Newsletter
3-18-08
| Hi Doc-ers and Doc-ettes,
Blowout Prices on Mountain Bikes & Kayaks
The Doc’s annual In Store Sale runs Wednesday through Saturday, March 19-22. The Doc is overstocked on mountain bike and he intends to do something about it! Mountain bike are being slashed baby. You can save from $150 to $1,000 on mountain bikes. A 19” Gary Fisher Ferrous (reg. $1,799.99) is now $1,399.99 and we’ve got 17.5” & 19” Tassajaras (reg. $659.99) that are now $499.99. Screamin’ deals.
AND, the Doc is bailing on kayaks. Not that he doesn’t love paddling, he just doesn’t feel we can do them justice at this time and we need the space. You can pick up a Capri II tandem which was $1,399.99 for only $849.99. And the compact, easy paddling Tuxedo’s which were $549.99 are now $379.99.
But wait, there’s more! All of our hybrid bikes, including the new TREK models, are on sale too along with select road bikes, accessories, clothing, helmets, tools and racks. Plus, we’ll match any other sale price during this time. If you can’t make the sale, or don’t find what you want, remember our Outdoor Extravaganza Sale, where we’ll have 100s of bikes ready to test ride on the Glacial Drumlin Trail, is coming up April 10- 13.
Ski Season Still Not Over
Skiin’ & drinkin’ green beer! It just doesn’t get any better than that. Good reports on the man-made loop at Lapham (the Doc did two laps on the black loop last Thursday, but that’s history), Greenbush, Zillmer and from Blue Mound State Park. Scuppernong is still almost entirely covered, but goes from slushy to icy pretty regularly. If you just can’t let go of the best ski season in memory, get out and enjoy what’s left. And, if you don’t mind traveling there are plenty of other areas further north. A big thank you to all the dedicated trail groomers in the area. Things couldn’t have been better. You can check out the official groomer reports at the Lapham Peak Friends plus skier reviews of trail conditions of our area trails via a direct link to it at www.bikedr.com. Go there and click Nordic Ski Shop, then Ski Conditions. Or go to www.skiinnyski.com for skier trail report in other areas.
How Aware of Cyclists Are YOU?
Take a look at this interesting video test to check your awareness: http://www.dothetest.co.uk/.
Happy trails,
The Doc
Newsletter 3-17-09
Hi Doc-ers and Doc-ettes,
Local Skiers at World Masters
There was a great turnout of US and foreign skiers for the Masters World Championships in Idaho this past week. Our own Mike Mandli was there and you can go to a nice photo and write up on some of the other local skiers at http://thesimplesecrets.com/Lapham/. Congratulations to all.
Last Ski of the Season?
Wow! Fourteen weeks of skiing in SO WI! We must be living right. And, we’re still seeing good reviews on area trails. You’ll miss one of winter’s greatest ski experiences if you don’t get out soon. The sun is bright, days are long and if you pause a moment you’ll hear the sounds of birds as excited about spring as you are. You can check out the official groomer reports at the Lapham Peak Friends plus skier reviews of trail conditions of our area trails via a direct link to it at www.bikedr.com. Go there and click Nordic Ski Shop, then Ski Conditions. Or go to www.skiinnyski.com for skier trail report in other areas.
The Doc is Back at It’s A Beautiful Day Café Tomorrow
Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 12, the Doc will be back at It’s A Beautiful Day Café in Pewaukee playing with owner Dan Aukoter. The café has a great beer and wine selection, sandwich and salad menu. The cafe owner is a active spin cyclist and instructor. It’s located at 316 Oakton Avenue in Pewaukee. You can phone 262/691-2233 or go to http://www.restaurant.com/microsite.asp?rid=319747 for more info.
Last Ski Grind & Hot Box Deadline Coming Up
The skis from people who want to make sure their boards are ready for next season are piling up. Next Sunday, March 16 (hours: Noon to 4pm) is the deadline to get skis in for the last stone grind and hot box of the season.
Yuriy Gusev Ready to Roll with XC Training
Yuriy Gusev is putting another group together for the Southern Kettle Moraine Russian Style Ski School program. There’s no question that it’s the best way to improve your skiing next season. Last month 83% improved their Birkie times and the average improvement for year-round training skiers was 28 minutes. You can contact Yuriy at yuriy@rsss-usa.com or go to http://www.rsss-usa.com/ for details.
