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NEW 75-MILE ROUTE FOR MILLER RIDE IN MILWAUKEE
The 23rd annual Miller Lite Ride for the Arts will be held Sunday, June 1. New this year, participants can choose to ride in the first-ever 75-mile route. The new route will follow the 50-mile route north along the
lakeshore, continuing to Port Washington before heading back to downtown Milwaukee.
In addition, the Miller Lite Ride is also unveiling a redesigned Web site
that will feature a photo tour of each route and a place for participants to share their story, as well as online registration for individuals and families.
The Miller Lite Ride for the Arts is among the largest recreational bike rides in the nation and annually attracts nearly 10,000 riders from throughout Wisconsin and the nation. Since the ride's inception as the
Uecker Ride for the Arts in 1980, it has raised more than $4.5 million to help support Milwaukee's performing arts groups, including $323,000 raised through last year's ride.
"This is an exciting year for the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts, as we debut the first new route since 1999," said Joe Jones, co-chair of this year's
Miller Lite Ride and regional marketing director for Miller Brewing Co. "We think the new, 75-mile route will provide a new challenge to some
of our participants, as well as offer beautiful views of Lake Michigan and our area's north shore."
Participant registration fees include a commemorative Miller Lite Ride
T-shirt and admission to the post-ride Finish Line Party, which will be held downtown on the grounds of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. This year's party will include complimentary food and beverages for
all participants. Participants will be entertained by live music from The Piles of Rhythm featuring Mike Miller of "Today's" TMJ4 and UPAF
member groups. The party will also feature entertainment just for younger riders, including a Milwaukee Zoological Society "Meet and Greet" and Ronald McDonald's Bicycle Safety Show.
In addition to registration fees, participants are encouraged to gather pledges and can win prizes for raising specified amounts. This year's top
pledge-raiser, with a minimum of $1,500 in pledges, will receive a trip for two to New York City courtesy of Midwest Airlines and Midwest Airlines Vacations, and two tickets to a Broadway performance courtesy
of Miller Brewing Co. Other prizes include a Potawatomi Bingo Casino entertainment package, a Taylor-Made golf package, Trek bikes and more.
"One of the great things about the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts is that there are now five different routes ranging from 5 to 75 miles, so
everyone can take part at a skill level they feel comfortable with," said Jennifer Kent, co-chair of the Miller Lite Ride. "All of the routes provide
an excellent opportunity for riders to see some of Milwaukee's most scenic areas. Then after the Miller Lite Ride, everyone can relax and enjoy some of the city's best live entertainment and food at the Finish
Line Party."
All routes start and finish at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St., and start times range from approximately 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., depending on the route.
The Miller Lite Ride for the Arts offers five bike routes 5, 15, 25, 50 or 75 miles through metro Milwaukee and along Milwaukee's lake side communities.
Individual registration fees are $25 for adults and $15 for youth ages 20 and under. Families can register two adults and two youth, age 20 and
under, for the discounted price of $60. Day-of-event registration fees are $30 per adult, $20 per youth and $70 per family.
To obtain more information, a registration brochure or a team registration
packet, call 414/276-RIDE (7433) or visit the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts Web site at www.millerliteride.com
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BAY AREA MEDICAL CENTER TAKES OVER MRC RIDE
Bay Area Medical Center has assumed organizational responsibility for one of the biggest events of the year in the Marinette-Menominee area
the Menominee River Century Bike Ride, June 29 this year.
The ride, which is entering its 22nd year, had been looking for a lead organization or funding source to move away from an all-volunteer structure.
The MRC annually draws at least 1,400 bicyclists many from well outside the Twin City area. However, this year's event may have been the last had BAMC not jumped in.
The ride chair from last year had stepped down, and although an interim chair has been found, the group's organizers viewed that as a stopgap measure at best.
"It wasn't going to die this year because I would've done it," interim chair Kathy Claycomb said. "But it would've died a slow death."
Instead, BAMC began holding discussions with the ride organizers in late 2002 to see if BAMC would be a good fit for taking over the ride. In January, the ride and BAMC reached an agreement for BAMC to
assume responsibility for the Menominee River Century.
Running the event is just another step in involvement for BAMC, according to director of marketing and 2003 ride chair John Hofer.
"We have always assumed an active role in the Menominee River Century," Hofer says. "We are a major sponsor of the ride, our dietary department provides much of the food to the rest stops and we have
many employees who ride on our team each year."
"This is one of those kinds of events that goes a long way toward our mission of promoting healthier lifestyles."
With 22 years of tried and true volunteer organization, the same formula will be used for this year's event.
