Questioning the Locals: Jereme Rauckman
free-wheelin' discussion with local folks
V1 Staff, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
You could say Jereme Rauckman is the ‘spokes’ person of local biking, since he is the Director of Eau Claire Youth Cycling Inc., a nonprofit that runs a mountain biking program for middle and high school students. He has also served in officer positions for several years for CORBA, the local trail organization. Jereme has lived in Eau Claire for the past 39 years and is passionate about locals getting out and staying healthy.
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Cycling, to me, is such an awesome way to stay physically and psychologically fit and explore the surrounding world.
What’s your favorite Chippewa Valley biking trail?
The singletrack trails at Lowes Creek County Park. They’re close to where I live, they’re the home trails for our Eau Claire Youth Cycling team, and I first met many of my current friends building and riding them. In fact, there’s a group of us working to add a bike skills park at Lowes. That’s going to make the park even better and give riders a dedicated space to hang out and hone their skills.
What’s your favorite local festival?
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair. My mom’s side of the family is from Chippewa Falls has been involved with the Fair in one way or another for decades. I have a lot of great memories or going there with my cousins as a kid, with my friends as a teen, and with my own kids as an adult.
What place in town considers you a “regular”?
Eau Claire Fitness and several of Eau Claire’s wonderful Mexican restaurants. Working out leads to taco cravings. Taco cravings lead to the need to work out. It’s a vicious cycle.
Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be?
Hot & spicy beef and a noodle wrap from Noodle Wrap. Their hot & spicy is the one local dish I’ve always wanted the recipe for.
Water Street or Downtown?
While Water played a pivotal role in my early adulthood, Downtown is the spot for me nowadays.
Favorite Oakwood Mall Store?
Scheels, because they’ve been tremendously supportive of the Eau Claire Youth Cycling team, and of the local cycling community in general.
Jereme's Shoutouts
Casey’s Creamery. “I live by the motto, ‘There’s always room for ice cream,’ and when it comes to ice cream, Casey’s has some of the best.”
The local disc golf scene. “There’s a crazy number of courses in the Chippewa Valley, giving us yet another fun way to spend time outside.”
Volunteer youth mountain bike coaches and CORBA Board of Directors. “These folks give a huge amount of time and energy, sometimes with very little thanks. I’m so grateful.”
If you or someone you know would make a good candidate for Questioning the Locals, send us a message with their contact info and a little bit about them!