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RIB MOUNTAIN STATE PARK MASTER PLANNING PROCESS BEGINS
Wisconsin An open house to begin developing a revised master plan for
Rib Mountain State Park was held September 11 in the Pinery Meeting Room of the Park Inn, Wausau, Wisconsin. The meeting gave the public an opportunity to provide input on issues that they feel should be
addressed in the revised master plan. People attending the open house were also asked to provide input on a vision statement and a set of property goals that Department of Natural Resources officials will use to
guide writing the revised master plan.
When completed and approved by the state Natural Resources board, the revised park master plan will guide management decisions for the
Rib Mountain State Park over the next 15 to 20 years, according to Bill Bursaw, Rib Mountain State Park property manager.
"Master plans provide clear statements of the desired future condition of
state properties. The revised plan for Rib Mountain State Park will provide neighbors and visitors with a clear understanding of future management, along with any new facilities or improvements to existing
facilities and operations and maintenance," Bursaw said.
The Rib Mountain State Park includes approximately 1,500 acres of state park land in the town of Rib Mountain, Marathon County.
Officially dedicated as a state park in 1934, the property, excluding the ski area, serves more than 130,000 visitors annually.
The current master plan for the park was completed in 1982. A plan
revision means that the management goals and objectives approved for the current master plan may change. Revisions to master plans are required when land additions to a property exceed 160 acres, which is
the case at Rib Mountain after the state purchased 257 acres of land from the 3M Corp. in 2001. DNR staff anticipate it will take about a year to complete the master plan revision.
Some elements within the park boundary will not be part of this planning process. For example, 406 acres of the park are within the leased area
of the ski hill. That portion of the park will not be a part of the master plan review. Similarly, approximately 16 acres at the top of the hill are
taken up by leases for communications towers and associated buildings. Those leased areas will also not be a part of the new master plan.
Department staff will also prepare an environmental assessment
document for the park to evaluate any impacts that would result from any significant changes in the property's management, as required by state statute.
The DNR is currently developing a mailing list of those who would like to be involved in the process of the master plan's revision. Those interested in being included on the project mailing list may contact Bill
Bursaw at his park office.
Bursaw said there will be numerous opportunities for the public to become involved in the master planning process that will be announced
through mailings, news releases, public meetings and on the Internet. Individuals with access to the Internet will find more information on the master planning process for the Rib Mountain State Park on the DNR
Web site at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/master_planning.
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KHALID KHANNOUCHI WITHDRAWS FROM CHICAGO MARATHON
Illinois Khalid Khannouchi, 31, who dominated the streets of Chicago in the past five years, has withdrawn from next month's 2003 LaSalle
Bank Chicago Marathon. With four first place feats, including a record setting performance, Khannouchi's dominance in Chicago will have to wait at least one more year.
Khannouchi, the fastest marathon runner in history, contacted Carey Pinkowski, executive race director, to personally inform him of his decision. He made the call from Limerick, Ireland, where he is currently
receiving treatment from Gerald Hartmann, a world renowned physical therapist.
"I was truly disappointed that Khalid would not be able to compete this
year," said Pinkowski after hearing the unfortunate news. "His presence will be missed. He has been a great ambassador for our event, the city of Chicago and marathoning."
Khannouchi has a nagging injury that hasn't allowed him to train with the same intensity as in years past. This would have been Khannouchi's sixth LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Khannouchi will be in town marathon
weekend in an entirely unfamiliar role watching the race as the most experienced spectator from the grandstands rather than from his most familiar position of crossing the finish line tape.
"I was looking forward to another competitive performance in Chicago, but a minor injury is forcing me to reduce the intensity of my training,"
stated Khannouchi. "As a result I have to withdraw from the 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon."
This also comes at a unique time for Khannouchi and other athletes
knowing the Olympic trials are fast approaching in Birmingham, Alabama (February 2004) and the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Khannouchi's focus is now on the trials and the Olympics.
"If I ran the Chicago Marathon I might risk my chances to participate in the Olympic trials as well as losing my hope to make the Olympic team,"
added Khannouchi. "The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will be there every year and I will have another chance to come back and give the performance Chicago deserves."
With Khannouchi leaving the field of elite athletes, the 2003 Chicago race will still have another impressive men's field. Top male athletes include Abdelkhader El Mouaziz, Rod DeHaven, Mike Donnelly, Dan
Browne and Jeff Schiebler. El Mouaziz, 34, and two time London Marathon winner, will return to Chicago for a second time, and hopes to challenge the world record held by Khannouchi.
