‘Tree Rider’ reports on cycling fundraising tour
To the editor:
I’ve just returned from cycling 633 miles around Wisconsin with the STIHL Tour des Trees to benefit the TREE Fund, and I’m proud to say we’ve raised nearly $550,000 for tree research and education.
The first day, a 90-mile ride from Milwaukee to Madison into the teeth of a 22-mph headwind, had me questioning my sanity in signing up for the event. Nothing deflates a biker’s enthusiasm like having to pedal downhill. The headwind was with us for a couple more days, but the wind was lighter and the hills bigger so it seemed more bearable.
Eighty-five cyclists pedaled up the mountains east of Madison, through the Wisconsin Dells to Stevens Point, east to Green Bay, up to Sturgeon Bay and down the shore of Lake Michigan, then back to Milwaukee. Seven days of scenic Wisconsin roads, 22 new trees planted and dedicated and seven entertaining and educational shows for school kids featuring Professor Elwood Pricklethorn filled the week.
Next year’s Tour des Trees will roll out of Orlando on Oct. 25, bound for Key West. The Tour will arrive in Fort Myers Beach the afternoon of Oct. 27. This is a great opportunity for our town!
Professor Pricklethorn’s show is a treat for kids and families, and a tree dedication ceremony is just plain fun. Plus it brings business to our town during one of the slowest seasons.
The people I met on the Tour are deeply passionate about trees and their welfare. It is a healthy and infectious passion, and it’s heading our way. Visit www.stihltourdestrees.org to learn more about the Tour, and email marydicarlo@treefund.org for information about joining the Tour as a rider, sponsor or volunteer. Thanks to the Observer for the great story about the Tour a few weeks ago.
Bill Veach
Fort Myers Beach