River Trail Project Updates | | GHTF Donation Boosts Hwy 45 Crossing Project | | The River Trail project has received a significant boost this season with a generous donation from the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF). The organization has contributed $25,000 to the Eagle River Revitalization Program to fund a Feasibility Study for the much-anticipated Hwy 45 crossing project. This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity and ensure safety for trail users, making it a pivotal development in the ongoing efforts of building the River Trail. | | Taking part in the presentation, from left, Sarah Zidek, ERRP secretary; Dan Dumas, ERRP vice president and appointed city alderman; Gary Meister, GHTF board member; Laura Van Valkenberg, GHTF president; Karen Margelofsky, ERRP executive director; Danielle Mazur, ERRP president; and Jeremy Oberlander, ERRP treasurer. | | Practical Experience for Engineering Students | | |
The involvement of GHTF’s volunteer engineers, Mike Maerlie and Carlton Schroeder, has been instrumental in advancing the River Trail project. Their expertise led to the development and submission of four project applications to the UW-Platteville Civil Engineering program.
These projects aim to provide senior engineering students with practical experience in resolving real-world challenges related to the River Trail. This collaboration builds on the success of previous student engagements in 2022, where conceptual plans for the Torch Lake extension of the C-P Trail and the Hwy 45 Crossing in Eagle River were developed. These studies have since been applied to active projects, showcasing the tangible impact of this educational partnership.
| | Improvements to "The Connector" | | |
Another exciting update is the planned upgrade to the Eagle River “Connector,” a crucial segment linking the east end of the future River Trail with the Three Eagle Trail in downtown Eagle River. This section is a painted and delineated bike-ped corridor designed to guide cyclists safely through two congested parking areas and across a busy city street.
The City of Eagle River Public Works Department will be collaborating with GHTF and the Three Eagle Trail to enhance this corridor this spring. These improvements aim to increase safety and accessibility for all users, further solidifying the River Trail’s role as a vital community asset.
The Eagle River Connector, first installed in 2014, was the city’s first in-town bike path.
This connector trail was made possible through a collaboration among the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF), the Three Eagle Trail Foundation, Tara Lila LLC, the City of Eagle River, the Rotary Club, Tribute Brewing Co., the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce, and many supportive local businesses and individuals.
Each spring, volunteers from GHTF and Tara Lila install bollards and chains along the route to clearly mark and guide cyclists and pedestrians along the Connector. Installation of the bollards and chains will occur after the improvements have been completed.
| | Stay tuned for more updates as the River Trail project continues to evolve, bringing enhanced connectivity and recreational opportunities to our community. Follow us on Facebook for notices of upcoming River Trail Commission meetings which are open to the public. | | Extension Project Moving Forward | | |
At its April meeting, the Conover Town Board heard a presentation from Neal Adams regarding the proposed extension of the Conover-Phelps Trail (C-P Trail) to the Torch Lake County Campground. Adams highlighted both the maintenance considerations and the potential economic benefits of the project.
The proposed spur would connect the Torch Lake Campground to both the existing trail and the Conover business center creating a safe, paved route for cyclists and pedestrians while serving as an economic boost for both the Town of Conover and Vilas County.
Following the presentation, the Conover Town Board voted to “approve continued discovery toward the development of the GHTF trail from Torch Lake to Conover, with the only financial commitment to the town being maintenance after completion.” This approval gives the GHTF the green light to move forward with planning and next steps.
If built, the roughly two-mile extension would enhance recreational access and connectivity, further solidifying the C-P Trail as a valuable regional asset.
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The Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF) is proud to recognize and sincerely thank Jim Meiers for his outstanding dedication and many contributions to our organization.
Jim served as Ride Director for the SepTimber Ride from 2022 to 2024. During his leadership, he worked closely with the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and helped grow the event to record levels culminating in 423 riders at the 2024 ride, our largest turnout yet!
Beyond the SepTimber Ride, Jim has been a consistent and enthusiastic presence across many GHTF initiatives.
| | Jim Meiers and Jeff Currie at the 2022 Ride with Leinie fundraiser. | | |
He’s an active member of the River Trail Team, has volunteered with the Adopt-a-Highway crew, assisted with spring and fall bollard installation for the Eagle River Connector, and has been a regular volunteer at both the Ride with Leinie event and our GHTF information booth at the Eagle River Farmers Market.
Jim has been a passionate advocate for trail development in the Town of Lincoln, regularly attending town meetings to provide insight and support for the proposed River Trail.
He also volunteers his time as a trishaw pilot for Cycling Without Age. The program offers adults who cannot manage a bicycle, either from age or disability, the opportunity to experience a cycle ride.
