May is just about my favorite month of the year. The cold of a Wisconsin winter can seem like a distant memory and summer’s heat and humidity…at least on a daily basis…is still a few weeks away. Also, it just so happens that May is National Bike Month, which celebrates one of my favorite activities. Last summer, I joined a team of library staff and friends in the National Bike Challenge, which is a great (and free) way to log your miles and challenge yourself. I managed a bit over 600 miles, more than half of that on a three-wheel recumbent bike. I hope to better that number this summer.

I bike to work as often as I can, but when I’m not working and the weather cooperates, I’ll be out on one of the many bike trails the Chippewa Valley is becoming known for. The section of the Chippewa River State Trail between Caryville and Dunnville is especially scenic and, from there, taking the Red Cedar State Trail to Menomonie as it follows the Red Cedar River, is a treat for the senses. If getting off improved trails and getting a little dirty when you ride is more your thing, check out a recent article from VolumeOne magazine on “7 Great Mountain Bike Trails.” Want to get a little further out of town? Biking Wisconsin : 50 Great Road and Trail Rides by Steven Johnson is a book in the library’s collection which I highly recommend. Or just head north, to CAMBA, the Chequamagon Area Mountain Bike Association trails near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin.

It’s May…the ice and snow are finally gone…now get on your bike, mate!