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MADISON, MILWAUKEE AMONG 'MOST BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES'
The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) has included Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on its 2006 list of "Bicycle Friendly Communities."
Portage, Michigan, and Rochester, Minnesota, received honorable mentions.
The Bicycle Friendly Communities program analyzes bicycle friendliness in five areas: education,
enforcement, encouragement, engineering and evaluation. Communities are rated platinum, gold, silver or bronze.
Fifteen cities earned or renewed their designations in April. The Bicycle Friendly Community program is supported by a generous grant from Bikes Belong.
Seven cities were awarded the BFC designation for the first time. Among the designees are:
Gold
Madison, Wisconsin
San Francisco, California
Silver
Bellingham, Washington
Bronze
Flagstaff, Arizona
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sunnyvale, California
South Sioux City, Nebraska
The four communities given honorable mentions were Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Portage, Michigan
(formerly bronze); Rochester, Minnesota; and Rockville, Maryland (formerly bronze).
"We salute these communities for their tremendous commitment to improving conditions for bicyclists," LAB
Executive Director Andy Clarke said. "They are making the streets safer for bicycling, educating bicyclists
and motorists to share the road, promoting a wide range of bicycling activities and even stepping up the enforcement of traffic laws to protect bicyclists."
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GRABAAWR & SAGBRAW FIND NEW OWNERS; TWO BICYCLES AND A MAP TAKING THE REINS
MADISON, Wis. Wisconsin's two largest cross-state bicycle tours will be under new direction next year. Bill Hauda, director of Bike Wisconsin and organizer of GRABAAWR (Great Annual Bicycle Adventure
Along the Wisconsin River) and SAGBRAW (Sprocket's Annual Great Ride Across Wisconsin) announced he has turned responsibility for the events over to Kathy and Eric Schramm who operate a
Madison-based bicycle touring company called Two Bicycles and a Map Ltd.
The transition will occur October 2, 2006.
Hauda, a columnist for Silent Sports, has organized and directed cycle touring events for well over two decades. The bike tours have hosted thousands of riders in the weeklong events that traverse the state of
Wisconsin. GRABAAWR takes place in late June and SAGBRAW in early August every year.
SAGBRAW is the oldest event of its kind in Wisconsin. SAGBRAW's first tour, initiated in 1978, crossed
the state from La Crosse to Milwaukee. Many different routes were developed in the years that followed.
GRABAAWR began in 1986 and follows the route of the Wisconsin River from its start in northern
Wisconsin to the Mississippi River. More than 2,000 cyclists collectively participate in the two tours each summer.
"I have immensely enjoyed organizing and directing GRABAAWR and SAGBRAW over the years, meeting the thousands of participants. Many of my closest friendships resulted from these events," Hauda said.
"But I think it is now time for me to step aside, retire, do other things in life, while making sure that
GRABAAWR and SAGBRAW, which really belong to the riders, continue forever," he said. "I looked long and hard at who I thought would accomplish that and am very excited to leave the tours in the capable
hands of Kathy and Eric, who are known for their friendly and enthusiastic approach."
He added, "Now I'll be there as a rider, to make sure that the tours don't miss a beat."
Two Bicycles and a Map Ltd., has produced the Bike Northwoods Tour, (formerly known as the Northwoods to Capitol Tour) in Wisconsin for the past eight years. In addition, they produce several other
annual bicycle touring events in the Loire Valley and Provence regions of France.
Kathy Schramm, president of Two Bicycles and a Map Ltd., said, "My husband Eric and I both share a
deep passion, commitment and appreciation for bicycle touring. We have bicycle toured throughout the world and have shared that experience with thousands of other riders on our tours."
"It is an honor and a thrill to be able to carry forward the great traditions and legacy of GRABAAWR and SAGBRAW that Bill Hauda has built, and assure that another generation of cyclists will enjoy Wisconsin
biking."
This year GRABAAWR will take place June 24-July 1 and SAGBRAW from July 30-August 5. For more information visit www.bikewisconsin.org. For information about Two Bicycles and a Map Ltd., visit www.twobicycles.com.
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NEW WEBSITE FOR ONTARIO PADDLING VACATIONS
A new website, www.canoekayakcanada.ca, has everything you need to know about wilderness canoeing and kayaking expeditions in Ontario, Canada.
The expeditions range from the classic Canadian canoe trip gliding silently across remote lakes and through pristine forests to river trips where speed is the name of the game.
Also detailed are lodge-based adventures. Families and friends can paddle by day and unwind with hot showers and home-cooked meals before tumbling into comfortable beds.
And for those who only have a day or two to explore, there are trips for even the busiest novices.
The new site is hosted by Paddling Ontario, an alliance of Canadian adventure travel providers.
