and fitness levels, a candlelight ski re enactment of the escape of the two Birkebeiners with "Baby Hakon" will
highlight festivities. A 30th anniversary slide show, hot air balloons, American Indian programs and dancers, opening and closing ceremonies and post race music by Big Top Chautauqua's Blue Canvas Orchestra,
sponsored by Leinenkugel's Brewing Company, are among the many activities planned.
The new Birkie Web site also features several pages of special interest to
skiers, including trail conditions, current weather and grooming updates.
For more information on the new Web site or to register for the Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Salomon Elite Sprints,
Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints, Century Tel Junior Birkie, Telemark Lodge Over the Hill race, Chequamegon Communications Cooperative 10K, or the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss
Barnebirkie, call 715/634 5025, e mail birkie@birkie.com, or log on to www.birkie.com.
Birkie 2003 is sponsored by Johnson Bank, Subaru, Murphy McGinnis
Media and other businesses throughout the region and country.
Leslie Hamp
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PREVEA OFFERS FREE MARATHON TRAINING SESSIONS
Wisconsin Prevea Clinic is offering two free marathon training sessions in conjunction with the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. All classes will be
held at the St. Mary's Hospital conference room, 1726 Shawano Ave., and begin at 6:30 p.m. Sessions are open to everyone both novice and experienced runners.
"When the Legs Just Want to Quit," with Jim Boldra, will be on Feb. 26. Boldra will share his experience and knowledge of what core strength
training is and how it helps when your legs just want to quit. He will address the issue of core strength training used by other athletes such as Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, and exactly why endurance athletes
may want to incorporate it into their training program.
Jim Boldra has been an endurance athlete for nearly 20 years and to date has completed a total of 21 Ironman triathlons. Besides triathlons, he is
an accomplished marathoner, cross country ski racer, road and mountain cyclist. Boldra trains and competes with his wife, Janine.
"It's a lifestyle that seems to agree with us," says Boldra. This lifestyle started innocently enough in 1984 when Jim and Janine signed up for their first triathlon in Milwaukee.
"We had so much fun at that first race, we signed up to do another the very next weekend and we were hooked."
The Boldras raced short distance triathlons for the next four summers and
then Jim decided he wanted to try and push his limits. He signed up for the 1988 edition of Ironman Canada; the next year, they both raced Ironman Canada. Jim has since qualified and raced five times in the
Ironman World Championships held in Kona, Hawaii, with a personal best time of 10:38 over the 140.6 mile distance. Besides racing, Boldra coaches other endurance athletes and taught the Fox Cities marathon
training class.
The Boldras live in Menasha and both are members of the Gear'n Up triathlon team. Jim is a mechanical engineer for Kimberly Clark and Janine is a rehab manager for Affinity Health Systems.
"No Need For Speed," with John Bingham, is scheduled for March 25. This is the ultimate training session for "regular" people who want to stay fit. Through his popular monthly column in Runner's World magazine,
"The Penguin" has inspired hundreds of thousands of men and women to run for fun, fitness and self affirmation.
For more information on these training courses, please check out www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com. To register, call Jane Birr at Prevea. 920/405 1475, and leave your name and phone number.
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24 HOUR SKIERS ENDURE WINDS AND COLD
Wisconsin Despite bitterly cold temperatures, dangerous wind chills and a shortened course, nearly 200 cross country skiers turned out for the
third annual 24 Hours of Telemark on Jan. 11 and 12. In a winter of little snow and cancelled races, most skiers were just happy to be on the snow, skiing.
"Telemark Resort shook their own private snowglobe for us," said event operations director Brett Meinke. Two inches of lake effect snow on Thursday also augmented the Telemark snowglobe.
Crews at Telemark Resort hauled 60 truckloads of man made snow onto the 3.1 kilometer course that included sections of the Fever Trail and the remnants of a recent snowcross snowmobile race course. Earlier in the
week, Hayward set two record high temperatures, hitting 51 degrees on Jan. 8.
The temperature at the 10 a.m. start hovered around zero and dipped to
five below zero in the dark hours of the long January night. A 15 25 mph northwest wind whipping down the start/finish stretch compounded the cold and dropped wind chills below 40 F.
