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STORIES SOUGHT FOR BIRKEBEINER 30th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE BOOK
Skiers have a chance to be a part of the American Birkebeiner legacy by
contributing their most memorable Birkebeiner or Kortelopet experience for publication in the Birkebeiner's official book commemorating the 30th anniversary of the race.
The book, tentatively titled "Stories from the Trail: Commemorating 30 years of the American Birkebeiner," will feature a history of the race, all
past Birkebeiner and Kortelopet winners, interesting facts, and numerous photos. The majority of the book, however, will be comprised of stories submitted by skiers themselves.
"There's no other event that inspires people more than the Birkie or the Korte," said Kevin Olson, the book's editor. "Every skier has at least one
good story from every Birkie or Korte, and they're told to friends and family but, after that, they're often lost. I want to capture the best stories
in print from the past three decades so they can be preserved and shared with everyone.
"Every Birkie is an epic journey that elicits emotions ranging from tears,
to frustration, to joy, to exhilaration, to that incredible feeling of satisfaction when you cross the finish line," Olson continued. "It doesn't
matter whether you're an elite racer or skiing from the back of the pack – every participant has a story to tell."
The first American Birkebeiner was held in 1973 when 35 participants
skied 50 kilometers from Hayward, Wis., to Telemark Lodge in Cable, Wis. The event has grown exponentially over the years and, recently, more than 6,500 skiers have participated in the Birkebeiner and
Kortelopet races, making it the largest cross country ski race in North America. The 30th anniversary of the Birkie will be held on Feb. 22, 2003.
Story submissions should adhere to the following guidelines:
• Submission deadline is Aug. 15, 2002.
• Only one story will be selected from each person; no more than three submissions per person.
• Submissions should be 750 words or less.
• The author has the right to edit submissions for content and length.
• Submissions can be e–mailed to: birkieat30@hotmail.com or birkiebook@yahoo.com and should be included in the e–mail body
copy – no attachments please. Or log on to SkinnySki.com for more information.
• Contributors will receive no monetary compensation for their stories.
Rather, they will receive a free copy of the book and experience the satisfaction of having their stories published in this commemorative publication.
• Contributors should include with their story their full name, address, phone number, number of Birkies/Kortes completed, and approximate year when their experience occurred.
• All submissions become property of the author.
The best 50 to 75 stories will be selected based on creativity, writing, the experience, variety and reflection on the Birkie itself.
"The American Birkebeiner receives dozens of letters after each Birkie weekend, so we know that skiers are eager to share their stories," said
Don Maher, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation board member. "We encourage everyone to submit their most memorable experiences to this collection to help commemorate the Birkie's 30th anniversary."
A portion of the proceeds from each book sale will benefit the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. The book will be available for sale in early
January 2003. To reserve a copy, e–mail your contact information to one of the two addresses listed above.
TRIPS FOR KIDS: TWIN CITIES KEEP ROLLING WITH REI GRANT
Two Wheel View/Trips for Kids – Twin Cities is proud to announce a recent grant from REI. The grant of bikes, accessories and cash will
allow kids throughout the Twin Cities to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors from the seat of a mountain bike.
"The grant from REI will help make it possible to build support and lead
weekly mountain bike rides, overnight biking trips, and other exciting programs this year," the founder, Rick McFerrin, said. "We couldn't do it without volunteers and local support!"
To learn more about upcoming events and how to get involved, check out www.twowheelview.org
Two Wheel View/TFK – Twin Cities was founded on the premise that
all youth should have access to the outdoors and the opportunity to "see the world." The organization uses the bicycle as a tool to combine lessons
in responsibility, achievement, cultural understanding, and environmental stewardship. Programs include a youth mountain biking program and school programs. These opportunities offer kids a chance to increase
their self–esteem, experience the outdoors and gain a broader perspective on their lives.
Through the REI grants program, REI dedicates a portion of its operating
budget to help protect and restore the environment, increase access to outdoor activities, and encourage involvement in muscle–powered recreation. REI employees nominate organizations, projects, and
programs to receive funding or gear donations. This year, REI is concentrating on getting kids outside with exciting activities and generous donations.
