Wisconsin Bicycle-Related Groups
(A) Advocacy
(G) General interest
(M) Off-road
(R) Racing
(T) Touring

Bicycle-Related Groups in Wisconsin

Both statewide and groups with a local focus outside of Dane County.

(A) 1000 Friends of Wisconsin
This is a group with a focus on land use, modelled after the well-known group 1000 Friends of Oregon, which is credited with driving the land-use policies that have made Portland a model for land-use planning for the nation (for more information on this group, see Scott Exo Speaks to Dane County Rural Land Use Network and Citizens help guide vision of land use plan). The impetus for the creation of the group at this time is the planned comprehensive revision of the state's land use laws in the forthcoming legislative session (writing August, 1997). We expect them to champion compact residential development, tax structures to encourage the preservation of agriculture, and curtailed development of natural areas. Former Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson is the Honorary chair, David Cieslewicz is the executive director, and various well-known local environmentalists are on the board of directors. A current goal is to recruit 1000 "founding members," each of whom will pay $100 for the privilege (more vanilla memberships are available for $35). Noteworthy is that 1000 Friends of Oregon, at its inception, had a similar goal, but never acheived it; nobody would claim, though, that they've failed in their mission.
Contributions to 1000 Friends "are for advocacy and are not tax-deductible," but those to their research and education foundation, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin Land Use Institute are.
1000 Friends of Wisconsin
4301 Janick Circle North
Stevens Point, WI 54481

16 N. Carroll Street, Suite 810
Madison WI 53703
608-259-1000

Email: friends@1000friendsofwisconsin.com

(A) Alliance for Future Transit
A membership group advocating a light rail system for Milwaukee, with a quarterly newsletter.
Info:
Alliance for Future Transit
P.O. Box 92056
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(T) Bay View Bicycle Club bay view bicycle club
A social bicycling club celebrating its eleventh year. We have about 150 members. Our rides begin in April and continue through the end of October, with rides every Saturday, Sunday and holiday. Our rides range from twenty miles to centuries and we appeal to all levels of riders, including families with older children. This year, the Classic, our annual fundraiser, will be on Sunday, July 14, 2002. Riders have a choice of three scenic routes and are treated along the route to rest stops of home-baked goodies. Our winter schedule includes cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating and other activities (football parties, dining out, etc). For more information on upcoming events and rides, visit us on the web http://bayviewbikec lub.org/ call our hotline at 414-299-0317. For membership information, contact Ron Santoro at ron@bayviewbikeclub.org.
[Updated: February 3, 2002. ]

(A) Bicycle Federation of Southeastern Wisconsin
The BFSEW, currently the only local chapter of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, serves the advocacy needs of the greater Milwaukee area.
P.O Box 480
Milwaukee WI 53201
Voice: 414-375-6180 (Kit Keller)
Email: bfsewis@aol.com

(A) Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin BFW logo
The statewide bicycle transportation advocacy group. Most all issues of their newsletter, Wisconsin Bicyclist, are online here. Visit the page to request a free hardcopy of Wisconsin Bicyclist, to find out how to join, and to find out about volunteer opportunities. If you ride a bicycle in Wisconsin, you should be a member of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.

(M) Bleu Moon Mountain Bike Society
An off-road group based in Baraboo, Wisconsin. "We center our activities around promoting fun, safe, and responsible mountain biking. We were established in July of 1995. We have been involved in weekly society rides, educational talks and haning fun.

Info: blemoonmtb@baraboo.com

(M) Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association [CAMBA Logo]
Founded in 1992, this coalition of mountain bikers and Chequamegon area merchants has developed of over 300 miles of mapped and marked trails in and around the Chequamegon National Forest in Bayfield and Sawyer Counties-- 40% on county forest lands, a small amount on private land, and the rest in the national forest. Ron Bergin is the Executive Director. To join-- $20-- or to purchase a complete set of CAMBA maps-- $6.50-- write to:
CAMBA
P.O. Box 141
Cable WI 54821
Email: camba@cheqnet.net
[Updated January 8, 2003.]

