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EXTRAS

Cycling fun

NORTHWOODS TO CAPITOL
Written by: Karen Shurbert 2000

I had not done very much biking, 
but was told it would be to my liking. 
When my brother asked me to join him,
he said, "Biking's better than joining a gym!"

So I set my mind to the task
and hoped I wouldn't always be last.
We have 360 miles to travel.
Lord, help me not to unravel. 

No one slept good that first night, 
but the day started sunny and bright. 
I thought, "Sixty miles I can do." 
But, they started us with 72! 

The weather was beautiful, the scenery great. 
I felt the 72 I'd be able to make.
We had a few technical difficulties, 
which Eric from M&M handled with ease. 

We're at Rosholt, we made it!
We were all so elated.
We ate a great meal and set up the tent.
At 9:30 it's bedtime, our energy spent. 

Day two finds us up at dawn, 
the tents disappearing from the lawn. 
A rain storm caused some to delay, 
but we decided to start out anyway.

Riding this day was a true test of will.
If I hadn't been sagged, I'd be riding there still.
The wind, the hills, and the miles were rough.
All those who made it must really be tough.

The rest of the trip seemed a piece of cake, 
as we continued our journey on to the Big Lake. 
We ended our trip at Bayfield High School. 
We reached our destination, which was way cool!

The trip was a success.
Everyone gave it their best.
To my daughter and niece, I want to say,
I was so proud of you every day.

We played games, sang songs, and were entertained too.
Eric Sorensen played a song on his dijeridu.
Most people kept busy with no time to kill.
(Do you think the Wise's ever sat still?)

The SAGS were marvelous, we had wonderful meals.
The mechanics were great at fixing our wheels.
We met many neat people along the way.
Saying goodbye was very hard that last day.

Biking is fun, make no mistake.
It's the best way to see our beautiful state.
For this opportunity, I'd like to say "Thank you!"
to Kathy, Eric, the Bike Fed and my brother too.

I'm sure there are many who would do this again.
(I'd have to consider a horse and wagon.)
Here's a message to everyone, all kidding aside,
HAPPY TRAILS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD RIDE!

It was a pleasure having Karen on her first tour!
Webmaster's note: the Northwoods to Capitol Tour has since changed its name to the Bike Northwoods Tour.