By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
BROWN COUNTY – The COVID-19 virus has disrupted the sports world, but it hasn’t impacted people’s ability to get outside and exercise.
With area gyms closed for the foreseeable future, your choices to increase your heart rate are limited to home gyms and outdoor activities.
On an afternoon bike ride on St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve never seen so many kids playing in their yards on a spring day in March as I did this day.
I also saw adults biking, walking and playing basketball.
This was the first day area schools canceled classes until further notice, and it was a warm and sunny, 45-degree day.
Four days later, I decided to see how dry the Mountain Bay Trail was and headed out for another ride.
Entering the trail off Rockwell Road in Howard and traveling about 2 miles east toward the bay, numerous people were walking, running and biking.
It made me smile to see families walking with their kids and dogs jumping around.
On the return trip home, traveling through a local subdivision, I passed a house where six people had set up chairs six feet apart in a circle in the driveway.
It looked like a campfire setting without the fire and marshmallows.
They were talking and laughing as I rode by, and three of them managed a small wave acknowledging me.
The paved trails behind the Meadowbrook Elementary School in Howard have also been loaded with people.
In days following, I saw lots of people outside exercising as well.
For those questioning whether it’s safe to go outside, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services took to Facebook March 20 to give their thoughts.
“We know it’s been a tough week, and because of COVID-19, we’ve released lots of guidance telling you where not to go,” said the organization in a released statement. “Go outside – it’s okay.”
The department suggests taking a walk, going for a bike ride or reading a book outside.
It also advised residents to stay at least six feet away from others and continue practicing social distancing.
Gov. Tony Evers released a statement on Twitter in regards to outdoor exercise.
“You can still get out and walk the dogs — it’s good exercise and good for everyone’s mental health— but please don’t take any other unnecessary trips, and limit your travel to essential needs like going to the doctor, grabbing groceries or getting medication.”
I have quite a few bike tours planned this summer/fall, and I’m hoping many still take place.
We’ve all had to make concessions in the last few weeks, and the local high school athletes are seeing their spring seasons go awry, but I have noticed plenty of positives in this whole situation.
I’ve gotten quality time with my 10-year-old daughter while managing to work from home, and I’ve seen families doing more activities outside.
We need to stick together, make the best of it and hope we can get back to a normal way of life soon.