(A) Citizens for a Better Environment
An "educational, research, and advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing community and public health." They have a number of chapters and local offices, including one in Madison. As part of their Livable Communities Project, they've recently started publishing Livable Wisconsin, an excellent thrice-annual newsletter. For information on that, contact Jim Powell.

Contact the Milwaukee office:

Citizens for a Better Environment
152 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Voice: 414-271-7280
Fax: 414-271-5904

(T) Couples On WheelS
COWS is a Wisconsin-based, family-oriented tandem riding club. The main ride of the year is The Gathering of the Herd Rally; other rides are listed in the newsletter, of which a sample can be had by writing Caryl Sewell. Membership in COWS is open to tandem riders and those who are considering tandem riding; membership is not limited to Wisconsin residents.

(T) Cream City Cycle Club
Milwaukee's touring club, with a big touring schedule, regular meetings, and a hotline. Here's what they have to say for themselves:
"Cream City Cycle Club offers day touring rides on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from April through October. We also have off season rides and special events. In addition we have many camping rides, both self contained and car camping.
"Monthly meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month from January through October. Each meeting includes a bicycling related program or other activity such as our potluck supper every March. We meet at Greenfield Park Clubhouse, just south of Greenfield Avenue at 124th Street (adajacent to the swimming pool).
"The public is invited to come along on a ride, camp with us, attend a meeting and or enjoy the homemade treats we serve at every rest stop on the century. You don't have to be a member to have fun with Cream City Cycle Club! But once you check us out, we're sure you'll want to join, if only so you can own some of our fashionable Cream City Wear. Members also receive a monthly newsletter and a complete copy of the ride schedule plus the opportunity to participate in a few 'members only' events."
Info:
CCCC
P.O. Box 894
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0894
Hotline: 414-299-9398

(M) Fat Kats
The FAT KATS is an off-road club that is located in Sheboygan. They put on their first race in 1995 on city parkland, and donated the majority of the proceeds to the city of Sheboygan for trails. They have worked hard to improve the trails in city parks, including: work detail every Saturday over the summer of '95; installing a ten-foot long culvert over a stream crossing; installing gravel on an existing trail near a spring and to create a ramp to a bridge; building one mile of new trails, and improving three miles of existing trails. They also have a litter patrol on a continual basis, and have done trail maintenance in the Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest. President is Brett Edgerle.
(M) Flambeau Fatties MTB Group
Rides every Monday night during daylight savings time. Also rides on Thursday nights. Rides based on trails in Price, Sawyer, and Taylor counties. Call Todd Zumach at 715-339-4486 for more info.
Submitted by: zumachth@win.bright.net
[Added: February 10, 2002. ]
(R) Flambeau Freewheelers
Road riders meet every Wednesday during daylight savings time at 6:30 pm. Rides rotate between Rib Lake, Phillips, and Medford. Fast and slow groups. Beer and Pizza after each ride!
Submitted by: zumachth@win.bright.net
[Added: February 10, 2002. ]

(T) Fox Cities Cyling Club
This group (formerly known as the Fox Valley Wheelmen) is a recreational cycling club. The club meetings are held March, April, May, and September, with the emphasis being on riding. The meetings take place the third Monday of each month, 7:00pm at the Appleton Memorial Park Arboretum. The club features Wednesday evening ride (April through September) which departs The Fox Valley Tech. North parking lot a 6PM.
Contact:
Kevin Hillegas, newsletter editor
(920) 729-5912 for any inquiries.
Hillkcd@aol.com

(T) Great Annual Bicycle Adventure Along the Wisconsin River
An annual bike ride across the Wisconsin River that takes place in mid-July. Formerly a project of Common Cause of Wisconsin, this ride has been taken private and for-profit by former executive director Bill Hauda.
P.O. Box 6184
Madison WI 53716
608-935-7433

