Introducing IRONBULL
WAUSAU (Greater Wausau 2019-2020 Relocation Guide) – Tim Buchholz and his wife Anna Nummelin received their doctorates in Florida and decided to move to Wausau as the area offered the perfect place to both practice their professions and enjoy a multitude of year-round extreme sports.
Already the race directors of one of the premier adventure races in the nation, the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge, Tim and Anna have helped to spearhead the creation of a new organization, IRONBULL. The non-profit has ambitious plans to turn the Wausau region into a year-round extreme outdoor playground for adrenaline sports junkies.
“IRONBULL has the potential to change the face of Wausau for decades to come,” said Tim.
Tim serves as president and Anna is active on the board for the organization, which was incorporated in December of 2018.
In recent years, the Wausau area has earned a reputation as a mecca for thrill-seeking outdoor sports junkies. The region rivals cities like Bend, OR, Durango, CO, and Santa Fe, NM for its downhill skiing and snowboarding, urban whitewater kayaking,
Marathon County is home to the Midwest’s highest downhill ski venue, Granite Peak Ski Area. Located in Rib Mountain State Park, skiing in the area has its roots in the famous 10th Mountain Alpine Division who trained on Rib Mountain and served in the Italian Alps during World War II. Currently, the ski hill services 75 runs and a terrain park system referred to as the ‘Best in the Midwest.’ The State Park is also striped with beautiful hiking and snowshoe trails.
In the warmer seasons, the Wausau region is home to several of the best mountain bike trail systems
in Wisconsin. The Sylvan downhill mountain bike course ranges from tough to extreme and Nine Mile Recreation Area features miles of trails. The summer provides the only urban whitewater kayaking course in the Great Lake States, right in the heart of downtown Wausau.
In addition to organizing extreme races, IRONBULL plans to host ‘Xtreme Weekends’ that will offer a variety of experiences to the entire community.
Tim and Anna aren't alone in making a big life change to take advantage of the area's outdoor amenities.
Andrea Larson is the Executive Director of IRONBULL. Larson left her engineering career after a decade in research and development to give back to her hometown.
“IRONBULL will bring far more to central Wisconsin than just the races.” said Andrea. “The organization will fuel the economy, change the community and promote healthy living.”
Check out the article on page 4 of the Greater Wausau 2019-2020 Relocation Guide here.