Hello!  Welcome to western Wisconsin as we make the switch from summer fun to all the delights of fall in the Chippewa Valley! I've had absolutely no time to bike lately...too many great projects on my to do list. 

We certainly are off to a good start with our beautiful weather.  The kids and my father-in-law have been making weekly visits to Otter Creek to try out the trails that CORBA is working on.  I've biked to a few meetings downtown... and the trails are in good condition and pretty busy! 

Look at that sunshine!  If you haven't already been out on the trails, you need to seize the day!  We have been blessed with some very beautiful weather...hopefully writing about it won't jinx it!   My kids have been riding to school - I guess the chilly morning ride is well worth it when you ride home in 50 degree plus sunshine! 

This month, I'd like to introduce you to the real athletes in our family.  Which is anyone but me.  My three kids are in middle school and I'm married to the oldest kid of all.  My husband, Matt, loves to bike and has been introducing the kids to local mountain bike trails.  This weekend he took them out to Lowes Creek to try their first winter riding.  They all had a good time and declared it fun, but challenging.  I sat this one out... I'm rehabbing from knee surgery.  I have a new ACL and I'm pleased to say it is recovering nicely.  Biking is highly recommended for future excercise, but this winter, I'm spending my time indoors traveling on my recumbent stationery bike.  The scenery from my window rarely changes, but it is beautiful!

September biking....what a great time to live in the Chippewa Valley!  I think this is the best time of year for biking our trail system.  At our house, school has been on our minds for the past few days and we've been gathering supplies and getting back to real schedules.  Now is the time to cram in as many fun bike trips as possible before winter sets in!  Here are a few of the places I'm looking to explore:

A nice loop to bike in the morning is from Phoenix Park across the river along the Water St. trail, behind the businesses (I highly recommend a latte at Racy's!  and if your bike needs adjusting, stop in at Bike & Sport which is right next door) and head out to Menomonie St...

The summer has been busy. I'm not getting many hours on my bike, but I'm looking forward to the "dog days" of summer so that we can get some family rides in. 

I'm a wife, mom of three and active community volunteer.  I'm passionate about getting people outside and leading active, healthy lives.  I am also very involved with a local grassroots community group called Altoona Outdoors.