Bike Swap Coming April 5
Use these warm days coming up to start riding your bike and rummaging around in the garage for items to sell at the Lapham Peak Friends 3rd Annual Bike Swap coming up on Saturday, April 5th from 9:30 am to 2;30 pm. You can turn your equipment stash into cool cash or pick up a real steal all the while helping make Lapham Peak even more wonderful than it already is. For info and entry forms contact wrchota@execpc.com or go to www.LaphamPeakFriends.org.
Funny Cycling on YouTube
If you thought you were a bit shaky your first time on the bike, check out this amusing footage at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv0l2tQRIks.
February Drawing Winner
Congratulations to our February Bicycle Doctor Gift Certificate drawing winner, Collin Christbury of Milwaukee.
Happy trails,
The Doc
Newsletter 3-3-08
Hi Doc-ers and Doc-ettes,
Congrats to all Birkie & Korte Skiers
What a great Birkie eh? We want to congratulate everyone who got through this historic running of the Birkie or Korte. And, a special congratulations to Sandy Sugden who skied it for her late husband Bob and came in just over 9 hours as the last place finisher. Go to http://thesimplesecrets.com/Lapham/ for a link to Sean Becker’s nice video of her finish in the dark on Hayward’s Main Street. If you haven’t taken on the challenge for yourself, go to www.birkie.com for info. Best of luck to everyone skiing the Great Bear Chase in Calumet this weekend.
Skiing? Ya Gotta be Kidding?
No we’re not and it ain’t over ‘til it’s over. March skiing can be the best and it looks like we’ll be able to enjoy it for a while. The expert groomers at area trails just can’t quit, so get out, soak up some sun and have some more fun. They’re planning on grooming the 1K manmade snow loop at Lapham today and the rest of the trails tomorrow. You can check out the official groomer reports at the Lapham Peak Friends plus skier reviews of trail conditions of our area trails via a direct link to it at www.bikedr.com. Go there and click Nordic Ski Shop, then Ski Conditions. Or go to www.skiinnyski.com for skier trail report in other areas.
Last Ski Grind & Hot Box
Get your skis into the shop by Sunday, March 16 (hours: Noon to 4pm) for the last stone grind and hot box of the season. A great way to be sure they’re ready to go for early skiing next winter.
Lance Armstrong to speak at SmokeFree Wisconsin rally in Madison tomorrow
Seven time Tour de France winner and cancer fighter Lance Armstrong will appear at a rally for SmokeFree Wisconsin at Monana Terrace in Madison on Tuesday, March 4th at noon. His presentation will be part of the organization’s effort to back smoke-free legislation to protect all citizens. Go to http://smokefreewisconsin.blogspot.com/ for details and to RSVP.
The Doc Plays at Keep Music In Schools Benefit on Wednesday, March 5
Tom & Larry Moore will play this Wednesday from 8-9pm at Hoolihan’s in Brookfield Square as part of a benefit for Keep Music in Schools. No explanation necessary, but for info on other groups performing email 3038@hoolihans.com. And, on the following Wednesday, March 12, the Doc will be back at It’s A Beautiful Day Café in Pewaukee playing with owner Dan Aukoter. The café has a great beer and wine selection, sandwich and salad menu. It’s located at 316 Oakton Avenue in Pewaukee. You can phone 262/691-2233 or go to http://www.restaurant.com/microsite.asp?rid=319747 for more info.
Try Indoor Cycling to Get a Jump on the Season
There’s no substitute for time in the saddle for a successful start to the riding season. It’s hard to get on the road now with the snow, ice and debris or during those rainy spells spring always brings. But, it’s easy to get on a good indoor trainer with a real on-road feel right in your own home. We stock the best indoor cycling models and have tested them all to make sure we’ve got the top ones in each price range. You can check them out by clicking http://www.bikedr.com/indoor.html and links to the brands of stationary trainers we carry.
Bicycle Doctor is also a demo center for CycleOps PowerTap hubs which can be used on-road or in conjunction with a stationary trainer. This light, fully functional rear hub accurately measures power output and sends it wirelessly to a handlebar display. It is being used by some of the top teams in the world for training and is so light it can be used in races as well. Bring your own bike in for a demo. We’ll put the PowerTap wheel on it or you can try it on one of our bikes. Click http://www.saris.com/c-11-power-meters.aspx?skinid=2 to learn more about the PowerTap hub.
