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from the October, 2015 issue of Kiai!
CowaLUNGa! A Bike Tour for a Good Cause
by Sei Shihan Nancy Lanoue, Kyoshi Marla Cohen and Eileen Kristol
This summer, Sei Shihan Nancy, Kyoshi Marla and Eileen KristoI cycled in the 190-mile southeastern Wisconsin bike tour called “CowaLUNGa” which always happens the first weekend in August. As the name of the ride implies, it’s all about cows and lung health. What do cows and lungs have in common you may ask? Allow us to explain: The route cycled takes one through country backroads past several cow farms, and Wisconsin is well known for its dairy production. That would explain the “cow” part of the name. The “lung” connection relates to the Respiratory Health Association which is the local charity sponsoring the ride. You have to admit it is a catchy sounding name for a very unique, fun bike ride.
Sei Shihan Nancy, Kyoshi Marla and Eileen Kristol
invite you to join the Thousand Waves team for next
year’s CowaLUNGa!
The ride begins in Gurnee, Illinois and winds its way to Williams Bay, Wisconsin (near Lake Geneva). Once the BIG hill, affectionately dubbed “Heart Attack Hill”, is tackled on day one, you coast into Conference Point Center to meet up with your luggage, a quick refreshing shower and dinner at the cafeteria. For those wanting to experience quaint local restaurants as well as some adult beverages, the town is only a half a mile walk around Lake Geneva and is well worth the excursion. Sleeping accommodations are in cabins complete with beds and indoor plumbing. Camping is also an option for those who enjoy sleeping outside under the stars.
The second day of the ride consists of cycling 75 miles from Williams Bay to Whitewater, up and down many gentle rolling hills, a few steep ones and some very sweet, fast down hills! There is a 25 mile extra loop option for those looking to get to century mileage on the odometer. These are very challenging hills through the Kettle Moraine, but the sense of accomplishment is worth the effort! Rest stops along the route are in the various towns where local hospitality is eagerly showered upon riders in establishments such as Mad Dan’s Saloon and the Elegant Farmer, just to name a couple.
Rider support is phenomenal on this ride! The SAG vans keep track of cyclists at all times and provide lots of ice water and encouragement. Paramedic Bob drives his “medi-cow” van and makes sure everyone stays well hydrated with the proclamation boldly written on the windows of the van: “DRINK WATER, MAKE PEE!” Specialty bike shop vans follow the riders and provide a quick flat tire change or tune up along the route.
Evening accommodations for day two are in dorms at the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater. Dinner and social time is spent relaxing in the student union center where entertainment options include bowling and playing billiards with fellow riders.
Day three is perhaps the most picturesque of all the days since the “short” 52-mile day winds its way through Ottowa State Park and the Kettle Moraine State Park. In Delafeld, Wisconsin a sweet reward awaits riders at Wholly Cow Frozen Custard. After all, you have cycled approximately 160 miles by this point and extra calories are definitely needed for that final push over “Heart Break Hill” and past the finish line in Hubertus.
Supporting the mission of the Respiratory Health Association is what this ride is all about. Money from the ride benefits asthma education, tobacco prevention, clean air advocacy and lung cancer research. All money raised stays in Chicago helping people here in the metropolitan area. There is an 18-mile ride option for families, as kids are welcome to participate. What a great way to spend a summer weekend raising money for a great cause! For more information go to the website cowalunga.org
Next year in August 2016 come join us as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of CowaLUNGa! It would be “udderly” fantastic and “moo-volous” if you would join us! MOOOO and Ride on! Contact Kyoshi Marla with any questions about the Thousand Waves team at marla.cohen54@gmail.com.