The serpentine course included 140 vertical feet of climbing per lap and dozens of corners, including the corkscrewed Zen Garden. "There's lots
of climbing and lots of turns It's fun, though. It keeps you on your toes," said Scott Chapin of Seeley, Wis., skiing on Team SKJ.
Two time 24 hour solo champion Chris Ransom struggled throughout the
race but still captured his third title. Ransom skied 92 laps for a total of 285.2 kilometers, almost 35 kilometers short of his 2002 distance. Last year, Ransom skied 321.484 kilometers.
"Within two hours, I was cramping. Four hours in, I was dead meat," hesaid. "There were four singlestick hills per lap. It was hard to maintain
any sort of glide." The cold also slowed the Lake Mills, Wis., skier.
The skinnyski.com team also failed in their bid to break the 24 hour team
distance record of 517.391 kilometers. In the poor conditions, they skied 158 laps for a total of 489.8 kilometers, breaking their 24 Hours of Telemark record of 480 kilometers set in 2002. This year they used six
skiers instead of four last January.
Skinnyski.com founder Bruce Adelsman felt that lack of snow to train on hurt his team's chances to break the record. "Most of these guys haven't
been on snow to train more than once or twice a week this year," Adelsman said.
"It's rough out there," said skinnyski.com team member John Munger. He
did add that going out in the middle of the night on a shortened course was less intimidating than a longer course. The past two years the race has used a 10 kilometer lap.
Even though the 24 hours skiers logged thousands of laps of the shortened loop, course conditions held up. The cold temperatures and the man made snow formed a nearly indestructible, boilerplate track. "It
was a little rutty out there, but it held up," said Al Limberg of Wausau, Wis., finishing second in the 12 hour solo category.
Classic skiers also enjoyed a relatively firm track. "The track's holding up where you need it," said Paul Walker, skiing on the Birchleggers, four
striders that included Birkie founder John Kotar. According to Walker, any wax would work in the cold, although the abrasive conditions would wear it off in one lap.
Dozens of volunteers made the event possible. According to Brett Meinke, volunteers at the checkpoints were key, handing up Red Bull energy drink, water, energy bars and encouragement.
See www.itiming.com for full results.
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BANADAD SKI TRAIL SHUTTLE SERVICE AVAILABLE
Minnesota New this year, car shuttle service available between eastern and western trailheads of the Gunflint's 29 kilometer Banadad Ski Trail.
Skiers can also opt to be dropped off near the center of the ski trail then ski back to the eastern trailhead, a distance of 18 kilometers, where their
car will be waiting. Advance reservation is required for the shuttle.
The Banadad is now tracked and opened. The first party to ski the entire
trail this year was on December 27 28. They said the skiing was good.
The Banadad Trail is the Boundary Water's (BWCA) longest tracked trail. The trail is best described as a remote, intimate single tracked
wilderness trail. The eastern trailhead is located 32 miles up the Gunflint from Grand Marais, at the end of the Little Ollie Road, just east of
Poplar Lake. The western trail is located 1/4 mile east of the Loon Lake Public Landing. Parking is available at both trailheads. The Banadad is maintained and groomed by Boundary Country Trekking under
agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger District.
Contact 218 388 4487 for additional information on the Banadad Shuttle Service. Additional information and Banadad map can be viewed and
downloaded at www.boundarycountry.com/banadad.html.
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DONATE YOUR OLD MOUNTAIN BIKES, PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Minnesota Two Wheel View/Trips for Kids Twin Cities needs your old
mountain bikes, parts and accessories. Donations are used to fix and repair mountain bikes used for youth programs and to recondition and sell at the Sibley Bike Depot (community bike thrift shop operated by the
MN Bike and Pedestrian Alliance in cooperation with Two Wheel View/Trips for Kids). Revenue generated from the sale of bikes, accessories and parts help support youth biking programs in the Twin Cities.
Last season, Two Wheel View/Trips for Kids coordinated 26 biking events for over 160 youth thanks to financial and in kind support from local businesses (Park Tool, REI, and Quality Bicycle Products),
individuals and volunteer ride leaders from Minnesota Off Road Cyclist group and other bike enthusiasts. You can make a difference!
