During the summer we primarily pole hike, but throw in a little biking. Some of us are rather enthusiastic bikers but that is not a major WAMXC focus. We schedule one or two rides each of the warm months and maybe a few fall rides. While we are diligent about compacting the group during hikes, we use maps and turn lists for the rides. We start promptly but are a bit more relaxed about keeping the group intact. Often, we will break into several groups during a ride. Frequently, a Sunday ride will be proposed over coffee following a Saturday hike and then posted on the email list. If there is lightning, we will not bike.
Once the snow has gone we need to take some recovery time before summer training. In March, we'll probably do a few rides off the calendar. We start with short, easy rides to reclaim our biking legs using mountain or cyclocross bikes until the roads are clean. In April, we get a little more serious and save the last weekend for the Iron Crotch ride put on by County Cycles. We generally do the 43 mile route. Registration is at the Houlton high school across from Stillwater. The 43 and 25 routes start part way along the route of the 60 so after registering, we drive to the 43 start. This is a good early season ride with just enough participants so you feel neither lonely nor crowded.
In May WAMXC holds the Gateway Crossing ride of 33.5 miles. The ride starts at Ramsey Beach. The Malcolm24 is one of our favorite rides, less so for the roads and camaraderie than for the distance deception. It isn't 24 miles or 24 kilometers or 24 anything, its just a name. We'll do 30 to 36 miles depending on how we feel and if we encounter road construction.
Spree Touring's Harvest Ride starts near Willow River State Park and heads East on some beautiful blacktop. There are a few interesting hills but generally the ride is rolling hills and a lot of flat. It is the best of Western Wisconsin secondary roads. This is a supported ride with food stops. The last few miles are spent cruising the Western boundary of Willow River state park with a crossing of the Willow Race branch. The ride is held in late August allowing time to get in good biking shape. Fruit pie and ice cream are served so bring lunch, a lawn chair and coffee.
Scandia remains a favorite for biking and roller skiing there because we like the quiet roads. We meet at the town park. When done we drive 2 blocks to Meister's Bar and Grill for nourishment.
WAR or Wednesday Afternoon Roll begins in the summer. We stretch our legs a bit during the week and take advantage of some warm sultry afternoons. We start with biking and may shift to roller skiing towards the fall. These sessions are designed to allow working women and men to put in a morning, break for lunch and grab an afternoon roll. For the retirees, please accept our apologies for getting a late workout start. We have met in downtown Afton, Lamar Park and other spots to get out of the metropolitan area and enjoy quiet country roads. Stay tuned to the email channel and check the website for updates.