South of Hurley, Wisconsin, the first-time riders of the GReat Annual Bicycle Adventure Along the Wisconsin River (GRABAAWR) turn east onto County Road G. The morning mist hangs over a bank of purple and blue lupine that lines both sides of the road for several miles. Later, as the bikers string out along a rustic road, the quiet stillness of the northwoods settles in. Hours pass without a sign of any motorized vehicles. Red-tailed hawks trace circles high in a deep blue sky. Sharp, piney fragrances fill the air.

Near a shaded bend, a black bear appears 20 yards ahead. It pops ups, gives a long lazy look, and then lumbers up a logging trail. Ten miles north of Lac du Flambeau, the group of excited riders pause to watch a white-tailed doe and her fawn cross the road towards a sparkling lake. A loon call echoes above the water as their wheels whisper over the smooth blacktop.

Bicycle touring provides riders with an amazing range of experiences. Some hunger for the rush of accomplishing a 100 mile “century ride.” Others prefer to stop and explore each small village, visiting with local residents and sampling home baked wares. When a rider who is new to touring feels comfortable on her bike, the ride is further enhanced.

This is the mission of Bike Wisconsin’s First Time Rider Program. Having confidence, being aware of safe riding techniques and basic bike maintenance makes a ride even richer. Each year, Bike Wisconsin welcomes many new riders to its three tours: GRABAAWR, June 19-26; Bike Northwoods Tour, July 10-16; and Schramm’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Wisconsin, July 31-Aug. 6.

In 2009, the organization welcomes more than 95 first-time riders on SAGBRAW alone – almost 20 percent of the rider total. In the past five years, we have had more than 300 people complete the program – riders who had never participated in a multi-day, supported bicycle tour.

When riders register for a Bike Wisconsin tour, they are asked if this is their first ever week-long tour. Then several weeks prior to each tour, a rider readiness survey is sent to them. Questions riders have about training or bicycle equipment are individually answered before the ride. On registration day of each tour, a training seminar is held. This comprehensive session, using guidelines from the League of American Bicyclists, provides riders with instructions and invaluable advice to help make their ride safer, less stressful and more enjoyable.

Tips on cycling etiquette, riding and passing safely, proper hand and verbal signals, the importance of hydration, health safety, mechanical issues, and how to effectively shift your bicycle are but a few of the many topics covered. The session also provides new riders another opportunity to ask more questions to the experts on hand. Being nervous is a given prior to ones’ first long tour. Asking questions and participating in a lively discussion is a great way to break the ice and calm nerves. Bike Wisconsin staff is available all week to welcome new riders, check in with how their tour is going, and to follow-up on any concerns they had prior to the ride. It is quite common to see new riders chatting with the session leader, figuring out ways to fine turn their skills or adjust their bike to make the next day’s ride even better.

The First Time Rider program aims to transform a new rider into an experienced rider – one who looks forward with great anticipation to their next tour. For more information on Bike Wisconsin tours, visit www.bikewisconsin.com.

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