DeHaven, 36, a former Olympian from Madison, Wisconsin, who set his personal best marathon time in Chicago with a 2:11:40 performance in the 2001 race, sees the Marathon as a tuneup for the upcoming trials.
Other already have secured the qualifying time and will compete in Chicago to stay competitive leading up to the trials, but like DeHaven, Donnelly, 26, and Schiebler, 30, have Olympic aspirations. Browne, 28,
set his personal best in the Twin Cities Marathon with a time of 2:11:35, which coined him the 2003 USA marathon champion and gave him the
Olympic "A" standard qualifying time to compete in the trials for the 2004 Olympics.
Elite athletes will compete this fall for the highest marathon purse ever,
$550,000. The male and female winners each will earn $100,000, the largest first place payout in the sport. The 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon begins Sunday, October 12, at 8 a.m., starting and finishing in
Chicago's Grant Park and registration has recently been closed since reaching the cap of 40,000 participants.
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PORTION OF MINNESOTA VALLEY TRAIL POSTED AS A STATE RECREATION AREA
Minnesota A section of the Minnesota Valley Trail that runs through the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area is being posted as a state
recreation area, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Frank Knoke, manager of the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, said this is especially important information for hunters.
"Legislation reclassified this section of the trail from a state trail to a state recreation area," said Knoke. "Under this new classification, the rules
that apply to state parks will now apply to this area, including restrictions on hunting and trapping."
The area includes about 3.5 miles of the trail that lies along the river west
of Thompson Ferry Landing at Scott County Road 9. The trail corridor is being posted and will no longer be open for hunting or trapping. Knoke said to ensure that hunters are aware of the change, this section
of the trail will be posted as a state park.
"State parks serve as refuge areas that provide habitat conducive to wildlife population growth," Knoke said. "Animals that range outside the
park boundaries can be hunted, where legally permitted."
Knoke added, "As a rule, hunting is not permitted in Minnesota state parks; however, special deer hunts are used as a management tool to
control the deer population in selected parks."
Knoke said high deer populations have significant negative impacts on other components of the ecosystem. Heavy deer browsing can greatly
reduce the number and variety of wildflowers, plants and tree seedlings. This fall, special hunts are slated for 21 state parks. For a list of these parks, check the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.
The DNR asks that hunters be aware of the new posting and that hunting and trapping are not allowed within the state park boundary.
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TRIATHLETES 'GET DIRTY' AT 2nd ANNUAL CHEQUAMEGON FAT TIRE TRI
Wisconsin The "Get Dirty" theme of this year's Chequamegon Fat Tire Triathlon reigned on race day as the forecasted clear blue skies gave
way to a steady downpour. Where triathletes typically frown at rain on race day, not so for this off road tri. Racers were all smiles.
On Saturday, August 23, more than 300 triathletes competed in the off road triathlon held in Cable, Wisconsin. The day began with a perfectly calm water swim in Garden Lake. Following the swim, with cycling
shoes donned, athletes left Telemark Pointe (a property owned by host Telemark Resort), crossed County Road M and hit the freshly soaked trails.
With mud flying, mountain bikers traversed rolling terrain throughout the Namekagon and Patsy Lake Trail Clusters, part of the renowned CAMBA mountain bike trail system. The three big hills in the power line
section during the last mile were just enough to challenge the best mountain bikers. Returning to Telemark Pointe, bikers transitioned to the run. The run course was a mix of grass, hard packed sand, and some
fun, muddy spots, according to many racers.
This year's long course winner was Brian Narum of Anoka, Minnesota, recently turned pro mountain biker, with a time of 2:16:11. His time was
three minutes faster than last year's winner, despite a longer bike course and the wet conditions. Jan Guenther of Minneapolis, the top female masters triathlete in the Midwest, demonstrated her strength and fitness
in the off road event, winning the long course in a time of 2:40:55. Each winner received a set of very light and very fast HED mountain bike wheels.
"This event is the mountain bike version of the Timberman Triathlon! Sort of tough, lots of fun and very well run," said Guenther. "It's really a
weekend event. You have an 'up north' experience, relax afterwards, eat barbecue chicken, drink a beer and socialize in the evening. What could be better?"
