Wisconsin Bike Fed 2024 Ride Guide Magazine

JULY 27-28, 2024

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Scenic Shore 150 Bike Tour is a two-day, 150-mile, fully-supported cycling event that is open to riders of all ages and abilities. Additional one-day route options available of 25-miles and 75-miles.

Ride the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan while pedaling in support of a cure for blood cancer.

Since 1993, the Scenic Shore Bike Tour has been welcoming cyclists of all ages and abilities to the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan. This picturesque setting is perfect for a weekend of riding the shore for a cure!

One of these dedicated riders is Marty Ferris of Wausau. Marty has been riding in Scenic Shore for 12 years. He started riding in memory of his parents and aunt who all lost their battles to leukemia. It became even more personal when Marty’s 13-year old daughter Riley was diagnosed with leukemia.

Marty recalls, “It all started about six years ago when she was 13 and had horrible headaches. Everyone thought she was just trying to get out of school. Maybe it was a migraine. But it was a blood clot and she ended up in the ICU at Children’s in Milwaukee for six terrifying days. And within a year filled with ups and downs, Riley was diagnosed with CML at the hospital where I worked as an oncology nurse. It was surreal. And since I’d lost both my parents and my aunt to leukemia, it was incredibly terrifying.”

Up to 1,500 cyclists pedal from Mequon to Manitowoc to Sturgeon Bay in support of a cure for blood cancer. With route options ranging from 25 miles to 175 miles, there truly is something for everyone. Riders come to Scenic Shore for the amazing cycling experience and come back year after year after being compelled by the mission and incredible sense of community.

“As an oncology nurse, I see the benefits of LLS’s deep investment in research every day. I see the people who come into our clinic desperate for help...and how LLS grants make their lives easier. I see the relief in a patient’s eyes when a doctor can tell them that because of research, there is a proven treatment regimen for their type of blood cancer.”

“And as a father and a son, I’ve seen the power of LLS. Through its First Connection program, LLS introduced Riley to other young females with CML – a rarity – so she could get her questions answered and build hope. LLS is still helping us with grants for food and lodging during Riley’s extensive treatments. And LLS funding was behind many of those treatments, which we hope will save her life.”

When her oral chemo cocktail didn’t work, and then her next therapy didn’t work, things started to look pretty bleak for Riley. After a third treatment failed, she started to lose hope. She couldn’t stay in school or hold a job. And then, about a week before Christmas 2022, she was back in the hospital and her doctors felt it was time for a bone marrow transplant...another innovation stemming from LLS research funding. Luckily, she found two 100% matches within three months, and on April 27, 2023 Riley received her bone marrow transplant. Riley is currently cancer free!

Riley leukemia survivor, with her dad

Saddle up and Pedal your community

The Wisconsin Bike Fed's Just Bikes blend supports our commitment to advocating for mobility justice in underserved communities and increasing bike focused resources.

$1 from every bag purchased propels Wisconsin Bike Fed’s efforts to keep our community biking.

Share The Ro ad!

B i c y cl e s a r e v e hi cl e s a n d b i c y c l i s t s h a v e t h e s a m e r i g h t s a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t ie s a s t h e d r i v e r o f a n y o t h e r v e hi cl e H e l p ke e p t h e r o a d s s a f e b y r e me m b e r i n g

• S t a y to t h e r i g h t a s f a r a s p r a c t i c a b l e .

• R id e o n t h e r i g h t , i n t h e s a m e

• G i v e a t l e a s t t h r e e f e e t o f cl ea r a n c e w h e n p a s s i n g a pa r ke d , s to p pe d o r m o v i n g v e hi cl e .

Did you know?

• B i c y c l i s t s a r e e nt i t l e d to u s e t h e e nt i r e l a n e i f t h e l a n e i s n a r r o w.

• B i c y c l i s t s a r e p e r m i t t e d to r id e t w o a b r e a s t o n a n y s t r e e t i f o t h e r

W i s . S t a t . s 3 4 0 & 3 4 6

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C o u r t e s y, c o m m o n s e n s e a n d f o l l o w i n g t h e r u l e s c a n m a k e r o a d s s a f e r f o r e v e r y on e .

F o r m o r e s a fe t y i n f o , v i s i t : w i s c o n s i n d o t . g o v/ b i ke s a fe t y

APRIL 2024

STAFF

Michael Anderson, Milwaukee Youth Education Programs Manager Michael.Anderson@wisconsinbikefed.org

Anthony Casagrande, Mobile Bike Repair Manager and Safe Routes Instructor Anthony@wisconsinbikefed.org

Alora Correa, Milwaukee High School Education Program Manager Alora@wisconsinbikefed.org

Kirsten Finn, Executive Director Kirsten@wisconsinbikefed.org

Gui Gregory, Education Coordinator Gmgregory@wisconsinbikefed.org

Grace Labinski, Business Manager Grace@wisconsinbikefed.org

Laura Mandella, Membership and Communication Manager Laura@wisconsinbikefed.org

Marybeth McGinnis, MilWALKee Walks Manager Marybeth@wisconsinbikefed.org

Collin Mead, Government Affairs Manager Collin@wisconsinbikefed.org

Shawn Moore, MilWALKee Walks Coordinator Shawn@wisconsinbikefed.org

Jake Newborn, Assistant Director Jake.Newborn@wisconsinbikefed.org

Heather Rainer, Events Manager Heather@wisconsinbikefed.org

Leilani Robertson-Hoyt, Membership Specialist Leilani@wisconsinbikefed.org

Natalie Schad, Dane Co Youth Education Program Manager Natalie@wisconsinbikefed.org

Chris Stindt, Communication Coordinator Chris@wisconsinbikefed.org

Ben Varick, Dane Co High School Education Program Manager Ben@wisconsinbikefed.org

MILWAUKEE EDUCATION TEAM

Jean Aleman-Tenorio

Nicolas Dobbs

Angie Livermore

Victoria McNally

Randy Owens

Dean Schmiedel

CYCLING WITHOUT AGE EDUCATORS

William Fehrenbach

Linda Soltis-Schroeder

Janna Zimmerman

MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS

Editor, Julie Merck

Art Director, Zoe Finney Printing Sponsor, Hupy & Abraham

WisconsinBikeFed.org

Info@wisconsinbikefed.org

414-626-1540

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Welcome to the 2024 Wisconsin Bike Fed Ride Guide!

My dad used to tell bedtime stories about the “Adventures of Jimmy and Karen.” Jimmy and Karen were siblings who rode their bikes around town, getting into scrapes and learning life lessons that were remarkably similar to the challenges going on in our own house. When he was tired, dad’s stories were often just long descriptions of the components on Jimmy and Karen’s bikes. Particularly memorable was when ten-year-olds Jimmy and Karen made the agonizing decision to switch from Campy to Shimano.

My dad died last summer following a long, painful decline after being hit by a car. The car turned left into him when he was riding his bike to work. The memory of those bedtime stories, the wonderful cycling adventures he took with his friends, and the last amazing ride we took together through California wine country have brought me comfort in the past couple of months.

In October, Bike Fed, Trek, and Madison Bikes teamed up to host a slow roll called “Ride For Your Life.” Ride For Your Life was started by Dan Langenkamp after his wife–U.S. diplomat Sarah Debbink Langenkamp–was riding her bicycle home from her sons’ elementary school in Bethesda, Maryland and was hit and killed by a flatbed truck. Sarah Langenkamp grew up in Oconomowoc, and her Wisconsin family was instrumental in organizing the event to call for pedestrian and bicycle safety on our streets.

Most powerfully, Sarah’s young son shared the impact of this tragedy on their family. He noted the irony that they moved back from a post in Ukraine to be safe, only to have his mom killed soon after here at home in the United States while just riding her bike. His message was that we, as adults, need to do better.

Stories are powerful. When advocates are nervous about talking to elected officials about cycling, I encourage them to just share their stories. And not just the difficult ones. All year, I have been uplifted by wonderful stories–an adaptive bike gifted to a student with mobility challenges, refurbished bikes changing the lives of immigrant families, a recently retired couple seeing all of Southeastern Wisconsin and having the time of their lives on new ebikes, or people’s commutes made better by new cycling infrastructure.

In this election year, one of the best things you can do for cycling is to let your representatives–and people seeking office–know that you ride a bike. Encourage them to commit to supporting bike and pedestrian friendly legislation. Ask them to allocate more of Wisconsin’s transportation dollars to making our streets safe for people biking and walking. Tell your neighbors and colleagues while you’re at it–make sure they see every person riding a bike as a member of somebody’s family.

Finally, keep making your own cycling memories. As always, the pages of the Ride Guide are filled with inspiration and opportunities to get out there and create the stories you will be telling for years to come.

Kirsten Finn — Executive Director

Ride Across Wisconsin Reflections

The Hardest & Most Rewarding Challenge

Story by Dave Thorpe

RAW Number One... and Done?

“Never again.” That’s what I declared at the end of the inaugural 175 mile RAW in 2015. The cold and wet pre-dawn start out of Dubuque. The hills of that Driftless Area rolling along the Cheddar Curtain adjacent to Illinois. By lunch in Beloit, I already felt bonked with another 70 miles left to Kenosha. Indeed, I crossed that finish line but after dark and to a nearly empty partytent. As a fellow Tosa Spokesmen would, say, it was “a lot.” I was happy to finish what I started but thought,“never again.”

RAW Number Two —Great ride with my crew! Fast forward six years and the emails started swirling in my cycling club. First-timer Bill had recruited RAW veteran Jay and was looking to grow the 2021 peloton. Great crew developing. Longer route but less climbing. By now, I’m fitter and more committed to the bike than ever. “Okay, Bill. La Crosse to Green Bay for 225 miles. Why not? One time.” Everything went right: perfect riding temp (low 70s), ideal tailwind (10+ mph), no bonking and, most importantly, we made it safely across the finish line before sunset. With

the sweet satisfaction of success on the saddle accomplished, I would happily resume RAW retiree status and return to my mantra - “never again.”

