Junefest bike tour goes on - despite rain

By PAMELA JANSSON

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Mercer - Steady rain put a temporary damper on the annual Junefest bike tour on June 8 in Mercer.

However, it did not stop a small group of participants from leaving at the designated group departure time of 8 a.m.

"These northerners are wusses," kidded Jenny Leigh, who had driven about four hours up from Wauwotosa in Milwaukee County.

She said that she had loaded up on carbs while her partner, Betsy Bolte, of the same locale, said they had been sure to pack their rain jackets.

"We're just here for fun," said Bolte. "We're doing the 28."

Participants chose bike routes of 10, 28 or 50 miles, or they also could choose their own length ride. All routes on the tour - which is not a race - were on paved roads or paths with views of lakes, lupines and wildlife.

Rich Balge also had traveled about four hours from Kohler, but he said he also has a home in Oma.

"I just do 10," he said of his own bike tour.

Balge added that his wife, Amy, had chosen to "stay back" rather than join him in the ride.

"Even if it's raining, it'll be fun," said Balge. "This is my 10th or 11th year (participating), and I enjoy it, and it's a good way to support the community."

Melissa Copp, executive director of the Mercer Chamber of Commerce - which sponsored the event - said that most participants chose to wait out the rain and start the race late, at times that suited each of them best.

The race typically attracts 110 to 120 entrants, she said.

"It's rain or shine," she said of each year's bike tour. "Technically, it's a do-it-yourself ride."

Copp said that bike tour signs would remain posted for 24 hours.

"They'll be able to do it at their own pace," she said of remaining participants.

Copp said proceeds from race registration fees allow the chamber to work on "different economic development efforts."