Two Wheel View/Trips for Kids Twin Cities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,
youth and environmentally mission driven mountain biking organization in the Twin Cities. Bike donations and financial contributions qualify for a
tax deduction and help make it possible to introduce more youth to the sport of mountain biking. Visit www.twowheelview.org or call Rick at 612/874 1895 to learn about ways you can support Two Wheel
View/Trips for Kids Twin Cities.
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NORTH END CLASSIC TO ADD NEW SEGMENTS OF RACE COURSE
Wisconsin Last year, when race after race across the region was cancelled due to lack of snow, the North End Classic in Cable was one
of the few to come off without a hitch. Despite challenging conditions again this year, race organizers are optimistic that the third annual North End Classic on Feb. 9 will again run as planned.
The 23K classical technique ski race will start at 10 a.m. at the Cable Union Airport near Telemark Resort at the start area for the American Birkebeiner. The race will follow the course for the Kortelopet, which
includes portions of the American Birkebeiner ski trail, the North End Trails and Telemark Nordic Ski Trails.
This year the race will follow more of the North End Ski Trail than in the
past. The race course will divert from the Birkie Trail at approximately 5K. It will cross the Birkie Trail several times as it works its way south to rejoin the actual Kortelopet course near the 9K point.
"The new section of trail will be a lot of fun for the racers," says North End Club president Ron Bergin. "It is much narrower than the Birkie Trail and is truly a blast to ski."
The North End Classic is a qualifying event for racers wishing to participate in the Kortelopet. Finish times can be used for wave placement up to wave five in the Kortelopet.
The North End Classic is sponsored by Toko ski wax. Toko is providing a ski hat for the first 200 racers and an assortment of prizes. Telemark
Resort is the event host and will provide race facilities and other support for the event. Other sponsors include Hidden Bay Sports and the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital. The Classic is a fund raising event for
the North End Ski Club, which over the past several years has developed and maintained the North End Trail Head, warming cabin, and ski and snowshoe trails at the north end of the American Birkebeiner ski
trail near Cable (see Silent Sports Dec. 2002).
Approximately 200 racers are expected to participate in the third annual running of the North End Classic. The Classic takes place on the same
weekend as the Hayward Lions Pre Birkie, so racers can get a double dose of great cross country ski racing on the same weekend.
Registration for the North End Classic will be on Saturday, Feb. 8, from
4 to 8 p.m. at Telemark Resort and 7 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, also at Telemark. Registration fees are $25 through January 31, $30 through February 8 and $35.00 on race day. Racers receive a Toko ski hat,
bowl of chili and bread for lunch, and opportunities to win great door prizes.
For more information or to obtain registration forms, call 715/798 3599. Racers can also register on line at www.signmeupsports.com.
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SAWTOOTH SKI RACE, GUTS TRIATHLON RESCHEDULED
The Sawtooth race officials postpone the Jan. 11 Sawtooth Cross
Country Ski Race due to below normal snow cover on the Pincushion race course two miles from Grand Marais, Minn. The race is now rescheduled for Saturday, March 8. Race officials are hoping for more
normal snowfall in later Jan. and Feb. to provide a quality ski race on the new March 8 date.
The same format will be used in the March race with the 16K or 8K
classic technique event at 10 a.m. The 24K or 8K Freestyle event starts at 11 a.m.
The Pincushion Ski Trail has unusually thin snow cover this season. As of
early January, a total of only 13" had fallen the entire season to date. Race organizers wanted to assure the expected 125 200 racers a quality and safe course.
Typically the Pincushion Trail is one of Minnesota's more dependable trails for early season snow pack.
Preregistered racers for the Sawtooth have the option of applying their
entry to the March 8, 2003, race or to the January 2004, race. Skiers will be automatically entered in the rescheduled March 8, 2003, race. If skiers are unable to attend the March race, and wish to apply your entry
to the January, 2004, Sawtooth, notify the race organizers by Feb 28. Contact the Sawtooth Race at 218/387 1276 or on e mail: pincushion@boreal.org.
The Guts Triathlon was to have been held on Jan. 5. The rescheduled date is Feb. 15. The race features a 10K ski, 2K snowshoe and 10K run at the Al Quaal Recreation Ctr., Ishpeming, Mich.
For more information, contact Glen Lerlie at 906/485 1472 or visit the Superiorland Ski Club's Web site, www.superiorlandskiclub.com
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BECOMING AN OUTDOOR WOMAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Minnesota The Minnesota Becoming An Outdoor Woman program has set its calendar of events for 2003. This year's events include three
weekend introductory workshops and nearly 30 specialty events that will be from one to four days long.
