The intersection of passions on the Lake Wobegon Trail

Beginning in late October and certainly in November, it became clear that that for at least a brief period of time, two athletes who rarely meet were sharing the same trail. As temperatures dropped, the number of bikers on the trail also dropped. And by mid-November, the only bikers on the trail were avid cyclists, mostly members of the New Friends Bike Club. They all wore helmets, knew how to dress to stay warm without impeding cycling, and had a look of desperation in their eyes. Each of us knew that our season was ending, that any ride might be the last until Spring.

But at the same time, there appeared a new athlete on the trail, one rarely seen in earlier months--the cross country skier on roller skis. Often in groups, but always with a look of joy and optimism, these skiers could not wait for the snow. They knew their time was coming, and they couldn't wait.

So for that brief period of time those who love biking so much that they brave below freezing temperatures to eke out another mile, and those who love cross country skiing so much that they can't wait for the snow, met on the trail.