"My goal this year is a clean transition, and for survey evaluation forms to
come back as they have in the past," Hofer says.
Since its inception in 1981, the ride has grown to over 1,400 riders and is considered one of the most popular rides in the Midwest. It is among
the three largest one-day rides in Wisconsin.
Employees of what were then the two hospitals in the area Menominee County Lloyd and Marinette General first organized the ride. Members
of that first organizational committee remain active in the ride.
The Spokes and Folks Bicycle Club of Marinette has always served an integral role in the event's organization. By relinquishing some of its
responsibilities to BAMC, the club can focus more on promoting bicycle safety programs.
"A blueprint really is laid out as to what has to happen when," Hofer said.
"It's a big project that has very high expectations. But the good news is that everybody wants to see it continue to succeed."
"The hospital is absolutely the perfect institution to take over this ride," according to Claycomb. "So, the bike ride has come home."
The ride is now accepting registrations for the 2003 event through its Web site at www.mrcride.com. For more information call 800/447 5673.
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JOIN THE CFTF CLEANUP EFFORT
Responsible trail use has always been an essential element of the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival event philosophy. Stretch 2,500 people out along over 56 miles of cross country race courses and you can see
why proper trail use and preservation becomes an important consideration. In an effort to tread lightly, Chequamegon riders are encouraged to pack out what they packed in. However, over the course
of a frantic race day's efforts by thousands, some debris is cast off along the trail. Spent nutrient wrappers, discarded clothing, jettisoned water
bottles and the occasional broken bicycle component are inadvertently left in the wake of the fat tired peloton's passing.
"Leave no trace" has always been a good code to live by and in the
Chequamegon that means the Clif Bar Cleanup Crew will be picking up after you. Sent out in small teams, the 14-person volunteer crew patrols
various sections of the race course. Their task is to leave the trail cleaner than it was before the racers came through. Due to their efforts, when the
race is over, you would be hard pressed to notice that a race of thousands had passed through the woods that day.
You can be a part of the event's effort to clean up after itself. Crew
positions are selected via a short essay submission. To be considered for the crew, complete the statement "I want to be on the Chequamegon/Clif Bar Cleanup Crew because ..." Written statements should be
postmarked by July 1 to the Chequamegon race office. After that date the crew chief, Irv Berlin, will select the crew members from among the
applications submitted. All participants will be notified by July 15 of the crew selection and receive further instructions about the race day assignment.
Crew sponsor Clif Bar will reward the volunteer cleanup crew members for a job well done. Each member will receive an assortment of Clif Bar
apparel, including a Clif Bar cycling jersey and a selection of Clif Bar and Clif Shot products. In addition, guaranteed reserved registrations will be
sent to each crew member for the 2004 Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival.
Gain a new perspective on the nation's most popular off-road event as
you participate in trail advocacy in action. Do something good for the trails you ride; join the Chequamegon Clif Bar Cleanup Crew. Essay letters should be sent by the July 1 postmark deadline to
Chequamegon/Clif Bar Cleanup Crew, P.O. Box 267, Cable, WI 54821 or you can e-mail your submission to cheqfat@cheqnet.net
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MAPLELAG NAMED BEST XC CENTER
Maplelag Resort in Callaway, Minn., has claimed the title of North America's best cross country ski resort. This was the result of the 2002/03 Best XC Ski Resort Poll presented by Fischer Cross Country
Skis and SportHill Performance Clothing. XC skiers hailing from 39 different states and provinces submitted the poll ballots, which rated 211 different ski areas.
The 2002/03 Best XC Ski Resort Poll is dedicated solely to Nordic ski resorts across North America. Cross country skiers rated their favorite XC ski resorts in seven different operational and characteristic
categories, including scenery, trail quality and grooming, the lodge facility, foodservice, staff friendliness and service, and how the resort caters to
families. The poll was distributed through 70 XC ski areas across the nation and skiers voted based on their perceptions of the respective resorts.
Maplelag was the leading area in five of the seven categories, with the highest marks in its staff service, food and beverage, lodge, trail grooming and family ratings.
The Best XC Ski Resort Poll was conceived and conducted by industry researcher RB Lohr & Co., which recognized the support of Fischer XC Skis and SportHill Performance Clothing in bringing the concept to
fruition.
Skiers who participated in the balloting cast their vote rating in each of seven categories. An aggregate of all the ballots was derived and
averaged. The categories were selected by a group of industry consultants and professionals. The top rated resorts were statistically very close.
Skiers who submitted ballots were entered in a prize drawing for sponsor products valued at $1,500. The winning ski areas receive posters citing
their achievements and 21 prize winners will get their products in the near future.