Although the winter workshop in late February is full, there is still an
opportunity for women to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the rest of the year.
The complete calendar of events is available by looking on the
Department of Natural Resources Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us under education programs or by calling the DNR Information Center at 651/296 6157 or toll free 1 888 MINNDNR (646 6367).
Jean Bergerson, coordinator of the BOW program, said varied activities are being offered this year.
"We are excited about the range of offerings we have for 2003. We are
offering a whitewater rafting trip for the first time this year. We also have a fly in BWCA canoe trip, as well as a wide range of angling and shooting sports classes."
"Some programs fill up very quickly," Bergerson noted. "We are now taking registrations for all the programs. My recommendation would be to sign up early."
The BOW program is designed for women over age 18 who are interested in learning or expanding their expertise in outdoor skills. The classes are usually taught by women. Program fees include all the
equipment, hands on instruction, and information to assist participants who wish to continue in that sport. The program is currently being offered in 46 states and seven Canadian provinces. Minnesota's program has
been offered for nine years.
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HEASLETT WINS USATF NAT'L TITLES
Ann Heaslett, a 38 year old Madison, Wis., runner, picked up two USATF national titles in 2002. Accoording to the USATF Web site,
Heaslett won the 2002 USA 50 Mile Trail Championship at White River in Washington in 8:13:17 and the 24 Hour Championship at Olander Park in Ohio, where she ran 128.55 miles. Heaslett's outstanding
performances at national championships earned her a place on the 2002 USA 100 km team, where she ran 8:42:25 to be the third runner to score for the U.S. Women's Team and claim the bronze medal for the U.S. at
the world 100 km championships in Belgium.
After competing and placing well in seven previous national championships on trails and roads, Heaslett credits her titles to her
regular participation in national championships. "I have become a more savvy competitor due to the experience that I've gained in running National Championship events with some of the country's best
ultrarunners."
Heaslett began her ultra career at the USATF Ice Age Trail 50 Mile Championship in 1999. Impressed and intimidated by "big name"
ultrarunners at the championship, Heaslett took second.
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SPOONER TO HOST WI HIGH SCHOOL XC CHAMPIONSHIP
Wisconsin The Spooner High School Ski Team has been selected by the Wisconsin High School Nordic Ski League to host the 22nd Annual
State High School Nordic Ski Championship this winter. The race will be held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 8 and 9, at the Marvin Schwan Retreat & Convention Center 10 miles west of Minong on Highway 77.
The championship features a two race pursuit format with a 6K freestyle (skating) race Saturday and a 6K classical race on Sunday. Individual awards will be given for the top ten boys and top ten girls in both the
freestyle and classic races. Team awards will be given to the top three boys and girls teams in the pursuit (or total of the two races) race.
Over 300 skiers from 20 or more high schools are expected to compete on a rugged course designed especially for these championships on the hilly ridge terrain at the Schwan Center. The start and finish area will be
directly adjacent to the Pine Village Retreat Area.
The public is invited to share in the excitement. Preparations are underway to fill the weekend with other activities. Races will include a
Middle School Division, which will race on a 3.3K course. There will also be sprint relays, skiing for adults and snowshoeing.
The Spooner ski team, in such a large undertaking, would like to
acknowledge their major event sponsors: The American Birkebeiner Foundation, CenturyTel and the Schwan Center, along with the several local sponsors: Dr. Dellin Bakkum D.D.S., Burch Construction,
Community First National Bank, Franky's Lane & Lounge, Indianhead Credit Union, Meister & Meister Tax Accounting, Riverbrook Bike & Ski Shop, Schmitz' Economart, Spooner Ace Hardware and the
employees of the School District of Spooner. Thanks also to all the volunteers who are working to make this event one of which the local area can be proud.
For more information, you can contact race directors Randy and Vicki Larson at N54223 Cyclone Lake Rd., Spooner, WI 54801; 715/635 2725 or vickilarson@centurytel.net.