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GET V.I.P. TREATMENT BIKING TO CHICAGO LAKEFRONT EVENTS
CHICAGO, Ill. With free bicycle valet parking and repair, there's never been a better reason to take two wheels to Grant Park and Lakefront events such as Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago.
Chase Bike Valet gives bikers VIP treatment with a secure corral staffed by bike mechanics who perform bike safety checks and maintenance upon request. Drop-off and pick-up are quick and convenient, creating
a fun opportunity to chat with other bicyclists.
Chase, the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., has sponsored the
free valet service for the past four years as part of Mayor Richard M. Daley's Bike Chicago program.
"Chicago is a great city for biking, especially if you are going to a summer event," said Michael Cleary, a
regular biker and chief operating officer of Chase's Consumer Bank. "Chase offers this courtesy service as a
way to help people enjoy concerts and festivals without worrying about the security of their bikes."
Chase Bike Valet is located at Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Street in Grant Park during these events:
Bike The Drive, 7:30 a.m.-noon, May 28
Chicago Blues Fest, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., June 8 -11
Taste of Chicago (including the Chicago Country Music Festival), 11 a.m.-8 p.m. June 30 to July 9
Outdoor Film Fest, sunset-11 p.m. every Tuesday, July 18-Aug. 29
Lollapalooza, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Aug. 4-6
VIVA! Chicago Latin Music Fest, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Aug. 26-27
Chicago Jazz Fest, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Aug. 31-Sept. 3
Celtic Fest Chicago, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sept. 16-17.
Chase Bike Valet also is available at these events:
Mayor Daley's Bike to Work Rally, Daley Plaza, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., June 16
Chicago Air & Water Show, Fullerton and Lake Shore Drive bike path, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 19-20 adjacent to
Tall Ships Chicago, Randolph and
Lake Shore Drive bike path, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Aug. 3-9
Chase Bike Valet is sponsored by Chase, in cooperation with the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the city
of Chicago and the Chicago Park District.
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MINDS IN MOTION BICYCLE TOUR, JUNE 17
The June 17 Minds in Motion Bicycle Tour, based in Onalaska, Wisconsin, offers something for every member of the family.
The event includes a 10-mile ride along Lake Onalaska on the Great River Bike Trail, a fairly flat 16-mile
road route, a metric half-century ride (31 miles) through rolling hills, and a metric century ride (62 miles) including some steep and challenging climbs. The metric century even has an optional en-route time trial.
The inaugural Minds in Motion Bike Tour held in 2005 was attended by 220 riders. Organizers expect over 350 riders this year.
The allure of the tour is its combination of geographic and demographic assets. Onalaska is on I-90 with easy access from both the east and west. The Great River Bike Trail through Onalaska is an extension of
the popular Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail.
The Minds in Motion organizers plan to stock rest stops on each of the four rides (the century ride will have
three rest stops) with fruit, drinks and snacks as well as offer free lunches to riders. Four bike shops will provide mechanical and logistical support. Ham radio operators along the routes will respond to any
problems or breakdowns and summon SAG vehicles.
For children, there will be entertainment back at Onalaska Middle School, the tour headquarters. The tour will financially benefit the Onalaska School District.
To learn more about the ride and to register online, visit www.mimbiketour.org or call Harvey Bertrand at 608/797-3427.
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CELEBRATE LAKE SUPERIOR DAY, JULY 16
Individuals and families, communities and clubs, businesses and industries, churches and kids will take part in activities and events celebrating Lake Superior Day on Sunday July 16.
Lake Superior Day was started in the early 1990s as a way to highlight the importance of this great freshwater body to the environment and economy of the basin. Since then many events have been held to
educate and entertain people about lake issues, special places, and recreational opportunities.
The Lake Superior Binational Forum is promoting this basin-wide event to highlight the spiritual, personal,
environmental and economic connections people have to this unique world treasure.
Everyone is encouraged to celebrate in their own way. Churches, businesses and groups around the lake
are already organizing special actions for July 16. Many elected and tribal officials in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ontario are signing proclamations designating July 16 as Lake Superior Day.
Some cities and groups are holding special events such as dragon boat races, beach clean ups and special church services. Last year nearly 30 groups and communities participated in some way.
The Forum's website, www.superiorforum.info, offers ideas about how to celebrate the day. For more information, e-mail lakesuperiorday@northland.edu or call 715/682-1223.
The Lake Superior Binational Forum is a multi-sector stakeholder group of Americans and Canadians volunteers who inform local government about how to protect and restore the lake. Members come from
Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ontario.
The Forum is located in the United States at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College
in Ashland, Wisconsin, and at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Forum is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes National Program Office and Environment Canada.
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ONEIDA TO HOST '07 AND '08 STATE HIGH SCHOOL XC SKIING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Northern Wisconsin's Oneida County, with its long history as a cross-country skiing mecca, has been selected to host both the 2007 and 2008 Wisconsin High School Nordic Ski Championships.
