|
LEAGUE OF MICHIGAN BICYCLISTS DIRECTOR LUCINDA MEANS DIES
Lucinda J. Means, executive director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists, died in her sleep April 27 at home in East Lansing.
Means served as the LMB's first executive director in January 1997, and under her direction LMB became a leading force in transportation policy in Michigan. She provided inspiration for countless bicyclists as well
as transportation, environmental and public health professionals and colleagues.
Means came to Michigan from San Francisco where she was a volunteer leader in cycling advocacy. She
was born in Boston, Massachusetts.
The LMB board and staff are committed to honoring Means' legacy by moving forward in making Michigan
a bicycle-friendly state. This includes cycling advocacy, sponsorship of the annual Shoreline Bicycle Tours, information and education, and other activities that Lucinda along with her staff, board of directors and
dedicated volunteers raised to a new level.
In her memory, the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Fund has been established. The proceeds will be
used to support the LMB's mission to make Michigan a more bike-friendly state. At the discretion of the LMB board, the fund may also support other organizations that benefit bicyclists, pedestrians and communities.
To make a donation, send checks to The Capital Region Community Foundation, 6035 Executive Drive, Suite 104, Lansing, MI 48911. Be sure to write "Lucinda Means Bicyclists Endowment" on the memo line
of your check. If you have any questions about the fund, write to the LMB office at P.O. Box 16201, Lansing, MI 48910-6201; call 888/642-4537 (MI-BIKES); or e-mail Office@LMB.org. Cards sent to the LMB office will be forwarded to the family.
To Top
UW CYCLIST WITTIG DIES FROM INJURIES SUFFERED IN MUSKEGO PARK CRIT CRASH
University of Wisconsin-Madison cyclist Matt Wittig, 20, of Mequon, Wisconsin, died May 13 from head injuries he suffered in a crash at a Wisconsin Cup race in Muskego County Park on May 9.
Five people four from southeast Wisconsin and one from Indiana received one or more of Wittig's organs in transplant surgeries, his mother, Susan Wittig, told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
According to the newspaper, fellow rider and Muskego Park Criterium organizer Hans Higdon said Wittig was breaking away from the pack when his right foot slipped out of the pedal, his right knee hit the handle
bars and he was flung over the bars onto the pavement.
The Journal-Sentinel reported Wittig was a licensed U.S. Cycling Federation racer competing in the
Category 3 division. He was wearing a helmet but traveling 25 to 30 mph when the accident occurred, Higdon told the newspaper.
Last spring, Wittig was involved in a serious bike accident. According to a newsletter written on November 8 about the 2004 Wisconsin Cycling Association Cup awards, Wittig was honored for his recovery and
return to racing.
Wittig was a UW sophomore and a UW Cycling Club officer.
To Top
NOQUE TRAILS DIRECTOR SOUGHT
The Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) is seeking an executive director. The full-time, year-round position would be based in Marquette County, Michigan.
The NTN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, developing and maintaining a year-round, nonmotorized trail network in Marquette County and the surrounding area.
This person will be responsible for developing programs and events. The organization's assets include a lodge/touring center. Candidates with a college degree and strong background in management and outdoor
recreation are preferred. Competitive salary and benefit package available.
Send resume and cover letter to Noquemanon Trail Network, 501 S. Front St., Marquette, MI 49855, info@noquetrails.org or call 906/226-6591 by June 3.
To Top
NATIONAL RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONFERENCE IN TWIN CITIES, JULY 27-30
Be a part of the premier trails and greenways gathering July 27-30. That's when TrailLink 2005, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's international trails and greenways conference, is taking place in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
TrailLink 2005 will examine new trends in trail design and management, explore the public health impact of
trails, provide the latest policy and legal updates, and examine other core issues affecting national and international trails, all with a focus on improving communities through expanding trail networks.
The venue will be the dynamic Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota, located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Experience firsthand one of the country's most advanced urban trail systems, and take
advantage of the many opportunities to explore the best of Minnesota trails.
RTC is proud to partner with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, which is serving as the local host
organization for TrailLink 2005. Over 2,500 citizen members come together in this nonprofit organization, responsible for establishing and expanding dozens of parks and trails in Minnesota since 1954.
