Club Announcements and News Briefs
2004 - Present (53 reports)
September 11, 2009 (JWF)
Heartland Breaking News (1053)
Highlights:
Two New Rides (one this Sunday)
5:00 PM for Weekday Evening Rides
Membership Breaks 100
1) There are two brand new Heartland-sponsored rides now on the calendar for this month and coming up real soon:
*** This Sunday, September 13 at 2:00 PM: Polonia Packer Kickoff Ride
Come join us for this ride preceding the first Packer game of the season against our archrivals the Chicago Bears. We'll have maps and cue sheets for rides of 15, 35 and 50 miles and leave from Matero's in Polonia. We'll get back to restaurant after they open at 4:00 PM for pizza and more! Come enjoy the pizza everyone is raving about (Dutch Treat). (http://www.heartlandclub.org/calendars/infomaker.php?pg=new&id=63)
*** Next Saturday, September 19 at 2:00 PM: Irish Jig Ride
This ride will take off from Clancey's at 7214 Custer Dr. (between Hwy 10 and Old Hwy 18) in Custer (just north of the railroad tracks). We'll have maps and cue sheets for rides of 15, 35 and 50 miles. After the ride enjoy the smoke free Irish Pub atmosphere of Clancey's featuring one of the widest selection of quality brews and great made-from-scratch soups, appetizers and entrees in our area (Dutch Treat).
2) All weekday evening rides, normally scheduled for 5:30 PM, will move to 5:00 PM next week due to the loss of daylight as we move further into the fall. These rides include:
Monday Sport Training/Ride from Chase Bank (Friess)
Tuesday Sport Race Training Ride from Goerke Field House (Cole)
Wednesday Social/Recreational Ride from Chase Bank (Stafford/Friess)
Thursday Sport Training/Ride from Ruth Gifry Building
3) For the first time in probably a decade, the Heartland Club official/paid membership has swelled to more than 100 members!! The renewing of many previous members, as well as at least 20 new members, has taken the membership to its new current level of 107 annual and lifetime members. Previously, the number of official/paid members has stayed around 80-90. Who knows, perhaps before the end of the year, our membership can reach even higher number? Like 125? Thanks to all who have renewed their membership, and to our new members joining for the first time.
July 15, 2009 (JWF)
Final Decision by OCR (1052)
Commissioner of Railroads, Roger Breske, of the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Railroads (OCR), today issued his final decision in the case of the Old Highway 18 (OH18) rail crossing at Burbank Road. Originally, in September, 2007, the Wisconsin Central, Ltd. (WCL) / Canadian National railroad petitioned the OCR to close OH18 and Smokey Road crossings, but subsequently, in April, 2009, in the face of overwhelming local opposition, WCL withdrew its petitions. However, the Town of Stockton submitted its own petition to the OCR to improve the crossing to make it safer, and the OCR held a hearing on the matter in May, 2009. In his decision, Cmr. Breske ordered:
* WCL to install automatic signal lights and gates by October, 2011;
* the Town to rebuild intersection so road intersects at 90% by October, 2011;
* the Town to place warning signs along OH18 and Burbank Road by October, 2009;
* WCL and the Town to split equally the 10% cost of the road construction.