RAW Number Three. This day was not for me. Bring on last year. A third route and this time finishing in Milwaukee. It’s my hometown. So, to cross the state and pedal into American Family Field while having checked the box for each route at least once? Too good to pass up. But now the stakes were upped even more. In its second year on this route, RAW 2023 boasted a 235-mile total with thousands more feet of climbing than La Crosse to Green Bay. Let’s be clear about RAW, you can do everything right in preparation leading up to it and still have a bad day on a bike. It is, after all, a very long day no matter how fit, experienced, or mentally ready you think you are to slay that oneday beast. Anyone who has ridden big miles knows this. I knew it on August 19, 2023. Intimately. A lot of things went right overall. I was enjoying a new cushy comfort of 32c tires under my Trek Domane Project One purchased from Wheel & Sprocket that spring—especially on the crushed limestone of Elroy-Sparta and the 400 State Trail systems. Our merry band of five riders were all in great spirits and fine form, until I became the weakest link. Embracing the revised options on a “choose your own adventure” feature of RAW – all

Photos by Dave Schlabowske

paved county highways but add hills or stay flatter but grind the gravel – we made a game day pivot to do a hybrid of both. I don’t ride great in heat, but low-80s was tolerable. I don’t crush hills, but I’m rarely the last one up the climb. It was the unrelenting wind. I managed to keep myself in the pocket of our pace line up to the Merrimac Ferry. But by the Trek rest stop in Waterloo it was shades of Beloit and 2015 all over again. Bonk City, Wisconsin. Population: Dave.

By the time we hit the Glacial Drumlin trailhead at Lake Mills, the sun was fading fast. Way behind schedule to meet the rest stop cutoffs with an ETA into Milwaukee no earlier than 10:30p.m., I was resigned to mashing it out at 14 mph. I was feeling deflated watching their taillights fade as the rest of my group were compelled to pick up the pace. It was okay. I wanted them to go ahead. With 55 miles left, tough but tactical decisions needed to be made for the greater good of the whole, not just the struggles of the one. It was a lonely stretch from that point to Dousman. A welcomed volunteer “sweeper” with a bright headlight kept me company for the last 5 miles to Bicycle Doctor. There I was treated to roasted potatoes and a delicious Coke.

My crew was there on arrival but shoving off soon after. I needed time to collect thoughts and rally courage. This was it. 30 miles left on a trail I’ve ridden dozens of times but always during daytime not at 9p.m. Ultimately, I chose the safest play. At 9:30p.m. after 205 miles logged, I cried “uncle,” climbed into the SUV and called it. At that point, you swallow your pride and do the smart thing. Safe riding is paramount. “Live to ride another day” as they say.

The idea of doing this RAW route again this year is currently being kicked around. In 2024, the 1-day will end, with daylight to spare, with an awesome party on mile 165 at Trek. My revised statement is… “Okay, maybe again. Definitely not “never.”

Dave Thorpe and his friends at the finish

RAW 2024: Same Route, Revised 1-Day, New Features

It’s not just because of Dave! The Bike Fed views safe cycling as a top priority, so we’ve updated the 1-day RAW to 165 miles ending at Trek Bicycle’s World Headquarters in Waterloo. And Trek throws one heck of a party!

Not only will this provide the safest possible experience for riders, it will allow the RAW team to provide the best tactical support and rest stop hospitality. This is the third and final year of this route from La Crosse to Milwaukee. For those who wish to cross our entire beautiful state, you’ll have more time afforded to enjoy the scenery by opting for a 2-day RAW. Other changes include relocating the Wisconsin Dells midway point, in response to rider feedback, to be more convenient to hotels. This midway point will continue to serve as the lunch rest stop for 1-day riders. For those continuing on to Milwaukee on Sunday, the new finish line and party will be City Lights Brewing. City Lights will also host registration and bus/bag/ bike loading. Plenty of food and beverages available for purchase the Friday before the event.

More details like a relay option, team discounts, VIP fundraising perks, and other cool opportunities can all be found at www.rideacrosswisconsin.com. Come join us this year on August 17 and 18 for the Ride Across Wisconsin of your life!

LAST CHANCE FOR THIS ROUTE!

2024 Ride Across Wisconsin Highlights

START-LINE CITY: LA CROSSE, WI

We are thrilled to spend one last year in our amazing host city, La Crosse. We look forward to starting our journey at the La Crosse Center. The city's beautifully developed riverfront area provides an amazing site for the start of the event with its great hotels, dining options, and amenities. Be sure to check out the River Roast at The Charmant Hotel on Friday, August 16th after packet pick up.

ROUTE DAY ONE: TRAILS AND TUNNELS

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail was the first rail-to-trail conversion in the country and remains one of the most iconic because of the three long tunnels on the route. RAW riders will experience all tunnels lit by Bontrager Flare headlights and lanterns. Whether you choose the trail route option or stick to the pavement, the entire route shows off some of the most scenic parts of our beautiful state. The best part is you can choose between trail and fine backgrounds throughout the weekend.

MORE COWBELL

Yes, you will see lots of Wisconsin’s black and white bovines and red barns along the route through our nation’s dairyland. There are even a couple cute calves you or your family can pet if they meet you at the Sassy Cow aid station. And you will even see blue and purple cows at Trek Global Headquarters, which seems fitting for a Wisconsin company that started making bikes in a small red barn.

HALF-WAY POINT: WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

Is there anywhere more iconic for Wisconsin summertime fun? We are excited to host our halfway stop at Captain Bob's Park, conveniently located near our preferred hotels. This central location in Wisconsin Dells is a great option for those riding with families following along. Check out our Family Fun page for engaging ways to get your support team involved!

1-DAY FINISH LINE OPTION/EPIC REST STOP: WATERLOO, WI

New to 2024, our 1-day finish will end at Trek's World Headquarters. Who would have thought the legendary bike brand has such humble roots in Waterloo, WI? Enjoy Trek hospitality the way it was meant to be experienced - right in the homeland. They know how to do things right.

2-DAY FINISH LINE: MILWAUKEE, WI

Ride into Milwaukee on the amazing paved Hank Aaron State Trail and roll right into the finish-line party at City Lights Brewing Company! Hop off your bike, fill up your RAW Finisher’s mug with a great City Lights beer or chocolate milk, chow down on some delicious food, change into your street clothes, and revel in the incredible challenge you just accomplished.

For most people, racing professionally would be more than a fulltime job, leaving little time for hobbies or other professional work. With over 100 professional race wins to their names, Sam and Skylar Schneider are serious racers. As bakers and owners of the Bread Pedalers bakery in West Allis they are also seriously talented business owners. We are so grateful that Skylar (who has 2028 Olympic hopes) shared her and Sam's story with us.

Tell us about your background.

We are from West Allis, WI and still call West Allis home. I’m currently 25 years old, my sister Sam is eight years older, and my brother Sean is right in the middle. We all got our start in racing quite young with BMX.

How did you get involved in cycling?

When our parents met in high school, our dad was already involved in the sport, both as a racer and a master frame builder with Schwinn. At first, our mom had no desire to ride a bike. This changed when our dad built her a custom hot pink frame. Within a few years, our parents were traveling the country racing with friends and even my uncles. Our mom continued racing track after Sam was born. Our dad started his own team called Coyote and transitioned to more of a coaching and team management role. Sam grew up watching our mom race, and I grew up watching Sam race (this is usually where I remind Sam how much older she is than me, hehe). In 2013, when I was 14, my dream came true. I raced in my first professional criterium as Sam’s teammate. Over the past decade, we have spent seven years as teammates and have won over 100 professional races.

How did you get involved in baking?

I absolutely love to cook, but I stayed away from baking until covid. In 2020, I was living in Spain and racing with the number 1 ranked team in the world. In Spain, daily visits to the local bakery for fresh bread became one of my favorite routines. After returning home in March 2020 and quarantining, it became my mission to learn how to make bread like the loaves I had enjoyed in Europe. I started a “bread club” and baked dif-

Skylar and Sam Schneider.

Photo by Zoe Finney

ferent flavored loaves then delivered them to family and friends while everyone was isolated. I went from trying to conquer just one loaf to over twenty at a time. My bread club lived on for about a year and a half before the idea of opening a real bakery was born.

I had no plans to start a business at all. Sam found the property where The Bread Pedalers is currently located and saw it as an investment property for her husband. Then, Sam thought to turn the property into a bakery and approached me with the idea. She was met with a hard “no.” I was focused on racing and any culinary dream could wait until I retired. But the uncertainty of that time and a recent cancer diagnosis for our mom came as a harsh reminder of how short life can be. I came around to the idea and when our mom beat cancer, she became our first full-time employee.

Where do you most like to train?

In addition to their passion for cycling, our parents also passed down a lot of their training routes. Over time some roads have changed and the routes have been altered, but for the most part we train on the same roads our parents did. To be honest, we have about five routes that we have done hundreds of times because we know exactly how long they are and good places for intervals. When we need a longer route, we just combine these five key routes. All of our routes leave from West Allis and most of them head west towards Waukesha and Muskego. We also have a route to and around Pewaukee that we love. On our easier days we jump on a path like the Oak Leaf or Hank Aaron. One day I’ll get more adventurous and create more routes!

What strategies help balance and manage your time?

There aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything we want to do, so we prioritize what we need to do. I usually plan about a week in advance to make sure I have enough time for training and everything that needs to be done at the bakery. When I say plan, I usually have it down to the hour. I do incorporate an hour after training every day to shower, eat, and power nap which is a necessary intermission during

Sam Schneider. Photo by Peter DiAntoni

Skylar Schneider. Photo by Peter DiAntoni

my day. Fortunately, the staff at the bakery is fantastic, but there are still an infinite number of smaller tasks to tend to as owners.

