September 1, 2014 at 12:10 p.m.
Cyclists enjoy the beauty of Three Lakes during Nicolet Wheel-A-Way
Cyclists enjoy the beauty of Three Lakes during Nicolet Wheel-A-Way
By Kayla Thomason-
The cyclists gathered at Don Burnside Park to start their 9-mile journey to the checkpoint at the intersection of Fourmile Creek Road and Military Road.
At the park they were given water and fruit and asked to make a decision - take the short route (which was another 9 miles) or the long one (a breath-taking 36 miles).
For many participants, it wasn't an easy decision.
"It's fantastic so far, the scenery's been beautiful," said Dusty Swanson, a student at Conserve School. "I think it's pretty cool that they have one of these up here, I thought it was really cool that the Conserve School got to sponsor it and that they got 27 of their kids out here. (I) thought that was pretty great."
Swanson hadn't biked for a while but that didn't stop him from taking the long route.
Jayleen Rossi, also a Conserve School student, said the event was fun. "I like it," she said.
Another student, Donelle Scaffidi, was surprised by how much she enjoyed the ride.
"I love it. I was really hesitant to sign up but I'm really glad I did," she said.
Scaffidi struggled with whether to take the long or short route. She had originally decided on the short one, but once she got out on the scenic roads canopied by old-growth trees, some of which were already sporting their autumn colors, she changed her mind.
"Once you're out and take your time and pace yourself it's amazing what you can do that you didn't realize you could do, what everybody can do," Scaffidi said. "Everyone should sign up, especially if they don't think they can do it."
Paul Lovaas, another Conserve School student, thought the ride was beautiful and he loved being out there.
Those who took the long route enjoyed lunch at Franklin Lake Picnic Shelter.
"This event started in 1991 and we have some people that are here today that have been riding since 1991 in this event," said event coordinator Skip Brunswick.
This year the top raffle prize was a 2014 specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike, donated by BMO Harris Bank and Forever Young Bike and Ski.
The event was sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, Conserve School, Aspirus Three Lakes Clinic, Three Lakes Winery, First National Bank, Eagle Waste and Recycling, Randy's Cedar Piers, and Forever Young Bike and Ski.
Brunswick would like to thank all the volunteers and sponsors who made the event possible.
"Chuck Hill from Hiles Fire Department is our SAD Wagon support person every year and does a fantastic job so I'd like to recognize Chuck Hill and Hiles Fire Department ... and all our volunteers," he said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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