April 25, 2009 (JWF)
Heartland's 2009 Annual Meeting and Social (1051)
Come this Monday evening (April 27, 2009) to the Heartland Club's Annual Meeting and Social Gathering. Meet new people, re-acquaint with old friends, attend a seminar on "Roadside Repairs & Bike Necessities", eat brats and other pot luck dishes (bring one if you can), drink great beer, hear about the current happenings and future plans for the Heartland Club, and/or just socialize in a great setting--the Central Waters Brewery, 351 Allen Street, Amherst. The event runs 6:00-8:00 pm on approximately this schedule:
* 7:00 - 7:30 Pot Luck Meal
* 7:30 - 8:00 Info and Social
April 9, 2009 (JWF)
Canadian National Withdraws Petitions (1050)
Two Petitions filed by the Canadian National railroad to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Railroads (OCR), one to close the at-grade rail crossing at Old Highway 18 at Burbank Road, and one to close the grade-separated rail crossing (trestle) on Smokey Road at Hwy 10, have been withdrawn. The railroad withdrew its petitions in the face of extreme local resistance to the closings being closed spear-headed by the Heartland Bike Club, the Town of Stockton Board, and the City of Stevens Point through the OH18/Smokey Defense Team. Based on these withdrawals, the OCR will undoubtedly dismiss the petitions, thus leaving open indefinitely both crossings. However, the Town of Stockton's petition to the OCR to improve the safety at the OH18 crossing remains and will be acted on by the OCR following a hearing which remains set for May 13, 2009. For more information, see "OH18/Smokey RR Crossings Closing?" on this website.
March 30, 2009 (JWF)
Heartland Club Institutes New Calendar System (1049)
A new online, web-based calendar system went online this week by the Heartland Club in order to better keep track and post Club events and activities. The calendar system utilizes a thumbnail calendar on the home page which displays event days, and then, when you hold the mouse over that day, will display information about that event. Clicking the day will bring up detailed information, and even a link to an information sheet, relating to the event. Printable monthly calendars are also available. Check it all out on the on the left menu to the left of this page on this website.
March 22, 2009 (JWF)
Pre-Season Sport Rides Starting (1048)
"Call of the Road" sport rides begin at 12:00 noon today with an approximately 25-mile easy ride (16-18 mph). Departure point is the Sundial on the UWSP campus in Stevens Point. This year these pre-season sport rides will take place on some weekends usually starting at noon as well as during the week starting at 5:00 pm. The plan is to progressively increase the intensity and distance of rides as participants improve their conditioning. Rides will be conducted weather and road conditions permitting.
Watch the new Heartland "Biking Events Calendar" on the home page for rides which will be posted on the calendar about 48 hours prior to departure time. "Call of the Road" ride days appear on the calendar in light green, and go/no-go indicators will be placed under the "Call of the Road" entry also on the home page. Then coming soon (hopefully), cell phone text messaging notices through a signup page for riders wanting to be reminded of upcoming rides. Please call or TM me (715-340-3132) if you intend on riding.
February 18, 2009 (JWF)
New Tiny URL Maker (1047)
Did you ever have trouble emailing a link to a web site (a URL) to a friend because the link was so long with a gazillion characters in it that it wrapped around the page and then got broken up in your email so that your friend couldn't just click on it but had to try to piece it together again but couldn't and had to email you back to have you try to send it again? Kind of like this run-on sentence!! Well, if you are a Heartland member, you can log into the Member Area and make those long URLs short. Just go the to the Member Area and click on "Tiny URL Maker". Here's an example of what it will do:
Change this URL (154 characters):
http://www.heartlandclub.org/pagedisplay.php?name=9164n682five&type=gif&doc=32&pdf=51&dir=info/oldhwy18closing/legal&title=OCR%20Hearing%20Order%201-30-09
Into this URL (38 characters):
http://heartlandclub.org/tiny/1001.php
February 10, 2009 (JWF)
OH18 Hearing Rescheduled (1046)
OCR Hearing Order
The Office of Commission of Railroads (OCR) has issued another order setting the date to hear testimony and public comments on Canadian National's petitions to close the rail crossings at Old Highway 18/Burbank Road and Smokey Road (at Hwy 10). Please mark your calendar and plan on attending. If you have been identified as a "witness" for the defense, please stand by for more information about your participation:
| Wednesday, May 13, 2009 6:00 pm and continuing Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:00 am |
January 14, 2009 (JWF)
Cross America Presentation (1045)
Heartland sponsors a member get-together and biking presentation at Adventure 212 Bistro in the Portage County Business Park, Thursday evening, January 15th. Dave Henneghan and Bill Jenkins will be presenting "slides" and talking about their epic "Cross America Bike Ride", 3,751 miles from Washington (state) to Maine. The presentation starts at 6:30 PM.
