Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
The annual JuneFest celebration in Mercer on Saturday brought people of all ages out on Wisconsin trails and highways, which were scattered with patrol officers and hydration stations.
By P.J. GLISSON
MERCER, Wis. - About 150 people registered for one of four different bike routes, as part of Saturday's JuneFest in Mercer.
According to Melissa Copp - executive director of the Mercer Chamber of Commerce - participants chose routes of 10, 15, 28 and 50 miles, although some also decided for themselves just how many miles to go.
"We did have to reroute due to construction," said Copp, but the threat of rain mostly fizzled out, resulting only in a few sprinkles on an otherwise beautiful day.
Additional "participants" were present in the way of wildlife.
"Oh my goodness - the turtles," said Lori Booth, one of several riders from Ironwood. "That was incredible. I think we saw six or seven."
Several snapping turtles were seen digging in the dirt beside the paved roadways, so Booth further speculated, "I imagine these were females laying eggs."
She added that one of her fellow bikers, Bob Jacquart of Ironwood, saw a common box turtle attempting to cross the road. "He stopped and helped the turtle across," said Booth.
Mosquitoes were a less pleasant accompaniment, but Booth said they were biking 50 miles at a speed of at least 15 mph, so "the trick was to keep moving," so as to prevent them from landing.
Of course, not all bikers chose the longest distance.
"I plan to go 20, maybe more, depending on how I feel," said Joe Sybeldon of Ironwood. He turns 81 this year and was starting his ride with a mellow sense of nonchalance, after most bikers had left.
Booth, who belongs to a bike group, said that she prepares her body gradually for the long rides.
"I try to ramp up my miles in the weeks before that with 30-to-35, 40-to-45 weekend rides," she said, adding that she also takes a couple bottles of water with her.
Mainly, she said, "It's not difficult for me to get on the bike and ride just because I enjoy it so much."
As for afterward, she added, "I have a recovery drink that I keep in the car."
That beverage contains the recommended mixture of proteins and carbohydrates, but Booth also emphasized that, after any long-distance ride, "Meals are always welcome."
Booth expressed thanks to chamber officials for organizing the event. "They always do a great job," she said, adding that she also appreciated the local groups that took the trouble to station volunteers at the base site in Carow Park.
MECCA and the Emberlight Festival had tables at the event, which also featured event T-shirts, concessions and a raffle with proceeds going to JuneFest costs.
The Mercer Bird Festival, which normally has been held in conjunction with JuneFest, was not part of Saturday's festivities.
"This year, due to time constraints of the naturalists, they just weren't able to be here again," said Copp. Hence, birding talks and related hikes already occurred in May.
Copp said she hopes that JuneFest and the Bird Festival again will join forces next year.
The chamber director said that $5 of each registrant's fee in this year's JuneFest biking event will go toward trail extensions envisioned by ICORE, which is the Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts.
"It's in the development process," she added of the expansions to existing Iron County trails. At this point, she noted that planning and grant applications are underway.
