Cross-country skiers hope to expand sport
To donate
Friends of Rockport Park members are fundraising for a new snowmobile to speed up and improve the grooming of cross-country ski trails. The group needs about $6,000.
People who want to donate can place money in donation cans along the trails.
They also can mail a donation to Friends of Rockport Park, 2939 S. County D, Janesville, WI, 53548.
Photo
Wayne Petranek, one of The Groomers, tries the cross country trail at Rockport Park after some grooming was done.
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Rich Bostwick drives a single ski snowmobile with Paul Benish adding his weight to the groomer on back as they worked on the cross country trails at Rockport Park.
JANESVILLE — Deep in the wilderness of Rockport Park, men are grooming trails in hopes of reviving their favorite winter sport: cross-country skiing.
Local cross-country skiers have access to some of the best trails in the state. Thick trees, babbling brooks and solitude make skiers forget they're inside city limits.
While snowboarding or snowmobiling remain popular activities, cross-country skiing requires no gassed engine and no lift ticket. And people don't have to travel far to ski.
Friends of Rockport Park members are so enthused about the sport they're fundraising for a new grooming machine, and they hope to add a new cross-country skiing trail system in Riverside Park.
"It's a great way to enjoy the type of weather that we have out here," friends member Paul Benish said. "You can complain about the snow, or you can go out and play in it."
Rich Bostwick, friends president, said the group's goal is to promote the park in natural ways such as hiking, biking or snowshoeing. They develop trails, monitor streams and try to limit invasive species.
A few years ago, the friends group bought the city's old grooming snowmobile and restored the cross-country ski trails, Bostwick said. They groom loops for skiers who like to stride, rather than skate, when they ski.
Slowly, word has gotten out, and more skiers are using the trails, he said.
Tod Benson, a friends member, hits the trails a few times a week when snow conditions are right.
"It's really a benefit to me to know that today after work I'm going to be on my skis," he said. "It's a great thing to look forward to. It shortens the winter up. You look differently at the next snowfall."
Benson has skied in other parts of the state, but he thinks Rockport Park has among the best trails around.
"I think we're very fortunate to have something so close by and available," he said. "I think it's kind of the best-kept secret."
Expanding to Riverside would increase the sport's visibility in Janesville and offer trail access to folks on the other side of town, Bostwick said.
He said many former cross-country skiers might pull their equipment out of the garage or basement if they had more access.
First, a new grooming snowmobile is needed.
Benish, who picked up the sport late in life, said he enjoys the exercise and escape of cross-country skiing. He wants others to reap the sport's benefits.
"You feel like you're miles away from civilization," he said. "It's so peaceful."
Jan 11, 2010 at 9:41 p.m.
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Hello once again-
When I mentioned that snowshoers should use the center of the trail, I was referring to when there are 2 sets of tracks running parallel to each other (double-track). This situation provides a 3 foot wide flattened down area (without the tracks) that would accommodate snowshoe travel without harming the tracks.
This would not apply to single-track trails. Here, simply use the flattened areas on either side of the tracks.
Get out there before the thaw!
Jan 11, 2010 at 8:36 a.m.
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Snowhoeing in the center of the trails would ruin the the groomed cross-county tracks, so maybe not officially, but no, shoeshoers do not have the right to the center.
Jan 11, 2010 at 8:30 a.m.
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Please let me clarify--when a cross country ski trail is groomed, the grooming device flattens a 4 foot wide swath. In the middle of this swath, tracks are set for the skis to slide in. These tracks are 16 inches wide. These tracks are the essential elements for classical-style skiing. Walking on them breaks down the track. So, when I mention to please walk on the side, I mean it is OK to use the flattened down part of the swath excluding the track itself.
Wherever possible, double sets of tracks have been set, creating a flattened down section between the tracks that is 2-3 feet wide. When I was last in the park I saw much snowshoe evidence, and while the flattened down portion was used, no one walked on the tracks themselves. Everybody is happy!
Hope this helps--see you out there.
Jan 11, 2010 at 7:14 a.m.
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Do not snowshoers have as much right to the center of the trails as anyone else? Are the parks dear required to keep to the back of the bus also?
Jan 10, 2010 at 11:01 p.m.
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The machine now being used is about 25 years old--it requires a jumpstart from a vehicle. Many mechanicals don't work, plus, having only one ski upfront, it takes 2 people to do the grooming-one to drive & the other to push the front end around the many tight turns on the trail. This is slow, difficult & unsafe. It has been patched up as much as it can be. Parts are nearly impossible to find.