Midwestern trail enthusiasts take note: TrailLink 2005 kicks off July 27 with a one-day, onsite regional conference hosted by Mid America Trails & Greenways.
This year a lower registration price is being offered, plus a discount for those attending both TrailLink 2005 and the Mid America conference.
For the latest conference news and information, go to www.railtrails.org or call 202/974-5152.
To Top
RAFFLE PRIZES FOR HIGH SCHOOL SKIERS
Central Cross-Country Skiing is raffling great prizes from Rossignol and Atomic to high school cross-country skiers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio and Illinois at no cost. Prizes include technical backpacks and heavy-duty padded ski bags.
In order to participate, send an e-mail note to raffle@cxcskiing.org with your full name and mailing address. On June 15 and July 15, names will be drawn and winners announced.
CXC Skiing is the designated body for the development of cross-country skiers in the 10 state Central Region of the United States.
CXC Skiing oversees youth programs; supports the Junior Olympic qualifying system, the Central Collegiate Ski Association and Master's skiing; provides educational opportunities for athletes, coaches and
race officials; coordinates competitions; and is the Midwest pipeline to the U.S. Ski Team. CXC is a nonprofit corporation and gratefully accepts tax-deductible donations for program enhancement from all sources.
To Top
10-RACE TRI MINNESOTA SERIES GETS NEW SPONSOR
Bloomington, Minnesota Erik's Bike Shop is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the Tri Minnesota Series, a 10-race triathlon series.
The Tri Minnesota Series has seen amazing growth since its inception in 2003. The series has grown from four races in 2003 to 10 races in 2005.
"The Tri Minnesota Series is extremely happy to have Erik's Bike Shop as a sponsor for the series in 2005,"
Brad Pickle, series director for Tri Minnesota Series, said. "Erik's sponsorship will be a huge benefit to the
series participants by not only providing great incentives at each race, but also ensuring bike mechanical support will be present at all series races."
The races in this growing series bring hundreds of new triathletes to the sport each year. All of the races in
the series will meet the standards athletes expect in a quality race. This includes an adequate number of helpful volunteers, a well-marked course, three accurate split results provided by Pickle Events, timely and
accurate final results, overall and age group awards and free refreshments for participants.
"Through our sponsorship of the Tri Minnesota Series, we are able to share in the passion and excitement of
triathlons," Erik Saltvold, president and founder of Erik's Bike Shop, said. "We are extremely excited to support a series dedicated to ensuring exceptional and exciting triathlon races."
For additional information on the Tri Minnesota Series, visit www.pickleevents.com/trimn. Additional series sponsors include Cannondale and Specialized Bikes.
Erik's Bike Shop is a leading bike and snowboard retailer and employs over 130 people with 10 locations in Minnesota (Bloomington, Coon Rapids, Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Oakdale, Shoreview, St. Louis Park,
Maple Grove, Dinkytown) and in Madison, Wisconsin. For additional information on Erik's Bike Shop's products and events, visit www.eriksbikeshop.com.
The 2005 Tri Minnesota Series
May 7: Chain of Lakes Triathlon
May 22: Land Between the Lakes Triathlon
June 5: Buffalo Triathlon
June 11: Liberty Triathlon
June 18: Lake Minnetonka Triathlon
July 10: Graniteman Triathlon
July 31: Hoot Lake Triathlon
Aug. 13: Northwoods Triathlon
Aug. 20: Castaways Club Triathlon
Aug. 28: Lakes Country Triathlon
To Top
TWO WHEEL VIEW GETS TWIN CITIES KIDS OUT ON BIKES
Since 2001, Two Wheel View/Trips for Kids-Twin Cities has coordinated 60 local programs in the Twin Cities, nine regional programs in Wisconsin and North Dakota, and three international programs in Argentina and Norway.
Our collaboration with more than 20 local youth groups, such as the St. Paul Public Schools, YMCA, The Boys and Girls Club and other community groups, has yielded results, serving 587 young people with the
help of 217 community volunteers.
TWV/TFK-Twin Cities works with community groups to provide environmental education and mountain
bike outings for young people who would not otherwise have these opportunities. Programs range from half-day adventures to extended, overnight learning expeditions.
