Bike to Work Week this year runs from May 13-May 19th. If you’re going to bike everyday for a week straight, this is your week to do it! Make it a goal. Give yourself a little more time to and from work and make it happen! Many bike enthusiasts will say there shouldn’t be a designated week for biking, people should just enjoy it any week of the year. For some it’s not that easy, and Bike to Work week is the perfect time to give it a try.
Biking has so many healthy benefits both Physically and Mentally (not to mention more money in your wallet.)
Here are just a few positive things biking can do for you.
Great way to start/end your day
Clears your mind, Stress reliever
Great Cardio workout without hard impact on your joints
calorie burn/weight loss
You will save money
Opens your eyes to things you may not see otherwise
The list goes on and on…
Some of us at Shep’s will be biking to work all week, heck some of us bike to work all year-round. So do yourself a favor and hop on your ride and GET TO WORK!
“Why paddle?” The paddle sport experts at Shep’s have the answers for you. And to top it off, you get 20% off paddles, vests and waterproof accessories when you buy a kayak or paddle board at Shepherd & Schaller.
Looking for a break from our hyper plugged-in world? Getting outdoors is an easy fix. There are numerous benefits to paddlesports. Do you have a goal in mind? Consider these basic perks:
Many kayaks are work great for fishing and there are boats built specifically for anglers.
You can maneuver the waters with stealth in a kayak, great for photography and relaxation.
Paddling can be an excellent workout, building the upper body and burning 400 to 500 calories in a single hour when just paddling at a steady rate.
Kayaks are fairly light weight, easy to transport and can be carried by one person.
A silent sport, paddling is just the antidote to the noise of life. Here in Wisconsin it’s not uncommon to see eagles soaring the open sky, cranes and herons marching the shoreline, or frogs and turtles sunning themselves as you paddle by. Sounds awesome doesn’t it?
There’s no feeling like gliding across the water.
Shorter fit, larger arm/shoulder openings and pockets make paddling vests different than water sports vests.
The first step is finding a boat that fits your needs along with the lakes and rivers you plan to enjoy – that’s where the team at Shepherd & Schaller comes in. Consider that a longer boat will track better with a smooth ride while a shorter boat will handle better in narrow streams but need a little more correction (effort.) Will you park permanently at the cabin or travel with your boat? A life vest is critical (and the law in Wisconsin.) Paddling vests are created differently, and you’ll notice the comfort and convenience. The other decision you’ll make is the paddle, which can make more or less work for you based on fit, material and blade shape. Other considerations include a dry box for your phone and keys, a hat and sunblock to protect against the sun, shoes or sandals built for portaging, and maybe even some dry bags for camping outings or day-trips. We’ll even tell you how to take care of your paddling gear.
It’s important to note that all of these thoughts are specific to recreational paddling, not whitewater. For that we direct you to local experts, Wausau Whitewater Corporation, and we invite you to see what it’s all about at the internationally respected Whitewater Park, just a five minute walk from our front door! Check out this awesome video to see what’s in our neighborhood.
We love to share our passion and hints about local paddling opportunities like, for example, PaddleQuest, a two-day river competition in Stevens Point, WI where teams of two or three compete to find treasure and become “Protectors of Backwaters.” To participate, one only needs to register and beware of river monsters and the occasional pirate band.
May in Wisconsin. The snow is finally gone (most years), the roads have been swept and the air is warm enough for a bike ride. Finally.
Photo credit: HaveFunBiking.com
Did you know May is National Bike month? What’s better than saving a little gas money as well as being active? Maybe these:
Shepherd & Schaller is home to Wausau’s friendly bike experts, with plenty of Bikes and Bike accessories in stock at the best prices in town. Also, any new Bike purchase gets you a FREE 30-day check up as well as a FREE 1 year tune-up. BUT WAIT THERES MORE!! You will also get 2 % off any Bike accessories and…A FREE GIFT! SKULLCANDY EARBUDS!! Whether its commuting to work or just getting a ride in for the health benefits, a day spent on a bicycle is never a bad day!
Visit Shepherd & Schaller in downtown Wausau to talk to riders who commute to work year-round, in all kinds of weather. We’ll help you find safe, fast routes and recommend accessories to make your commute functional. We’re also here to guide you on your mountain, road, trail and fat tire bike adventure. We love to tell our stories and hear yours. Come chat!
What makes you a biker? What makes you a Skier? What makes an adventure seeker in general? Of course you need to learn the sport itself but there is more to the big picture than just “doing it”. Some enthusiasts want to be seen as a adventure seeker even when not on their bike, skis, or throwing discs at a local disc golf course. It’s a lifestyle that we are proud of. Music plays a big role, whether your doing it for the workout or just the luxury of being outside. Take one of our Manager’s Brad for example. When he’s out on his Road Bike he’s looking to get a good workout in, while simply enjoying the beautiful summer weather Wisconsin has to offer.
He usually is always listening to music while on his rides. If it’s for training he’s riding to something that is a little more up-beat (around 130 beats per minute). This allows his pedal strokes to stay in tune more with the music he is listening to and helps him stay on beat! Did I mention he is also a DJ so any music question you have, he’s the guy to ask! If its more just for a “cruise” then the sky is the limit. Brad enjoys everything from Reggae to electronic music and everything in-between. So on your next visit to Shepherd & Schaller pick his brain. He could give you some new tunes to listen to.
For 70 years Shepherd & Schaller has been extremely lucky to enjoy the bounty with which Mother Nature has blessed the Wausau area. By offering gear and resources to best enjoy the rivers, lakes, hills, Mountain and trails in all their natural (and occasionally improved) glory, we help make it even more exhilarating to partake by kayak, bike, ski or on foot. Wausau’s Favorite Outdoor Store is where locals and visitors come for premium gear and expert, authentic advice and to find out what’s new.
Spring 2019 – We’re super psyched about an exciting new local organization. It’s set to host year-round competitions and events that take advantage of our local natural resources and celebrate the blood, sweat and tears of every athlete. It will put the heart of Wisconsin on the map as the Extreme Sports Capital of the USA. We welcome IRONBULL.ORG!
Visit their website to learn about the history of the name, their goals and scheduled events. Follow IronBull on social media, join the clubs it supports, volunteer, donate and cheer the athletes on.
Active, healthy living is an integral part of the lives of many who call Wausau and Marathon County home. To those who are just visiting, Shep’s is happy to support you while you’re here and we invite you to live the IronBull lifestyle with us.
Just a few of Shep’s team of Iron Bulls over the years. Brad, Nick, Bryan and Pete .