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HASSETT NAMED WISCONSIN DNR SECRETARY
Wisconsin Wis. Gov. Jim Doyle has replaced DNR Secretary Darrell Bazzell with Madison attorney P. Scott Hassett. Hassett, 52, is a partner
and attorney at Lawton & Cates S.C. He has worked at Lawton and Cates for the past 22 years, handling civil, criminal and employment litigation cases statewide and environmental litigation cases on issues
ranging from toxic torts to environmental pollution.
Hassett is a former chair and current member of the Board of Directors of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. The foundation
awards grants for environmental and educational projects and has made a major commitment to the reintroduction of whooping cranes in Wisconsin.
Hassett, an avid hunter and fisherman, is a member of Wisconsin
Bowhunters, Ducks Unlimited, Oak Ridge Rifle Club and Bentshaft Bowhunters Club, and is a former president of the Wisconsin River Sportsman Club. He has also served as the political advisor/legal counsel
for Muskies Inc.
He graduated from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in journalism in 1974 and received a law degree from Rutgers University in 1980.
Darrell Bazzell was appointed DNR secretary in February 2001 after many years of service within state government, including the DNR. He replaced George E. Meyer, who had appointed Bazzell deputy DNR
secretary in March 1996. From 1993 to 1996, Bazzell headed the DNR Office of Planning and Analysis, where he played a key role in managing the department's extensive reorganization.
Bazzell's position as DNR secretary was his seventh job in 16 years of service at four Wisconsin state government agencies, including the state
departments of agriculture, administration, and health and social services.
Following Doyle's announced appointment of Hassett as DNR secretary,
Bazzell was selected by a 16 member search and screen committee to become vice chancellor for administration of UW Madison. That position is responsible for the overall supervision of the university's administrative
functions, including budget, facilities planning, general business services and auxiliary operations. The vice chancellor also serves as a senior advisor to the chancellor and provost on administrative policies and
practices.
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WISCONSIN STATE PARKS OFFER MANY WINTER CAMPING OPPORTUNITIES
Wisconsin Having a state park campground nearly to oneself may sound
like a dream to someone accustomed to visiting their favorite park on a summer weekend, but for those hearty enough to try their hand at winter camping, park officials say, it is more the norm.
More than 30 Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreational areas offer winter camping opportunities, ranging from backpack camping to family campsites with or without electricity.
"Our parks and forests should be enjoyed year round," says Sue Black, director of Wisconsin State Parks. "Camping is a great way to enjoy the
outdoors during Wisconsin's winter season. Smaller crowds, crisp nights, early sunsets for campfires and no bugs makes for an excellent camping experience."
All the parks open to winter camping have water available and open toilet facilities; some parks offer electrical hookups. Campers can check the winter camping page on the State Parks Web site http://www.wiparks.net by clicking on camping and then winter camping to reach http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/reservation/winter.htm or contact the parks directly to see if they offer electrical sites in the winter. At some park and forest campgrounds, campsites are plowed out to
provide access to recreational vehicles, other parks just plow roads through campgrounds.
During winter, most campsites are available on a first come, first served
basis, but others may be reserved ahead of time. The winter camping page indicates which parks accept reservations, which can be made by calling 1 888/WI PARKS (1 888/947 2757). Reservations can also be
made via the State Parks Web site. All vehicles must have admission stickers, and regular camping rates apply.
Both the northern and southern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest
offer primitive campsites with shelters. The shelters have a roof and three sides with dirt or gravel floors. Campers must carry in their gear and
water. Many campers ski or snowshoe to the shelters. Anyone interested in staying in one of the shelters must register at the forest offices and pay
a camping fee. Interested campers should reserve a shelter at least a week in advance for a nominal reservation fee to ensure an opening, because the shelters are often full on weekends, even in winter.
For those who truly want a rustic winter camping experience, several of the northern state forests such as the Northern Highland/American Legion, Flambeau River and Brule River issue backpack camping
permits that allow campers to venture out to find their own ideal site to camp. For their own safety, all backpack campers must register at the
main office for the forest in which they intend to camp before beginning their excursion. Most forest offices are closed on weekends during the winter.
Black says campers must be more prepared and pay much more
attention to small details to camp during the winter. The most important thing is to stay warm and dry, so the proper choice of clothing and equipment is important.