Two Wheel View/Trips for Kids – Twin Cities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded through private support from individuals, foundations, corporations and civic organizations. To find out more about how you
can support Two Wheel View/TFK – Twin Cities, please visit www.twowheelview.org or e–mail rick.mcferrin@twowheelview.org.
TEAM CARE TO RUN IN CHICAGO MARATHON
Every year charities are chosen as partners for the LaSalle Bank Chicago
Marathon. In 2002, the Marathon's 25th anniversary, they have adopted the theme Run for a Reason – encouraging all runners to align with a cause to enhance their marathon experience. The Alzheimer's Association
regional Rockford, Ill., office is spearheading the Marathon effort through Team CARE. (Conquering Alzheimer's Running Endeavor). This grass roots team is dedicated to raising money for the 60,000 individuals
impacted by Alzheimer's disease in the Northern Illinois area. The team will train together, support one another and on October 13, all take part
in one of the largest Marathons in the world (almost 40,000 participants last year).
Join the CARE Team and run the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon for a
reason. Team benefits include a Cool Max T–shirt with team affiliation on it, private tent on race day with your own bathrooms, and optional race
day packet pick up at the Alzheimer's Association Expo booth or in the tent the day of the race. There is a $25 sign–up fee and an agreement to raise a minimum of $262 for Alzheimer's Association.
Please contact Corryn Hall from the Alzheimer's Association, 815/484–1300, or e–mail corryn.hall@alz.org with any question. Want to start a CARE Team in your area, we can help you with that, too.
WISCONSIN ADVENTURE RACE SERIES HAS SEVERAL OFFERINGS THIS YEAR
With a motto of offering "a senic, physically challenging, affordable adventure race for the masses," the Wisconsin Adventure Race Series
(WARS) welcomes the beginner, as well as the pro.
"Our goal," according to Kevin McCarthy, "is to give the paddler, mountain biker, orienteerer–navagator, road–biker and runner a good workout."
McCarthy, with his partner, Kevin Teschendorf, are offering three races this year. The Badger Orienteering Race was in May at Devils Lake, Wis. Still up for this year are the Devils Challenge, Aug. 17, on the
Wisconsin River, and the Southern Kettle Moraine Challenge in October.
Teschendorf is the race director for the first two races and McCarthy is
the race director for the SKMC. Teschendorf is also the president of Badger Orienteering. He is nationally ranked in orienteering and has three first–place finishes this year in the Chicago Orienteering meets.
Teschendorf is also a orienteering instructor at UW–Milwaukee.
McCarthy has 20–plus years of paddling experience and Canada expedition travel and also has adventure racing experience.
The Devils Challenge features 10 miles of canoeing, 20 miles off– and on–road biking, and real orienteering. Register with Teschendorf at kevin@chorus.net or call McCarthy 262/965–5781. The Web site for the race is http://userpages.chorus.net/kevin/challenge.html.
The Web site for all three events is http://userpages.chorus.net/kevin/3raceinfo.html.
TWIN CITIES ADVENTURE RACE JULY 20
Twin Cities area athletes, looking to get their feet wet in the fast growing
sport of adventure racing, should get their entry forms in for Team Adventure–O, a sprint distance adventure race to be held July 20 at Lake Elmo Regional Park in Washington County. Team Adventure–O is
a scaled–down, one–day version of the multi–event, cross country expedition team races like the Eco Challenge and Raid Gauloises.
At Team Adventure–O, coed teams of four will race together, using
teamwork, endurance and problem solving skills to negotiate 7–8 miles of hiking and running, 15 miles of trail and road biking, 2–3 miles of canoeing, 8–10 skill challenges plus map and compass navigation. The
race is designed for new to intermediate adventure racers and is expected to take about four to six hours to complete.
Organized by the Minnesota Orienteering Club, it's one of the first events
in the booming sport of adventure racing to be held in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. REI is a sponsor of the race and will be providing prizes for the winning team.
"The club has years of experience organizing orienteering competitions and club members who have adventure race experience, so we're confident that we'll be able to put on a quality event that's both fun and
challenging," said race director Mike Carlson.
Entry fee for the race is $60 per person, which includes lunch and a T–shirt. Competitors can enter as an individual and be placed on a team
on the day of the event.
More information and an entry form can be found at www.mnoc.org. You can also contact publicity@mnoc.org or call Mike Carlson 651/456–9008.
