Page 102 – Wisconsin Life

Twenty-plus years ago, I fell in love with Wisconsin on my bike. At the time, me on a bicycle was a visual oxymoron. If I had any personal time left over from my sit-oriented endeavors like reading, writing and stained-glassing, I’d celebrate the end of the work-week by watching television while enjoying pizza and a glass of wine.

Falling in Love with Wisconsin by Bike
Gallery
Falling in Love with Wisconsin by Bike

Sports

Falling in Love with Wisconsin by Bike

Twenty-plus years ago, I fell in love with Wisconsin on my bike. At the time, me on a bicycle was a visual oxymoron. If I had any personal time left over from my sit-oriented endeavors like reading, writing and stained-glassing, I’d celebrate the end of the work-week by watching television while enjoying pizza and a glass of wine.

Behind the Scenes at Eagle River’s Snowmobile Derby
Gallery
Behind the Scenes at Eagle River’s Snowmobile Derby

Sports

Behind the Scenes at Eagle River’s Snowmobile Derby

Every year, racers from around the world descend on Eagle River for the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. Emily Bright takes a look at the competition and camaraderie behind the scenes.

Bar Stools Take to the Slopes in Drummond
Gallery
Bar Stools Take to the Slopes in Drummond

Sports

Bar Stools Take to the Slopes in Drummond

For the last 16 winters, people have been making the trek from all corners of Wisconsin to the small town of Drummond in Bayfield County. But, they haven’t come to race down the county’s network of trails.

Winter Bikers Pedal Through it All
Gallery
Winter Bikers Pedal Through it All

Sports

Winter Bikers Pedal Through it All

With winter still holding Wisconsin in its icy grip…most of us dread even getting in our cars in the morning. So you might be surprised to find that one commuter relies on his bicycle to get to work all winter long, even in the harshest conditions.

A Centuries Old Form of Bell Ringing Comes to Wisconsin
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A Centuries Old Form of Bell Ringing Comes to Wisconsin

Culture & History

A Centuries Old Form of Bell Ringing Comes to Wisconsin

The little known art of change ringing datesback to the 1600s. It originated in England but is now found all over the world. Change ringing is coordinated performance. A group of people ring a set of tuned bells through a series of changing sequences determined by math and executed according to precisely learned patterns.

One Man’s Effort to Help Those in Need in Milwaukee
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One Man’s Effort to Help Those in Need in Milwaukee

Culture & History

One Man’s Effort to Help Those in Need in Milwaukee

Every Saturday, a large truck and trailer full of donated clothing and bedding heads to Milwaukee from Advent Lutheran Church in Cedarburg. Nancy Camden rode along with “Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge,” an outreach to the homeless.

Gathering Spaces: Prisoners Gather for Music at Oakhill
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Gathering Spaces: Prisoners Gather for Music at Oakhill

The Arts

Gathering Spaces: Prisoners Gather for Music at Oakhill

The Music Room at Oakhill Correctional Institution is a pretty remarkable space. Here, within the walls of a small classroom, you will find a piano, a variety of guitars, a drum set, horns, keyboards, a saxophone or two, and, depending on the time of day, seven or eight inmates practicing their instruments.

Abelskiver and Community on Washington Island
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Abelskiver and Community on Washington Island

Food & Travel

Abelskiver and Community on Washington Island

“You came all the way to Washington Island for Abelskiver pancakes?” the Islanders asked, incredulous. “In the middle of winter?” “Well, we figured it was easier than making them ourselves,” I answered.

On the Edge
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On the Edge

Sports

On the Edge

Editor’s Note: For nearly 20 years, skiers have gathered to ski across frozen Chequamegon Bay at night. Writer John Hildebrand tells us about the perspective gained – and lost – on the wintery lake.

Two Men Brave The Cold Looking For That Lucky Spot To Catch Some Fish
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Two Men Brave The Cold Looking For That Lucky Spot To Catch Some Fish

Wisconsin Originals

Two Men Brave The Cold Looking For That Lucky Spot To Catch Some Fish

Bob and Alan have been ice fishing for as long as they can remember. It’s what you do in winter in Wisconsin. Like many others around the state, they brave the cold looking for that lucky spot to catch some fish.

Wisconsin’s Love Affair With Brandy
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Wisconsin’s Love Affair With Brandy

Culture & History

Wisconsin’s Love Affair With Brandy

What’s more Wisconsin than a brandy old fashioned? Producer Aubrey Ralph went to uncover the history behind Wisconsin’s love affair with brandy and this iconic cocktail.

Another Winter Treasure
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Another Winter Treasure

Sports

Another Winter Treasure

Editor’s Note: Even ugly things can be beautiful sometimes. A day on snowshoes helped commentator Chris Seroogy find beauty in a winter landscape. I’m one of those few people who love Wisconsin winters.

The Iceman in Superior
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The Iceman in Superior

The Arts

The Iceman in Superior

A Minnesota man has been trying to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the tallest ice sculpture at Barker’s Island in Superior. Self-taught electronics engineer Roger Hanson has been living in a trailer on the island where he designed a spray tower that shoots 10 gallons of water a minute from Lake Superior onto a system of cables.

Wildlife in Need
Gallery
Wildlife in Need

Science & Nature

Wildlife in Need

Four years ago, the non-profit, Wild Instincts Rehabilitation Center near Rhinelander opened their doors to treat sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Nancy Camden was there last fall shortly before 15 orphaned bears were released back to the wild.