When the season starts and we are traveling in and out, it gets even more complicated! You really just have to give your best each day and go to bed being content with that. Sam does all of this with a two-year old son, and I’m in awe of how she handles everything so gracefully.

Being a professional athlete is one of the most physically exhausting jobs while being a business owner is one of the most mentally exhausting jobs; doing both is hard! But at the same time, it forces us to have a healthy balance. We are not consumed with one career; we don’t think about cycling all day, every day or the bakery 24/7 because we have to focus on other things. One day I think I’ll be ready to retire from cycling and pursue additional locations and culinary goals, but right now cycling brings me so much happiness.

What are your long term goals for both of these awesome interests/areas?

I’m an ambitious and fearless goal setter. I like to set goals with the mindset “what’s the best that could happen?” Then I create a path for getting there, with smaller more achievable goals along the way.

My long-term goal for cycling is to race the 2028 Olympics and win a World Championship. The smaller (but still challenging!) goals along the way include winning a national championship and returning to the World Tour. Going back to the World Tour would require a move back to Europe, probably not the easiest choice when you own a business in the US. But, I’m determined to make it work and as I mentioned earlier, have an amazing team of people at The Bread Pedalers, and Sam of course, to help.

Our long-term goals for The Bread Pedalers include expanding the hours and increasing staffing at our current location to better keep up with our community. One day (after 2028) we hope to open more locations. In the meantime, it’s also important to us to better connect our cycling community and to use the bakery as a potential hub to do that. More group rides, coffee meet-ups, workshops, etc.

What advice would you give someone trying to run a small business and remain an athlete?

Someone once told me “you can do anything you want,” and I took it literally. You can do both, if you really, really want to. My advice is to plan your days in advance to schedule your training around what you need to get done at your business. Set yourself up for success.

Any training tips to share?

My training tip: remember to take care of yourself off the bike. It’s easy to drink and eat while you’re riding, but it’s important to fuel before and after workouts as well. Also, you have to rest!

Are there any aspects of your local community that make it easier or more difficult?

I do believe that Wisconsin has a wonderful cycling community that encompasses all levels and ages. I think one of the difficulties we face is that cycling isn’t as popular (or welcome) in the US as it is in many other countries. Drivers don’t know (or care) how to pass cyclists safely on the road. It’s super important to me to use our platform at The Bread Pedalers to not only spread the word about the sport and get more people on bikes, but to educate drivers on how to safely pass and be aware of cyclists on the road. Perhaps this will be the perfect collaboration with the Wisconsin Bike Fed.

DISCOVER A TWO-WHEEL WONDERLAND

With countless trails winding through gorgeous natural scenery, Delafield is the perfect biking destination. Rent a bike or bring your own, and join us this season in a cycler’s paradise.

Midwest Bikepacking Summit

Story and Photos by Dave Schlabowske

The History of Bikepacking

Cyclist Dan Burden may have coined the term bikepacking in the article he wrote for National Geographic magazine May 1973. Burden and 30 other cyclists rode 3,103 miles from Alaska to Argentina in their 1972 Hemistour Bicycling Expedition. Following this journey, he wrote the article “Bikepacking Across Alaska and Canada” and “bikepacking” found its way into print. The term was used periodically in the 1980s for some endurance races in Alaska and then again in the mid-2000s for the Arizona Trail Race and the Great Divide Mountain Bike Race.

Growing demand for gear showed that there was interest in the new sport. In the early 2000s, Eric Parsons began making his own durable outdoor gear designed for winter racing. By 2010, demand for the frame bags he was sewing in his Anchorage garage led him to launch Relevate Designs, probably the first true bikepacking bags’ manufacturing company.

Around the same time, Surly and Salsa Cycles broadened their brands to include bikes designed for adventure riding. They began working with Relevate to design bags specifically for their bikes. Other custom bikepacking bag makers grew their businesses and companies joined in producing bikes designed with bikepacking in mind.

Bikepacking is generally defined as multi-day mountain biking using minimalist camping gear to keep the loaded bike light and maneuverable enough to enjoyably ride rough, offroad routes from 30 miles to thousands of miles on trips as short as overnight to months.

Parallel to this, in the early 2000s, a small group of riders who had been taking on epic adventure bikepacking rides began to collaborate. They told their stories on personal blogs and websites like Pedaling Nowhere and in print with publications like Bunyan Velo. They shared tips on how to make bikepacking gear. Logan Watts, Virginia Krabil, Cass Gilbert, Lucas Wizenburg, and Joe

Cruz began working on an online map of bikepacking routes. That collaboration helped launch Bikepacking.com (still spearheaded by Logan Watts) the world’s leading online resource for bikepackers and a catalyst behind its rapidly growing popularity.

The First Bikepacking Route in Wisconsin

On my first experience “bikepacking” the Colorado Trail from Durango to Silverton, Colorado, I had not yet heard the term. But by the time the website Bikepacking.com launched in 2015, the term was part of my lexicon, and I had already done quite a bit of bikepacking on Wisconsin’s unpaved backroads and mountain bike trails. While the quality of the writing, photography, and online route map on the new Bikepacking.com website blew me away, I was annoyed that there were no pin flags for routes in the Midwest. With that as my motivation, I created the Tour de Chequamegon bikepacking route. I worked with Fyxation Bicycle Company to help organize a supported ride on route to promote their new Quiver adventure bike, as a fundraiser

for the Bike Fed, and to plant a pin flag in Wisconsin on the Bikepacking.com route map. Since then, I have published the Valhalla Beach Party and Wisconsin Waterfalls Loop routes, both of which have won awards for best route on Bikepacking.com.

Building Bikepacking Community: The Midwest Bikepacking Summit

Shane Hitz of Wausau has developed a reputation as a meticulous route researcher. He designed the IRONBULL Red Granite Grinder gravel race route and has developed scores of great bike-

Midwest Bikepacking Summit

packing routes in the forests north and east of Wausau. In 2022, Shane attended the New Mexico Bikepacking Summit. He was inspired to bring a similar event to Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest to build community and encourage riding in the area.

In 2023, he organized the first annual Midwest Bikepacking Summit at Jack Lake Campground just outside Wausau. The event was a big success, and the 2024 summit in September is expected to sell out.

In 2023, 33 attendees participated; about a third of the attendees were women; and the group represented 10 states. The Friday expo was a wonderful opportunity for attendees to share their bikepacking bikes and set-ups with others. Cool regional and national vendors participated with give-aways from Tailfin, Yum Pouch, Ruby Coffee, Embark, and VeloSante Cycling Services.

Saturday’s panel discussion included

an interesting mix of experts, including Noelle Battle, the executive director of Bikepacking Roots. She came to the summit after riding the 630 mile Northwoods Route that circumnavigates Lake Superior. Bikepacking Roots is a national nonprofit that advocates for and publishes bikepacking routes in and around the United States. They work at the national, state, and local levels to ensure access to public land. They also help publish both long distance routes like the Northwoods Route and shorter community routes created by riders around the country like Shane.

Panelist Jared Linzmeier, Founder/ Owner of Ruby Coffee Roasters in Ste-

vens Point, talked about his experience racing the 2023 Tour Divide. Linzmeier finished the 2,745 mile race from Banf, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico on the Mexican border in 21 days, 14 hours and 47 minutes.

Beyond the panel of experts, it was a pleasure to talk to the many other summit attendees who were experienced bikepackers and to hear their stories. Attendee Rich Lytle has traveled much of the world bikepacking. He split off from riding the Tour de Nicolet Route to tack on the Michigan Off-Road Adventure Route as part of his Midwest bikepacking tour.

Corey Krosner is a bike mechanic and

ultra racer from Platteville who attended the summit with his 8-year-old Golden Retriever Jordi. Corey travels to events in a van he tricked out. He often brings Jordy along on his shorter dogpacking adventures in a Burley Tail Wagon trailer. I’ve been thinking about taking my older dog Cowboy along with me on short trips, so I was very interested in looking over Krosner’s set-up and learning about dogpacking logistics. For the summit, Korsner brought Jordi on the shorter Aurora Vistas route, but rode a singlespeed and pulled Jordi along in a trailer!

2024 Midwest Bikepacking Summit

Looking forward to the 2024 Summit, both experienced and first-time bikepackers will enjoy a weekend of Northwoods fun with lakeside camping, an expo, a panel of experts, and of course several curated

bikepacking route options.

Registration fees include camping Thursday and Friday. The group site where everyone camps is located on beautiful Jack Lake Campground, so attendees can enjoy fishing and swimming. The park campground has access to Jack Lake mountain bike system (trail donations encouraged), the lake, flush bathrooms, and coin-operated showers. Visit ironbull.org to register and for full details.

On Sunday, all attendees have the option of joining one of the three extended group rides:

Tour De Nicolet

365 Miles / 12,600 Feet Gain/Loss

SoNic (Southern Nicolet)

1.2 LONG ROUTE

225 miles / 8,200 Feet Gain/Loss

Aurora Vistas Overnighter

73 miles/ 2,400 Feet Gain/Loss

Northwoods Bikepacking Gear Lending Library

Story and Photo by Dave Schlabowske

Looking to give bikepacking a try? You can bikepack with any camping gear you already have or can easily access. Tents, sleep systems, cook stoves, and other items designed for backpacking are great to start out with because they are small and lightweight. Even if you have to bungee a big Coleman sleeping bag to your handlebars and load panniers and a backpack with a tarp, food from the fridge, and basic bike clothing, go for it!