DO GIRLS AND BOYS COMPETE DIFFERENTLY? MELPOMENE STUDY SAYS YES
It is widely believed that boys are more competitive than girls, but are they? What really happens on playing fields – and why?
Melpomene sought the answers in a recent national study of 879 young athletes, aged 12–17. Athletes were participating in the USA Soccer Cup Tournament in Blaine, MN in July 2001; 63% were girls and 37% were boys.
The study found that despite differences in the way boys and girls responded to questions about competition, neither boys or girls score as
"unhealthily competitive" or "too focused on winning," according to scales created to measure these categories.
Female coaches are more likely than male coaches to focus on things like
playing fairly and giving everyone a chance to play. However, they are just as likely to focus on playing one's best and being competitive. This suggests that healthy behaviors and attitudes do not have to be
compromised in order to challenge kids to play well.
Boys and girls do differ in some of their attitudes and behaviors around winning. Boys are more likely to answer frequently or always to these questions:
a. I would do almost anything to win;
b. The main goal of playing sports is to win;
c. I get very upset when my team loses.
Girls are more likely to consider the following as "important" or "very important:"
a. Playing fairly;
b. That everyone gets a chance to play.
Melpomene also found that boys and girls participate in sports for remarkably similar – and positive – reasons. Both boys and girls want to have fun, improve their skills, and learn new ones. However, as kids get
older, they seem to become unhealthier in their range of attitudes and behaviors toward competition. Furthermore, the older kids get, the less
likely they are to value healthier aspects of sports participation, such as fair play. These findings raise some questions:
a. What is the dynamic causing kids to score higher in "unhealthily
competitive" measures as they age?
b. Why do they score lower in more healthy measures such as fair play as they age?
Positive feedback, pep talks and humor were the coaches' most
motivating characteristics, according to the kids in the study. In sum, the survey shows there are indeed differences between boys and girls view of competition, and that boys place more emphasis on winning.
However, the fact that only one in nine youth surveyed viewed competition unhealthily is a hopeful sign for both boys and girls, and for future research.
Melpomene celebrated its 20th Anniversary on February 11, 2002. Named for an exceptional Greek woman who ran her country's marathon (unofficially, of course) in 1896, the organization strives to promote
physical activity for women and girls at all levels, ages, and economic backgrounds. For more information on our competition study and other programs and research, visit our website at www.melpomene.org or call
651/642–1951.
FOX RIVER: BUSIEST TRAIL IN THE 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. As the area was settled,
livestock and other goods were brought to market using these pathways.
Later, a military road would be built along portions of the corridor linking
Green Bay to Milwaukee. In the 1860's, 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, as ownership passed from one railroad
to another. 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.
DANGEROUS FOREST FIRE CONDITIONS CONTINUE IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN
While south and central Wisconsin experiences moist, green conditions
and an abundance of spring rains, extreme northern Wisconsin is facing very high and extreme fire conditions. Counties north of Hayward, Park Falls, Rhinelander and Marinette – including Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland,
Iron, Vilas counties and the sand areas of Washburn, Burnett, Sawyer, Oneida, northern Marinette and Florence – are entering their fourth week
with very little rain and no relief is in sight. This extreme northern tier of counties basically went from snow to heat to dryness. The Department of
Natural Resources Division of Forestry is asking the public to exercise extreme caution.
"For most people in the state – looking at green grass and fully leafed out
trees – it's hard to imagine we have a potential forest fire problem in the state. But DNR Division of Forestry foresters battled two good–sized blazes in June that had potential to burn acreages. In fact, foresters
attended to 62 fires totaling 101 acres over the weekend of June 4–5," said Ken Terrill, DNR Division of Forestry, forest fire operations specialist.
DNR has moved equipment, such as fire detection airplanes and tractor plow units, north in order to have adequate resources available should fires break out. Overall, the DNR Division of Forestry has tracked and
dealt with 627 fires which burnt more than 1,468 acres this spring; more than 30 buildings have been saved.
The public is being asked to use caution with smoking materials and
campfires, and to avoid burning debris in the affected counties. Citizens are reminded that burning permits are required prior to undertaking any debris burning projects. Contact your local DNR office for more
information on burning permits.