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HIKE THE ICE AGE TRAIL FOR YOUR HEALTH
A health group founded by former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop is recommending that every American walk at least 10,000 steps per day for good health (www.shapeup.org/10000steps.html). The
average American is getting fewer than 4,000 steps from routine daily activities. Within 10 miles of a quarter of Wisconsin residents, the Ice Age Trail is the perfect place for many of you to easily take steps to
good health. Enjoy a segment of the Ice Age Trail every week.
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MAYWOOD EARTH RIDE BICYCLE TOUR
The Maywood Earth Ride, September 20 this year, has been listed in Bicycling Magazine (September 2002) as one of the top 25 rides in the
United States. Enjoy fall scenery at its best, as well as food, fun and fitness on a bicycle tour of beautiful Sheboygan County and northern Kettle Moraine.
Five scenic routes to choose from range from 10 to 100 miles, complete with rest stops stocked with refreshments, meals, sag and maintenance support, great door prizes, entertainment and a free massage after the
ride.
The event is sponsored by Ellwood H. May Environmental Park Maywood. Call 920/459-3906 or visit www.gomaywood.org for
registration information.
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NAT'L MOUNTAIN BIKE PATROL ACTIVITIES PLANNED
The Simpson Creek Trail system and the Cutfoot Sioux Trail that surrounds it in Minnesota's Chippewa National Forest will be the focus
of the National Mountain Bike Patrol's National Trail Day activities on Saturday, June 7. Patrollers will have a display set up at the Cutfoot Sioux Visitor Center on MN Hwy 46, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on and will
be leading group rides on the Simpson Creek and Cutfoot-Sioux trails for all riders of all experience levels. Patrol members will also teach informational workshops on bike repair, riding techniques, and will lead
special rides for kids.
On Sunday, June 8, BTPA patrollers and the Brainerd Lakes Mountain Bike Patrol, (the NMBP unit from the Brainerd-Baxter area) will be
joining the US Forest Service, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Minnesota DNR, Cass County and the Leach Lake Band of Ojibwe for the dedication of the new Mi-Ge-Zi Trail. This paved trail will connect
the Heartland State Trail and the City of Cass Lake with US Forest Service and Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Cass Lake and Pike Bay. The trail will be dedicated by Minnesota Congressman and cycling
advocate James Oberstar (D-MN) on Sunday afternoon.
In July, the Backcountry Trail Patrol will host two very significant events in the Chippewa National Forest, both in the Cutfoot Sioux/Simpson
Creek area. On July 11 through 13, the patrol will hold their first National Mountain Bike Patrol training course as a separate patrol. This training is required for all NMBP members, and consists of 12 hours
covering patrol duties, trail maintenance, land navigation, both electronic (radio and cell phone) and interpersonal communications, trailside bike
repair. The BPTA adds "Leave No Trace" skills and ethics, backcountry travel and camping, and basic wildland search and rescue operations to
the NMBP curriculum, and patrollers spend the night out on the trail as they would during an actual patrol. The July training program is open to any mountain bikers interested in joining the patrol. Information on
membership and training requirements can be found at www.trailpatrol.org
Mountain biking volunteers and anyone interested in trail construction are
invited and encouraged to attend an IMBA Trail Building School, at the Cutfoot Sioux Visitor Center, July 24 through 27. The Backcountry Trail Patrol and The US Forest Service will host the renowned Subaru/IMBA
Trail Care Crew on their third visit to Minnesota this season, but their very first to a National Forest in the state. The class will cover trailbuilding philosophy, the trail design process, trail construction,
maintenance, and trailbuilding resources, during a two days of classroom and hands-on training in the field. The session is open to volunteers and
agency personnel. For more information, contact the Backcountry Trail Patrol at backcountry@trailpatrol.org
Several other activities are being planned at this time, but are not confirmed yet. The BTPA hopes to hold a NMBP Mountain Bike Search and Rescue class in August, for mountain bike patrollers and
emergency services personnel, and the National Mountain Bike Patrol Regional Instructor's Conference in late September or early October in the Chippewa area. Also in October there are plans under way to hold a
limited entry Mountain Bike Orienteering competition, as a trial run for a Polaris Challenge National MTB-O Championship in the Chippewa National Forest in October of 2004.
For more information on these or any of the actives of the Backcountry Patrol Association, please check out their website; www.trailpatrol.org.
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MILWAUKEE'S LAKEFRONT MARATHON TO OFFER PRIZE MONEY
Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon is pleased to announce that it will offer prize money for top finishers in this year's event.