Start with a short route and an overnight camp using any gear you can scrounge up. Don’t let a lack of expensive gear hold you back. If you have a good time and want to bikepack again, invest in items that will make your next trip easier and more enjoyable. Equipment designed specifically for bikepacking will last longer than items designed for road bikes. Bikepacking tents have shorter poles. Bikepacking bags and racks are designed to reduce sway and are designed to survive bouncing along rocky roads.

If you want to take the next step but are not ready or able to invest in special equipment, consider borrowing from my Northwoods Bikepacking Gear Lending Library. Using profits from the Hungry Bear gravel race I used to organize in Cable, WI, I purchased basic gear an individual or small group would need to try bikepacking and offer it for rental. Wisconsin’s Northwoods region offers many great areas for bikepacking, head to northern Wisconsin near Chequamegon National Forest and try before you buy.

All three routes were created by Shane, who is a meticulous route planner. In addition to accurate .gpx tracks, each route has POI markers (Points of Interest) for camping sites, restaurants, taverns, convenience stores, and interesting places to stop and enjoy the view or take photos. With distances from 73 to 365 miles, there is a route for a range of abilities, allowing everyone to pedal along with new friends no matter experience or fitness level. The number of riders on each route is capped based on the availability and number of campsites at the campgrounds, so register early for these great rides!

I look forward to seeing you in September at the 2024 Midwest Bikepacking

Summit Presented by IRONBULL and celebrating how far bikepacking has come in the last 52 years.

I created this gear library to share my love of bikepacking and encourage people to give it a try. It is also ideal for those who know they like bikepacking, but only do it once or twice a year. Bikepackers can rent gear at a reasonable price rather than investing $1,000 (or more) on items that will sit on a shelf 50 weeks a year. Visit my website at Lifeaboveeight.com to view a list of items available.

The small rental fees cover repair and replacement that results from the wear and tear of normal use. I am willing to work with anyone who wants to try bikepacking, so if the rental fees are a barrier, please contact me, and we can discuss.

In addition to lending gear, I can help curate a route in the Northwoods area that will work for you or your group. I have several routes already researched but can also advise on a route you are considering or can create a new route that meets your distance and time constraints. Find out more about the gear lending library and my routes at Lifeaboveeight.com.

Cultivating Young Trail Stewards and Advocates

By Renee Griswold, WI Interscholastic Cycling League Director

Mountain biking is experiencing remarkable growth in Wisconsin. This is thanks in large part to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League, a chapter league of the National Interscholastic Cycling League (NICA). It boasts nearly 2,000 co-ed student athletes and 1,000 highly-trained volunteer coaches spread across over 90 teams statewide. From July through October, many trail systems across the state come alive with the energy of these teams, as student-athletes hone their skills, build endurance, and, most importantly, enjoy the thrill of biking with friends.

The mountain biking community feels a sense of responsibility for the trail systems it uses. The NICA Teen Trail Corps (TTC) program cultivates community and fosters the next generation of trail stewards and advocates. As NICA leagues across the country continue to grow, NICA teams become

highly visible advocates for responsible trail use and caretakers of the environments they cherish.

Under the leadership of Mike Seiler, Wisconsin’s TTC Coordinator, Wisconsin NICA teams have a unique opportunity to showcase their commitment to trails and establish a positive reputation within the local trail community. Beyond fostering community relationships, Teen Trail Corps opens doors to land steward partnerships, creating a pathway for collaboration with land managers to identify new locations for team practice and potential event venues.

Since 2013, Mike Seiler’s involvement as a coach and parent has driven him to share the extraordinary riding opportunities available to Wisconsin’s youth. Regular engagements with fellow enthusiasts at trailheads have become second nature, ensuring that families with young riders are aware of the WI NICA teams in their communities.

Seiler’s conversations play a pivotal role in dispelling the notion that trails magically appear overnight. Instead, he emphasizes that trails are crafted and maintained by individuals dedicated to nurturing the sport of mountain biking, while

Photos Courtesy of Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League

preserving the beauty and integrity of the land they traverse. Surprisingly, a considerable number of Wisconsinites remain unaware of the extensive network of singletrack spanning across state, municipal, and private lands. TrailForks, a comprehensive trail database, identifies a staggering 225 riding areas and 25 skill parks distributed across 3,436 trails in Wisconsin. Further, the Rails to Trails Conservancy highlights 101 rail trails in the state, collectively covering an impressive distance of over 1,000 miles. The remarkable fact is that the mountain biking (MTB) community and the abundance of trails in Wisconsin appear to be an accidental secret, leaving many yet to discover these hidden gems.

The Teen Trail Corps initiative by NICA is spearheading the integration of trails, advocacy, and the rider community into the mainstream. The exemplary 2023 season showcased the remarkable capabilities of TTC and the WI League, emphasizing their focus on advocacy, education, training, and volunteerism.

In a collaborative effort, the League partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local stewards to co-sponsor a Trail Care Course. Led by Joey Klein, with the support of Mike Repyak from IMBA Trail Solutions, this course drew participation from twelve trail stewards across the state. The comprehensive training delved into trail planning and remediation techniques, empowering attendees with valuable insights. Notably, participants received a copy of the IMBA Trail Solutions Guide, equipping them with knowledge to enhance their local trail communities. The in-

tention was to inspire and empower these trail stewards to contribute to the growth and improvement of trails in their respective areas, thereby fostering a positive impact on the broader mountain biking community.

The 2023 season marked a historic milestone with the NICA community in our state, as student-athletes and coaches achieved 4,596 trail volunteer hours, the highest ever in Wisconsin. Wisconsin League’s dedication and efforts stood out, securing the first position among the nation’s other NICA leagues for volunteer work on state park lands, amassing an impressive 826 volunteer hours in the parks alone. Furthermore, Wisconsin earned a place in the top 10 for the total number of workdays attended by volunteers, underscoring the commitment and collective impact of the state’s NICA volunteers. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the passion within the Wisconsin mountain biking community but also showcases the state’s leadership in fostering a culture of volunteerism and community engagement.

Also in 2023, Seiler secured a grant from the American Trails “Trails Capacity Program” through the Bronco Wild Foundation. Collaborating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Southern Kettles Off-Road Riders (SKORR), these funds were allocated to vital maintenance and emergency access projects at the Emma Carlin trails within the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest. Through this project, volunteers enhanced medical access routes and expanded trail accessibility.

The work of the Teen Trail Corps involves not only days spent

TTC Rock Stars, student-athletes who recorded most TTC hours in 2023, recognized on the podium at the State Championships

Root River Team clears a downed tree at Kegel-Alpha Trails

with shovels and tools in hand but also vocal advocacy efforts directed towards government officials. Coaches and student athletes actively participated in legislative letter-writing campaigns initiated by the Wisconsin Bike Fed. These campaigns aimed to impress upon representatives the critical importance of increased and targeted trail funding. The collective voice of the mountain biking community was channeled through these written appeals to advocate for the sustained development and maintenance of trails.

In a proactive approach, teams around the state attended town halls in their communities to advocate for trails. Some teams even added a unique touch by riding bikes to the meetings, hosting wholesome tailgating to create an exciting atmosphere while passionately sharing their love for mountain biking with community leaders.

Notably, teams along Milwaukee’s North Shore successfully persuaded their communities to approve the construction of additional trails at one of Milwaukee County’s few authentic mountain bike trail systems. This accomplishment reflects the teams’ dedication to expanding trail opportunities and underscores their influence in shaping local trail infrastructure. More than 1,200 volunteers within the Wisconsin NICA community have found immense satisfaction in mountain biking advocacy and support. Many become integral members of the stewardship network of supporters, as they moved from wondering if there was anything they could do to contemplating which of the many things they should tackle first. The list of opportunities keeps them inspired and eager to contribute their time and skills to the vibrant world of mountain biking.

NICA champions a robust initiative to instill trail stewardship in the next generations of mountain biking conservationists.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League extends beyond the joy of riding bikes. It champions a robust initiative to instill trail stewardship in the next generations of mountain biking conservationists. The Wisconsin League is committed to imparting knowledge and fostering an appreciation for our natural resources. Through this dedicated effort, the thousands of miles of trails cherished in Wisconsin are poised to endure for decades to come, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

FROM MONTANA TO WISCONSIN

MOUNTAIN BIKING FINDS A HOME IN MILWAUKEE AFTER 100 YEARS

STORY BY KENNETH COLE

PHOTOS BY KOREY HOPKINS

While mountain biking continues to grow in popularity, efforts at greater representation and inclusivity have been slow to take hold. Last summer, a small group of coaches, mountain bike advocates, and members of the Wisconsin Bike Fed Board joined over 100 riders of color from around the nation to celebrate the sport and send an affirming message that there's room for more folks on trails. Best of all, that there is interest and demand for more trail access in Wisconsin's urban settings, most notably Milwaukee.

“Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.”

These words by environmentalist and poet Gary Snyder resonate deeply with me and others who venture outdoors to hike trails, ride bikes through a forest, or simply lay back to look up through the trees.

Feeling at home in nature provides a sense of connection, purpose, and perspective that cannot be achieved online or engaged in a world of emojis, likes, or memes. For those not yet connected to nature, there remains an ever-present call just waiting to be heard. One that can ultimately lure thousands upon thousands to log off and connect by river, trail, or forest, to that inner sense of self that will make them feel right at home.

I’ve been blessed to experience this connection and fortunate to have nature be part of my spiritual home for decades. Despite my experience, and that of a handful of my friends and family, I

realize that many people of color like me are often not afforded this opportunity. More times than not, we are absent from the place that we can and should call home. Whether engaging in deep hikes in the wilderness, catching a sunrise on Lake Michigan, or marveling at the leaves as the seasons change, the energizing connection, calm, emotional wellness that emerges from our connection to nature eludes many of us.

