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So many
roads So little time
Balancing
family and work with training
often forces us into a boring routine that has us riding the same
roads week after week.
This
season, when you find your riding has hit a rut, grab a map from one of
Spree's events and take a trip.
These
events are purposely located in
out-of-the-way places where the riding is unique and experience
energizing.
Are you
ready for GPS?
In the
same way heartrate
monitors have become a common tool for athletes, it's very likely
that your next bike computer will come with GPS. Along with that GPS
athletes will have the option to record a myriad of details
about
the day's workout.
This year, athletes
participating in Spree's Events will have the ability to upload their
GPS recorded results for display on the web. Since this is the first
year I'll be using GPS at an event, I'll limit data collection to
Garmin 305 Forerunners and Edges. If this works well, we'll support
additional brands in 2009. Prior to the event I will issue the
course, with lap points, for downloading. With units set to
'Auto-lap:Mark and Lap', we can capture actual ride time
between set points, allowing riders to spend all of the time they
require at reststops.
Watch the event pages for more GPS details and
maps.
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Our
Artist
When placing an ad
for
illustrators at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, I had no
idea I would receive such an overwhelming response from so many
talented individuals.
Our artist, Joel Vollmer, has provided us with three of his own
interpretations for each of Spree's events. Having done his
fair
share of riding as well as living with a father that can never have
enough bikes; Joel can relate to our obsession. Here's Joel's
bio. Visit his links and drop him note regarding his work for
Spree's events.
Joel Vollmer (BFA/Minneapolis College of Art and Design) graduated with
a BA in film from the University of Toledo in 1995. After working an
eclectic mix of jobs for 10 years, he returned to school and earned a
BFA in comic art in 2007. One of his first comic jobs was on Dust to
Dust, which is slated for publication sometime this year by Moonstone
Publishing. Currently he's taking on (and looking for) illustration
work of all types, commissions, as well as working on a number of
independent comics projects.
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Riding with Spree Touring
Great
cycling opportunities are often found on lesser touristed
roads. Winding roads that offer spectacular views and
challenging terrain. Two key elements to every great cycling
experience offered by Spree.
Whether
the adventure is an event or tour, safety is always a
priority.
Ensuring rider safety, Sprees events and tours are developed around the
safety guidelines established by organizations such as USA Cycling and
the League of American Bicyclists.
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Whether the setting is rolling prairie, ridgelines or valleys, you can
be sure the route will be offer great scenery. All bicycling
events sponsored by Spree are non-profit. Local volunteers
will
earn for the organization or charity of their choice, then expenses
like food, advertising & signs are recovered. |
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SpreeTours:
Before planning an adventure, a region must offer cyclist magnificent
scenery and demanding terrain. Spree will take cyclist to 'out of the
way' places where they may continue training while exploring a unique
setting. The daily routes are often planned with options for
cyclists to extend or reduce that days challenge. This way
cyclists can adjust daily workouts to suit their personal training
requirements. Food, along the route, is plentiful.
Evening
accommodations are clean and comfortable. |
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Mark
your Calendar!
The
Kicker
Saturday,
July 19th
He's Back for 2008!
100K ascending 10,000 feet
200K ascending 16,000 feet
Can you finish it?
The
Brute
Saturday,
May 17th
9 mile-long climbs
sustaining a 3% grade or better. Add great scenery and this is an
early season training opportunity you don't want to miss.
Harvest
Ride
Sunday,
August 24th
Pie and
IceCream at the end...
recover like a
champ!
Driftless
Touring
May-October
2008
Individualized
Cabin-to-Cabin tours, with support. Tour over Wisconsin’s
challenging terrain where every view is spectacular. Cycling
can’t get any better!
Spring
in the
Texas Hill Country
APRIL 2009
5 Days in the Saddle
Put this on your Calender!!!
Other
Regional Challenges
5th Annual QuadruPedal Century
Sunday,
May 4th
35, 55, 80, 100 Miles
Benefiting
the Iowa County Humane Society Dodgeville Middle School
Dodgeville, WI
3rd Annual Alpe Bl'Huez Time Trial
Saturday,
May 24th
Open event - Chip timed
Benefiting the Iowa County Humane Society Blue Mounds State Park, Blue
Mounds, WI
3rd Annual Dairyland Dare
Saturday,
August 16
100,133,200,266,300 Km
One long day
Harris Park - Dodgeville, WI
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Spree
Touring, Inc.