Ride Boldly! » WOW

March Madness

julie — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Two quick notes:

Registration for the League of American Bicyclists’ National Rally, which is being held in conjunction with TCBC’s Weekend on Wheels, is now open: WOW2009 Registration
The aforementioned event is to include a League Traffic Skills 101 course in Winona, Minnesota, on Friday, July 31, 2009.

The TS101 course will be listed on the League web site shortly as well, although all registration will go via the above link.

Rev February 2010: Removed links to registrations.

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Weekend on Wheels 2009

julie — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:58:04 +0000

The Twin Cities Bicycling Club has announced the 2009 Weekend on Wheels event. This year’s event will again be in Winona, Minnesota, and is scheduled for July 31, August 1 and August 2, 2009.

One special thing about this year’s event is that it will be the partner for the League of American Bicyclists National Rally of Bicyclists. TCBC and Winona will welcome bikers from across the country for the weekend’s festivities!

The weekend will feature riding, eating, and educational opportunities, including a session of the LAB’s Traffic Skills 101 course (formerly known as Road I).

Complete info on the event, as it develops, is posted on the Weekend on Wheels website at www.bikewow.org.

MN43 Bridge in Winona Re-Opening

julie — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:54:58 +0000

Per the MN DOT, the Highway 43 bridge over the Mississippi River in Winona is going to re-open.

But, mysteriously, they’re not allowing bicycles. Per the Star-Tribune:

Judy Bodway, assistant city manager for economic development, said state transportation officials decided that the bridge will reopen Saturday at 8 a.m. to passenger vehicles but not commercial trucks, pedestrians or bicycles. Also, no vehicles can be pulling trailers, even to transport boats.

This does include pickups. It would kind of have to in that area, else the reopening to traffic would be laughable. Everyone and their dog owns a pickup down there, it seems.

Because, yeah, those pedestrians and bicycles? The straw that will break the gusset plate’s back!

They do claim the continued closure to pedestrians and bicyclists is because that part of the bridge needs repair. Uh, what? This can’t just be the gusset plates, which means it probably needed it before the closure, huh?

Bodway said the bicycle and pedestrian traffic remains banned because improvements are needed on that part of the bridge.

MNDOT and Winona are looking for options for pedestrians and bicyclists, although the ferry service will end June 20. Beyond the gusset plate work, they plan to replace the sidewalks.

Which still doesn’t explain to me the bicycle ban, since sidewalks are for pedestrians. But, whatever. I don’t know what enforcement is going to be in place and plan to check it out later this month when I’m in Winona to scout WOW routes.

TCBC Weekend on Wheels 2008 Registration Now Available

julie — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:29:07 +0000

The registration form is now available, for thems as likes planning ahead. Pre-registration – which is the only way to get lodging and Saturday dinner – is due by July 23. That’s only 108 days away!

Spend 3 days in Winona riding premier cycling routes, and partaking in a Saturday night lakeside luau that is sure to be delicious.

edited 10/27/2008 – removed out of date registration form.

It’s Never Too Early: WOW2008

julie — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:28:50 +0000

Planning is underway for the Twin Cities Bicycling Club’s Weekend on Wheels 2008.

The early stats are that it will take place August 1-3, in Winona, Minnesota. The club last went to Winona in 2001 and 2002, and many members have fond memories of the city near the bluffs.

Details will be in the May newsletter, and on display at the TCBC booth at the Ironman bicycle ride on April 27. In the meantime, we do need some volunteers to help with logistics. All positions will allow people to ride, and are pretty easy gigs involving things like some pre-event work, and some on-site procurement (registration coffee!). Descriptions of the available positions and the ability to sign up are posted at http://www.rideboldly.org/weekend-on-wheels-2008/.

Rural Riding

julie — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:02:16 +0000

After a weekend spent riding in rural areas, I am reminded of a number of rural riding ‘coping techniques.’ I use the term coping loosely, as rural riding offers the bucolic pleasures of cows, pastures, and miles without traffic controls. However, for those used to distance riding in more urban areas, some things are quite different.