There are a myriad of reasons for this, ranging from socio-economic, to the continuing legacy of red-lining, and the constraints placed on time and finances. But from my vantage point, as a middle-aged African American man who spends much of his free time outdoors, most recently on mountain bikes, is the enduring, and centuries-old narrative that keeps people of color from connecting to our home. It has been so pervasive that sometimes we also endorse it without objection, despite it being a narrative we did not write and one that betrays our history. These narratives are so common, they have become the stuff of jokes, yet nothing about it is funny.

We don’t swim. We don’t hike, bike, or thrive outdoors. All of these are false narratives written by others, but they still fuel our exclusion from a host of activities. The result of this untested narrative has compounding and detrimental physical and emotional impacts on individuals and our community over time.

The correct narratives, however, are those that we wrote and are continuing to write to this day. Many of these are based on heroic and groundbreaking accomplishments by people of color. Accomplishments done outside, in the face of challenges that many of us, regardless of race, cannot even begin to fathom. It is by looking back at our history at home in nature, we can begin a course correction that will inspire us to realize where our true passions may lie, ultimately recognizing that it may be outdoors in the woods, wading in a stream, or like me, riding a mountain bike.

Currently, however, there is a woefully inadequate level of representation in mountain biking in Wisconsin. Data provided by the National Interscholastic Cycling Association reveals that a mere 0.81% of its athletes identified as African-American, while African-American coaches in the sport have even less representation at 0.23%. America’s largest mountain bike series, the Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS) yields similarly low representation often consisting of only one African-American rider out of 700 to 1,000 participants.

It is by looking back at our history at home in nature, we can begin a course correction that will inspire us to realize where our true passions may lie, ultimately recognizing that it may be outdoors in the woods, wading in a stream, or like me, riding a mountain bike.”

But this needn’t be the case. Mountain biking is nothing new to people of color. Proof of this is clearly illustrated by the fact that the first mountain bikers in America were African-American. Nearly 100 years before the “birth” of mountain biking in Marin County in the late 1970s, the Buffalo Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps rode 1,900 miles from Fort Missoula, Montana to St. Louis, Missouri.

Their journey began in 1897. This all African-American group of soldiers rode over hills, up mountains, through streams and across valleys, sometimes logging 50 miles a day. In the absence of paved roads and often without trails, much of the

journey resulted in them carrying their bikes to the next passage that was rideable.

The scale of their accomplishments, at the time, made national news. Sadly, it remains relatively unknown to the vast majority of Americans and even to most people of color. Their journey is part of our narrative and one that must be told. A narrative that reminds people of color that we have been there before and that we are not alone in our love of nature, but rather the next in a long line of people of color who call nature their home.

And when this happens, we’ll be continuing along the trail put forth by the Buffalo Soldiers, as well as Major Taylor, an African-American world cycling champion in 1899, and Kittie Knox, an African American cyclist in the late 1800s who helped to desegregate the sport.

Thankfully, some groups are seeing the need to address the lack of inclusivity in the sport of mountain biking in Wisconsin. Groups like NICA, the Wisconsin Bike Fed, and local companies like Wheel and Sprocket and Trek have programming focused on inclusivity. But even with their efforts, it is clear that much more work needs to be done.

The paucity of participation has been so profound that it served as inspiration for a group of local mountain bike enthusiasts to connect with other cycling advocates and leaders from across the nation to show Milwaukee, and in many ways the nation, that not only do people of color mountain bike, but we also enjoy the outdoors and that we are ready to call it our home once again.

In 2023, the result of these efforts culminated in mountain bikers from across the country traveling to Wisconsin to bring awareness of the potential benefits of getting more people of color on bikes. Interwoven through this goal, however, was the central purpose and mission of making Milwaukee County the Midwest’s center for urban mountain biking by building trails that connect some of Milwaukee’s most vibrant communities to an opportunity to get more people on bikes. This mission resulted in an amazing event in July that far exceeded expectations.

MINORITY MOUNTAIN BIKERS WEEKEND

of nature and mountain biking, but also seeing in each other a recognition that they were no longer “an only” but rather for the first time, one of many.

In late July of 2023, nearly 100 riders from 12 states came to Waterloo, Wisconsin to ride mountain bikes together at Trek headquarters. Black, brown, Asian, Filipino, (and countless other) mountain bikers endured switchback climbs, downhill flowy sections, tired legs, and many miles ridden. These bikers from across the country began this journey as strangers, but quickly became friends as the days passed and miles ridden accumulated. Each individual connected through the confluence

One of many, riding trails 30 deep with hoots, hollers, and high fives intermittently sprinkled throughout the day. One of many, sitting down over dinner sharing stories of their journeys as a rider of color, but also the thousands of miles ridden over obstacles both literal, social, and psychological.

One of many who rode with over 40 BIPOC students from Milwaukee along miles of the John Muir Trail. And most of all, one of many now part of the continuing journey that began over

100 years ago from Missoula to Missouri by the Buffalo Soldiers.

And as one of many, I felt a sense of gratitude and affirmation because for once, I was lost in the crowd. No longer standing out, but blending in, and deeply integrated into a community that understands the journey we all are on.

Yes, our journey continues without any let-up or hesitation. We have gotten this far as a result of our local, and yes, national community of advocates who are relentless in their vision and mission. All of whom worked together to create four magical days in July that corrected the narrative of what we can do and where our passions lie. Most telling of all is the fact that we now understand in no uncertain terms that if we can have people drive from Colorado, or fly out from DC or Los Angeles to come home to nature, then we also can make it easy for a kid in Milwaukee, a family, or someone curious about mountain biking to simply ride a bike to a trail in the heart of our city. Quite simply, every piece is in place for Milwaukee to welcome its residents back home to nature. The land is available, there is interest, and most of all there is the narrative of our own choosing that we are writing. It includes getting more of us outside on bikes or even outside for a walk, engaging and connecting with one another.

Yes, our journey continues without any let-up or hesitation. We have gotten this far as a result of our local, and yes, national community of advocates who are relentless in their vision and mission.”

Milwaukee will become the Midwest’s center for urban mountain biking. Once those trails are built in our city, those responsible and those who will walk and ride along these trails must be sure not to view this as “a first.” They must recognize with humility and pride that these trails are merely a continuation of a centuries-old journey. These trails will represent the next leg of a journey that the Buffalo Soldiers, Major Taylor, and Kittie Knox started for us many years ago.

This time the trails won’t lead us from Montana to Missouri, but rather take us one step closer to improved health and wellness with much greater connections to one another. Best of all, it’ll be at our home, in nature, which is thankfully in our own backyard.

WISCONSIN

INAUGURAL COON FORK 40 at the

by Josh Rizzo, thenxrth.com

Photo by Mike Lundebrek

Towering pines, scattered Wisconsin waterways, and 275 new gravel friends make up an awesome way to kiss summer riding goodbye. A mass rollout from a hidden waterfall bridge isn’t a bad way to give a big ol’ hello to the onset of the fall gravel season either!

Late last summer, a patchwork group of cyclists and volunteers collaborated just outside Eau Claire, WI in the small town of Augusta on a new kind of gravel event. The vision? Get more kinds of people out sharing in some Northwoods adventure – on whatever bikes they have kicking around the garage.

And this being Wisconsin, lake life took the spotlight on center stage because – let’s be honest – it’s hard to have a bad day at the lake.

DREAMING OF GRAVEL DAYS AT THE LAKE

Nick Meyer, a longtime community event creator in Eau Claire, and member of the board of directors of the four-county trails group CORBA (Community for Outdoor Recreation, Biking and Adventure), came up with the vision for a beach-to-beach adventure with twin lake parties at the halfway hang and at the finish line alongside the beloved Coon Fork Lake County Park and Campground. He immediately reached out to me, and my website TheNxrth.com, to collaborate on the idea. Questions quickly followed. Are beach parties cool to gravel bikers? Is 40 miles long enough for century-hungry endurance racers? But wait…is 40 miles too long if we’re trying to make this accessible to everyone?

A flurry of emails and texts were exchanged. The name of the event was agonized over. Lines were drawn on maps. Scouting rides were planned.

THE COON FORK 40 IDEA IS BORN ON PINE-Y SHORES

When I saw the Coon Fork 40 routes, logo, website, and concept come together on the yet-to-be-public domain, I begged Nick to let me start teasing the race on TheNxrth.com right away. But this wasn’t Nick’s first rodeo, so he settled me down and the official registration announcement was planned.

After some final tweaks to the plan, we tossed the hail Mary into the world wide web, crossed our flannel fingers, and prayed to lumberjack gods of gravel. After the first week or two of collecting registrations, BikeReg.com (the registration platform we used) gave us the news. Their highly sophisticated algorithm crunched our registration trend and compared it to thousands of other races. It concluded that we had a promising hope of generating a grand total of 34 registrants for our inaugural event.

THE WIND TURNING IN OUR FAVOR

After spending the summer spreading the word, approaching the big day we were treated to a big spike in registrants and we knew it was game on. Clearing 250 racers quickly made things serious, meaning all hands on deck. Thankfully CORBA has a long history of rich volunteer support and an army of people came out to help make it happen from placing signs to cooking food, directing parking, registering riders, and picking up trash. Not only did we get lucky with a big crowd of people who believed in what we were doing and wanted to give it a chance, but the weather was also turning into a perfect day for riding. Cool

weather, light breeze, mixed sun and clouds, and ultimately 275 new biking friends – from all over Wisconsin, well into Minnesota, and even from Chicago and northern Illinois – made the day feel like a real treat.

FROM THE HIDDEN WATERFALL BRIDGE TO THE HALFWAY HANG

The Coon Fork 40 had three distances of 28, 45, and 88 miles with staggered start times perfectly planned to all meet up at similar times at the Halfway Hang. All three races departed from the hidden waterfall bridge, an old largely forgotten wooden and rusty steel bridge that passes right next to the dam on Coon Fork Creek which creates Coon Fork Lake.