Perhaps you would like to come early and join us for a pot-luck supper too, which starts at 5:00 PM with socializing and the meal at 6:00 PM. Please bring a dish to pass if you come for the meal.
January 5, 2009 (JWF)
Enhanced Membership Form (1044)
Heartland Club online Membership Form gets face-lift. Renewing memberships and joining Heartland Club should be easier now with the revitalized and enhanced online Membership Form, which is used by Club members and others who would like to join to send their information to us for adding to our online database. The form was recently revamped to include security features, and enhanced to quicken the renewal process for people already in our database. Payments still can not be made online (a check must be mailed or delivered), but the new form should make the whole renewal process a bit easier. You can get to the Membership Form by clicking "Join Us" on the left menu of the Heartland Website home page.
December 28, 2008 (JWF)
Free Skiing Lessons Get Full Funding (1043)
Wausau Nordic Ski Club expands its Cross-Country Skiing Lessons being conducted in January, 2009. Everything about the ski lessons (including trail pass, ski rental, one-hour lesson, and cookies and hot cider) is now free thanks to funding from Marathon County and a great group of volunteer instructors. Lessons do not require pre-registration, but are limited to a first-come basis. For more information, contact: John Beatty 715-355-1271.
October 27, 2008 (JWF)
Hey, Wanna Ride? (1042)
What gives, anyway? It seems some folks just won't quit riding their bikes. Hey, the weather isn't THAT bad yet, is it? Actually the forecast, if you can believe it, says it will be sunny and in the upper 50's later this week--61 on Thursday!! So, if this is looking pretty good to you these days, you can sneak away, and you'd like to ride with someone on one or more of these last few days of fall, check out this.
October 18, 2008 (JWF)
Oktoberfest (1041)
The Event: The Oktoberfest / Brats, Beer, and Bikes will be a relaxed, social ride and picnic. Starting time will be 1:00 pm, in order to let the day warm up a bit. The idea is to enjoy a leisurely ride and the fall colors, returning to to the Brewery for a cookout, including brats, beans, chili and, of course, great Central Waters beer. If the weather is inclement, please come anyway for the grill out and the socializing.
October 1, 2008 (JWF)
Construction Begins (1040)
Yesterday or today construction finally began on the "Heartland Trail", the path being constructed under Hwy I39 at the Canadian National Railroad underpass. This project has been in the works for about 3 years. This trail will connect the City with the roads and paths on the east side of the Interstate, making it easier and safer to get to and from bike routes to the east. Check out the construction photos.
September 15, 2008 (JWF)
Need an Excuse? (1039)
Mostly sunny, 70 degrees, light southwest wind, trees starting to turn to their wonderful fall colors. Doesn't that sound like just a perfect day to go for a bike ride? Indeed. So if you need an excuse to get out Tuesday for a 25-30 mile group ride, I've got one for you--check out this link.
August 25, 2008 (JWF)
Notice: New Start Times (1038)
With days getting shorter, we are making some adjustments in the ride times for our weekly evening rides:
Changed Times:
Starting August 27th
Wednesday Ride from Chase Bank--from 6:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Starting September 1st
Tuesday Ride (Steady Group) from Goerke--from 5:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday Ride from Herrschners--from 5:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Concluding:
Starting September 1st
Monday Ride from Slomann Park--last ride of season August 25th
August 13, 2008 (JWF)
Special Appearance (1037)
If you were ever contemplating coming out on our Wednesday evening social recreational ride, this would be the day to do it. Bill Jenkins, of Cross America Bike Ride, will join us this evening (weather permitting). Bill, along with Dave and Pat Henneghan, just returned from their 53-day, 3,751 mile bike ride. And, boy, does Bill have the tails to tell!!