Happy trails,
The Doc
Newsletter 2-19-08
Hi Doc-ers and Doc-ettes,
Pre-Birkie Wax & Strategy Wednesday at 6 pm
For all you Birkie/Korte skiers and wanna-bes, the Doc’s pre-Birkie wax & strategy clinic is on for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 20th from 6 to 9 pm at the shop. There will be free Shiner Bock Beer on hand to calm any pre-race jitters. We’ll have the forecast conditions for race day and come up with the best plan to make your Birkie or Korte a success. TOKO’s Ben Lund will be on hand to help you learn the best pre-race wax preparation and veteran skier Mike Mandli will go over race strategy. If you can’t make it, or just like to see about conditions for yourself, go to our website at www.bikedr.com, click Nordic Ski Shop then Ski Conditions and go to Scott Bachmeier’s Weather for Nordic Skiers and then click Race Air Temperatures for an hour-to-hour prediction.
Have a terrific Birkie or Korte!
We want to wish all skiers a great time at the American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet this weekend. And, special wishes to Peak Nordic Ski Team coach Mary Eloranta who we believe is the only grandmother in Wave One. The weather forecast looks fantastic. No new snow is being called for and temperatures should stay below freezing for all finishers. Everyone is calling for perfect conditions. A few days ago it looked like there might be a storm coming, but all that has slowed down and isn’t expected until Monday. Yahooti!!! And, if you’ve been skiing this winter and want a challenge you can still sign up until 8 pm on Friday. There’s even a 12 kilometer fun race for novices. Go to www.birkie.com for info.
A Tribute to Paul Walker, April 16, 1946 – February 11, 2008
On Thursday, February 14 over 100 of Paul Walker's family and friends braved a snowstorm as they gathered near Wautoma to celebrate his life. It was mentioned that he would have been disappointed in us because we weren't out skiing.
Everyone was shocked last month when they learned that Paul had terminal cancer. He had been so strong and vital. In March Paul placed in the age class awards at the Great Bear Chase and in September finished the Door County Century in under six hours. People who first encountered Paul at events recounted wondering who that burly bearded guy was as they tried to keep pace with him on a bike or skis.
From the beginning of his diagnosis Paul consoled his friends that they were welcome to deal with it as they liked, but from his standpoint it was a part of the cycle of life and he felt he'd had a truly wonderful life. Paul had completed 25 Birkies, many other ski marathons like the Noque, Vasaloppet and Sibley and cycling races including the Horribly Hilly Hundreds and tourist Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold events.
Paul's life was much richer than any litany of events can tell. He was part of a wonderful family and a figure in an active community of outdoor enthusiasts. Paul and his wife Flo, the originator of the Bitches of Bitch Hill, were married for 23 years. They had two daughters Heather and Jessie and four grandchildren. Most recently, in October, Jessie and her husband Scott Grasse blessed them with a new grandson they named Paul.
Paul could not control fate, but something he could control was what he gave. Most often this was on a personal level. Many comments were about how he had touched others, taking his time to help people he didn't even know. He didn't put himself above others. People sensed that and were receptive. Paul was a Navy veteran and a very patriotic person who believed in the potential of our country. He had been involved in bike route planning and the Ice Age Trail in his beloved Waushara County.
The Walker family built their home at the Goat Farm themselves and Paul opened ski trails to friends and the public. Building with native fieldstone was a passion for Paul. Last fall he was working on a new retaining wall. Recently he'd bought an old BMW and looked forward to rekindling his love of motorcycling and perhaps motor-pacing his cycling friends to make them suffer even more.
At the celebration, his musician friend Bill Kehl played a song he'd written, "The Goat Farm Way," and everyone joined in. Among the lyrics: "…and if we get the right snow, get your ski gear and go, it might not be here tomorrow my friend."
Paul's distinctive beard was actually a gift. "It was our first Christmas together," Flo said, "when he asked me what I would like. I asked for a beard and loved it ever since. My last goodbye to him was having my left hand on his bald head and patting his beard with my right. I’ll never forget that feeling."
Flo won't be on Bitch Hill this year, though others will take up the reigns. She does plan to be at the Birkie with Jessie and little Paul, "So he can get it in his blood," she said.
After the celebration friends gathered at the Goat Farm and rang the old school bell for Paul as he had rung it so many times when someone passed like poor Marco Pantani four years ago. It was a fitting farewell to Paul and to the Goat Farm Trails, a signal that it is time for someone else to bloom where they are planted and make a better world as he did.
Phil Van Valkenberg
We’ll miss you Paul,
The Doc
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