NEW NAME FOR HENNEPIN PARKS
The Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District is changing its common name from Hennepin Parks to Three Rivers Park District. The park
district's legal name, "Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District," will remain the same.
The name change will more effectively represent the park district's unique
status and responsibilities as a "special park district" not affiliated with one single county. The new name has been selected in order to better
represent the geographic distribution of parks and trails operated by the park district, as well as to directly connect the name to the natural world
and the mission of promoting environmental stewardship. The new name will be phased in over the next two years, with its official use beginning on May 1, 2002.
EXTENDED CANOE AND KAYAK TRIPS OFFERED FOR WOMEN
The Minnesota Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) program is offering two extended paddling trips this August. Women are invited to
join sea kayak instructors from Voyageur Outward Bound School for a trip on Lake Superior Aug. 1–4. The trip includes three nights of camping and four days of paddling.
Participants will explore sea caves, lighthouses and historic fishing villages as they paddle throughout the Apostle Islands National Seashore. All equipment is furnished. Participants do not need previous paddling
experience, according to Jean Bergerson, coordinator of the BOW program.
"This is the first year we have offered this trip," Bergerson said. "It is a
great opportunity for women to participate and have all the logistics taken care of."
Early registration is recommended by calling 651/296–6157 in the Twin Cities metro area or toll free 888/646–6367.
BOW is also offering a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trip Aug. 14–18. Bergerson said this annual trip fills quickly. Participants will paddle the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area and fish or just enjoy
the camaraderie and the scenery. Bergerson said it is helpful if participants have some paddling experience. For more information or to register, call toll free 888/749–1288.
"All other BOW paddling activities offered this summer are filed," Bergerson said. "I'd encourage those who want to have a paddling experience this summer to try one of these longer trips. Participants will
return as experienced canoeists or kayakers.
"Many times just trying a sport for a short period of time whets the appetite for more," Bergerson said. "When women return from these
trips, they will be able to plan their own trips with friends or family."
TOUR DE FORT METRIC CENTURY SUNDAY, AUG. 18
For the sixteenth year in a row, the Tour de Fort Bicycle Club is once again putting on one of the best and most scenic rides in southern
Wisconsin. Co–sponsors include Johnson Bank and Fort Atkinson Memorial Health Services. With distances of 15, 33 and 62 miles, almost all in Jefferson County, cyclists have the opportunity to bike along the
Rock River, take a break at the historic Aztalan Park with its Indian effigy mounds, museum and fort, pass by Rock and Ripley Lakes (and maybe stop for a dip), and visit the quaint village of Cambridge.
But that's only part of it! Participants can munch on bagels and juice before the start, buy a chance for bike trail development to win a new Trek bike and other prizes, check out the incredibly healthy rest stops,
and end the ride with the gift of a ticket to the local Lions chicken and corn feed. On top of all that, riders can order a commemorative T–shirt to prove they were there.
The Tour de Fort Bicycle Club also believes in safety and service. The Tri–County Amateur Radio Club will provide communications along the route, the Black Hawk Chapter 409 Vietnam veterans will maintain the
food stops, and Quiet Hut will provide the sag wagons.
Take time to enjoy the hospitality of a small town with a love for biking. The ride starts at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, at Jones Park in Fort
Atkinson. For details, check the Web site at www.tourde fort.org, write to P.O. Box 464, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538, call Phyllis at 920/563–5279 or Tim at Humphrey Floral weekdays at 920/563–9231.
NO SUMMER DEER HUNT AT BLUE MOUNDS
Karl Heil, park manager at Blue Mound State Park, is informing park
users that there will be no more deer hunting in the park until Sept. 15 at the earliest.
The 1,200–acre park, located 20 miles west of Madison, is a favorite
with silent sport enthusiasts. It offers single–track mountain bike trails, hiking trails, cross country ski trails, camping, and a heated, outdoor swimming pool.
The park is near the center of the Department of Natural Resources chronic wasting disease deer eradication zone. A deer collection hunt was held at the park on May 14. This hunt was scheduled early so that
samples could be collected from park deer before the busy summer season. Some deer hunting will occur at the park between Sept. 15 and Dec. 15. Exact details of these hunts have not been finalized. There will
be no deer hunting at Blue Mound State Park after Dec.15.
