(5/20/2008)
You can bicycle on just your favorite section of the Badger Trail again this year or for a little additional effort you can bike the entire trail system and become a Trail Explorer. A partnership of groups in the Stateline region announces a new incentive program, the Trail Explorers, to encourage people to enjoy the recreational trails in Southern Wisconsin on a bicycle.
A Trail Explorer is a person who has explored the Badger and the connecting trails, Sugar River, and Jane Addams, a total of 73 miles, on a bicycle in a given year. Equal recognition is given for those bicycling the entire trail system in one day and those who do it on multiple days within a year's time. Upon completion of the program requirements the bicyclist will receive a Trail Explorer's patch for that year, their name listed on the Trail Explorer's web site along with selected photos and remembrances, and be recognized at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Badger Trail in November.
Trail Explorers are required to submit answers to scavenger hunt type trivia questions, photos and a journal of experiences to receive a patch. People will be able to earn a new patch each year. The program is based on the Grand Illinois Trail's Trail Blazers program and the National Appalachian Trail's 2.000 Milers program. Further information including suggested itineraries and the ability to download this year's scavenger hunt questions are available on the web site, www.bikethebadger.com.
Since launching the program at the Chicago Bike Show in March, interest has been strong. "I can't think of a better way to spend the summer," commented Maurice Gianesin, a cycling enthusiast from Rockford, Illinois. "Even though the patch is merely a trophy, the satisfaction of reliving the naiveté of a child looking for and finding buried treasure is priceless." Pam Rekar from Naperville, Illinois said "I plan to bicycle on these Trails again this year, but this program motivates me to do all sections and it is a fun way to say 'I did it'".
Besides encouraging trail use, health and fitness, the program also helps promote community involvement, by challenging local residents to explore beyond their immediate neighborhood, tourism, by encouraging out of town visitors to come to the area for a multiday visit or multiple times in a year, and economic development with spending on amenities and overnight stays throughout the region.
The Trail Explorers program is supported by Green County Tourism, Friends of the Badger Trail, Dane County Bicycle Association and Trek Bicycles.
Contact:
Sharon Kaminecki
tel: 608-897-8300
email: info@bikethebadger.com
