Wisconsin outdoors: CamRock Challenge provides triathlon enthusiasts with athletic test, beautiful scenery

Wisconsinites have enjoyed the outdoors for at least the past week with the decent weather in the 60s and 70s, a preview of things to come for a hopefully warm and pleasant summer around the corner. On June 18, Finish Line Events will hold the second annual CamRock Challenge, a triathlon taking place just southeast of Madison. Competitors will face a 10-mile bike ride, a 3-mile run through CamRock Park and end the race with a 3-mile canoe/kayak ride down the Koshkonong Creek.

Those that participate won't leave empty-handed, or will an empty stomach -- as each racer will receive a full meal from the Rockdale Bar and Grill.

Per organizer Craig Schaning and his company's website, a portion of the proceeds will also be donated to Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

We sat down with Schaning for a Q&A for this event, which also includes quite a deal for those that want to partake in the challenge.

You organized the Crafty Cow Ride last year. Are you holding that event again this year, and are there any other events you want to tell us about?

Yes, after a successful inaugural ride last year, we are holding the Crafty Cow Ride again this year on July 9. People really seemed to like the bike-burger-beer concept. That concept morphed into an idea for another event, the CamRock Challenge. It's a dry triathlon where participants bike, run and paddle, then attend an after-race meal/party. This year's CamRock Challenge will be on June 18, 2016. Participants will bike 10 miles, run three miles and canoe/kayak three miles in Cambridge, Wis.

Last year we held the race in October and had participants of every skill level, from serious athletes, to beginners, tackle this course. Canoe and kayak rentals are available and following the race, participants will receive a meal and beer from the Rockdale Bar & Grill.

What made you choose the Cambridge area for this event?

The CamRock Park in Cambridge is perfectly suited for this type of event. It has well-maintained limestone trails for the run, and a windy and scenic creek for the paddle. The transition points are very close together and the start and finish is in one location. I also live in Cambridge and wanted to bring an event like this to the area. Finally, I plan on adding an off-road version of the race in future years to utilize the amazing mountain bike trails in CamRock Park.

What sights and landmarks will competitors see on the course while partaking in this test of athletic skill and endurance?

Participants will first bike 10 miles on rural Cambridge roads. There are a few hills on the course to challenge the riders. Racers will then run 3 miles through beautiful CamRock Park. The majority of the run is on a crushed limestone trail and is very flat. The trail passes through fields, forests and has two bridges over the Koshkonong Creek which makes for a very scenic run. Finally, racers will paddle downstream on the Koshkonong Creek. The creek has several narrow passages through trees which makes for a fun ride.

Portion of the proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation -- what made you choose to donate some of the fees towards charity?

A portion of the proceeds from all the events I organize go to a charity and having three children under the age of 5, I naturally gravitated towards a Make-A-Wish which helps grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

What can you do for the B5Q readers and outdoor enthusiasts out there?

Anyone that enters the promo code "Bucky" when they register for the CamRock Challenge will receive 40 percent off the registration price! Register before May 1st to avoid the price increase. Information on the race and the registration link can be found here.