She recommends campers dress in layers and bring extra dry clothes, especially socks, mittens and undergarments, along with insulated boots with removable liners, which can be worn or placed in the sleeping bag at
night to keep them warm. An insulated parka is also useful for when campers sit around the campfire at night and during other periods of low activity. Other important gear includes a good hooded sleeping bag that
is rated by the manufacturer for temperatures that may be encountered, an insulated sleeping pad and a tent designed for winter camping.
Bringing lots of food is also an important part of winter camping, because
people burn more calories in the cold just staying warm.
In addition to camping, winter visitors to Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas can participate in many special programs,
including candlelight skis or hikes and nature workshops. A list of events is on the state parks Web site or people can contact a state park property directly to find out what events they have scheduled.
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WISCONSIN STATE PARK STICKERS AND TRAIL PASSES NOW ON SALE
Wisconsin Annual admission stickers to Wisconsin State Parks and Forests and annual passes for Wisconsin State Trails for 2003 are on
sale now at state park and trail offices and at Department of Natural Resources service centers throughout Wisconsin.
"Some of the best recreational opportunities and most scenic areas in
Wisconsin can be found in our state parks and forests," says Sue Black, Wisconsin State Parks director. "When you consider the access the
admission sticker provides to scenic beauty and tranquility as well as to outdoor recreation, it is really one of the best bargains for your money."
The annual stickers are $20 each for residents and $30 for nonresidents, and each sticker allows one vehicle and everyone in it unlimited visits for
the entire year to nearly 60 state parks, forests and recreation areas. Reduced rate second vehicle and senior citizen stickers are also available for $10 for residents.
A $10 State Trail Pass gives the purchaser access to more than 30 scenic trails throughout Wisconsin. The passes are required for anyone who bicycles or horseback rides on the designated trails. Hikers and
children under 16 years of age are granted free trail admission.
Black adds that park stickers and trail passes also make great gifts.
"Giving someone a park sticker gives the recipient access to a full year of fun, adventure and beauty," she says. Free gift cards and envelopes are available for annual stickers purchased for gifts.
Visitors to the state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas can partake in various outdoor recreational activities, including biking, boating,
birdwatching, hiking, picnicking, fishing and skiing. Interpretive displays and activities also teach visitors about Wisconsin's natural beauty. With
over 80 locations, traveling to any of the Wisconsin State Park System properties is easy.
People may purchase 2003 Wisconsin State Park System vehicle
admission stickers or state trail passes at all state park system properties, DNR service centers or the Wisconsin State Park System office by calling 608/266 2181 and using a credit card.
More information about Wisconsin State Parks and Trails can be found at http://www.wiparks.net.
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FIND RARE RUNNING SHOES ONLINE
www.RareRunningShoes.com is a new Web site that links running specialty stores with runners and walkers nationwide, therefore greatly
expanding each other's resources. RareRunningShoes.com houses several sites in one:
1. A searchable database of rare, discontinued, closeout and hard to find
running shoes in running stores across the United States. It caters to runners looking for either their favorite rare running shoe or the newest
styles at great prices. Running specialty stores can list any style of shoe they would like and are not limited to the amount listed. Each store will
be billed $1 per (one) shoe per (one) month at the time of posting. The store determines the price of their shoes, any shipping charges and the return policies of the sale.
2. A "Shoes Wanted" page. Here, runners can post a request for their favorite shoe. The "Shoes Wanted" list can be viewed by anyone on the
Web site, but it is intended for running specialty stores to view. Stores that carry the listed shoes in their inventory will contact RareRunningShoes.com and the information will be forwarded to the
appropriate customer, who can contact and purchase their shoes directly from the store. This will enable running specialty stores to acquire customers from outside their traditional radius and extend the knowledge
of their business.
3. A master list of all running stores in the United States and appropriate contact information (i.e., phone, Web address, city and state) for each
shop. This page has approximately 400 stores listed alphabetically, by state, and benefits customers in two ways:
Users will learn more about the stores they are purchasing shoes from;
Runners will be better able to find retail outlets geared specifically toward them, whether in their hometown or in alternate meeting places for running communities.
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NEW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SNOWSHOE RACES IN LUCK, FEB. 8
Wisconsin The 10th annual New World Championship Snowshoe Races
will be held February 8, in Luck, Wisconsin. Hosted by the In and Out of Luck Running Club, the races have been bringing the best snowshoe runners in the world to Luck for the past nine years.
