For the Antigo Times

The Langlade Area Mountain Bike Association (LAMBA), in conjunction with the Antigo Swim Club (ASC), are excited to partner in the creation of a new multipurpose trail system at the Jack Lake Memorial Park in beautiful Langlade County. The project’s estimated cost is $80,000 for a professional trail builder to complete the initial 5-mile segment. The end goal is to create an extraordinary, 25-mile trail system that enhances the fundraising activity of ASC and that will draw outdoor enthusiasts from around the Midwest to visit the county. LAMBA is in need of capital to complete this project and would greatly appreciate your support.

LAMBA is non-profit 50(c)(3) group of volunteers that organize activities and maintain a network of single and double track mountain bike trails in the Nicolet National Forest in Eastern Langlade County. The organization is proud to announce the addition of a volunteer group based in the Antigo area for the purposes of expanding the recreational use of mountain biking in Langlade County.

ASC is a non-profit organization comprised of approximately 35 families with the goals of promoting competitive swimming and teaching this lifelong skill to Antigo’s youth. The club’s primary fundraiser is the Michelle Koss Memorial Splash-n-Dash – a swimming and running race located at Jack Lake. The race is memorialized to the founder, Michelle Koss, whose ultimate desire was to eventually make this race into a triathlon which will attract more race participants. The swim club board would like to unveil “The Splash & Dash Offroad Triathlon” during the summer of 2018 as a method of bringing additional funding to the club.

The initial goal is to construct a 5-mile, entry-level section of single track mountain bike trail during the summer of 2017. This first section of the trail will accommodate entry level or first time riders, including families with children. The intent is to ease riders into the sport, allowing them to experience the sensation of riding a professionally developed single track mountain bike trail without presenting technical difficulty. Additional sections of trail will be developed to enhance the skill level of the riders, to expand the interest and to challenge riders. Development of an additional 20 miles of trail are planned beginning in 2018 to further accommodate riders of various skill levels.

The trail system will serve multiple purposes in Langlade County:

• Enable the Splash & Dash to become a triathlon which is estimated to increase the race’s net profit threefold
• Expand the recreational use of Jack Lake Recreational Area
• Increase the opportunity for developing individual and family health within the community
• Provide recreational mountain biking and hiking access to campers and visitors to Jack Lake
• Support winter snowshoeing activities such as trail walking, race events, and/or other group gatherings
• Support group sponsored rides, mountain bike races and other events
• Our community will benefit financially as the trail system will draw riders and events from around the Midwest
• There is potential to extend the riding season by grooming the trails to add winter fat tire bike riding

Our desire is to create a multipurpose trail system that adds both intrinsic and financial value to our community. LAMBA and its members are dedicated to the success of this project and look forward to the challenges of fulfilling the goal of expanding recreational opportunities in Langlade County. We need the support of donors like you. Please consider joining us in raising the required $80,000 and make Langlade County a healthier, wealthier destination.