Group plans to hold bike ride

Grafton’s Russ Kempka is taking the year off from serious cycling.

Although cycling became one of his passions a decade ago, “I’m going give it a break for one year and let my body completely heal up,” he said.

The decision was prompted by races being canceled due to the coronavirus. That includes the Tour of America’s Dairyland, which first delayed its 11-day race before canceling it, which means no Giro d’Grafton race.

Kempka isn’t alone. He said all the people who train for races have stopped.

Many of the races across the country are sponsored by USA Cycling, which also insures the Ozaukee Bike Club. Kempka said USA Cycling put out a notification saying not to organize events through the organization.

“Nobody wants responsibility if there’s a small outbreak,” he said.

But he and a few friends plan to connect with people through social media to plan a ride in Grafton on an evening sometime. Kempka said he’d like to start at NSeven Coffee Co. and end at Sahala Ale Works to help support local businesses.