(A) Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation
The Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation (IAPTF) is a non-profit, volunteer- and member-based organization headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established in 1958, it has over 5,000 volunteers and almost 5,000 members who support the Ice Age Trail. Working cooperatively with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, many local governments, businesses and private landowners, IAPTF staff and volunteers work to protect, promote, build and maintain the many segments of the Ice Age Trail - a thousand-mile national and state scenic trail located entirely in Wisconsin. The purpose of the Trail is to tell the story of the Ice Age and continental glaciation along a scenic footpath.
Info:
207 East Buffalo St., Suite 515
Milwaukee, WI 53202-5712
Phone: 414-278-8518, 800-227-0046
Fax: 414-278-8665
Email: iat@iceagetrail.org

(A) (M) Metro Mountain Bikers
The Milwaukee Chapter of WORBA, with monthly meetings, weekly rides, and a hotline: 414-297-9616. They work with County Parks to open trails in Milwaukee.
Info:
Marty Weigel, 414-774-0639.
[Updated April 1, 1998.]

(A) Neillsville Area Trail Association
A club devoted to trail bicycling, trail development and maintaince. The club works with local goverments to sponsor events, rides, and cooperative efforts relating to all forms of cycling.
Info: Steve Meurett.

(M) National Mountain Bike Patrol of Wisconsin
The National Mountain Bike Patrol of Wisconsin (NMBP-WI) assists, educates, and informs mountain bike riders on the trail. Affiliated with the IMBA/NORBA National Mountain Bike Patrol (same training, same jersey) and Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycle Association (WORBA). Any WORBA member is welcome to sign up for patrol training, regardless of where they live or what chapter they belong to. While patrollers usually ride their local trail, some can volunteer for events and patrols around the state, and sometimes across state lines. WORBA can bundle a WORBA/IMBA membership to provide the best deal available when you sign up for patrol training. Once trained, you can:
  1. Assist your local land manager by being present to help all trail users
  2. Help riders in need of medical, directional, or mechanical assistance
  3. Promote mountain biking as a responsible sport
  4. Have fun and stay in shape, meeting new friends and riding new trails

Info:

Brian Leininger by phone at (608) 437-7625 or email at brian@worba.org,
WORBA website at http://www.worba.org/

(A) New Transportation Alliance
This is a transportation advocacy group-- of which the NTA of Dane County is a chapter-- that works to reduce the automobile centricity of Wisconsin public policy. Other chapters are in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Eau Claire. Recently, the NTA has become a membership organization and started producing a newsletter. Membership is nominally $20, but $35 is a happier number.
There is much more information in the NTA entry of the page for Bicycle-Related Groups in Dane County, including local contact information and links to the many online versions of working documents they have published.

(M) North Central Mountain Bike Patrol
The North Central Mountain Bike Patrol, regional affiliate of the National Mountain Bike Patrol, is a volunteer organization that provides trail patrol, information and assistance, first aid and emergency bike repairs on trail systems throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Patrol also assists at major cycling events like the Minnesota Mountain Bike Expo and the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival.
Information,
Hans Erdman, Patrol Coordinator,
P.O. Box 212,
Circle Pines,
MN 55014, 612-717-1362,
email: MtnBikeRanger1@juno.com.
(G) Portage Pedalers
Informal group that rides twice a week from May to October and scheduled weekend rides about twice a month, some trail rides, some road rides. We ride Mondays at 6:30 leaving from the Portage Library and Wednesdays at 6:30 leaving from Neenah Creek Inn and Pottery near Briggsville. For more information and a schedule of weekend rides, call Doug Cook at Neenah Creek Inn and Pottery at (608) 587-2229.
-
Portage, WI
scsrowe@palacenet.net
[Added: February 24, 2002. ]

(A) (M) (T) Riverwest Bicycle Cooperative & Exchange (Milwaukee)
"Currently (2/99) forming. We seek to enhance bicycle culture in the neighborhood and city, as well as promote the recycling of bicycles left in the trash or otherwise not in use. Our goals are to establish a free bike program, set up an exchange for people who want free parts or bicycles, develop a youth mentoring program where youth work with an adult to build bikes for themselves, and to create a cooperative to get discounts at local stores - of any variety - and to solve problems in an unfriendly bicycle city. Interested, get in touch."
Info: wfwmkessenich@juno.com.