From there, a grassy path shoots you off onto Horse Creek Road which is the first of many winding gravel roads and ATV paths snaking through towering pines, bridge crossings, and log piles.

Seeing as this was dreamed up as more of a community adventure than a race, this seemed like the perfect way to slow down and meet new people. Or even sprint ahead for a quick hello to a friend you spotted who was doing a different distance but whose route overlapped your route.

The Halfway Hang was a total delight seeing dozens and dozens of bikes of all kinds scattered along the shore of the lake with everyone stopping to share mid-race stories, grab some Embark Maple or cold press, and just chill out by the lake before sinking into the second half of the race. I probably spent too much time here but it was just so much fun getting excited to see friends roll in and hear about their day on the bike so far since all 3 routes had the same halfway point.

ENDING WITH BEER & BRATS AT THE FINISH LINE BEACH PARTY

Like I said, it’s hard to have a bad day at the lake. Nick, along with his co-planner Jon Olstadt at CORBA, know how to throw a postcard event experience, and they and the rest of the organization did such an amazing job putting on the event itself. But then on top of that, after the ride there was a giant brat and burger party at the lake with tents, music, beanbags, and of course the beach… *chef’s kiss.* If we didn’t have to get back to relieve the babysitter, my wife and I could have spent all afternoon here.

What a thrill to take the risk on a new kind of gravel adventure and be met with such a diverse community and warm spirits to share the day. Everyone has their favorite backyard routes, home turf, and loops that feel like home. Though our Eau Claire gravel is a 40-minute drive from town, these feel like our backyard routes. And on this day, it was a blessing to share them with such a fun group, and we can’t wait to do it again.

SAVE THE DATE

FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL COON FORK 40

Coon Fork is ready to welcome everyone back for 2024 and we hope you’ll save the date, Aug 24 with us. We can’t guarantee you won’t get lost or that the never-ending question of the perfect tire pressure will be properly answered, but we’ll save you a brat. And if the winter doesn’t come early, we’ll have another nice beach party.

Learn more and see a short video recap of the event at: CoonForkGravel.com

Cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts will soon have another reason to visit La Crosse, Wisconsin: a brand-new outdoor wonderland and shared-use trail system. The project is the brainchild of Jed Olson, Executive Director of La Crosse’s Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA Trails). The ORA Community Trail Farm will encompass 15 miles of trails on 277 acres of beautiful bluffland.

The site of the planned trail farm is conveniently located along Highway 33, just one mile east of La Crosse in the town of Shelby, mere minutes from La Crosse’s downtown. For community members, the group wanted to provide access to “trails in your backyard”—easy access to nature

without getting in a car. For visitors, the site’s proximity to hotels, campsites, restaurants, and other La Crosse attractions make for an enticing weekend (or week-long!) getaway.

BIKE, UNINTERRUPTED

The project has exciting implications for the region’s existing trail system. A patchwork of over 100 miles of mixed-use trails currently affords users plenty of places to ride, walk, run, or ski, but rugged topography, existing infrastructure, and private properties impose divides between those trails. The ORA Community Trail Farm is uniquely situated to bridge several gaps, allowing users to travel uninterrupted from Holmen (north of La Crosse) to Goose Island (just south of La Crosse).

ORA Community Trail Farm

A new trail system will link the La Crosse region’s already expansive trails, connecting people to nature—and one another.

Story by Sarah Arendt-Beyer

Photos by First Expressions Photography

EQUITABLE ACCESS

Accessibility is at the heart of this grand vision. Not only through proximity to existing neighborhoods but also by making the trail farm accessible to people of all abilities. A place to stroll with your eighty-year-old mother—or to watch your two-year-old zip gleefully around on his balance bike. Somewhere that will challenge experienced riders, while welcoming those new to silent sports.

Flat or very low-grade portions of the trails will wind through old farm fields at the base of the property. Some will be paved, making them wheelchair accessible. Those trails will give way to more challenging routes (500 feet of elevation), up La Crosse’s renowned bluffs, and down into its coulees, offering

a fast and fun descent for mountain bikers. Fun fact: the site was home to La Crosse’s first ski hill, the Sno Bowl, and the original chalet’s chimney still stands, nestled alongside a trail.

FROM BIKES TO BIRDS

The group also expects the site to attract folks with varied interests. Anglers will appreciate the clear, trout-filled waters of the Class A trout stream—Pammel Creek—that meanders through the lower half of the property. History buffs will enjoy imagining Native Peoples and settlers moving along ancient trade routes (Highway 33 was originally a footpath and later a wagon trail into La Crosse). Birdwatchers will catch glimpses of birds of all types, from bluebirds to eagles. An old rock quarry—used for farmstead foundations a hundred

years ago—will create a perfect space for outdoor presentations and entertainment. A cleared field, once the home of grazing dairy cows, will invite picnickers and food trucks. Local educators can use the space to teach lessons on community history, local flora and fauna, ecology, and conservation.

Beyond the ORA Community Trail Farm, cyclists will also find much to explore in the rest of La Crosse, thanks to its Silver-Level designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community. In addition to its incredible trail system, the city boasts miles of designated bike lanes, sharrow-marked bikeways, and plenty of bike-friendly businesses. Need a tune-up, repair, or to replace a forgotten piece of gear? Any number of friendly neighborhood bike shops will be happy to help.

NEAR AND FAR

The group anticipates the ORA Community Trail Farm to be a boon for tourism and recruitment. Silent sports continue to enjoy explosive growth, and places like La Crosse, with expansive natural resources, draw visitors from nearby metro areas like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Milwaukee—and even nationwide.

“We know people are traveling to find experiences,” says Randi Pueschner, Wisconsin Bike Fed board member and owner of the La Crosse bike shop Smith’s Bikes. “But those experiences don’t have to be things like concerts. Travelers are looking for unique outdoor experiences.” Pueschner also serves as President of the ORA Trails board of directors. “Being able to bring the vision for the ORA Community Trail Farm to fruition is a dream come true,” she says. “We hope this project can become a model for other communities.”

ABOUT ORA TRAILS

GET OUTSIDE + THRIVE

While the ORA Community Trail Farm isn’t yet open to the public, visitors can still enjoy a plethora of other trail experiences in La Crosse and the surrounding areas, including:

La Crosse River State Trail

21 miles

Lower Hixon Forest Trails

13 miles

Upper Hixon Trail System

10 miles - With a dirt pump track and three downhill gravity trails

Gateway Trails (New!)

6 miles

Myrick Park Marsh Trails

5 miles

Chad Erickson Park

1 mile

Bud Hendrickson Trail

1 mile

Great River State Trail

24.5 miles

400 Wisconsin State Trail

22 miles

Road cyclists will also appreciate the area’s many country highways, especially along the Great River Road, which has stunning Mississippi River views.

Riders can even connect with our neighbors to the east by crossing the Mississippi River into Minnesota on the Wagon Wheel Trail to La Crescent or the Flyway Trail to Winona.

LET’S CONNECT

Visit oratrails.org to stay up-to-date on the ORA Community Trail Farm project, see updates about trail conditions in La Crosse, learn about special events, and find out how to get involved.

The Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA Trails), a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has completed some very cool projects in La Crosse with the goal of building happy, healthy, and resilient communities by providing access to equitable and sustainable outdoor recreation experiences. The group builds and maintains local trails, bike playgrounds, and, most recently, a wheelchair-accessible treehouse. They publish regular trail condition updates (leaving tracks? turn back) to help maintain trail quality, and they involve the public in their mission by providing regular volunteer opportunities and events like candlelit

Wisconsin's Destination MTB Trails Wisconsin's Destination MTB Trails

Wisconsin mountain bike enthusiasts were early leaders in the construction of mountain bike trails. By the mid-1990s, the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) had one of the biggest networks of mountain bike trails in the country. The MTB trail systems in the Southern and Northern Kettle Moraine Forest attracted thousands of riders from the Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago areas. The Wisconsin Off Road Bicycle Association (WORBA) helped organize chapters in communities across the state that built local trails which helped grow the Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS) into the largest MTB race series in the country.

The popularity of the sport spread, and trail building technology advanced across the Midwest. Recently, Wisconsin has seen a burst of exciting new projects thanks to several local MTB advocates. The rapid growth in middle and high school mountain biking has a big part to play in that thanks to the efforts of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League, our state NICA chapter.

To keep up, many Wisconsin local trail organizations are building progressive flowy trails designed to be fun for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. These efforts include the new Trek Trails Powered by OTM at Telemark in Cable, WI; Rib Mountain in Wausau; and the Trail Farm in La Crosse. We reached out to a handful of advocates and experts with ties to these exciting new trail projects to understand the current state of mountain biking in Wisconsin.

Updates on Specific Trail Projects:

TRAIL/REGION

Telemark, Cable

Joe Vadebonceour, Telemark Mountain project manager for the ABSF:

What are the trail plans for Telemark?

The purpose-built, modern trails being built at Telemark will make the area the most complete riding destination in the upper Midwest. If you are an XC rider, you will love the CAMBA trails. If you are a gravity or enduro rider, Telemark will offer green-level flow trails, jump trails, and black tech trails that will challenge you at the highest level. Whether you use an analog bike or an eMTB, we have you covered. There are approximately 10 miles of specific trails at Telemark (check online for details and maps).

What is planned for the future?

In 2024, the plan is to build a combination of green and blue DH trails on the front side of the mountain and 2 enduro trails on the back side of the mountain. In 2025, the plan is to build the phase 4 trails with more black and even a double black for the front side of the mountain. We also plan to fully develop various hubs around the mountain to make awesome collection spots or ride start spots. This will complete the

original plan for the mountain trails. After 2025, we will take on what we have been calling phase 5 which includes pump tracks, a family-friendly loop, and perhaps a slopestyle skills type area.