Join us, won't you? We'll leave from the City parking lot north of Chase Bank in Stevens Point at 6:00 pm. And by the way, "weather permitting" may have quite a different meaning to Bill than it does for the rest of us!!
May 14, 2008 (SDC)
Bike Demos/Tests at Hostel Shoppe (1036)
This is very last minute. Yesterday I found out that the Specialized Demo truck is going to stop at the Hostel Shoppe today for demo/test riding of the over 20 road bikes and 15 or more mountain bikes. This will happen between 4:00 PM and go until 7:00 PM if there is enough interest. This is the set-up that goes to all the big road and mountain biking events around the country. It's a good opportunity for people to try out bikes and even some models that we don't carry. This is all free to anybody who wants to try a bike. It's not often we have this come through Stevens Point. If you have questions, please contact me (Scott Cole) at the Hostel Shoppe (715-342-4340).
May 2, 2008 (JWF)
POSTPONED: Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup (1035)
Because the forecast for tomorrow is for yucky--less than 50 degrees, rainy, windy, wet and just plain not very nice--we are postponing the Heartland Club Adopt-a-Highway pickup for one week. So that is for Saturday, May 10th, 9:00 AM on Cty Hwy A at Hwy 161 near Nelsonville. See everyone then?
July 30, 2007 (JWF)
New "Travel & Event" Section (1034)
Announcing a new section for the Heartland Website: A Travel and Events Section. You can now view, and if you are ambitious, take photos and build a report, of member biking travel and event experiences. To see the new area, "Travel & Events" in the left side menu.
This new area utilizes an online database and web templates, making it easier to create and update these reports. Actually, if is so easy to do, even YOU can use the web interface to enter your travel or event description, photo titles, and other things, such as the color of the border and section dividers. You can see how this works by going to the Member Area, entering the password, and looking for "Edit Event/Travel Reports" in the middle of the page. If you do have photos of a travel experience or a Heartland event, email me for instructions on how we can get them into its own report.
Five existing reports have been converted to the new system and are online now. You can look for more reports soon (Spring West Texas Tour, UWSP Mallorca Trip, etc.) as I process the photos I received (quite) a while back.
Enjoy....
April 15, 2007 (JWF)
HBNSC General Meeting 2007 (1033)
General Members Meeting
Monday, April 30, 2007
6:30 p.m.
Bello's Wine and Cheese
Front Room
Free Hors d'oeuvres (provided Heartland Club)
Cash Bar
Meeting (Discussion, Reports, etc.)
Socializing
January 1, 2007 (JWF)
First Ride of the Season (1032)
Are you ready to go riding? The 2007 riding seasons starts...TODAY!! Aw, forget about those warm summer days with light winds and not a hint of rain. Let's do our January 1st ride and get an early start--it won't be warm, the winds might be still blowing, and there may be snow in the air. But won't we have fun anyway???
Emy J's, Monday January 1, 2:00 PM 20-25 miles to the northwest
Get your winter bike and let's go riding.
November 9, 2006 (JWF)
9,962.5 But Who's Counting? (1031)
"The 10 Grand Ride" (see Ten Grand Ride). Please join us this Saturday afternoon, November 11th, at Emy J's in downtown Stevens Point for an unusual, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime biking event. If you want to ride along as I pass 10,000 biking miles so far this year, come at 1:00 PM ready to ride. If it is cold and/or crappy (sort of the forecast), we'll do a short out and back or loop, probably to the north. I'll plan it so I have about 5-7 miles to go, so the ride will have to be at least 10 miles, I'm guessing. No matter what, you can count on me riding! If it is too cold and/or crappy for you, won't you still come about 2:00 PM and join us for cookies and hot chocolate? In any case, bring your own stories of biking accomplishment(s) this year to share. It'll be great fun.
