Author: Anne Ballentine
Conquering a triathlon can be a little intimidating, but what if you could kayak instead of swim in a lake and hike instead of run? Combine those activities with a chill bike ride and you have the Outdoorsy Triathlon. Then add a post-event party with food and drink, and now we’re talking!
The Milwaukee Parks Foundation is fortunate to benefit from the work of generous sponsors who plan, promote, and execute this extraordinary event. Yellow Wood, Wheel and Sprocket, and Milwaukee Kayak Company are coming together to make the Third Annual Outdoorsy Tri happen on September 7.
There’s something extra special about supporting this cause and celebrating our parks with friends.
Katie Hoover recruited a few of her colleagues to participate in last year’s event. She shares, “I loved having the chance to be outdoors with family and friends with no expectation on pace! It’s a great way to spend your Sunday.”
This year’s event starts in Bayview with a 10-mile bike ride ending at Harbor Yards in the Harbor District where you’ll pick up your kayak for a leisurely paddle down the Milwaukee River. (Kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are provided.) Then you’ll hike two miles to a soiree at Wheel & Sprocket Bayview, including a grill out with burgers, brats, hot dogs, music, beer, and seltzer from Molson Coors.
Money raised from this event supports the work of the Milwaukee Parks Foundation to ensure a thriving parks system. The Foundation funds much needed infrastructure improvements and grants to grassroots leaders for events and cultural enhancements that build community to make our parks safer and more vibrant.
Moshe Katz, owner of Yellow Wood and Outdoorsy Triathlon co-sponsor, shares why he has supported the Milwaukee Parks Foundation from its earliest days: “We in Milwaukee are blessed with many wonderful County-owned parks. They provide spaces to play in, to walk through and to enjoy meals and enjoy with family and friends. Unfortunately, the very same parks we all love are underfunded. Milwaukee Parks Foundation was born from the necessity of filling the financial needs of the parks.”
If you’re an active, outdoorsy kind of person and you love our local parks, I encourage you to sign up for this fun community event. Learn more and register at outdoorsytrimke.com.
