What is it that we like so much about going fast? Adrenaline High
How you can learn to control that adrenaline rush and use it to your advantage on race day.
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This Month's Magazine
Exploring the Midwest
Written by: Jeff Banowetz
Posted: Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Three great reasons to get out and explore the midwest this summer.
Davenport, Iowa
Just across the Mississippi River from Illinois, Davenport is home to the Bix 7, a challenging seven mile race that brings some of the top runners in the world to the Midwest on July 26. Held in conjunction with the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival (runners get free admission Saturday evening after the race), the Bix 7 is known throughout the Midwest.
Reasons to go: It’s the middle of the summer. It’s Iowa.
It’s going be be hot and humid, so why not challenge yourself to conquer the
Brady Street Hill with more than 15,000 other competitors? That killer hill
right at the start makes the Bix a truly memorable race. For those who don’t
want to do the full seven miles, there’s also the Quick Bix, a two-mile fun run
or walk.
The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival (he was a Quad
Cities native) takes place from July 24-27 and features 10 of the top jazz
bands in the country.
This year, the cross-state cycling tour RAGBRAI finishes up
on July 26 in nearby LeClair, Iowa, so hotel rooms will be at a premium this
race weekend.
Other Options: The Quad Cities area offers the all you’d expect with recreation along the Mississippi River—including river boat gambling. If you prefer to keep your money safe for race entries, there are plenty of city things to do in Davenport and a nice Riverfront park for running or walking. If the Bix isn’t enough of challenge for you, head back into Illinois and ride the Great River Trail, a 62-mile route that’s mostly uninterrupted from Rock Island to Savannah, Ill. www.visitquadcities.com
Green County, Wisconsin
Does the Tour de France have you excited to get out on the bike? You’ll find great cycling in Green County, Wis., just north of the Illinois border.
Where to stay: The Earth Rider Hotel, a five-room boutique
hotel with a cycling theme in Brodhead, Wis., is a great place to stay and
serve as basecamp for some great country riding. Each room is stylishly decorated
and named for a five-time Tour de France winner. And Earth Rider even features
a full-service bike shop in the buiding, as well as convenient and secure bike
storage.
Where to ride: Brodhead is located at the southern entrance
to the Sugar River Trail, which offers a scenic 23-mile route of crushed limestone. The nearby Badger Trail
is a rail-to-trail that extends from Belleville, Wis., to the Illinois state
line nearly 44 miles away. The trail is best known for the Stewart Tunnel, a restored 1,200-foot
long tunnel built in 1887. A bend in the tunnel means you ride into total
darkness, so bring a light.
For roadies, Green County offers 279 miles of paved roads
that are perfect for cycling. You can get recommended routes from the hotel or
explore on your own.
Bike Green County offers a great service for riders looking to explore without the hassle. They’ll organize a custom route for your interests and take care of all the details. You just tell them what, when and how long you’d like to ride, and they’ll plan the route, book the rooms, supply maps and transport your luggage from place to place. You get to enjoy the ride. www.earthridercycling.com, www.greencounty.org.
Grand Haven, Michigan
In its fouth year, the Grand Haven Triathlon on July 13 is a
great excuse for Chicago-area triathletes to explore the west coast of
Michigan. The event features Olympic- and sprint distance triathons plus a
sprint-distance duathlon. The swim is in Lake Michigan and features a beach
start. The bike is relatively flat with some rolling hills over recently paved
roads. The run takes you along the Grand Haven boardwalk,past waterfront
stadium and the city marina.
“It’s a very scenic course,” says Ron Knoll, the race
organizer. “It does a nice job of showing off the area.” He expects 650 to 750
athletes for this year’s race.
Where to stay: Grand Haven is a popular summer destination,
so choices for lodging abound. The Holiday Inn, Days
Inn and Beacon Inn Best Western are all near the race start.
The Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce can help you with a complete list of hotels
as well a rental properties available.
Other Options: You’ve got the Lake Michigan beach to enjoy. If you’d like to ride more after the race, there are good road biking and mountain biking in the area. The Michigan Mountain Biking Association offers trail guides to help you explore. If you’d like to get out on the water, there are plenty of options in Grand Haven, including schooner charters from Wind Dancer, which features a 63-foot sailboat. Head to the Grand Haven State Park for hiking and great views of the Michigan shoreline. www.grandhaventri.com, www.visitgrandhaven.com
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