The short course winner in the men's division was Tim Andrew from Duluth, Minnesota, with a time of 1:27:07. The women's divisional winner was Ingrid Melander from Ramsey, Minnesota, in a time of
1:46:23. Short course winners received "Weekend for Two" gift certificates from Telemark Resort. In total, the race awarded more than $6,000 in prizes to overall and age group categories.
Taking triathlons to the trails is a growing area for the sport of triathlon. In its second year, the Fat Tire Triathlon has become the largest race of
its kind in the country. The long course event attracts experienced triathletes and lures former triathletes back to the sport with a more adventurous version. The long course consists of a three quarter mile
swim, 18.5 mile mountain bike, and a seven mile trail run. And for those wanting a taste of the multi sport race, a long course relay is available.
The short course draws many newcomers to the sport, including a surprising number of women (over half the field). The short course consists of a one third mile swim, 11 mile mountain bike, and 3.5 mile
trail run. As with other silent sports events in the Cable Hayward area, participants found many of enthusiastic volunteers, and they were able to
experience racing in the backdrop of the Chequamegon National Forest. The post race Northwoods Barbecue creates a truly unique experience for participants and families alike. Next year's event is scheduled for
Saturday, August 28. For more information, visit www.FatTireTri.com.
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GOLLNICK, HARJU WIN IRONMAN WISCONSIN TITLES
Wisconsin Defending Ironman Wisconsin champion Heather Gollnick (Hartford, Wisconsin) won the second annual Ironman Wisconsin triathlon September 7 in front of thousands of spectators and a star
studded international field. Competing in only her third Ironman event as a professional triathlete, Gollnick made it three Ironman titles in row by
winning the 2003 Ironman Wisconsin triathlon women's title in Madison, Wisconsin. Gollnick vaulted down the finishing straight and did three cartwheels in celebration of three Ironman wins.
The 33 year old Wisconsinite displayed the same form that has seen her post wins at Ironman Wisconsin in consecutive years, as well as at Ironman USA in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in June of this year.
Gollnick posted a strong run of three hours, 24 minutes and 30 seconds to record an overall time of 9:46:28, 20 minutes better than second place finisher Mary Uhl (Santa Fe, New Mexico).
Gollnick overcame a strong swim and bike performance by Desiree Ficker (Boulder, Colorado) and quickly erased the five minute deficit she faced after the 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride. With a full
marathon ahead of her, Gollnick consistently gained on and eventually passed Ficker. Ficker's early pace proved a bit too fast, as she would later pull out of the race. Uhl pushed into second place, finishing in an
overall time of 10:06:39.
Veteran triathlete Lori Lynn Leach (Spain) finished third in 10:20:30, with Amanda Gillam (Boulder, Colorado) fourth in 10:25:41 and Robin
Oswald (San Luis Obispo, California) fifth in 10:35:48.
The men's race featured a spirited three way battle between three athletes, each gunning for their first Ironman win. Torbjorn Sindballe
(Denmark) and Uwe Widmann (Germany) played a cat and mouse game with Canada's Dave Harju throughout the entire event. Only two and a half minutes separated the first three competitors as they finished
the bike portion of the event and headed into the marathon run.
Harju won the battle of the three athletes, who continually exchanged leads in the final leg of the competition, until the Canadian finally moved
ahead to win his first ever Ironman title.
Harju posted an overall time of 8:55:26, the only athlete in the field to break the nine hour mark on the day, which saw unseasonably high
temperatures pushing into the 90s.
Sindballe finished second, a career best, in 9:00:56 with Widmann third in 9:02:50. Ironman veteran Petr Vabrousek (Czech Republic) used a
strong run to finish fourth in 9:08:37, with Terry Labinski (Waukesha, Wisconsin) finishing fifth in 9:22:59. Labinski, a teacher in Waukesha, was the top age group (amateur) finisher at the event, and the top
American.
More than 1,800 athletes from around the world competed in the event, taking place in Madison, Wisconsin, and surrounding Dane County for
the second time. Athletes were competing for 80 qualifying spots to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, as well as a $25,000 pro prize purse.
Full, searchable results can be found at www.ironmanlive.com. For more information on Ironman Wisconsin, contact Ironman North America Communications Director Shane Facteau at shane@ironmanusa.com or at 407/832 2417.
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MINNESOTA FALL COLOR UPDATES ON DNR WEB SITE
Minnesota Minnesotans can follow the changing fall colors on-line this autumn on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us. The color reports on this site are gathered from information provided by color observers in state parks across Minnesota.