Aaron Rogers, President and Owner of Rock Solid Trail Contracting:

How will the terrain impact the style of trail built at Telemark?

For every trail system, we try to capitalize on the uniqueness of the terrain and materials available. With the deposits of

clay available at Telemark, we were able to make some beautifully sculpted trails. The showcase here is going to be fast flowy trails with big berms and jumps.

Why is the Telemark project important to you?

I grew up just south of Hayward. We regularly visited family friends in the Cable and Telemark area. I started mountain biking the Rock Lake trails at age 12 and raced and competed in WORS races through high school. When I was 16, I started working at the New Moon Bike/Ski shop and spent significant time in the community. The lodge was still in operation, so I learned the history of Telemark even though the ski hill had been closed for some time.

I moved to Copper Harbor, MI and became established as a trailbuilder. The trails I built in the Upper Peninsula were extremely popular, and I was being recruited for designing systems around the region. Telemark was for sale with interested investors. In 2009, I had the opportunity to re-envision the mountain as a biking destination. After many attempts, there were finally serious plans and resources to move the project forward. I was already invested in the project and had a connection to the area. I wanted to be involved to ensure it would be successful.

TRAIL/REGION

ORA Trails, La Crosse

Jed Olson, Executive Director of the Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA Trails):

What are the plans for the ORA Trail Farm?

Our focus is to welcome everyone into natural spaces and provide a perfect “jumping off” point for the rest of our trail sys-

tem. It will give die-hard enthusiasts the opportunity to lose themselves on full-day epic adventures and make La Crosse a convenient base camp for a multi-day outdoor vacation. The course will offer many opportunities to carve, pump, and jam through over 500’ of gravity-fueled descent on our property, then rinse and repeat. It will be a place where recreation, education, and conservation converge, and there will be plenty of hooting and hollering.

What is the timeline and the vision?

At the moment our motto is “Dream it, Secure it, Build it, Live it.” We’ve been dreaming for years. We secured the property in 2023 and planned development. During 2024 we will be building so that by 2025 it will feel like a park.

This space will engage a wider audience of users and a demonstration of the economic impact of outdoor recreation and conservation. Education and empowerment will be important cornerstones of this project that will benefit the entire region. (For more information, check out the article on the ORA Trail Farm in this Ride Guide.)

TRAIL/ REGION

Timberland Hills Trail, Cumberland

Tracy Paradise: CEO and Founder of One Track Mind Foundation (OTM), a major donor for the trails in Cable at Telemark and Timberland Hills by Cumberland:

What are the trail plans for Timberland Hills Trail?

The partnership between OTM and Timberland Hills Trail will bring at least 25 miles of progression-oriented single-track trails to Timberland Hills. This naturally-rolling,

2,300-acre forest sits at the intersection of Burnett, Barron, and Washburn counties in western Wisconsin.

This amazing trail will perfectly complement other existing trails in the area. More than a local jewel for regional riders— it will be a quality single-track mountain bike trail destination and a true trailblazing experience.

How does OTM ensure the projects they fund will last?

OTM doesn’t just provide grants; we are a part of the entire process. We walk every trail and work with land managers on designs, bids, builds, and bringing the entire project across the finish line.

We engage Conservation Corps in our projects for maintenance. Youth programs driven by the Conservation Corps are the core of our grant process. Maintaining trails provides opportunities to feel a sense of accomplishment, see the benefits of hard work, build the skills to be leaders, and experience the power of teamwork. We engage youth in nature, establish work ethics, and inspire development and growth through paid programs.

We also encourage the builders we work with to add maintenance into their contracts to have them return in 3 years. Maintenance needs to be ongoing, especially since the designs and builds of trails are only going to get more and more complex.

REGION/TRAIL

Rib Mountain, Wausau

Mike Repyak, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Director of IMBA Trail Solutions Planning and Design:

What are the trail plans for Rib Mountain and how will it impact the area?

We are currently working on the trail design. The Master Plan includes up to 24 miles of bike-optimized trails to be developed, including approximately 6 miles of lift-served gravity trails with dirt sculpted features. Rib Mountain has a rocky landscape, so we will incorporate rock armoring and rockbased features into the design as much as possible to reduce some future maintenance.

The bike-optimized and shared-use trail development at Rib Mountain State Park will have local and statewide benefits. Locally, the new trails will be an amenity to adjacent neighborhoods, increasing access to a state park, adding mountain bike opportunities around Wausau (including trails that offer a 600-foot elevation change), and providing the economic opportunities that come with expanded outdoor recreation options. Statewide, regionally, and possibly nationally, adding high-quality trail experiences at Rib Mountain will make Wausau a stand-out multi-day destination.

The State of Mountain Biking in Wisconsin

Mike Repyak, IMBA Trail, Director of IMBA Trail Solutions Planning and Design:

What are your thoughts on trail maintenance?

Maintenance work needs to be considered at the planning and design phases of every project. This will ensure we develop trails that can be reasonably maintained by the land manager and supporting organizations. Trail systems through the area have had success with different maintenance models. Urban bike parks and trail networks often now have full- and parttime staff performing day-to-day maintenance, with volunteers supporting regularly scheduled workdays.

Do we need a new WORBA and what are the benefits of having state/large regional mountain bike organizations?

I think we need a new statewide organization or at a minimum a statewide conduit for conversations. An organized voice from the mountain bike community would have more ability to access funding for trail development and maintenance than uncoordinated efforts.

New projects, new trail users, increased need for maintenance

Overall, projects across the state are renewing excitement about Wisconsin mountain biking. Two messages we heard from several of the people we interviewed: first, the new community of trail users is growing and diversifying and is also more family-oriented. Second, we need to maintain our existing trails and plan for maintaining new trails being built. Let’s keep the trails usable and exciting, keep them a draw for bikers around the region, and keep Wisconsin a leader in this sport.

Josh Blüm, Planner/Designer for Rock Solid Contracting and owner of the Trail EAffect Podcast:

How would you describe the state of mountain biking in Wisconsin today?

I believe people are starting to examine our state-level policies for allowed recreational uses, and they are starting to include mountain biking into the conversation.

What are some best practices for trail maintenance?

In general, it seems that our society does not embrace maintaining things the same way we embrace new things. One of the easiest forms of trail maintenance is vegetation control to keep trails open, visible, and user friendly. In addition, water is a huge factor for trail maintenance. Modern trail building standards and practices take water and drainage into account. Often, trail maintenance falls on the backs of local volunteers. This worked for a while, but as more miles of trails are built, we need more creative solutions for maintaining them. Eventually this might require the annual operating budget for trail systems (if there is an operating budget at all) to include some form of paid staff for maintenance. Ultimately, it will take a shift in societal mindset to prioritize maintenance over building new trails, especially in areas that already have a significant amount of trail to offer the users.

Bike Fed Advocacy Helps Advance Priority Projects

By Collin Mead in

Bike Fed is an important advocate for infrastructure projects that benefit cyclists and pedestrians throughout Wisconsin. In 2023, our priority projects focused on Connectors & Connections - projects that connect our statewide cycling network, and people at the advocacy, government and business levels who help to advance our collective goals for Wisconsin cycling. Thanks in part to the efforts of the Bike Fed and project collaborators, five identified priority infrastructure projects received funding to move forward:

East Troy Multi-Use Connector Trail

Walworth County

Mound View Park Connector Grant County

Stewart Tunnel Green County

Wisconsin Recreational River Bridge Sauk & Dane Counties

Wisconsin River Trail Grant County

Perhaps the most notable priority project investment was secured for the Wisconsin Recreational River Bridge, which will connect hundreds of miles of trails via the Great Sauk State Trail and Walking Iron Trail in Sauk and Dane counties. This

Krueger

project required a true team effort across the board. With an estimated cost for the bridge exceeding $10 million, multiple counties and stakeholders had to commit financially to make this project a reality. Sauk and Dane counties each approved a $2 million commitment towards the bridge cost in their annual budgets, an additional $2 million was earmarked by US Congressman Mark Pocan, and the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs committed $1 million. A Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant received in 2023 covered the remaining funding needed.

This project, however, could not have been possible without one man who had the drive, ambition, and vision to introduce and motivate the right people and bring all of the pieces together: Sauk County Supervisor Marty Krueger. I have been fortunate enough to work with Marty as a part of the HUGE project team for the Wisconsin Recreational River Bridge. Following Sauk County’s reception of the TAP grant, I sat down with Marty and asked him a few questions.

Conversation with Sauk County Supervisor Marty

Photos and Rendering Provided by Friends of the Great Sauk State Trail

Marty Krueger

The Wisconsin Recreational River Bridge project is one of the most expensive trail projects in recent years. What was key to getting all of the partners financially committed?

The key element was continuing the process established for Segment 1 and Segment 2 of the Great Sauk State Trail. Before those segments existed, everyone thought that completing them would be impossible. For the bridge, I drew up a list of stakeholders, both public and private, who needed to be involved when we were starting to get serious about the Wisconsin Recreational River Bridge.

Was there any stakeholder(s) you felt was most crucial to get on board for this project? Why or why not?

We have had several of the same stakeholders carry over from one project to another in the Sauk County area and I can honestly say I have never seen a more collaborative effort between Dane and Sauk counties. The idea of building a bridge in this corridor had been kicked around a long time. I broached the subject with Dane County, and they decided to become 50% funding partners beginning with the feasibility study. Then, as the project began to progress, Dane County continued to be a 50% funding partner every step of the way.

This project has been a long time coming, but I know that you have been there since the beginning. When did the story of getting this bridge built begin?

The story starts in 2014, after the state purchased the rail line running between Madison and Reedsburg. The purchase gave us the opportunity to consider trails between the villages of

Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. The Great Sauk Trail Commission was formed with the local government partners.