The group is not looking for a new machine-rather, a newer used one in good running condition. This newer machine could possibly be shared with Riverside to re-establish trails there. It would be a good investment.
Jan 10, 2010 at 10:38 p.m.
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Why do they need a new snowmobile? Just curious.
Jan 10, 2010 at 9:42 p.m.
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This is one of the best/ happiest articles in the Gazette I have read in a long time. Thank you also to atticusfinch for the additional information about snowshoers. I can't wait to get out and enjoy. Janesville, be happy, enjoy your beautiful surrounding and create your own paradise in spite of everything. It doesn't even cost you or the other tax payers a penny. The people down at Traxler Park who organize the skating are also amazing. Winter can be fun and good for your health! See you on the 30th basking in candlelight!
Jan 10, 2010 at 9:22 p.m.
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2 more items: snowshoers are welcome on the trails but please walk on the edge of the trail so the tracks don't get ruined. Several people shoe in the park--some on the trails, other in the backcountry blazing their own trails. Plus, the Velo Club, a local biking group associated with Michael's Cycles, is developing what's known as single track bike trails in the park. These are narrow, curvy trails that wind through the woods. In the winter, these will be designated as snowshoe trails. Right now, they are flagged out but not completely done.
There will be a candle light ski/snowshoe/hike on Jan. 30 @ 7:00. People will meet @ the pool parking lot. There will be hot chocolate & cider plus a bonfire. Donations will be put toward trail upkeep & grooming.
Lastly, here is a link to most of the ski trails in Southern Wisconsin, including Rockport. Feel free to add or just read comments about the trails from fellow skiers. Very Useful.
http://www.skinnyski.com/trails/ski/list...
I guess that was 3 items--sorry!
See you on the trails!
Jan 10, 2010 at 8:41 p.m.
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Is it ok for snowshoers to hike and run on the trails?
Jan 10, 2010 at 8:41 p.m.
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Rats! My days of nice, quiet, private skiing at Rockport are now probably over. It really is a beautiful place to ski. It is unfortunate that high water has kept me off some of the nicer backwoods trails this winter. Still - nothing like a ski along a babbling brook while the snow falls. It takes peaceful to a whole new level.
Jan 10, 2010 at 8:26 p.m.
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Ski rental info through the city--call Leisure Services @ 755-3025.
They will help you out.
Jan 10, 2010 at 11:45 a.m.
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I've been xc skiing since I was a kid. I love it! I've actually never skiied anywhere but at Rockport park. I think it is sooo beauitful out there. It's so much fun! There are different ways you can take so that even if you do see someone you won't have to follow them the whole time. Plus we just started skating down in Traxler Park also. It's a lot of fun. They also run on donations.
Jan 10, 2010 at 11 a.m.
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Excellent! Aside from the library, the trail system in Janesville is one of the city's best features, and it's been years since there have been any cross-country trails set on the trails and in the parks.
Jan 10, 2010 at 10:49 a.m.
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I can't find any info on the janesville city website on xc ski rental. Can someone direct me to where this info is available or where one can go to do this?
Jan 10, 2010 at 9:42 a.m.
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Was there yesterday and you won't find better trails anywhere. They are perfect right now. Great job to the Friends of Rockport.
Jan 9, 2010 at 10:55 p.m.
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ALSO--the City of Janesville Leisure Services rents out cross country skis--go for it!
Jan 9, 2010 at 9:54 p.m.
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Rockport Park,the city's largest and possibly finest, is in the southwest part of the city. The easiest way to get there is to travel west on Rockport Road until you come to the Moose Club. The main entrance is just west of the Moose Club-follow the sign that says Rockport Pool. Turn left here & proceed until you see the large parking lot on your right.
This is the preferred trailhead as it has signs, maps, a portapotty, & donation tube.
Ski the park. It is a jewel. (There are some hills, so be careful.)
Jan 9, 2010 at 7:41 p.m.
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Where is Rockport Park? Please give some details on how to get there, where to park, etc.
Jan 9, 2010 at 7:06 p.m.
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Damn people gotta be exercising all the time. Why can't they just lay around watching NASCAR like the rest of us??
Jan 9, 2010 at 6 p.m.
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As a member of the friends Of Rockport I would encourage all of you who use these trails and would like to see them expanded into other areas of the city to donate to the cause. You can do so by making contributions at the trail head in the park. Their is a drop tube you can place your donation in. Or you can contact me Via email at daletona@sbcglobal.net
Jan 9, 2010 at 5:26 p.m.
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This is great news! Can't wait to try them out! :)
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