Because the colorful fall show in Minnesota is the result of more than leaf color, these reports include some extras. In addition to leaf color,
the reports include information about the changing fall colors among the native grasses and wildflowers, notes on "critters" that are migrating or
preparing for winter, and a listing of the berries, nuts and fruits that are ripe for harvesting.
The site also features highlights about many autumn events throughout Minnesota.
Web Site Photos to Illustrate
Current Fall Color Status
The fall color site will also include photos from parks and other locations
that will give Web site visitors a first-hand look at fall colors. The public can contribute current fall color photos by uploading them to the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us. Click on "Current Conditions."
Fall color information can be accessed from the DNR home page by selecting "2003 Fall Colors." By clicking on a region of the color report
map, users are linked to complete reports from state parks in that region.
Color reports for individual state parks, which are updated twice a
week during the fall color season, appear at the top of the state park home page.
Colors typically peak along the Canadian border in mid-to-late September.
Peak colors come to the northern third of Minnesota the last week in September or early October. The following weekend should bring peak colors in central Minnesota. By mid-October, peak colors reach the
Twin Cities area.
The southern and southeastern part of the state should have good color through the third week in October.
For an audio report of fall color status, call the Minnesota Office of
Tourism leaf hotline at 651/296-5029 in the Twin Cities metro area or toll free 1-800/657-3700.
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STATE LAND FOR SALE IN MINN. OCT. 14-15
Minnesota The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer 15 parcels of state land for sale to the public at sealed bid
auction and public oral auction Oct. 14-15.
Seven lots located within the city of Blackduck will be sold by sealed bid auction. This property may be sold at less than appraised value. Bids
must be submitted on a form obtained from the DNR. All bids must be received by the DNR on Oct. 10 before 4:30 p.m. Central time. Bid opening will take place on Oct. 14.
The properties to be offered at oral auction include a platted lot near Fall Lake in the Ely area; lots in cities of Eveleth and Bemidji; and rural
sites in Beltrami, Carlton, Cass and Hubbard counties. Oral auctions will take place on Oct. 14 and 15.
Prospective bidders are urged to obtain full information on properties
and sale conditions prior to auction. The minimum bid consists of the appraised value of the land and any improvements, the timber value and sale costs.
Property data sheets are available for all parcels from the DNR, containing exact locations, minimum bids, date and location of auction for that property, site description and property condition.
Call the DNR at 651/297-5982 or toll free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). DNR land sale information is also available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or request information by e-mail at landsale@dnr.state.mn.us.
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NEW RECORD AT CHEQUAMEGON 40
Wisconsin Doug Swanson (Trek/VW) took the lead in the Chequamegon 40 just three miles into the race and soloed across the finish line at Telemark Resort for his first ever win at the Chequamegon
Fat Tire Festival. Swanson finished in 2:07:11, over three minutes faster than the course record and the largest margin of victory in the race's 21-year history.
Steve Tilford (Shimano/Moots), winner of the last three races here, finished second, nearly eight minutes behind Swanson, edging Brian Matter, Jeff Hall (Salsa) and former world champion Ned Overend
(Specialized) in a sprint finish.
Swanson, 25, attacked in Rosie's Field, dragging along Tilford, who could only hold his wheel for a few miles before dropping off. Halfway
into the race, Swanson built his lead to well over two minutes as Hall tried to drive the chasing group forward. The second group never got
close. "I wanted to ride my own race. I didn't want to play games," Swanson said. Going into the Firetower Climb, the hardest climb on the
course with 10 miles to go, Swanson led by over five minutes, but he had no idea he was that far ahead. "I didn't let up because I didn't know
where I was," he said. "I'd look back on the straights, and I couldn't see anyone."
His lead grew so large the chase group gave up and started thinking
about second place. "I picked him as the guy to beat, but I think I underestimated him," Tilford said. Tilford was hoping to win his fourth CFTF in as many years.
In the women's race, Australian Mary Grigson (Subaru/Gary Fisher) repeated as champion, also crossing the line almost eight minutes ahead of second place Sara Kylander-Johnson (Ski Hut) and Anne Grabowski
(Penn Cycles/Nature Valley).
"It was a lot easier this year," Grigson said. "I was ready for the end." Grigson, who drove up from Minneapolis the morning of the race,
claimed she was motivated to win first for the prize, a new Trek Fuel mountain bike. Grigson plans to give the bike to her mom who just started racing in New Zealand. Last year Grigson donated the first place
bike for a fund raiser for a paralyzed local rider.