The program combines environmental education, service learning and outdoor adventure with the simple act of having fun.
Volunteer ride leaders are always needed. Please contact Rick to volunteer for any of the events. Call 612/874-1895 or e-mail info@twowheelview.org.
Check the online calendar at www.twowheelview.org for these and other events in the area.
June 5: Minnesota River Trails, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 26: Glendale, Minneapolis (paved trail) 5-7 p.m.
July 28: Theodore Wirth, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
August 1: McDunough, St. Paul (paved trail) 2-4 p.m.
August 3: McDunough, St. Paul (paved trail) 2:30-4:30 p.m.
August 17: Minnehaha Falls (paved trail 2:15-4:30 p.m.
August 18: Glendale, Minneapolis (paved trail) 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Donations can be made online at our secure site www.twowheelview.org. Contributions help support the following initiatives in 2005: Development of a hands-on environmental education curriculum; Lease an
office and program space for a volunteer center and bike repair shop; Financial aid for students in the international program; Professional development for staff and volunteers.
Two Wheel View is organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a publicly supported organization and is operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
To Top
CHICAGO BIKE-FRIENDLY FOLKS AWARDED
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation hosted its annual Healthy Streets Conference April 1-2, offering its expertise to transportation planners, engineers, public officials and citizen advocates building a foundation for healthier streets for walking, bicycling, driving and public transportation.
At the conference, the federation presented the annual Healthy Street Awards, recognizing leaders and organizations for helping make Chicagoland a better place to bicycle. The recipients included:
Michael Pasteris, executive director of the Will County Forest Preserve District for his 20-year drive to create the Old Plank Road Trail.
Chicago Tribune transportation reporter Jon Hilkevitch for his dedicated and comprehensive transportation reporting on bicycling and pedestrian issues.
The Chicago Department of Transportation for opening the ground-breaking Millennium Park Bicycle Station and providing a hub for recreational riders and commuters. And Bike Chicago for operating the bicycle station.
Lee Ravenscroft of Working Bikes Cooperative for putting thousands of bicycles on the streets of Chicago and thousands more in countries around the world.
To Top
ICE AGE TRAIL BUILDER CONVENE AT ST. CROIX FALLS JUNE 23-26
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail exists as both a reality and a vision. The reality is that approximately 600 miles of the trail stretching across Wisconsin are currently open to the public. The vision is that an additional 400 miles of trail will be permanently protected in the next 10 years, as declared by Gov. Jim Doyle in his
recent State of the State address.
The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation's Mobile Skills Crew will be working with volunteers in St. Croix
Falls June 23-26. The Mobile Skills Crew, a well-trained and experienced group of volunteers, will set up a
four-day work camp. Everyone is invited to join other volunteers from across the state to help craft another premier section of the IAT.
Obviously many volunteers are required to build trail. But many more are needed to serve as greeters, materials runners, camp cooks and even nighttime entertainers. Depending on their time commitment,
volunteers are grouped into one of three categories: weekenders, dailies and short-timers. Weekenders will camp overnight at Interstate Park's group camp area. These campers should register with Nancy Frank by
calling 715/455-1672. Dailies are not campers but will be invited to dinner at 7 p.m. at the group camp area. Short-timers help for part of a day and can get all the information they need at the worksite greeter
station at Interstate Park. Sharp tools, clean water and food will be provided.
The Mobile Skills Crew project is supported in part by a challenge cost share grant from the National Park
Service, donations and local chapter funds.
The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation invites people of all abilities to challenge their minds to understand
the natural world and engage their bodies to action for whatever period of time their schedules allow. For more information contact the IAT Indianhead Chapter president, Dean Dversdall, at 715/472-2248.
To Top
MACKINAC ISLAND HOSTS SILENT SPORTS EVENTS
Zoo-De-Mackinac, May 21-22
It's too late to take part this year, so consider adding this bike tour to your itinerary next spring. The ride starts at the Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, Michigan, and continues for 51 miles along the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline. After a lunch stop, the ride continues on to Mackinaw City where a
ferry is chartered to Mackinac Island. Riders take in the live music at several venues in town. Go to www.zoo-de-mack.com or call 248/549-1072 for more info.