"We are very excited to offer $2,000 in prize money as an incentive to increase competition and excitement in this terrific running event," says
Kristine Hinrichs, race director for Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon. "We decided to offer prize money to attract a faster field of competitors
and add a new element of interest for the spectators who will line the course on October 5."
Prize money will be awarded in four categories: the top three finishers in
the male and female categories ($500 for first place, $300 for second place and $100 for third place), and the top finisher in the male and female masters category (40 years or older).
"Our marathon is considered a smaller event with roughly 2,000 runners. This is attractive to participants who want to avoid crowded marathons
like Chicago or Twin Cities," says Hinrichs. "With the addition of prize money, we hope to raise the bar for the competitors and provide a
greater incentive for faster regional runners to come to Milwaukee."
In addition to prize money for top finishers, Milwaukee's Lakefront
Marathon awards a finisher's medal to each individual and relay member who completes the 26.2-mile distance, as well as nonmonetary awards to division winners. Nonmonetary awards will go to the top finishers in each
age group category, as well as the top finishers in the Clydesdale and Athena categories.
Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon is considered to be a flat and fast
course, and the fall weather can also help runners enjoy the event. But despite a flat course and perfect day, it will take fast runners to break
records which have stood for more than 20 years. The course record for men is 2:14:09 - Steve Benson, Bloomington, Minn. (1981); and the female course record is 2:39:15 - Nancy Mieszczak, Buffalo, N.Y. (1983).
More than just an event for individuals, Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon offers the unique opportunity for five-person relay teams to compete in this event.
"The relay is a terrific way to experience a portion of the marathon and share some of the excitement," says Hinrichs. "It's not uncommon for
relay participants to return the following year to complete their first full marathon. I should know that's how I got started."
The marathon takes place on October 5 at 8 a.m. in Grafton, Wis., and
winds 26.2 miles along a scenic lakefront route to finish in Veteran's Park next to the beautiful Milwaukee Art Museum.
Register for the marathon via the Lakefront Marathon Web site,
www.badgerlandstriders.org/lakefront, call the Lakefront hot line at 414/291-2647 or e-mail lfm@execpc.com
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NAT'L WOMEN'S TRI SERIES KICKS OFF IN CHICAGO JUNE 22
Reebok is off to a running start with the announcement of its sponsorship
of a new women's only triathlon series: Reebok Women's Triathlon Series. The four-city series kicks off in the Chicago suburb of Naperville on June 22 in support of research for one of the top health issues facing
women today - ovarian cancer. The series continues in Boston on July 13, St. Petersburg on September 7 and finishes in San Diego on October 19. Reebok is looking to expand in future years to other areas.
Each triathlon will offer two competitive distances: the Super Sprint distance (300 yd. swim, 6 mile bike and 1.5 mile run), and the Sprint distance (600 yard swim, 12.5 mile bike and 3 mile run). The Super
Sprint is for individual competition only, while the Sprint distance offers individual and relay competition.
"Reebok is reaching out to women who have evolved their workouts to
match their lifestyle, " says Jan Sharkansky of Reebok. "Time has become more valuable and cross training is one of the best workout solutions for today's busy women because it challenges both the mind
and body for the great overall results."
Pledge contributions made by participants in the Reebok Women's Triathlon will help raise money for The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, a
New York-based charity. "Reebok is excited to combine the triathlon series with an opportunity to make a difference in a serious health risk that resonates for all women," said Sharkansky.
For more information, check out www.reebok.com.
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NEW RECUMBENT DESIGNED BY HOSTEL SHOPPE
Italian for "You fly" is Volae, a new high-performance recumbent that is scheduled for production in early May. Sold exclusively through the
Hostel Shoppe, Volae uses a well-balanced design to maximize efficiency while addressing the need for comfort and handling in the real world of
traffic and hills. The target market group is the athletic cycling enthusiast.
The Volae line consists of four models. The two dual 650c models are
the Club for $1,995 and the Team for $2,995. The Team and Club were designed to out-perform the best upright road bikes on the market and extensive prototype testing indicates that they are up to the task. The two
26"/20" wheel models are the Tour for $1,395 and the Century for $1,795. The Tour and the Century, which have a lower crank height and wheels that accommodate higher volume tires, are the touring/commuting
models of the line. However, the Volae design team has been pleasantly surprised by the speed and efficiency of these models as well.
"After several test rides on the Century prototype, I had to go back and re-write the description on our web site to reflect higher efficiency and
speed than we initially expected," says Volae president Rolf Garthus.