The Northwoods Golf Course ski trails near Rhinelander will serve as the site for the championships February 10-11, 2007. The 7.5K course will be a challenge for the anticipated 400 to 500 skiers,
representing more than 20 teams, racing both freestyle and classic in a pursuit format.
The home club of Olympic skier Chris Cook is anxious to share its organization, expertise and enthusiasm
with the rest of the high school teams in Wisconsin. The club has expanded, refined and tested the new race course and won approval from the Wisconsin Nordic Coaches Association and racers.
Minocqua Winter Park the site that started it all 27 years ago will again be the venue for the premier event of high school racing in 2008. With over 75K of Pisten Bully-groomed trails to choose from, the 7.5K
championship course will undoubtedly feature the undulating glacial terrain.
The popular lake resort area is already looking forward to the action-packed weekend of February 8-9, 2008, for the event.
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CXC NEWS
BRYAN FISH NEW CXC TEAM HEAD COACH
Central Cross-Country Skiing (CXC) recently announced the hiring of Bryan Fish as the CXC team head coach. Fish had been the head Nordic ski coach at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Fish has previously supported CXC by coaching at CXC/American Birkebeiner summer camps, regional development camps and coaches' symposiums. A native of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Fish competed on the
UW-Green Bay ski team 1993-1998.
"It's difficult leaving UW-GB, but I am excited to support CXC's vision to create a regional development
program for post-collegiate athletes," Fish said. "There has been a void in support for such athletes looking
to pursue skiing after college. I hope to utilize my past experience as a collegiate coach to positively impact this exciting new program."
U.S. Ski Team head coach Pete Vordenberg said, "I have worked with (CXC executive director) Yuriy Gusev and Bryan Fish at camps for the past several years and have known Bryan since I was an athlete at
NMU. I am excited by the work that has been put into CXC and I am eager to work with the CXC team. This will be a great place for athletes to develop their talent and harness their hard work."
CXC is the designated body for the development of cross-country skiers in the 10-state central region of the United States. CXC skiing supports the Junior Olympics qualifying system, Central Collegiate Ski
Association and senior/master skiing, provides education, coordinates competitions and is the Midwest pipeline to the U.S. Ski Team. CXC is a nonprofit corporation and accepts tax-deductible donations.
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MASTERS TRAINING CAMP, JUNE 9-11
CXC will put on a cross-country skiing technique and training camp for master/citizen skiers at Minocqua Winter Park June 9-11. The camp will offer valuable information for all amateur athletes, first- through
11th-wave Birkie skiers and off-season cross trainers.
Camp participants will train shoulder to shoulder with CXC Ski Team athletes and learn from the CXC Team coaches and well-known guest coaches.
Camp staff will include Bryan Fish, CXC Ski Team head coach and a head coach for the UW-Green Bay Nordic team; Yuriy Gusev, CXC executive director and CXC Ski Team assistant coach; Ken Schoville,
Lakewoods High School ski coach; and Dr. Jim Mullen, a sports injury prevention and rehabilitation specialist.
Camp will include instruction for classic and skate techniques, video analysis of participants' form and VO2 max threshold training. CXC has the most highly technical VO2 and CO2 analyzer available. The equipment
can analyze, chart and print out data relative to athletic efficiency and body functions during exercise. The data is valuable information for developing specific individual training plans.
The cost of the weeklong camp ranges from $200 to $1,500. For more information, contact Ken Schoville at 715/356-3034 or schoski@bfm.org. Go to www.cxcskiing.org for complete details.
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BEST SUPERTOUR EVENT HELD AT TELEMARK
The U. S. Ski and Snowboard Association has recognized Central Cross-Country Skiing and the CXC SuperTour at Telemark Resort as the top SuperTour event in the country for the 25-race 2005-06 season.
Second place in the inaugural SuperTour Race Organizers (ASTRO) competition went to Presque Isle, Maine, with third and fourth respectively to Madison, Wisconsin, and Mount Itasca, Minnesota, near Duluth.
The 2006 SuperTour was organized in nine cities, and those sites were ranked by the FIS technical delegates assigned to oversee them. Each site was ranked on a 1,000 point scale using 14 categories, noted
Luke Bodensteiner, U.S. Nordic director.
In the competition to name the best SuperTour organizer, Telemark was the clear winner, earning 816 of the
possible 1,000 points, compared to Presque Isle's 747. Along with Mount Itasca, Telemark scored the highest of all sites in the technical areas.
The downtown sites of Minneapolis and Madison competed for top honors in the categories of media, spectators and atmosphere, with Minneapolis earning the top score for media coverage, and Madison
scoring highest in the number of spectators (over 4,000) and in the race atmosphere it created.
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