(A) (M) Rock Trail Coalition
The Rock Trail Coalition is devoted to the development of recreational trails in Rock County. Their major project is the development of the Rock River Trail to run south to north from Beloit, Janesville, Milton to Jefferson County on an abandoned rail line.
Coalition activities include:
  1. identify and plan potential trail routes
  2. sponsor workdays to prepare abandoned rail corridors for trail development
  3. organize fundraising events, runs, bike tours, raffle
  4. "friends of the trail" group to maintain established trails
  5. coordinate trail development projects with other groups and local government
Membership is $12 per year for individuals, families, or organizations. There is a periodic newsletter. Meetings are on the second Thursday of each month at Rotary Gardens, Janesville, WI.
Rock Trail Coalition
P.O. Box 8101
Janesville, WI 53545
Voice: 608-756-1832
Email: dpayntr@aol.com (Dean Paynter)
WWW: http://members.aol.com/dpayntr/rocktrail.html

(T) Southwest Chain Gang
The Southwest Chain Gang is a bicycle touring and advocacy organization representing cyclists in southwestern Wisconsin. The club's membership covers Dane, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Grant, Crawford, Richland and Sauk Counties. Members come from communities stretching from Madison to Prairie du Chien, and from Richland Center to Platteville. The club was initiated in October of 1996 and began conducting tours and advocacy efforts in 1997. The southwest part of Wisconsin has been without any major bicycling organizations. At the same time, it is a key destination for both individual cyclists and bicycle club tours because of the vast number of low-traffic, paved roads, and spectacular scenery. Efforts are needed to make southwest Wisconsin roads and highways more bicycle-friendly and the Southwest Chain Gang will help provide that effort.
Southwest Chain Gang Bicycle Club
PO Box 66
Dodgeville, WI 53533
Voice: (608) 935-7433
WWW: http://www.madpeople.com/dmataya/chaingang/

(T) Spokes and Folks Bicycle Club
A touring club serving Marinette, Menominee MI, and Northeast Wisconsin. They have weekly Sunday morning breakfast rides, plus one or two other scheduled rides per month during the season. In 1998 they will again feature a mountain bike trip to Colorado. And, they are the sponsors of the annual Menominee River Century, "Wisconsin's Largest Metric Century,".

Info: Steve Everson.

(A) (T) Spring City Spinners Bicycle Club
Recreational touring club in Waukesha County. Club rides on Saturdays and Sundays, April thru Oct.
[Added: February 10, 2002. ]

(G) (R) UWM Cycling Team
To involve UW-Milwaukee students in all aspects of cycling, including road cycling, off-
road cycling and competitive and leisure riding. The members will participate
in club fund raising, race promotion, traveling to races, and training.
Activities: Races, training, rides, etc
Milwaukee, WI

Contact:


WWW: http://www.uwm.edu/StudentOrg/Cycling/html/mainpage.htm
[Added: 05/01/2001 ]

(A) (G) (M) (R) (T) UW Whitewater Cycling Club and Racing Teams
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has organized a sport club for cyclists. There are also two racing teams, one for road and one for mountain biking.
Contact
uwwcycling@yahoo.com
for more information or for sponsorship interests.
(A) Urban Open Space Foundation
Wisconsin's nonprofit conservation group, preserving and enhancing critical neighborhood lands and waters through acquisition, citizen-based stewardship, advocacy and technical assistance.
[Added: January 29, 2002. ]

(M) (R) Velo Group Olè
Velo Group Olè/Team Pedro is a USAC affiliated cycling group whose mission is to promote cycling among minorities and women. Velo Group Olè has squads in the Chicagoland and Green Bay areas. As of the 2001 season, we are integrating a Mountain Bike program.