November 4, 2006 (JWF)
Another "Warm" Sunday Ride? (1030)
Anyone interested in taking advantage of the forecast for warm weather tomorrow (Sunday, November 5th) with a bike ride? It is supposed to be sunny and in the 50s. If you are:
12:45 PM Emy J's in downtown Stevens Point
(Departure 1:00 PM sharp)
If we have enough riders, maybe we can split into two groups: a faster and a slower. What do you think? You can call me (Jack Friess) at 340-3132 if you are in, or just show up.
October 28, 2006 (JWF)
Warm" Sunday Ride (1029)
Anyone interested in taking advantage of the forecast for warm weather tomorrow (Sunday, October 29th) with a bike ride? It is supposed to be sunny and in the 50s. If you are:
12:45 PM Emy J's in downtown Stevens Point
(Departure 1:00 PM sharp, so some can get back for T-or-Ting
If we have enough riders, maybe we can split into two groups: a faster and a slower. Maybe we can ride together out West River Drive to the country club, where the faster group (but not THAT fast guys, okay) can go ahead and ride to Rudolph (@34 miles) and the slower group can go to Hwy II (@22 miles) or to Hwy O (@26 miles), and then back on Hwy C. If all goes well the faster group can catch up to the slower group and we can all ride back together. How does that sound? Call me (Jack Friess) at 340-3132 if you are in.
September 11, 2006 (JWF)
8th Annual Door County Ride (1028)
Will you be heading over to Rowley's Bay, Door County this coming Saturday, September 16th or Sunday, September 17th to participate in the 8th Annual Door County Ride? This is a wonderful event that combines social activities, like stories and roasted marshmallows by the campfire on Saturday night and early camp side breakfast Sunday morning, with great bike riding around the Door County peninsula. If you are planning on coming, please contact Steve McClaran right away so he can know how many to plan for.
June 1, 2006 (JWF)
New Tuesday Sport Training Ride (1027)
Sharon Menzel and Jack Friess announce the starting Tuesday, June 6th of new sport training sessions and rides leaving Goerke Field House every Tuesday at 5:30 PM. This training session and ride will be designed after the Thursday Sport Training Session and Ride, only at a slower pace. "Some people have been asking for a ride that works on group and precision riding skills like the Thursday ride but at a somewhat slower pace, so Sharon and I decided to try this," Friess said. "These are training rides with training goals and objectives, to work on skills people wish to improve in their own riding and to spice things up a bit." For more information, contact Sharon Menzel (715-344-8460) <menzelaw@charter.net> or Jack Friess (715-340-3132) <Jack@heartlandclub.org> or check out the information in the Weekday Rides section of the 2006 Calendar.
May 31, 2006 (JWF)
New Start Location (1026)
Scott Cole, Ride Host, reports that, beginning June 6th, the start location of the 5:30 Tuesday evening ride (originally from the UWSP Sundial) has been changed to the Hostel Shoppe. The Hostel Shoppe relocated recently from downtown Stevens Point to the Portage County Business Park, 3201 John Joanis Dr., Stevens Point. This ride is a fast-paced race training ride. For more information, contact Scott Cole <scott@hostelshoppe.com> or check out the information in the Weekday Rides section of the 2006 Calendar.
April 20, 2006 (JWF)
Thursday Rides Sets Focus (1025)
Want to learn more about riding in groups? The Thursday ride from Herrschner's at 5:30 PM has set its focus on helping sport riders learn more about riding in groups, drafting, and paceline riding. The pace is brisk (19-21 mph) but more important than that, the goal of this group is to learn how to ride together, setting a pace that can accommodate everyone in the group, and learning precision riding skills. For more information, check out "Dear Julie" and in the "Weekday Rides" section of the 2006 Calendar.