Lilac Festival 10K Run/Walk, June 11
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, June 10-19, includes a 10K run-walk on June 11. The race begins at Windemere Point, continues through historic downtown Mackinac Island, turning onto a challenging uphill,
then flattening to a slight downhill, through the wooded center of the Island. The last leg of the race is on the
short road with views of the Straits of Mackinac. The entire course is on paved roads. The Lil' Lilac kids race is approximately a quarter mile run in the vicinity of the Mackinac Island School. For more info, go to www.gaultracemanagement.com.
The Wheelmen Meet, Aug. 11-14
August 11-14, the island will host the Wheelmen, a national organization dedicated to keeping alive the
heritage of American cycling by promoting the restoration and riding of early cycles (circa 1918 or earlier). The Wheelmen members gather on Mackinac Island biannually for this four-day meet celebrating antique
cycling. For more information, go to www.thewheelmen.org or e-mail carlphar@tdi.net.
48th Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk, Sept. 5
The walk begins 7 a.m. in St. Ignace, at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula, and
ends in Mackinaw City at the south end in the Lower Peninsula. Bus transportation from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace is available. Baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the bridge during the walk but
bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons, similar types of devices and animals are not allowed. For more info, see www.mackinacbridge.org.
Mackinac 8 Mile Run/Walk Around the Island, Sept. 10
See www.gaultracemanagement.com and www.runmack inac.com for the latest info.
Great Turtle Trail Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile Run/Walk, Oct. 29
These trail runs begin at Mission Point Resort. For updated race information, visit www.gaultracemanagement.com.
Big Mac Shoreline Scenic Bike Tour, June 11-12 and Sept. 17-18
This event is not on the island. But all bicycle tours of 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles depart from Mackinaw City on the UP mainland, and the first 400 cross the Mackinac Bridge over the Straits of Mackinac. Go to www.mackinawchamber.com for further details.
To Top
MINNESOTA COMPLETES MAPPING OF SUPERIOR KAYAK TRAIL
The fourth and final map of the Minnesota portion of the Lake Superior Kayak Trail is complete and is now available from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
The completion of the final map, which covers the upper portion of the trail from Grand Marais north to the Minnesota-Ontario border, represents more than nine years of work by the DNR and other partnering
organizations.
The maps enable sea kayakers to plan daytrips and overnight adventures by identifying boat landings,
campsites, rest areas, points of scenic or historic interest and potential hazards along Lake Superior.
"Most people have only seen the North Shore while standing on land looking out over Lake Superior," said
Peter Hark, project coordinator with the DNR's Division of Trails and Waterways. "The water trail enables people to experience the lake's rocky shoreline in a different way. It's an amazing view."
Each of the four trail segments is about 40 miles in length. Kayakers, who start out at the trailhead at the St.
Louis River bay in Duluth, will witness a transformation of the North Shore from a more urban landscape to a very remote, wilderness setting as they travel north to the Canadian border. The last segment of the kayak
trail offers some of the most spectacular scenery along the North Shore, according to Hark.
The trail represents a mix of public and private lands. The DNR and Lake Superior Water Trail Association
(LSWTA), a nonprofit organization, worked together to build public support for the trail and secure property usage agreements along the trail to provide lake access points, rest areas and places for kayakers
to make emergency stops.
The Minnesota Legislature passed a law in 1993 designating a sea kayak trail along the North Shore. The
creation of the trail was accomplished through the work of the DNR, LSWTA members and other volunteers, who surveyed the trail. Funding for the four trail maps was provided by boat license fees and LSWTA.
The Minnesota portion of the Lake Superior Water Trail is approximately 150 miles long. When complete, the entire trail will encircle Lake Superior, along Minnesota, Ontario, Michigan and Wisconsin the equivalent
of more than 2,900 river miles. Minnesota is the first state to provide a complete series of maps for its portion of the water trail.
All four maps are free and can be found, along with other kayak trail information, on the DNR Web site www.dnr.state.mn.us/kayaking/lswt/index.html. They are also available through the DNR Information
Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4040, or by calling free 651/296-6157 or toll free 888/MINNDNR (646-6367).
|
