What is a Trail Explorer
A Trail Explorer is a person who has explored recreational trails in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois on a bicycle. The trails that are currently part of the Explorers program are the Badger Trail and connecting trails, Sugar River and Jane Addams, a total of 73 miles. Equal recognition is given to those bicycling the entire trail in one day and those who do it on multiple days within a year's time. This web site helps you learn more about the Trail Explorers program and the challenge to bicyclists of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors at the human speed of a bicycle. It celebrates those who have achieved Trail Explorer status and tells their stories.

Friends stand at the site of the new kiosk

Friends of the Badger Trail do Trail Work
A group of trail enthusiasts met south of the Stewart Tunnel on Sat. June 19, 2010 to do preparation work for the construction of the new kiosk. Dan Sullivan cleared out the arrea with a hedge hog earlier in the week and the volunteers cleared the area of small trees and brush. Our contractor is planning to begin consturction in July.

This 32 oz Nalgene BPA-free bottle donated by REI will be awarded to each new Trail Explorer in 2010

Trail Explorer Program News

• Scavenger Hunt Questions for 2010 are now available. There are listed below, so you can either print this page or Download the 2010 questions in pdf format. Make your plans to explore the trails in 2010.
• As part of a grant from REI awarded to the Trail Explorer's program all new Trail Explorers in 2010 will receive a fabulous REI wide-mouth, loop-top Nalgen water bottle. REI joined Trek Bikes, Green County Tourism, Dane County Bicycle Association, and Wisconsin Department of Tourism in supporting the startup of the Trail Explorers program.
• In 2008, the first year of the Trail Explorers program, 18 people earned Trail Explorer status. Trail Explorers ranged in age from 6 to 77 years old and obtained the answers to the nine scavenger hunt questions in one to eight trips. Each Trail Explorer received a patch with the current year, a Nalgene water bottle, and certificate. Four Trail Explorers were present and recognized at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Badger Trail in November. Read about the experiences of all the first and second year explorers. trail explorers and become inspired to join them.

Calendar of Events
Sat., Jul 17, 2010 - Smart Cycling for Trail Users
Get the confidence you need to ride safely and legally on recreational trails and roads. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques. Recommended for adults and children above age 14. Register by calling 608-897-8300 and bring your bicycle and helmet to the class. The class is free but a State trail pass ($4) is required. Start: Beleville Trail Head on the Badger Trail, Belleville, WI; Time: 1:00pm; Distance: up to 20 miles. Sponsored by Friends of the Badger Trail.

Sun., Jul 18, 2010 - Trail Explorers Group Ride - Freeport to Monitcello
Why ride alone when you can ride the recreational trail system in southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with other trail enthusiasts! This is the third of three group rides that, along with your correct answers to the 2010 scavenger hunt questions, will enable you to earn your Trail Explorer patch this year. For information about the Trail Explorer program go to www.bikethebadger.com. Start: Wes Block Access, Jane Addams Trail, Freeport, IL; Time: 9:00am; Distance: 46 miles. Sponsored by Friends of the Badger Trail.

Sun., Aug 1, 2010 - Trail Explorers Group Ride: Brodhead to New Glarus
Why ride alone when you can ride the recreational trail system in southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with other trail enthusiasts! This is the second of three group rides that, along with your correct answers to the 2010 scavenger hunt questions, will enable you to become a Trail Explorer this year For information about the Trail Explorer program go to www.bikethebadger.com. Helmets and State trail pass required. Start: Brodhead Trail head on the Sugar Ride Trail, Exchange St. & W 3rd Ave, Brodhead, WI; Time: 9:00am; Distance: 46 miles. Sponsored by Friends of the Badger Trail.

Sun., Aug. 15 2010 - Heaven on Earth - A Visit to the Angel Museum
We'll bike to Beloit and tour the world's largest angel museum housed in a historic building with thousands of angels from The Berg Angel Collection and The Black Angel Collection donated by Oprah Winfrey. Admission fee. Visit www.angelmuseum.comTime: 11:00 am; Pace: 14-16 mph; Distance: 49 miles; Route: Slightly Hilly. Co-sponsored by the Bombay Bicycle Club and the Chicago Cycling Club.

Wed., Aug 18, 2020 - Friends of the Badger Trail Membership Meeting & Barbeque
Location: Monticello Trail Head, Monticello, WI; Time: 6:30pm.

Sat., Oct 2, 2010 - Tour de Cheese
Bike to cheese factories in Green County with fully supported routes of 15-60 miles. Event starts in Monroe, Wisconsin and ends in downtown Monroe at Minhas Craft Brewery. Ride benefits Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Green County and Monroe Main Street. Cost $35 before Sept. 20, $40 afterwards and onsite. Save the date now.

Sat., Oct. 2, 2010 - Night time trail ride to the Haunted Mill
Experience the trail in a new light with a leisurely pre-halloween night group ride on the Badger and Jane Addams Trails to the Haunted Mill in Orangeville. Lights are required, costumes optional.
Start: Twining Park, 2nd St. & 14th Ave., Monroe; Time: 5:00 pm; Distance: 20 miles round trip. For a shorter ride meet up in Clarno: Start: Clarno Lumber parking lot, W5859 Cty Rd P; Time: 6:00 pm; Distance: 10 miles round trip
Cost: No charge for the ride itself, although a WI State Trail Pass is required. $10.00 per person for admission to the Haunted Mill. Tickets are sold at the Orangeville Fire Department and proceeds will benefit the Orangeville Volunteer Fire Department.
The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Badger Trail, the Jane Addams Trail Commission, the Orangeville Fire Department, and the Freeport Bicycle Club.

Are you a fan of recreational trails?
Consider joining the Friends of the Badger Trail. This not-for-profit group was formed in 2007 to support and assist the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with interpretive, scientific, historical, educational, and related visitor services for the Badger Trail. Join or renew your membership!.