Biking is a great form of exercise for just about anyone, and The Sports Den in Marshfield has everything needed to ensure a safe and fun biking experience, as well as great tips on where to bike.
“Marshfield has done a lot of work expanding their local bike path system throughout the city,” said Breanna VanDeHey, Sales Manager at The Sports Den.
She said that last year a section of the bike path was completed that now connects Hewitt to Marshfield, and many people enjoy the paths around Wildwood Park, Weber Park, and “the Marsh” north of town.
For those willing to travel outside of Marshfield, the state of Wisconsin also has extensive trail systems. The Green Circle Trail in Stevens Point is a popular destination, and VanDeHey highly recommends riding the Elroy/Sparta bike trail.
“It is such a scenic trail system that was formerly a railroad bed,” she said. “There are no hills on the trail system and you get to enjoy the amazing train tunnels along the trails.”
For those more interested in mountain biking or fatbiking, there is a new trail system at Levis Mound State Park outside of Neillsville that has been ranked as one of the top ten hidden mountain bike gems of the country. Also, VanDeHey shares that plans are currently in the works for trail systems to be built at Powers Bluff State Park and at Marshfield School Forest. (A trail work day is planned at Marshfield School Forest on April 23rd & 24th. For those interested in helping, contact The Sports Den.)
If you would like a map for various bike paths, trails, or bike friendly roads, VanDeHey says to stop at your local bike shop for maps put out by The Wisconsin Bike Federation. “These maps are great for those looking for a bicycle adventure in the state,” she said.
Whether a hard-core biker or a casual rider, people of all ages can enjoy biking in the Marshfield area.
VanDeHey’s first memories of biking involve being pulled behind her parents in a bike trailer to get ice cream from Weber’s Farm and riding her tricycle around her former neighborhood by Wildwood Park. “I have never been an avid cyclist, instead cycling has been a form of recreation and family bonding for me over the years,” she said.
A few reminders- safety first when biking. Wear a helmet, reflective clothing, and have lights on your bicycle. The proper clothing, breathable and comfortable, can make riding a much more enjoyable experience. Having the right size bicycle is also key to enjoyment.
VanDeHey encourages those looking to start biking should start small, but aim big, and always put safety first.
“Create goals for yourself and your bike!” She said. “Say you want to participate in a local charity ride like the Breast Cancer Awareness Ride in October or the Hub City Days Duathlon in July. Don’t jump on the bike the first nice day of the year and ride 50 miles! Instead aim for a smaller distance and build from there. Your body needs to get used to biking again, your legs need to build up stamina and strength and you need to get your butt used to riding again!”
“Though soreness is possible during the first few rides, with proper fitting clothing, proper fitting bicycle and continued riding, soon you and your trusty steed will be able to go further and further,” she added, noting that talking with a bike specialist at a local retailer can help ensure you are using a proper fitting bike that will meet your needs and goals, as well as guarantee proper assembly. Buying local helps the community, too.
“For example small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to non-profits and community causes (Source: Seattle Good Business Network),” said VanDeHey. “ Local small businesses also keep more of your money local. If you spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy. If you spend the same are a large business, only $43 stays in the local economy (Source: Civic Economics Study in Grand Rapids, Michigan). So all in all, shopping locally can benefit your wallet and your community!”
Biking is great for the heart, muscles, and endurance. A low impact sport, even those with joint pain can enjoy biking. Perhaps best of all, biking is good for mental health.
Riding with others is a great way to get motivated. “Many local communities also offer a variety of group rides so you can connect with people in your area with similar riding abilities,” she said. “There are mountain bike group rides, fat bike group rides, beginner road-biker groups, advanced road biker groups and even family friendly group rides. If you are interested in learning about group ride options in your community your best bet is to call your local bike shop and ask what groups they know about, when and where they meet, what style of rides are they and how far they typically ride.”
Check back soon for more articles featuring Marshfield’s area bike trails.
Visit www.theSportsDen.net for more information on local bike trails.