April 15, 2006 (JWF)
Hwy C Detour For Hwy 10 Construction (1024)
A favorite bike route, Hwy C from Hwy II to Hwy P will be out of commission this summer as traffic is detoured around bridge reconstruction on Hwy 10. While the affected section is only 1 mile (from E to P), because there is no bike lane, traffic is heavy in both directions and moving very fast with little opportunity for safe passing, it recommended that bikes stay off this section. An alternative route is: Hwy PP => Hwy II => Hwy C => Bear Creek Road => Hwy PP. For further information and a map, see 2006 Highway Construction Projects on the City of Stevens Point web site.
September 2, 2005 (JWF)
Sunday Tailwind Rides (1023)
With the shorter days and cooler nights the days get warmer later. So to keep up with the change of seasons, the Sunday Tailwind rides will begin 1/2 hour later, at 9:30 AM, effective immediately. See you out there?
August 25, 2005 (JWF)
Wednesday Evening Ride (1022)
Autumn is fast approaching and with it the sun is setting earlier. So, the hosts of the Heartland Wednesday Evening Ride that leaves from parking lot across from Chase Bank in downtown Stevens Point announce beginning with the first ride in September (that's September 7th) the start time will change from 6:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Come on out, the riding is still fine!
July 14, 2005 (JWF)
16th Annual Lactic Edge Triathlon a Success (1021)
The weather was great for swimming, biking and running at this year's Lactic Edge Triathlon at Bukolt Park on Saturday, July 9th, 2005. More than two hundred participants and scores of volunteers gathered to participate in Stevens Point's only multi-sport event. "It proved one of the best races we've staged, despite early signs of its death. All feedback suggests both the race and the new venue at the lodge were popular. It never ceases to amaze me that so many dedicated people and competitors can arrive one day and produce so much pleasure and excitement and fulfillment," says John Bailiff, event organizer. Jane Jones took some photos of the event, which will be posted to the web site soon, along with the race results.
July 10, 2005 (JWF)
FLASH!! WRD Section Closed (1020)
West River Drive, a favorite road biking route west of Stevens Point, has been partially closed for resurfacing. While passable, the gravel surface remaining from the removed tarmac from the section from Rocky Run Road to the Stora Enso Treatment Plant is loose, bumpy and dangerous. Biking in this direction can detour on Rocky Run Road to Little Chicago and back onto West River Drive 2 miles west of the Wisconsin River CC. Keep checking the " Road Closures" link on the Heartland home page for the latest on this and other closed roads in Portage County.
January 29, 2005 (JWF&M)
Nordski Rendezvous a Success (1019)
The snow and the weather were great (for a change) for 30 adults and 25 youth to race in this year's Nordski Rendezvous at Standing Rocks Park. "I would like to thank all Club volunteers that helped out with this event," says Mike McGibbon." And special thanks go to Standing Rocks county Park and it's staff. And finally, I want to express the Club's grateful thanks to Don Edberg, Leigh Smith and Rolf Garthus for their 'last minute' charge to produce splendid timing and results." Patty McGibbon took some digital pics, which have been posted to the web site (link below).
Description Results Photos
September 22, 2004 (JWF)
West River Drive Opens (for bikes) (1018)
The construction on West River Drive that started in May is finally completing. While not officially open, the road IS paved and can be ridden by bike. Watch out for additional paving that may be going on during the next couple of weeks.
Photo
May 28, 2004 (JWF)
Custer Road (1-mile section) Closes (1017)
A one-mile section of Custer Road in the town of Stockton, from 4th Street to 5th Street, is under construction. The surface has been removed and grading has started. The section is about 1.5 miles northeast of the village of Arnott. There is no information as to how long the road will be closed, but a similar one-mile section, from 5th to 6th Streets, was closed all last summer. (See map, link below.)
Construction Map
May 21, 2004 (JWF)
Second Street North Closes (1016)
Second Street North from Maria Drive to North Point Drive will be closed starting Monday, May 24th for all summer due to road construction. The project involves the installation of storm sewers, water mains and laterals, and gas mains and laterals. Due to the construction the entire street and much of the sidewalk on both sides will be torn up until late August. The project is due for completion prior to the start of school, September 1st. To detour the construction by bike, a suggested route is Maria Drive to Georgia Street N. to North Point Drive and back to Second Street N. (See map, link below.)