Blue Mound is a very popular cross country skiing destination and hunting in the park after Dec. 15 would not be compatible with skiing.
Heil also reminds users of the nearby Military Ridge State Trail that there will be no hunting on the trail at all. There may be hunting going on near
the trail by adjacent landowners. Hunters are prohibited from shooting across the trail. For more information contact park staff at 608/437–5711.
FRIENDS ACROSS WISCONSIN TRAIL TOUR
Celebrate 2002 Year of the Trails on an inaugural bicycling event sponsored by the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, the Friends Across
Wisconsin Trail Tour. The tour starts in Menomonie on Tuesday, Aug. 13, and ends at the Farmers' Market at the Capitol Square in Madison on Saturday, Aug. 17.
Throughout the 300–mile journey, riders will snake through the forests, hills and farms of Wisconsin's picturesque rural landscape. They will ride
on a mixture of back roads, state, county and city trails and Wisconsin's famous Rails–to–Trails. Each day will present a new series of visual and
physical stimuli from the variety of trails, scenery, and cultures that the trail tour explores on each segment.
The tour explores city trails in Eau Claire, Black River Falls and
Madison. It glides through the scenic hills from Sparta to Reedsburg on packed gravel and blacktop. One county–operated trail is traversed, as well as a myriad of back roads that are wonderfully Wisconsin. Through
it all, the riders and the residents of the towns the ride passes through will feel the joy of celebrating the teamwork and cooperation toward a
common goal. That goal is the recognition, promotion, and celebration of one of Wisconsin's most cherished resources – its trails!
Registration is limited to just 200 riders, so it is recommended that riders
sign up quickly. For registration and contact information, contact the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks at P.O. Box 2271, Madison, WI 53701–2271, 608/266–2181.
MINNESOTA DNR UNVEILS NEW WEB SITE
It just got easier to buy a fishing license, reserve a campsite, check trail
conditions and get outdoor information online, according to officials at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR has launched a new Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.
The newly designed Web site will make it easier for users to navigate, according to Colleen Mlecoch, the DNR's chief information officer.
"All the great content and features are still there, but it's easier to find what you are searching for and the look is consistent," Mlecoch said.
Over the last year, the DNR Web Team changed the design, restructured the content and created a new system for managing the pages of the DNR Web site. The new site gives the DNR a more effective Web
presence by implementing a more consistent design, a more useful and thorough navigation system (links and other features to help users find their way around the site), a more flexible and expandable content
organization, and a more efficient process for managing the site's content.
DNR Web site visitors will find:
• Better guides to help navigate the site, such as topic–based categories,
links to other sections of the site, search box and shortcuts on every page, clues to where visitors are in the site, and a current site map updated live from the content database.
• A new office locator that makes it easier to find the local DNR officer.
• A new online calendar to find park events, safety training courses and hunting and fishing dates.
• Easier ways to distinguish what's new and important at the DNR and on the Web site. (The "what's new" page – www.dnr.state.mn.us/whatsnew/index – is separate from the home page.)
• More information about wildlife and plants (Nature Snapshots and a whole natural resources category), and better connections between information on Minnesota's natural resources and information about how
the DNR is managing those resources.
Changes were made because the DNR Web site had outgrown its old design and organization, becoming unwieldy and hard to navigate. Some
other features were unveiled earlier this year, such as online licensing and online park reservations. Both features were created by outside vendors working directly with the DNR License Center and the DNR Parks and
Recreation Division, respectively.
Mlecoch said the new Web site can help Minnesotans enjoy their natural resources.
"Before people head out to explore Minnesota's grand outdoors, I
recommend that they first explore the new DNR Web site to find the information needed to plan their adventure," Mlecoch said.
Comments about the new DNR Web site can be sent to: webmaster@dnr.state.lmn.us.
THE OARSMAN'S PICNIC: AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF ROWING
The Oarsman's Picnic, July 28–Aug. 2, provides an opportunity for
rowers of all types to enjoy an outstanding rowing destination. The event is designed to provide an active and restorative vacation or get–away, to learn or reinforce positive life skills and enjoy being with other
recreational rowers.
