In spring 2012, Marathon County began the creation of a route & signage project to make bicycle commuting convenient and safe in our area. Now, 10 routes encompass each of the seven municipalities (Wausau, Rib Mountain, Schofield, Rothschild, Weston, Kronenwetter, and Mosinee). The 100-mile route system includes over 600 custom bike route signs that are color-coded and numbered by route and include county & municipality information.
Over 500 steel posts and 280 arrow signs complete the route system. The Route and Sign system also features The Central Loop, which is a 26-mile circular route that includes sections of multiple routes and highlights many of the prominent bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the metro area. The project also includes a Wausau Area Bike Map and user guide. This map (as seen below) is available in print at our downtown Wausau store.
This advancement in Central Wisconsin’s bike friendliness has more community members taking a shot at the sport. Take a look at the map below and find a route for a Sunday afternoon stroll or a Monday morning commute. If you’re looking for tips on rides & commutes or to need to get the necessities (or extras) to make your ride as enjoyable as possible, call or stop in the shop. We’ll help get you set to ride.
What are your plans for the 4th of July? Ready to enjoy a day of grilling out, playing on the beach, hitting the water and get up on those waterskis? If you’re celebrating in any of these ways, take note. Below is a gear checklist and a little eye candy. Shep’s has everything on the list. (The only other stop you’ll have to make? Grocery store for hot dogs!)
If you’re spending any time outside, you’ll definitely need these things:
Sunscreens (Banana scented….. 🙂 )
Sunglasses (Oakley, Native, Chili’s)
Bug Spray
CamelBak bottle
Packing a Picnic?
Toys; foam guns, hacky sacks, paddle ball
Frisbees & Discs
Sun Dress & Accessories (PrAna & Patagonia have looks you’ll love.)
Button Ups & Shorts (Guys- same thing for you!)
Flip Flops (Ever worn Teva’s? Now’s the time.)
Bag from Sherpani
Going Boating?
Tube (One rider or four? That’ll help you choose the tube!)
Wakeboard/Waterski/Kneeboard/Wake Surf/Wakeskate (Hyperlite & H.O. take the cake)
Ropes
Vest (Nylon or Neoprene available for the family)
Towel
Swim Suit (Kids, men’s & women’s suits in stock)
Hitting the Beach?
Swim Suit (Choose your cut & your pattern from Patagonia or PrAna!)
Sun Hat
Sunglasses (patterned, sporty, and everything in-between.)
Towel
Sunscreen & Aloe (Did we mention how great SunBum smells??)
Love to Hike?
Backpacks (from The North Face, Burton, Dakine)
Salomon Trail Shoes
Smartwool Socks (they’re a necessity.)
CamelBak bottles
Bug Spray (yes, more!)
Headlamp
This is just a summary. You’ll find accessories and extras that will help make your summer outings the very best they can be. Stop in at Shep’s and let our experts set you up with the gear you need.
Allen Shepherd and Stan Schaller opened their sporting goods store in downtown Wausau in 1949. The store is still family owned and operated. Here’s a little walk down memory lane.
Maybe you’ve been hearing about SUPs, (Stand Up Paddle Boards)… they’re gaining popularity quickly. There are a number of reasons for the widespread interest, one main one being versatility in the sport. Kids, parents, athletes and relaxed beach-goers alike find a good time atop a SUP.
Whether your trip out paddling is a time for relaxing, full of adventure, or a great workout depends on where you go and what you’re setting out for. You control your experience (well, unless you’re on raging waters). You put into it what you want, and sometimes a smooth, relaxing venture is just what you need other times it’s all about trying something new, like Yoga on your SUP. Where can you take your SUP out in Central Wisconsin? Anywhere there’s water! (public access allowed of course.) Try Lake Wausau on the Wisconsin River, the Rib River or even Manmade Lake at Sunnyvale Park in Wausau, or one of hundreds of lakes nearby.
What You Need
Get this: you need a SUP and a paddle! Besides that, we suggest playing it safe and always wearing a PFD. We also know the benefits to wearing the right clothing, so we like to recommend swimwear (for days on the water when you’re participating in all sorts of water activities), wet suits when the air or water is cold, or fast drying, wicking performance wear to keep you cool and dry. Sun protection is a biggie too.
After gathering those things, all you need is to get going!
How You Do It
Carry the SUP under your arm or on top of your head and make your way to the water. Starting in shallow water makes stepping onto the board a breeze, but starting kneeling or by sitting then standing works too.
Look for the balance point, and plant your feet there. You don’t want the tail underwater, and you don’t want the nose up in the air. You’ll find a spot that allows your board to stay level.
Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, centered on the board. Be conscious about keeping your knees soft and back straight and use your hips to keep you centered. Tipping your head or shoulders dramatically will throw you off balance! Ground yourself with your hips.
Hold your adjusted paddle on one side, with your right hand on top when the paddle is on your left side, and vice versa. Be sure the blade of the paddle is all the way under water, and twist with your core to push the paddle back. Keep your strokes small until you’re comfortable. Repeat. And repeat. Change sides after every few strokes to keep yourself heading straight ahead. (You just learned the side stroke.)
You can backpaddle to turn your board, by paddling from the tail of the board to the tip. Stepping back on the board or leaning to the inside of the board will help your board pivot more, making your turn easier and faster.
These are the basics. After you get a hold of these techniques, you’ll have a feel for the board and can manage more water conditions.
What Shep’s Offers
We’ve done our part to have all that you need to get into the sport. We have two boards to choose from, adjustable paddles, life vests, apparel, and yes, even sun screen and sun glasses!
Conquest GURU Inflatable SUP, Backpack & Pump ($799)California Board Company 10 SIX SUP, paddle & roof rack kit (Shep’s Price $599)
This advancement in Central Wisconsin’s bike friendliness has more community members taking a shot at the sport. Take a look at the map below and find a route for a Sunday afternoon stroll or a Monday morning commute. If you’re looking for tips on rides & commutes or to need to get the necessities (or extras) to make your ride as enjoyable as possible, call or stop in the shop. We’ll help get you set to ride.