Construction Map
May 14, 2004 (JWF)
New Trail Opens (1015)
Due to the outstanding volunteer efforts of Stevens Point Area Single Track Association and Point Pursuit Mountain Bike Club, particularly our own Heartland Club members Scott Cole and Leo Phelps (both pictured with Wally Sniadajewski), a new 6-mile, single-track (mountain bike) trail has been completed at Standing Rocks County Park. "We will continue to build another 6-7 miles of trail to complete the loop throughout the park to get 12+ miles total," Scott says. A front page article was published in the Stevens Point Journal.
(Click to enlarge)
May 2, 2004 (JWF)
Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup (1014)
Nine enthusiastic soles showed up to walk about a 3-mile stretch of County A north of Hwy 161 just north of Nelsonville on this first Sunday in May. While a dozen or so garbage bags were filled with litter (mainly paper, bottles and cans), the hinted "impromptu ride" was rejected due to gusting winds and temps in the 40's. Check out some photos of the event.
April 29, 2004 (JWF)
West River Drive Closes (1013)
West River Drive from the rail road tracks to HH will be closed beginning May 4th for most of the summer due to road construction. The project involves the removal of several inches of pavement and replacing it with new gravel and asphalt while widening the roadway by about two feet on each side without removing any trees. The wider road will provide about two feet of paved shoulder for use by cyclists.
April 10, 2004 (JWF)
2004 Membership (1012)
IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE SO YET, SEND YOUR $10 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE TO: Heartland Club, c/o Mike McGibbon, 8615 Cty Rd Q, Custer, WI 54423. GO TO THE MEMBERSHIP FORM. THERE IS JUST ONE $10 FEE FOR INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES, & FAMILIES. REMEMBER THAT THESE FUNDS ARE FOR MEMBER SERVICES: RIDE FOOD, MAP DUPLICATION, WEBSITE, ETC. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS OR CHANGES TO IT WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEE.
April 5, 2004 (MMcG)
Waupaca Flanders (1011)
The spring classics are well under way with 15 riders at Waupaca Flanders ride on Sunday, April 3rd. All had a good time, unfortunately there was a dog bite incident. This should remind us to report all such human and animal harassment, because it will make a difference when a serious incident takes place.
March 28, 2004 (JWF)
New "Private" Area for Members Opens (1010)
A password protected area on the Heartland site has officially opened. In this area you can view the current membership list generated from our new online database, access a proposed web site changes area, and email the Steering Committee members with one click. One click emailing of the members according to interests, Club financial reports, event hosting forms based on a new online event database, and other important member resources will be available soon in this area. All this is just another reason to make sure your membership dues are up-to-date. If you were a member in 2003, or have paid your dues for 2004, you either have already received the access password, or will shortly. Otherwise contact Jack Friess.
March 27, 2004 (JWF)
New Membership Form (1009)
Did you pay your 2004 membership dues using the new on-line membership form? If you didn't fill out the form, be sure to go to and complete the new membership form online; and/or you can send additions/corrections of your information to: Jack Friess.
March 25, 2004 (JWF)
Heartland Adopt a Highway Cleanup (1008)
We usually meet the 4th Saturday in April (see 2004 Biking Calendar) at Amherst Cafe for breakfast (8:30AM); work starts at 9:30 at intersection of CTH A & WI 161. Be there!
March 20, 2004 (JWF)
Highway P Closes For Summer (1007)
"Residents who use Highway P to get from Wisconsin Rapids to Stevens Point will soon need to find a new route." (Colin Atagi, Stevens Point Journal) And bikers, too? According to this news article, Highway P will be closed from mid-April through September while two bridges, identified as Rocky Run Creek Bridge in Portage County, and the Rudolph Creek Crossing in Wood County, are rebuilt. Traffic will be re-routed on Hwy 34, Hwy DD, O, and C. This will probably mean a huge increase in traffic on these county roads, all favorites with local bikers. However, it could mean developing alternate routes using the closed Hwy P? As soon as the exact location of these bridges, and the impact on local bike routes, have been determined, more information, including a map, will be posted here. In the mean time, check out these links (some pages gone).
