Sarah Widder’s Great State Trails Adventure

In Sarah’s words, the goals of her journey are “to raise awareness about the great bike infrastructure in Wisconsin, highlight Wisconsin as a premier bicycling destination, celebrate getting outside and adventuring in our great state, and raise money to support all the great organizations that work so hard to expand, maintain, and protect our natural resources and recreation opportunities in Wisconsin”.

We caught up with Sarah to learn more about what motivated her to take on this challenge, what she’s hoping to discover, and what her goals are moving forward.

Wisconsin Bike Fed: Why was now the right time to take on this challenge?

Sarah: Because funding for Knowles-Nelson has just lapsed for the first time in it’s almost 40-year history and funding for WI parks is at an all-time low (we’re ranked last in the nation).  There are a lot of challenges we have at the state and federal level right now, but funding natural resources and investing in our communities seems like something we can all get behind.  

Wisconsin Bike Fed: What does riding these trails mean to you personally?

Sarah: I am happiest when I am riding my bike.  This trip is an amazing opportunity and really a dream come true to ride throughout the state and share it with a community of people all dedicated to supporting WI recreation and natural resources.

Wisconsin Bike Fed: What do you hope people learn about Wisconsin’s trail system by following your journey?

Sarah: That WI is one of the best places to ride a bike and WI’s history of investing in stewardship of our natural resources is a big part of what makes living and playing in this state so special.  I hope people get to see all the ways Knowles-Nelson has impacted the state so far and are inspired to get outside, explore, and take action to support continued investment in WI’s recreation infrastructure.  

Wisconsin Bike Fed: Are there parts of Wisconsin or specific trails that you are especially excited to ride? Why?

Sarah: All of them!  I love seeing the diversity of trail types and scenic gems along the way.  From challenging mixed-use trails to quiet paved city paths, they all have a place in the WI bike network.  Each trail has a different character, different landscape, and different story to tell and I’m excited to experience and share all the different ways there are to get out on a bike in WI. 

Wisconsin Bike Fed: What role do you think bicycling and trails play in connecting Wisconsin communities?

Sarah: Bicycling and trails are a huge resource to any community, whether it be for local transportation, tourism, or exercise. Trails can connect rural communities, draw riding enthusiasts to the region, and allow everyone to get outside in nature.  There is nothing like feeling the wind on your face as you peddle along through the woods to clear your mind, heal your body, and support your spirit.  And stopping at local establishments for snacks is also critical and an important way to invest in rural communities.  WI DOT estimates that bicycling tourism brings $2.5-$5.36 billion annually to WI.  

Wisconsin Bike Fed: What do you hope Wisconsin’s trail system looks like 10 to 20 years from now?

Sarah: I hope WI’s trail system continues to grow and expand, including more options for paved trails, paved shoulders on mixed-use trails, dedicated bike roads or bike lanes, and more accessible options that don’t require a special, off-road bike or handling skills to navigate.  I hope WI trails are interconnected and you can get from one to the other without having to ride on dangerous highways.  I hope WI is recognized nationally as one of the best places to come ride a bike.  

Wisconsin Bike Fed: What do you think success would look like for this project, beyond just completing the mileage?

Sarah: For me, just getting to do this is a success in and of itself.  This trip is really a dream come true for me, regardless of what happens.  And in my mind, it’s already been a success because of all the great people and organizations I’ve gotten to meet and learn about.  This trip will be a success if I can celebrate all the thankless volunteers and tireless non-profit organizations working throughout the state to benefit the environment, recreation infrastructure, and their communities.  My miles pale in comparison to the countless hours that have gone into making the trails and parks and conservancy projects what they are today.  I hope that this trip raises awareness throughout WI, but especially in the legislature, about how important a robust, sustainable stewardship program is and I hope my story can be part of making reauthorizing Knowles-Nelson a priority in the next legislative session.  I hope this trip can be inspiring to people to get outside and ride a bike, to explore a new place in WI, and to be active.  But at the end of the day, I’ve learned to define success based on what I can control and, for me, just getting the opportunity to ride my bike is enough.