The Oarsman's Picnic is a celebration of recreational rowing. Because rowing can be part of a healthy, active lifestyle, to celebrate rowing is to
rejoice in life itself. The picnic is intended to celebrate life, healthy living and an active lifestyle. The event is a combination of tours, clinics,
lectures, discussions and plenty of free time to enjoy self–directed activity. The five–day event can be enjoyed as a single day, several days or the entire week.
The site of the Oarsman's Picnic is without equal in the midcontinent. This incomparable destination includes the beauty of Lake Superior and the adjacent 850,000–acre Chequamegon National Forest. The
destination includes Lake Owen and Namekagon (on the continental divide), Madeline Island (within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore) and Chequamegon Bay.
The Oarsman's Picnic is intended to help build a regional community of recreational rowers. The socialization and connectedness are to the picnic what the dressing is to the salad. While rowing is often a solitary
endeavor, rowers are often intensely social. Mix boats, people and water and you always get interaction, sharing, ideas and, of course, lots of GREAT stories.
The Oarsman's Picnic is not a race. Too many aspects of our life are already made into races or contests. The picnic is intended to celebrate
the quality of life rather than the speed of life. To that end, our quest is not only the perfect row, but the perfect day, with good food and friends. What else could matter?
Open times during the event can be filled with activities such as hiking, biking, big lake sailing, kayaking, canoeing, a show at the Chatauqua, a workout at the fitness center, exercise classes or other activity.
For more information or to register, contact The South Shore Open Water Rowing Center, P.O. Box 364, Washburn, WI 54891; 715/373–0794.
CAMBA ADDS SIGNIGICANT SINGLE TRACK
The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) has just concluded an extremely successful season of single-track trail
construction. CAMBA, based in rural northwest Wisconsin, oversees a network of over 300 miles of off-road bicycle trails in a two-county region.
"The construction of the new single–track is part of an initiative begun last year," says CAMBA Executive Director Ron Bergin.
In 2000, CAMBA constructed about 1.5 miles of technical single-track
at Telemark Resort in Cable. Known as the Telemark Terrain Park, this was the first of what is expected to be an ongoing initiative to add more true single–track trails to the CAMBA system.
"While we have had great success with the trails that we have," Bergin adds, "we recognized that we were light on narrow, more technical trails, and set out to construct more of this type of trail across the CAMBA
system."
The new single-track project is under construction in the Cable Cluster of the CAMBA system, which consists of six trail clusters, or subsystems,
within the overall network. This phase of the project initially got underway in the fall of 2000, when approximately a half-mile of trail was roughed in. Work resumed in early June 2001 when CAMBA held its
first Trail Camp. Crews of approximately eight to 10 workers spent a week roughing in and fine tuning portions of the trail. By the time they were finished, the trail had grown to almost 2.5 miles. The new CAMBA
single-track starts at Telemark Resort near Cable and works its way out to the Bayfield County Forest.
"The county forest was a logical place for us to install this trail," says
Bergin. "We already have several other trails in the area and have good support from the county forest administrator."
In addition, the district in which this trail is located is also home to
numerous other nonmotorized sport trails, including cross country ski, snowshoe and hiking trails. Parts of the trail will, in fact, double as a snowshoe trail in the winter.
Work continued on the yet-to-be-named single-track throughout the summer and into the fall. A crew from the Wisconsin Conservation Corps (WCC) spent two weeks on the project, and crews from Prentice
House, an alternative group home for young men in Ashland, worked on the average of once or twice a week through the summer. The trail was laid out by Bergin, who also supervised the construction.
The trail continued to grow, and by mid-September had reach 4.5 miles to the south and was roughed in another two miles to the west. The trail is configured as an out-and-back connector of about two miles, to a loop
of four to five miles. It occasionally picks up an old, grown-in logging road for a short distance, but for the most part is completely new single–track and is at least moderately technical throughout.
"This is a significant addition to the CAMBA trail system," says Bergin. "We have needed more of this type of trail for years, and it is sure to become the centerpiece of the Cable Cluster."
The new trail has had an initial warm reception and is expected to become quite popular as it becomes better known and the trail itself gets ridden in or is fine tuned.
The trail was constructed with sustainability and maintenance in mind.
"We did not want to create a trail that was going to erode and become a maintenance problem," adds Bergin.
