Where to Find Bike Fun

So, you have resolved to ride your bike more often this year. Well, warmer weather is just around the corner. Are you worried about your motivation?

Maybe you need some company. Consider inviting a friend on your jaunts. With at least two involved in scheduling, the commitment is less likely to slip by unheeded.

Another strategy is to participate in organized events. These entail meeting with a group of cyclists at a certain time in an appointed place and biking to a prearranged destination.

Finding bicycling events

The most comprehensive listing of bicycling events in Wisconsin (and some in surrounding states) can be found in the 2000 Wisconsin Bicycling Events booklet, put out by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin (BFW).

BFW members receive it free in the mail, but you can pick one up at your local bike shop in early April. This handy guide is organized by date, so you can pick a free day, weekend or week and find rides close by. You can also find a ride close to that B&B you have been thinking of visiting.

The booklet listings run from leisurely rides for all abilities and ages, to races sanctioned by the U.S. Cycling Federation. Weeklong tours as well as single day charity rides are listed. Mountain bikers, commuters, road riders, families, novices and experts will all find something to their fancy.

The booklet even lists classes and local safety checks so you will feel more comfortable and confident on your bike.

If you have trouble finding the event booklet in bike shops, you can look at it on the BFW Web page: .

Another source for bicycling events is Silent Sports magazine, a monthly. In it you will find events that did not meet the BFW booklet submission deadline. Listings are in the back and include other outdoor activities such as running, canoeing, kayaking and triathlons. Pick up the magazine at the newsstand or check their Web page: www.silentsports.net.

Your local bike shop might be as far as you need to go to find out the who, what, where and when of bicycling in your area. Free tune-ups, police auctions, kids’ or family events, last minute club rides or just people looking for riding partners are often posted on the bulletin board or in the window.

Bicycle shop owners and employees are also good sources of information.

Bicycle clubs usually have weekly rides and sponsor at least one major public ride each year. The members are also likely to know about more events. Since the club plans ride dates, times and routes, you just have to show up and enjoy the camaraderie.

Whether you are new in town, new to cycling, unsure of what events are offered in your area, or just curious, check out the Web sites below. They are good places to start.

To find events, clubs, news or more bicycle links, the Bicycling Community Page cannot be beat; although it is officially geared to Dane County, you will find information for all of Wisconsin (and the world!) at danenet.wicip.org/bcp.

If you are looking for tours (three or more days) outside Wisconsin, the National Bicycle Tour Directors Association’s Web page is a good place to start for rides anywhere in the U.S.: www.okfreewheel.com/nbtda.html.

Another source for tours is Adventure Cycling, which runs some of the most spectacular tours in the country. Find their Web page at www.adv-cycling.org. Your voice on mountain bicycling issues is WORBA the Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycling Association. They are an advocacy group, but if you want to know about mountain bike events, they will help you find them. www.worba.org.

Whatever you do or wherever you find the events…this year…ride more!

Robbie Webber is the program manager for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and she is the Madison Bike to Work Coordinator.