MERCER, Wis. — Saturday was a beautiful day for a bike ride for the 148 riders gathered in Mercer to celebrate Lupine Junefest, despite a lack of lupine this year.
Linda and Glen Gilbert from Shawano, Wis., enjoyed their second year at the race on their tandem bicycle.
“It’s the only time he listens to me,” Linda Gilbert said from the front of their two-seater.
The Gilberts planned to ride for 50 miles on Saturday. The festival also offered planned routes for 10, 20 and 26 miles.
Festival officials said the odd spring weather has made lupine — the purple and white flower namesake of the annual event — hard to find this year. A few lupine in a vase graced the registration table at the race.
The event also featured numerous booths of crafts and an antique car show in Carow Park.