Disconnecting to Reconnect: Joe Peters
Growing up in Minnesota, hiking, biking, and the outdoors has always been a big part of Joe Peters life. But it wasn’t until he joined Red Wing Shoe Company, as the marketing director for Vasque Footwear, that he intentionally got outdoors to disconnect and recharge. “I’ve always valued time outside but through my work with the Vasque brand and statistics on how being outside helps your mental and emotional health, I am more proactive about getting outside,” said Joe. “If I get an hour during the day, I try to go for a hike or bike ride. I always come back feeling better.”
Living in St. Paul, Minnesota, Joe and his family have uncovered lesser-known trails, forming their own explorers club along the way. “My hiking aptitude has grown as my children have,” said Joe. “We started the Shadow Falls Explorers Club – a club of three. My kids get all geared up in their Vasque boots and we go explore the trails that are right outside our front door.”
When the pandemic hit, Joe found himself in a stagnant routine and turned to indoor cycling. “My friend and I both got Peloton bikes and soon, we were competing to see who could ride the most.”
When his friend, Eric Dayton, approached Joe with the idea of completing a 320-mile bike ride from Wayzata – a suburb west of the Twin Cities – to Trailsyde, Minnesota, Joe quickly agreed. “I didn’t actually think he was serious, but he called me in August of 2021 with an itinerary planned for the first weekend in October,” laughed Joe.
Wayzata – North Shore, Total Miles Biked: 320
Day 1: Minneapolis – Hinkley; Day 2: Hinkley – Duluth; Day 3: Duluth – Beaver Bay; Day 4: Beaver Bay – Trailsyde (25 miles north of Grand Marais)
The unique route brought the duo from Eric’s house up to his family cabin, 20 miles north of Grand Marais. For Joe, it was the most grueling physical challenge he had faced. “Life was busy, and I didn’t train for the bike ride,” reflected Joe. “It was incredibly challenging for me physically and there were many times that I almost didn’t make it.”
Joe and Eric on their first trip to Grand Marais, MN
The ride was more than a physical challenge; it was an opportunity to truly unplug. “When you’re biking, there isn’t anything to do expect focus on pedaling. In my entire career, I haven’t unplugged like that before. It restored a lot of confidence in me. I almost failed – many times – but I was able to do it.”
With a few lessons learned and a reminder on the impact that disconnecting can have, Joe and Eric expanded their group this year for “The Big Ride North.”
“I got a new bike and trained all summer,” said Joe. “It was a completely different experience. When I got on my bike, I was able to leave behind most of my responsibilities and just focus on pedaling. It was a liberating experience that I know makes me a better dad, husband, and marketer.”
The group already has the trip locked in for next year. “For one week a year, we get on our bikes and that’s all we do. We disconnect to gain a new perspective.”