Volae combines several innovative design elements with the best features
of a number of other recumbents on the market. The seat slider, designed by Garthus, is simple, easy to use and trouble free. It won't move when it's locked down, and it won't come off when you don't want it to. The
seat stay design is extremely solid, provides easy adjustment for seat back angle, makes seat removal for transport simple and adds a professionally finished look to the rear triangle.
Lightweight, sleek, comfortable, molded seats are standard equipment on all Volae models. Custom pads are easily attached or removed to allow
the molded seat to facilitate everything from a more upright position to an extremely laid back position. All models, except the entry level Volae Tour, feature the hot, new Velocity wheels, and the dual 650c models
use carbon forks. The Team and Club fit riders from about 5' 4" to around 6' 6". The Tour and the Century fit riders from about 5' 2" to 6' 6".
Volae utilizes the open cockpit design, which provides ample room for getting on and off the bike without a hinged handlebar riser. A variety of
stems are available from the Hostel Shoppe to allow each rider to adjust the arm reach and knee/shin clearance to their needs. Riders can also choose from three widths of handlebars to adjust the lateral knee/thigh
clearance as needed.
Chain management effects efficiency. Moving the drive side chain out of a straight line introduces friction. Volae designers have kept vertical and,
more importantly, horizontal chain line displacement to a minimum by using a double idler system. The drive side idler is a state-of-the-art slotted/sprocket hybrid that is designed and manufactured by those
ingenious folks at Greenspeed. It's very quiet and supremely efficient.
Designed with easy accessorizing in mind, all Volae models can be fitted
with a mirror, water bladder, kickstand, seat bag, light, rear rack and computer. Fenders can be installed on the Tour and the Century. The seat back angle adjustment clamps are cleverly designed to double as the
upper mounting points for a rear rack.
The Volae web site is www.volaerecumbents.com and the Hostel Shoppe web site is www.hostelshoppe.com.
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35th ANNUAL PAAVO NURMI MARATHON AUGUST 9
The Hurley Area Lioness Club has partnered with the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce to organize and sponsor the 35th annual Paavo Nurmi Marathon. The joint partnership involves the use of the chamber
office as the event registration and contact site, the appointment of Dan Loden as race director, and the continued service of Lioness members on the Paavo committee, including former race director Ricky Kelly's
support as assistant race director. The 35th running of Wisconsin's oldest marathon is set for Saturday, August 9.
Those who are familiar with the Paavo know that the marathon's
namesake, Paavo Nurmi, the winner of nine Olympic gold medals, was the greatest Finnish runner in that nation's history. The name reflects the predominately Finnish heritage of the Hurley region. The
TAC-sanctioned marathon will begin at 7:30 a.m. on August 9, on the main street in the small community of Upson, and will conclude several hours later on Silver Street in Hurley, having run its course through
forests and fields, along rivers and lakes.
Among the many partners involved in the Paavo are the co-sponsors who assist with the financial burden of organizing the event. A
record-breaking 25 area businesses, individuals and organizations have offered their co-sponsorship support for the 2003 event. They include Associated Bank, Bob Zell Construction, city of Hurley, city of
Montreal, Days Inn of Hurley, Ero Nasi Construction, George Nasi Construction, Haven North Condominiums, Hickman Chiropractic, Home Medical Products & Services, Hurley Coffee Co., Hurley
Education Association, Hurley Lions, Iron County Miner, Ironwood Plastics, Kathy Richards Management, Midland Services, National Finnish American Festival, Ozzie's, Range Community Bible Church, Ron
and Carol Tretheway, Russ Coley family, Tom and Sally Rosandich and Wells Fargo Bank. CenturyTel is again serving as a major co-sponsor of the Paavo, and has been named Aid Station Sponsor in recognition of
their generous donation.
The event sponsor and co-sponsors provide the organizational skills and the funds to keep the race running, but it is the runners and the area
resident volunteers who make the race go. Area residents and volunteers embrace the runners with their applause and encouragement, and many continue to open their homes to runners from throughout the region, in
turn creating long-lasting friendships. The Paavo record stands at 2:19.10, set by Richard Wilde of England in 1978. The women's record is held by Mary Bange of La Crosse, in a time of 2:47.49, set in 1979.
The race weekend will continue to feature such traditional fare as the carbo-loaded spaghetti feed on Friday, as well as the torch lighting ceremony in downtown Hurley that evening. On race day, following the
marathon, the festive post-Paavo party and awards ceremony will be held at Ricelli Park in Hurley, with music, food and refreshments available
for everyone. For race registration forms or additional information about the Paavo, contact Dan Loden, race director, Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce, 316 Silver St., Hurley, WI 54534; 715/561-4334; or hurley@hurleywi.com
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