The trail avoids directly climbing or descending steep hills by employing traverses and switchbacks to gain or lose elevation. Design and construction techniques, as recommended by the International Mountain
Bike Association, were used in the development of this trail. The trail crosses a variety of glacial terrain and is entirely in the "big woods,"
giving it a feeling of remote wilderness. With the many additional trails already in the area, however, it is possible for riders to bail out at a number of points along the way if they choose not to ride the entire
single-track.
Work continued in June when CAMBA held Trail Camp II. It is expected that another three miles of trail will need to be constructed to complete the loop.
"We are extremely grateful to the WCC and the young men from Prentice House for their help in constructing this trail," says Bergin, "as well as to the Bayfield County Forest for their support and cooperation."
For further information about CAMBA and the CAMBA single-track initiative, call 715/798–3599 or visit www.cambatrails.org.
WISCONSIN NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Established in 1952, the State Natural Areas Program celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with numerous events statewide. The kickoff of the
50th Anniversary Celebration took place in May along the 100-foot gorge at Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area, with a Governor's Proclamation, designation of several new State Natural Areas, and a hike
into the glen on the newly constructed boardwalk.
"This 50th anniversary celebration will provide the public with many opportunities to learn more about the State Natural Areas Program,
which because of its focus on preservation and scientific research, has had a fairly low profile since its beginning," says Thomas Meyer, natural areas specialist with the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of
Endangered Resources.
The State Natural Areas Program was established to protect the scattered remains of the native plant and animal communities that covered
the state of Wisconsin before intensive European settlement began over 150 years ago. Wisconsin had the first natural areas protection program
in the nation, and it has become one of the most successful, safeguarding more than 122,000 acres, ranging from old-growth forests in the north,
to bogs and bluffs in central Wisconsin, to the prairies and savannas in the south.
In the months following the kickoff, new State Natural Areas will be
unveiled in public ceremonies throughout different regions of the state, including Oneida, Milwaukee and Door counties and along the St. Croix River. The State Natural Areas Program hopes to establish 50 new State
Natural Areas this year.
The Natural Resources Foundation has organized more than 60 field trips guided by DNR staff and partners to Natural Areas through October. More information can be found at: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/snas.htm. Along with the statewide ceremonies, a guidebook featuring 150 of the very best State Natural Areas will be produced, containing narrative descriptions, maps
and directions to Natural Areas.
SPORTING GOODS, LEISURE SHOW IN MADISON
The Total Recreation Xpo (TRX) is excited to announce its schedule of shows for 2002 and 2003. Exhibitors will feature an extensive assortment
of sporting and outdoor gear, recreational products and lifestyle information – from the latest products to reduced price equipment, ranging from boats to backpacks to skateboards and surfboards. Visitors
can see all they need for cycling, inline skating, hiking, golfing, fishing or hunting, sailing, plus much more. It's a montage of manufacturers, retailers, interest groups and travel destinations.
An invited 20,000+ visitors will experience the "first of its kind" consumer show dedicated to all aspects of sports and recreation.
Wisconsin's TRX will be held at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison,
Wis., on Friday, September 13 through Sunday, September 15, 2002. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Adult admission is $8; children under 12 are
admitted free when accompanied by adult.
Explore the marketplace for new, used, surplus and late model inventory for the great outdoors – biking, boating, climbing, camping, hunting,
fishing, skiing, inline skaing, etc. It's the world's largest sports store under one roof.
Exchange ideas with industry professionals in the educational seminars
from U.S. Coast Guard boating safety to first aid and CPR classes, and how to reduce stress in your life.
Extreme demonstrations and fun for the entire family include a 28-foot
rock wall, hang gliding simulator and BMX trick demos.
TRX is the newest division of its parent company, XPO Management, Inc. Established in 1999, XPO Management, Inc. manages both private
and public trade shows.
The TRXs are the only shows committed to all segments of the recreational industry, encompassing sports enthusiasts, manufacturers and
dealers. Representative of the $75 billion dollar recreational market, these diverse events are ideal venues through which manufacturers and distributors can bring their quality goods and services to the sporting
public.
For up-to-the-minute information on the Madison show, or any of the other shows scheduled, visit http://www.trxpo.com. For further information, please contact Mary Liz Grieco, show manager, mgrieco@trxpo.com; 847/768-9905 or toll free 866/976-6468.
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