Next week, in five twelve-hour days, the citizens of Fitchburg and consultant Placemakers will create a draft of the updated zoning code, zoning map, and sketches of the model neighborhoods that will guide Fitchburg's development for the next 50 years.

The stars are aligned to permit and encourage bicycle-, pedestrian-, and transit-friendly urban form that will save energy, protect the climate, improve health, lower the cost of city services, spur economic development, and in general, make Fitchburg a much better place to live, work, and visit.

However, well-financed special interests and nervousness about change could dilute or even derail the implementation of Fitchburg's progressive vision for its future. That's where you can help.

Please check out FitchburgZoning.com to learn more about the Fitchburg Comprehensive Plan, the charrette, the groundwork leading up to it, and the steps that will follow. Then, if you can, attend one or more sessions and provide your input to the process.

If you can only attend one session, try to make it the opening public meeting Monday from 6:00 to 7:30. It and the pin-up and final presentation meetings at the same time on Wednesday and Friday are also design for large-scale community participation.

The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin (Bike Fed) seeks a highly motivated and organized Director of Membership & Development to recruit new members, retain the Bike Fed’s existing 3,500 members, and engage members in the Bike Fed’s work to make biking in Wisconsin safe, fun, and convenient. This exciting position plays a central role in building momentum to make Wisconsin one of the best places in the country to be on a bike.

The Director of Membership & Development responsibilities include:

* Recruit new members and achieve organization membership goals
* Improve and expand current membership program
* Develop a business/organization membership program
* Manage the membership database
* Develop an online membership survey
* Manage and coordinate membership administration
* Manage a Membership Assistant
* Manage a volunteer program

The position is 40 hours/week and can be based out of the Bike Fed’s Madison or Milwaukee office. Benefits include health, dental, and vacation time plus an excellent work space in either downtown Madison or downtown Milwaukee.

The ideal candidate is a goal-oriented, team player who is passionate about improving Wisconsin bike opportunities. Candidates’ should also have a 4-year degree, 5+ years experience in sales, membership, or marketing.

Submit a cover letter and resume by 5pm Monday, February 8 to:

Amanda White, Director of the Madison Office
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
amanda.white@bfw.org
PO Box 1224, Madison, WI 53701-1224

Please feel free to call Amanda White with questions at (608) 251-4456. Interviews will begin Thursday, February 11. The ideal start date is Monday, March 1.

The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin (Bike Fed) is a statewide bicycle advocacy organization representing over 3,500 members across Wisconsin. Members of the Bike Fed receive safety education, vibrant events to encourage biking, updates on opportunities to voice bike support, and helpful tools to make biking fun and convenient. For more information on the Bike Fed visit www.bfw.org.

Starting and ending in historic, scenic and hilly Prairie du Chien WI (Start and Finish at Lawler Park, on the Mississippi riverfront on St Feriole Island).Come out on Saturday July 18th (Ride starts promptly at 8:00 am - Late comers risk not getting food along the way)

What is in store for the 11th annual ride?
* Fully staffed rest stops. No longer do speedsters need to worry about getting through in front of the sag wagon.
* Great weather-- forecast not yet available but you can just tell when its going to be nice.
* The route is tentatively set, and we're heading to Boydtown! Alas, scenic Boydtown Hollow is just not well suited to road bikes, but we can get to town on the nicely paved Pleasant Ridge road.

This is a fully supported ride-- rest/ food/ water/ sports drink stops are every 17 - 26 miles. Sag wagons, mechanical support, and perhaps even some emotional encouragement are all supplied. 126 scenic miles through small town Wisconsin and beautiful river valleys. Some shorter distance options available as well, starting at about 67 miles and up from there. Spaghetti dinner waiting at the finish line.

Lodging: You can get info from HERE and see what's around. There are camping options nearby. Contact us at the registration link above for specific suggestions.

Note: this ride is not well-suited for the weak of heart (or butt).

Offical Suicide Century Website
On-line Registration

If you want to participate in a truly unique event that remains the same today as it was 18 years ago when it began, give the Louis Reed Time Trial in Ripon a try. The event has remained free since it's conception and pays pays tribute to Ripon's bicycle hero of more than a century ago. Ripon hosted the state bicycle meet of the Wisconsin Division of the League of American Wheelmen in 1893 and 1894. The tournament was held on a horse track where Barlow Park is now located. Louis Reed, a Ripon College student, captured four state championship titles and broke a world record time at the 1894 state tournament

The event take place at Barlow Park in Ripon WI on Sunday July 12. Race start at 8:15.

See the Event Listing for further Race details

HELP NEEDED
“Lose the Training Wheels” Bike Camp 2009

Madison Area Down Syndrome Society
DATE: June 15-June 19, 2009
TIME: Choose from five 75-minute sessions/day - see below
LOCATION: Oregon High School

MORE: MADSS bike camp will teach 30-35 kids with various special needs to ride on two wheels and we need your help to do it! If you'd like to give us a hand, we need volunteers to walk, run, and cheer on our bikers. Ideally, volunteers will be available for several 75-minute sessions (times: 10am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm) during the week of camp.

Please contact Andrea if you'd like to learn more or pledge your time. 608.692.7653

You won't be sorry!