Just following up on the reference to the sludge lagoons of the Cap City Trail. I have been trying to get these approved for winter use for several years. Here is the response I obtained from Madison Sewerage District in 2014. (MAS is Madison Audubon Society)
On Friday, August 14, 2015 5:52 AM, Ralph Erickson <RalphE@madsewer.org> wrote:
I am trying to figure why our dikes (flat and windy) are desirable to the group in winter. The ice on the Madison lakes should offer the same windy flat conditions and are totally available to the public for use.
MAS – members have expressed desire to limit disturbances to the birds passing the lagoons in spring (and I assume fall) – bikes on the lagoon dikes are not tolerable by MAS.
MAS could be contacted regarding winter expectations. My experience on the lagoon dikes in winter is much quietude. Coyote tracks and hawks and not much else moving about in daylight.
I will check with staff here on winter fat-bike gatherings. I don’t expect a strong affirmative. We do plow those dikes throughout the winter, which is probably not what the fat bike people are looking for regarding surface prep.
Ralph Erickson
Pretreatment and Waste Acceptance Coordinator
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District
Offc: 608.222.1201 x 362
Sadly, I am no longer in Madison and I will not be championing this effort. I still believe that it is an incredible area for biking. CORP has a great relationship with the Friends of Capital Springs Rec Area, who can provide all the support and guidance to obtain approval from MMSD and MAS. Just promise to only ride in the winter months. Maybe cosponsor an event/race to raise funds for MAS.