The race distances are 5, 10 and 20 kilometers. Competitive snowshoe running has only been around for the last 10 or 11 years, and every season finds the number of competitors grow as more people discover
the fitness rewards of winter cross training.
The New World Championship Snowshoe Races start at 10 a.m., with check in and registration at 8 a.m. The awards ceremony, featuring door
prize drawings and a free bowl of chili for race participants, will be held at 2 p.m. Registration, the race and the awards ceremony are all held at the Luck Golf Course.
The race course uses part of the Luck Golf Course and a beautiful section of the Luck Ski Trail. The surface is packed prior to the event, resulting in a fast course.
The New World Championship Snowshoe Races are the North Central Region Qualifier Event for the United States Snowshoe Associations National Championships, to be held March 29 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Runners can join the USSSA for $10 on race day at Luck.
In the races, the overall winners, male and female, in each distance will be recognized. Age groups will award first, second and third place. Event
long sleeved T shirts, door prizes, on course water and food stops, and the chili are included in the entry fee.
The entry fee is $18 or $25 after Feb. 1. For more information and entry
forms, send a self addressed, stamped envelope to In and Out of Luck Running Club, 1572 270th Avenue, Luck, WI 54853; newworld@lakeland.ws. Event information is available at 715/472
8231 or www.midwestevents.com; lodging information is available at 800/222 POLK.
Proceeds from events sponsored by the In and Out of Luck Running
Club are returned locally to benefit the community. Contributions have been made to the Community Referral Agency, Frederic Cross Country Team, Luck Ski Trail maintenance fund, Luck High School Track Team,
Friends of a Feather Raptor Rehabilitation Center and the Make a Wish Foundation.
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GREATEST ATHLETIC FEATS OF 2002 THAT YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF
Sports fans know about Tom Brady and the New England Patriots;
Koby, Shaq and the three peat; the Williams sisters and tennis; Tiger Woods on the links; and the amazing Anaheim Angels. But have they heard of California's Helen Klein and Ray Piva?
On December 8, Helen Klein ran a 4:31:32 at the California International Marathon in Sacramento, California. That 10 minute 21 second per mile pace may not be a threat to world champion marathoners Paula Radcliffe
and Khalid Khannouchi, but Klein is not competing with them because she is 80 years old! This world record performance broke the former record for her age group by an astounding 39 minutes. And, there is
more. Back in October when she was a mere youngster of 79, she ran a 4:46 at the Des Moines, Iowa, marathon and then, just six days later, with barely time to catch her breath, Klein ran the Dick Collins Fire Trail
50 Miler in 13 hours 4 minutes.
In all, this mother of four and great grandmother of 18 ran five marathons, three 50Ks (31 miles) and three 50 milers among her races in
2002. Not bad for someone who never played sports, smoked for 25 years, and didn't start running until age 55. Has all this running worn out her 80 year old body? Apparently not. Referring to the finish of her
record breaking marathon, she says, "I felt so good, I could have turned around and run home." How many 20 year olds have the energy and vitality to keep pace with this world champion octogenarian?
Seventy six year old Ray Piva of San Francisco is another candidate for the greatest unheralded athletic accomplishment of the year. All Piva did
was set a world record for his age group with an amazing (for any [age group]) 105 mile run at the Olander Park 24 Hour National Championships in September. He amassed all these miles despite less
than ideal running conditions temperatures in the mid 80s and high humidity during the day; severe thunderstorms and torrential downpours during the night.
In July, Piva ran an age group world record 66.5 miles at the San Mateo 12 Hour endurance run. At the Ruth Anderson 100K in May, he set several more world and national records for varying distances along the
way. During 2002, Piva set no less than 10 world and national records in ultralong distance races. Is this senior athlete, who like Klein, didn't start
running until his mid 50s and had no athletic background, ready to hang up his running shorts? No he's just getting started. Piva, who started
running ultras just a dozen years ago, admits, "I'd like to try a 48 hour race now."
Author and fitness expert Ed Mayhew says, "These awesome feats prove
that it is possible to be not just fit after 50, but actually in better shape than most 40 , 30 and even 20 year olds!" You can learn more about
Helen Klein and dozens like her, and their secrets to successful aging, in Mayhew's latest book, Fitter After 50 (1st Books Library, 2002) and at www.FitterAfter50.com.
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