Water is always available. Cheap yellow beer is always available. Don’t count on anything more. I’ve found that carrying a ziploc with enough Gatorade powder or even those ‘single serve’ TANG packets designed for use with bottled water is really helpful. (Note to the unfamiliar: I love TANG. If it’s nutritious enough for astronauts, it’s good enough for me!)
Know that a bar may be your best stop opportunity. In the country, everything is a bar, often with off/on-sale, and propane exchange. If you get water and use a restroom, try to buy a Snickers or something. Be nice to the nice proprietors, who think your nice little spandex pants are a little bit fruity.
Watch out for cow turds in the road. This is self-explanatory.
Railroad crossings are often pretty old-school in a lot of rural areas, meaning they eat tires. Watch for the signs and be prepared to slow, stop, and even carry that bike across.
Carry a bit more than a tube and a patch kit. I recommend electrical tape. There are only about 5 things that can’t be fixed with electrical tape (exaggeration).

None of this should suggest opposition to the country. Some of my best riding experiences have been deeply rural. I’ve had Mennonite families refill my water bottle and give me apples. You don’t get that in Minneapolis. But you need to be more prepared, or be with some prepared people, in the country. There are fewer rescue points, and if you get stranded or bonk… hoo.

Still More WOW Attendee Info!

julie — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 21:06:27 +0000

Saturday’s dinner registrations have come piling in beyond our projections. While we have PLENTY of chow to go around, and our numbers guarantee great company, we encourage people to bring a lawn chair or other folding chair. This will ensure that everyone gets a seat in which to eat and meet.
The weekend weather looks to be warm. Warm enough to swim in Lake Superior if you choose. Consider packing a suit if you think this is a great idea.
Dan Miller and Kate Kovar are hosting a pre-WOW ride up north for those of you interested. Here are the details:
10 FRI 1:30 pm. A/B 35-40 mi. North Shore Waves, Lighthouse, Ore Docks and Smoked Fish. Rev up the WOW weekend with an out and back ride on scenic old highway 61. Starting at Brighton Beach, aka Kitchi Gammi Park, we’ll hug the Lake Superior shoreline up to Two Harbors and visit the Lighthouse and world famous Ore Docks. On the way back we’ll stop at Russ Kendalls in Knife River for a performance snack of sugar cured lake trout and saltines. This ride will afford you sightseeing, watching, washing out the soul listening to Lake Superior waves and the comeraderie to get the WOW weekend going. Directions to start – mapquest Brighton Beach, 6100 Brighton Beach Road, Duluth, MN 5580, Its on Duluth’s north end. or enter http://www.eventective.com/provider/map.aspx?num=112927 .Co Leaders – Kate Kovar katekovar@hotmail.com 763-234-5180 and Dan Miller 612/789-8876, mplsmn1959@aol.com (Web Ride)

Weekend on Wheels 2007 Info

julie — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:32:17 +0000

A helpful aid to this info is the UW Superior Campus Map.

Logding Info
1. For those staying in the dorms, we have been assigned Ross Hall at UW Superior. A map and directions at at the end of this post.

2. Check-in for Friday night will be from 5-8:00 PM. If you need to check in later than that, please call Julie at 651-253-2493 to make arrangements. We will try to accomodate.

3. Check-in for Saturday night will be available at Saturday’s ride start. It looks like everyone looking for Saturday-only lodging will be riding. Again, if you need other arrangements, please call Julie.

4. If you are staying Friday only, check out can be after you shower Saturday afternoon. I’ll let you know where to drop off your key when we have you check-in.

5. Sunday check-out should be by 3:00.

Ride Start
1. Ride start will be at 9:30 AM both days. All riders will need to sign an insurance waiver both days. Please arrive in time to check in and sign the waiver. If you need to register on-site, exact change or a check, as well as a pre-filled registration form, would be appreciated. A LOT.

2. We will be starting from the parking lots across from Rothwell Student Center. For those staying at UW Superior, these lots are directly across from our breakfast location.

3. Leader briefing will begin at 9:30. We will start each route as a group together. TCBC leaders will be riding with each group.

4. Mechanical assistance will be available at the ride start.

5. Gatorade and bars or trail mix will be available at ride start.

Other Info
1. Map to dinner will be available at the ride start Saturday.

2. Day-of registration is available for the ride only. Lodging and dinner is no longer available as of today (8/6).

To get to Superior from the Twin Cities, take I35 to Duluth, and exit at US2 for the Bong Bridge. Turn right at Catlin Avenue. The Rothwell Student Center will be ahead on your right, with parking lots across the street on 16th Street. Ross Hall is near Catlin and 26th.

WOW 2007

julie — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 03:58:34 +0000

Just a ping that I have the initial info up for WOW 2007.

People occasionally ask me how I make running the event look so easy. This is my 7th year on committee. I have methods. I have techniques. I delegate madly.