DOT, Wisconsin Rapids District 4, March 18, 2004
Stevens Point Journal, March 20, 2004
Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, March 20, 2004
Construction Map
March 10, 2004 (JWF)
Day Break Spinning (1006)
March is still too cold and icy for most of us road cyclists and triathletes. But that hasn't hindered a few early morning risers from going for a spin--indoors, actually, at the UWSP Cardio (Allen) Center. On Schwin stationary trainers in two rows in front of a wall-to-wall mirror, led by a young and energetic Center staff member, the group of 8-10 sweats and gasps from the effort to climb those imaginary 5-minute, 7% grade hills to the beat of modern and golden oldies music. "I'm building that base, I'm building that base…." may be the only thing keeping some participants going up those hills!!
March 10, 2004 (JWF)
A Leap Year Ride (1005)
Where were you on February 29th, 2004? Dan Lange, 51 a recumbent riding transplant from Wisconsin Dells now living in Coloma, always looks forward to beginning the riding season early--like Easter Sunday. But he even surprised himself by starting this year the last day in February, with an 80 mile ride that took him from Coloma to Wisconsin Rapids and back on his favorite Vision R-45. In his words, "I got great weather on the 29th - light winds, sun early and then high haze, temps started about 45 and climbed to almost 60!!! I was actually dressed too warm. My 'leisurely' riding pace usually averages around 16 mph, and I was certainly in no hurry that beautiful Sunday afternoon." Ahhh, is this a preview of things to come this riding season? We all hope so!
February 10, 2004 (JWF)
Become a Friend of Tomorrow River (1004)
The Friends of Tomorrow River Trail has formed to support planning and development for the rail corridor conversion of the route from Stevens Point to Waupaca. Heartland Club member Greg Loescher is a member of the Trail Committee, so email him if you want to join or have ideas/concerns. Plans include linking this trail with those in Fox River Valley & the Shawano-Wausau trail.
January 16, 2004 (JWF)
2004 Ride and Skiing Calendar (1003)
Check out the ride and skiing calendars on the website. Most weekends need to filled in for the season (see 2003 Bike Calendar for ideas). For skiiing, are there going to be any more outings/events this winter? For biking, are the the weekly Tuesday Ride, Wednesday Ride, and Thursday Ride going to contiune the up-coming season? Last year Tuesday and Thursday rides began April 11th and April 13th, respectively; Wednesday rides began May 10th.
Something to think about: Visually impaired member Joe Kanter would like volunteers to serve as Blind Skier Guides for the annual January blind skier weekend at Rosholt Lions Camp. No experience is necessary and nordic skiers of any ability are welcome, as the skills of most of the blind skiers are elementary. Post him to find out the dates, join in the fun, and be of service.
January 10, 2004 (JWF)
Call for Ideas (1002)
Members at the 2004 general meeting agreed that fostering development of biking and nordic skiing is an important mission. If you have ideas for projects we can initiate or contribute to, please use the Member Forum for suggestions, discussion and planning. Also welcome are ideas for perks and services the club might provide or solicit for members.
January 1, 2004 (JWF)
Five Die-Hards for First Ride (1001)
Not being able to wait any longer, five hearty Club members showed up at the Portage County Library in downtown Stevens Point to head out on the first road ride of the year. With temperatures hovering around 20 degrees and a stiff southeast wind, but with unusually snow-free and dry roads for this time of year, the peloton headed south down Water Street, out Whiting Avenue towards Plover and back. It was an invigorating ride; and some participants even changed their definition of cold weather riding! All felt lucky not to have to jump into the river!