Affectionately known by many as Jimmy Meiers, he’s also a talented musician. Jim can often be found performing locally at Open Mic Nights at the Inspiration Bar at The Warehouse in Eagle River and other venues. Meiers, a rock and roll and rhythm and blues musician, plays both bass guitar and guitar. In addition to music, Jim enjoys his 1956 Chrysler convertible.
Jim and his wife, Sarah Besandy, live in the Town of Lincoln. A Philadelphia native, Jim worked as a European beer distributor before making Wisconsin his home.
We’re grateful for Jim’s energy, talent and unwavering support of GHTF’s mission. Thank you, Jim, for being such a vital part of our trail-building community!
| | 14th Annual Ride with Leinie Returns July 26th! | | |
Join us in Conover on Saturday, July 26th for the 14th Annual Ride with Leinie, a signature fundraiser bicycle event hosted by Great Headwaters Trails Foundation!
Cyclists can choose from five ride options, including:
- 20.4-mile trail ride on the scenic Conover-Phelps Trail, led by none other than Dick Leinenkugel, retired President and Chief Beer Merchant of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company,
- A shorter 10.4-mile trail ride, perfect for families or casual riders,
- Road ride routes of 20, 40, and 62 miles for cyclists looking for more of a challenge.
Registration:
- $45 per person through June 26th
- $55 after June 26th
- Registration fee includes: Ride, event t-shirt, meal ticket and three beverage tickets.
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Click here to register!
Space is limited to 450 riders, register early to secure your spot and be part of this unforgettable Northwoods cycling celebration!
| Dick Leinenkugel on the Conover-Phelps Trail, Ride with Leinie 2024. | | Save the Date: SepTimber Ride Returns September 13th! | | |
Mark your calendars! The SepTimber Ride fundraiser returns to Eagle River on Saturday, September 13th, offering a fun, scenic ride through the Northwoods with a flavorful twist.
Co-hosted by Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF) and the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, this unique event features three ride options, all of which highlight two local favorites for beer and wine lovers: Tribute Brewing Company and Three Lakes Winery.
Ride Options:
All routes start at Tribute Brewing Company in Eagle River and include a stop at Three Lakes Winery around the halfway point:
- 28-mile trail ride on the beautiful Three Eagle Trail
- 60k road route
- 100k road route
With great trails, great drinks, and great company, it’s a ride you don’t want to miss!
Registration:
| | The Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF) has several active teams that always welcome new volunteers. Whether you’re looking to work outdoors, help behind the scenes, or engage with the community there’s a spot for you! | | |
Help keep our community clean! GHTF’s Adopt-a-Highway team will conduct roadside clean-up three times between April 1st and November 1st along our designated section of WIS Hwy 70 (from WIS 17 South to the Eagle River city limits).
Tentative clean-up dates for 2025:
May 21st | August 6th | October 16th
9:00 to 11:00 am (weather permitting)
We're currently seeking a crew leader and volunteers to help with litter pick-up.
Interested? Contact us at 715-303-4483 or email: ghtvolunteercoordinator@ghtrails.org
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Fundraiser Ride Events
Two of our biggest events, Ride with Leinie (July 26th) and SepTimber Ride (September 13th), are in need of enthusiastic volunteers.
We need help with:
- Registration/check-in
- Food service
- Rest stop attendants
- Ride sweepers (to follow the last cyclists)
- SAG wagon driver (100k road route)
- Crossing guards
- Raffle ticket and food/beverage sales
Your support makes these community favorites possible! ghtrails.org/volunteer-2-2/
| | Help us go digital! GHTF is seeking someone to assist with scanning and uploading documents as we transition from paper files to cloud storage. Flexible hours and a great way to contribute from indoors. ghtrails.org/volunteer-2-2/ | | Volunteer Engagement Team | | |
If you enjoy planning, hosting, and connecting with others, join our Volunteer Engagement Team! We represent GHTF at the Eagle River Farmers Market and other local events, where we:
- Promote local bike trails
- Share updates on trail projects
- Support bike fundraiser events
- Sell raffle tickets
We need help staffing the booth, setting up/taking down, and ensuring materials are current and messaging is consistent. Training is provided! ghtrails.org/volunteer-2-2/
| | Marketing and Public Relations Teams | | |
We’re growing our presence and impact and we need creative minds!
Volunteer roles include:
- Idea generation and campaign planning
- Developing flyers, brochures, and digital content
- Research
- Collaborating with our marketing partner
| | Follow Us for the Latest News | | | Great Headwaters Trails Foundation, Inc. | PO Box 609 | Eagle River, WI 54521 US | | | | |