Contact: team_ole@veloemail.com
WWW: http://www.geocities.com/veloclubole/

[Added: 01/22/2001 ]

(A) (G) (M) (T) Watertown Bicycle Club
WBC encourages cyclists of all levels and interests. Located on the Dodge/Jefferson county line midway between Milwaukee and Madison, the WBC holds weekly or more frequent rides from mid-March through October. It also organizes a winter polar bear ride in February (usually riding the ice of the Rock River or an area lake). Membership $10/individual $18/family. Membership required for newsletter, discounts and other benefits only- not required for rides.
Info
(920)261-8188

(A) (M) (T) Wausau Wheelers Bicycle Club
We provide guided weekly rides in the
Wausau area with special events and races throughout the riding year. The club consists of road riders, mountain
bikers, and commuters. We have riders of all age groups and skill levels
Wausau, WI

Contact:

Michael MacDonald, president mrmac@dwave.net
WWW: http://home.dwave.net/~mrmac/
[Added: 03/08/2001 ]

(M) Wisconsin Association of Railroad Passengers
"WisARP strives to improve the quantity and quality of rail passenger service in Wisconsin and the nation. WisARP is the Wisconsin chapter of NARP, the National Association of Railroad Passengers. We support the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative which plans for passenger service between Chicago and Minneapolis via Madison and Chicago to Green Bay."
Info: email: wisarp@usa.net

(M) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Parks and Recreation
Bonnie Gruber, a Trails Program Analyst (and genuinely helpful human being) with this fine outfit, recently said:
"The WI DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation can send you a list of trails on state lands, and maps of ones you're particularly interested in. "
Contact:
Phone 608-266-2181,
email grubeb@dnr.state.wi.us,
mail: PO Box 7921,
Madison WI 53707-7921. Include your postal address.
No jack-booted government thug will call...

(A) Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bicycle Safety Program
Various programs to enhance bicycle safety in Wisconsin, mostly targetted at children, but including a curriculum for police officers and a road hazard reporting program. JoAnne Pruitt Thunder is the director.
WisDot Bicycle Safety Program
OTS Room 809
PO Box 7910
4802 Sheboygan Ave.
Madison, WI 53707
608-267-3155

(R) Wisconsin Cycling Association
The Wisconsin Cycling Association is an association of Wisconsin-based USA Cycling groups. The WCA organizes a road racing series annually, as well as a cyclo-cross series in the fall.
Info:
Phil Godkin, President
Email: board@wicycling.org

(A) Wisconsin Environmental Initiative
"The Wisconsin Environmental Initiative is a non-profit educational organization bringing diverse groups together in a collaborative, non-contentious forum to facilitate solutions to contemporary regional environmental issues." Such directors as George Meyers, Director of the the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Bill Schaefer of Citizens for a Better Environment staff the board. Brand new in 1996, their first project is a conference called Quality Urban Development: Setting an Agenda for Wisconsin's Cities, an auspicious start.
16 N. Carroll Street, Ste. 840
Madison WI 53703
608-280-0369
Fax: 608-280-0361

(R) WISport Series
An annual series of about twenty citizen bike races across Wisconsin which, by joining, permits the rider to accumulate points throughout the season. Weekly newsletter, year-end awards.
Info:
Dar Vollrath
110 School Street
Greenwood, WI 54437
Voice: 715-267-6266
Email: wisport@badger.tds.net
WWW: WISPORT

(M) Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycling Association [The WORBA logo]
"The Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycling Association promotes trail access, environmentally responsible trail use, and cooperation among all trail user groups to preserve off-road cycling opportunities and green space. This is accomplished through education, advocacy, and volunteer action." Best known by the acronym WORBA. The are now at least nine active chapters of WORBA-- including one for Dane County, the Capital Off-Road Riders (CORR). WORBA is itself a chapter of RIDE.
WORBA has an email list to which anybody can subscribe. Information is here.
WORBA
P. O. Box 1681
Madison WI 53701
[Updated October 8, 1996.]
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