John Devine (Trek/VW) repeated as champion in the 16-mile Short and Fat race. Devine, a member of the US national team, finished alone,
over three minutes ahead of Jimmy Feely. Syrae Weikle of Denver, Colo. won the women's shorter race.
FAT TIRE 40 MEN
1) Doug Swanson, Minnetonka, MN, 2:07:11.35
2) Steve Tilford, Topeka, KS, 2:14:58.38
3) Brian Matter, Sheboygan, WI, 2:14:58.93
4) Jeff Hall, Farmington, MN, 2:15:00.81
5) Ned Overend, Durango, CO, 2:15:16.09
FAT TIRE 40 WOMEN
1) Mary Grigson, Golden, CO, 2:32:40.12
2) Sara Kylander-Johnson, Duluth, MN, 2:40:18.20
3) Anne Grabowski, St. Anthony, MN, 2:42:17.98
4) Susan Juedes, Madison, WI, 2:45:40.55
5) Michelle Flannagan, Seeley, WI, 2:51:31.07
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CLASSIC ALL-TTERRAIN SKI & ENDURO SKATE SKI CLINICS, DEMOS & CAT SKI TIME TRIALS
You may have heard about the CAT Ski (Classic All Terrain), theorized
how they work, or just wondered what they are. So, what are they? They are a classical all terrain ski, designed to solve the problem of classical skiing safety. CAT Skis work on ski trails in the spring, summer
and fall. You can CAT Ski on virtually any surface: sand, grass, dirt, pavement, even ice. (That's Bob Richards on the cover of this magazine, CAT Skiing on a Door County beach.)
As with every new thing out there, it is always nice to try them out before you buy them. It's recommended that skiers use them for at least an hour before making up their minds about them. Several demos, clinics
and time trials have been scheduled for the fall so skiers can try before they buy.
The events are sponsored by the Bicycle Doctor in the Milwaukee area,
Gear West in the Twin Cities and at various locations with Planet XC, the creator of the CAT Ski. More clinics and demos are in the planning stages (check with www.planetxc.com). These events are designed to
get people on the CAT Ski devices and to demonstrate that even if Mother Nature will not give us snow, skiers can still keep in shape waiting for it.
Skiers will be able to demo the CAT Skis for free at the noted demo times and locations below. The demos are designed to give a taste of what CAT Skiing involves and to see if this sport is for you. There are
also several two hour CAT Ski or Enduro Skate roller ski clinics. The clinics will help skiers to learn how to CAT Ski and skate ski to their full
potential. The clinics will cover basic and advance techniques of skiing, so all abilities are welcome. The short time trials are designed to build
technique. Skiers will be able to keep track of their progress or just see how they compare with other skiers.
For more information, go to www.planetxc.com, or to register either e mail Dale Niggemann at sales@planetxc.com or call 800/380 8412. Participants can also e mail Tom at the Bicycle Doctor, bikedr@bikedr.com, or call Jan Guenther, Gear West, at 877/473
GEAR for more information about their clinics, demos and time trails.
Demos
Sept. 24: Gear West, French Park, Minneapolis, Minn.
Sept. 27: Bicycle Doctor, Dousman, Wis.
Sept. 28: Blackhawk Ski Club, Blackhawk Ski Area, Madison, Wis.
Oct. 22: Gear West, French Park, Minneapolis, Minn.
Clinics
Oct. 4: Planet XC, Appleton, Wis.
Oct. 22: Gear West, French Park, Minneapolis, Minn.
Oct. 25: Rock Cut State Park, Rockford, Ill.
Oct. 26: Bicycle Doctor, Dousman, Wis.
Nov. 1: Planet XC, La Crosse, Wis.
Demos and Time Trials
Oct. 15: Bicycle Doctor, Dousman, Wis.
Oct. 22: Bicycle Doctor, Dousman, Wis.
Oct. 29: Bicycle Doctor, Dousman, Wis.
Nov. 5: Bicycle Doctor, Dousman, Wis.
Nov. 12: Bicycle Doctor, Dousman, Wis.
Nov. 19: Bicycle Doctor, Dousman, Wis.
Nov. 26: Bicycle Doctor, Dousman, Wis.
Dec. 3: Bicycle Doctor, Dousman, Wis.
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