We envisioned 3 segments: a trail between the two villages; the bridge; and a connection to the Badger State Trail. As we were getting ready to proceed with segment 1, the DNR let us know they were willing to extend the development agreement for a trail connecting the Badger State Trail to the Sauk County/Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area, and we leapt at the opportunity.

By October 2018, 2 segments of the trail were open, and we could start planning the bridge. During the development of segment 1 and segment 2, I began working with the Gateway to the Driftless folks over in Mazomanie, Black Earth, and Cross Plains. I learned that these communities had the same passion for a trail system that would foster economic, recreational, and community development as the communities of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. Gaining that perspective was very eye-opening for me.

I’m glad you brought up the economic development piece of this project. Although trail lovers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts of all kinds understand the recreational and fitness benefits of this type of project, other folks want to know how this project will benefit all members of the community, not just those who use trails.

I think that in Sauk County the main focus of the project has been economic development. Not only would tourism and local businesses benefit economically, but we also thought it would have a positive impact on workforce attraction, work-

force retention, and quality of life.

When we first formed the Great Sauk Trail Commission, we created a vision statement. The vision was to develop a WORLD CLASS recreational trail for the citizens of Sauk County. We didn’t pick “World Class” as a hackneyed, overused adjective that would ‘flower up’ a vision. We thought that if you started folks along the Wisconsin River where the eagle habitats were, then took them through the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area to Devil’s Lake, then weave them through the countryside eventually linking up with the 400 state trail and Elroy-Sparta state trail (still one of the top recreational trails in the nation) there was little doubt that this trail could be ‘world class.’ I’ve yet to hear from one user of this trail who has been disappointed. I think that as we expand the project, the phrase ‘world class’ will continue to describe the trail.

You shared the backstory of the project and all of the factors that you needed to keep in mind (the numerous stakeholders including two counties, the eagle habitats, the Wisconsin River ecosystem, etc.). What advice would you give to someone, or a group of people, who have a similar vision to create a ‘world class’ recreational trail like you have done here in Sauk County?

First of all, we involved the public. This is the public’s trail. The public told us it needed to be 10 feet wide and paved; they told us who was going to use it. We’ve tried our best to bring the public along in this experience to ensure that it would be used.

I’ve told a number of people that getting this trail completed is the most difficult thing I’ve done in my entire life. Not because it cost $10 million, not because of all of the balls up in the air (stakeholders, involving the public, etc.), but making sure all of the balls in the air came down in the right order. People need to understand the process and how that works. You can’t just give up because your project or your vision takes a step backwards. There were multiple times during segment 1 where we took one step forward and two steps back. I even had what I call my “moment in badger” when I was ready to give up. A pier had moved where the bridge was supposed to be built on the Dane County side of the Wisconsin River. The pier moved 5 feet in the water and got caught in the steel decking of the old bridge. The railroad company didn’t want to take responsibility. The rail commission and [Wisconsin] Department of Transportation said “we don’t have any money [to move the pier]”. I feared that all of segment 1 was dead and wasn’t sure if the project would continue. Then I went to meet with a representative with the Ho-Chunk nation on a September afternoon. I saw the sun setting over a prairie, and I said, “you know what,

this is just too good to not do [complete the trail]. We’re gonna get this done.” So I put together a solution for Dane County to have the old bridge removed for a little over $1 million. A partnership formed between the rail commission, the railroad company, and Wisconsin Department of Transportation with each stakeholder contributing a third of the cost to remove the bridge. Now we are looking at replacing the old bridge with a brand new structure, and I think everyone will be proud of it.

Marty is just one shining example of a project lead around the state of Wisconsin who has the passion, drive, and vision to make projects like the Wisconsin Recreational River Bridge a reality.

In 2024, Bike Fed will continue working with project leads and stakeholders around the state, seeking new opportunities for priority projects, aiding communities, and ultimately working to help make these projects reality. To learn about this year’s priority projects, please visit our website and check out the Advocacy tab.

Route of the Badger: Slow, Steady, Purposeful

By Willie Karidis, Route of the Badger Project Manager at Rails to Trails Conservancy

The Route of the Badger (ROTB) network map was released in April 2019. As the project manager, I worked with Joe Delmagori, Senior Transportation Planner from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC), and representatives from all seven southeastern counties to finalize the map. The journey to completion was filled with challenges. We had to review all the trail planning documents we could find to get information about trail segments. Some segments needed to be reviewed and cleared with the trail planners and county/city officials in order to be included in the map.

Fortunately, we didn’t have to start from scratch. The initial ROTB map was based on the SEWRPC 2035 trail plan for the seven southeast counties of Wisconsin. Our baseline was set, but we needed to have conversations with the county planners to update the trail map. Segments would need to be added and removed to create an accurate map. It was a wonderful process; we brought people together to discuss our common interests in trails and soon everyone was collaborating, strategizing, and forming friendships.

The ROTB map released in 2023 includes over 26 more miles of existing trails than the 2019 map. Planned and existing trails total about 704.6 miles with over 15 miles funded.

Route of the Badger 2023 Map Totals

EXISTING TRAIL 326.3 miles

The ROTB map released in 2019 detailed over 700 miles of trails, divided into four categories:

Existing Trail 303.1 miles

· Planned Trail 285.8 miles

· Existing On-Street 48.8 miles

· Planned On-Street 62.6 miles

In November of 2023, new maps were released with updated totals. We wanted to demonstrate all of the hard work being done to acquire funding for and build trail connections, so the new map includes two new categories: Funded Trail and Funded On-Street. We found that this intermediate category more accurately reflects the current status of trail building in Southeast Wisconsin and builds momentum for future projects moving forward. In order to qualify for the Funded designation, the trail segment must have received one of the following federal grants: Transportation Alternatives Program, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement, Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods. In addition, Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has been a tremendous help in purchasing the 10.6 mile extension to the White River State Trail in Racine County.

23.2 miles more than 2019

FUNDED TRAIL 11.4 miles

PLANNED TRAIL 251.8 miles

34 miles less than 2019 as planned trails have been completed

EXISTING ON STREET 52 miles

3.2 miles more than 2019

FUNDED ON-STREET 4.13 miles

PLANNED ON-STREET 58.9 miles

3.7 miles less than 2019 as planned on-street routes have been completed

It takes time to build momentum and produce results for large infrastructure projects when budgets are tight and staff capacity is stretched. Thanks to the dedication and forward thinking of trail planners, nonprofit partners, community members, and government officials, ROTB network mileage is increasing and (as segments are completed) the planned mileage is decreasing. While all of us would like an infusion of cash to have the network be completed tomorrow (and yes, we are working to identify funding possibilities), the key is to keep moving forward and to never give up, slow, steady, purposeful.

2019 ROTB map release: Guy Smith, MKE County Parks Director, David Dupee, Good City Brewery Owner, Willie Karidis, and Joe Delmagori, SEWRPC Senior Transportation Planner.

Brightens Milwaukee with Over 2000 Participants

Story by Jake Newborn

Last December, 1,439 participants supported Bike Fed programs and advocacy goals by registering for the Milwaukee Santa Rampage. Well over 2,000 costumed riders participated and could be spotted everywhere in Milwaukee on December 2, making our hearts grow 3 sizes! Everyone must have been extra nice because the weather cooperated and helped a record number of riders take part in the fundraiser event.

We are thankful that so many of you make it a part of your holiday traditions. We spoke with many riders for whom this was their first or second year riding. They all had a blast and planned to bring more friends next year. The ride has even become a regional draw with Chicagoans crossing the “cheddar curtain” for some fun riding. We had participants from Iowa, Minnesota, and all across Illinois! There are always lessons learned and things to improve with any event this size, but the joy in your faces and the onlookers’ surprised and excited expressions makes the Santa Cycle Rampage one of our favorite events all year.

Bike Fed wants everyone to have a way to join this fun event. We tested a new shorter route option for families and anyone who can’t quite make it 12 miles. It was also a good option for those who might be nervous about biking in a group of thousands. We learned some good lessons and plan to bring that option back in 2024. We also wanted to include those who cannot pedal themselves. We partnered with Milwaukee Center for Independence and used a donated W.I.K.E. trailer to take Narkeez (one of their clients) along on the ride.

Thank you to volunteer Dustin who pedaled and to the MCFI staff who helped coordinate!

In addition to bringing joy and raising funds, the ride also helps promote Bike Fed and our cause by attracting local and national media exposure. If you have friends who rode, but didn’t register, kindly ask them to consider registering and supporting us! It takes lots of staff time and money to plan the ride, secure police support and permits, rent portable toilets (yes, we will rent more next year), buy swag (yes, we will have cool items next year), organize packet pick-up (yes, we have ideas to streamline for next year), and take care of so many other details that have helped this event become so popular.

Save the date for this year’s Milwaukee Santa Rampage, December 7, 2024! We are researching what it would take to get the ride into the Guinness Book of World Records. There are similar (albeit smaller) rampages led by locals in many areas including Eau Claire, Minneapolis, Appleton, Sheboygan, Kansas City, Boston, and even the South of England! If Milwaukee is a little too far, ask your local bike friends if there is a Santa ride in a town near you.

Photo by Zoe Finney

MADISON’S KID-CENTRIC SANTA RAMPAGE

Story by Gui Gregory

Santas on two wheels, festive friends on trikes, Rudolphs ridin’ cargo bikes – the Santa Cycle Rampage Madison 2023 was a wonderful sight for yule-tide eyes. Held on December 9, 2023 at Breese Stevens field, the holiday cheer was palpable amidst the sea of red polyester suits, tinseled wheel sets, and seasonally appropriate personal decorations (there are many ways to affix ornaments to a bike helmet). Trek Madison held the world’s slowest bike race on central field, where riders fought tooth and nail–or should we say hoof and antler–to stay upright at the finish line. Local bakeries and coffee shops donated plentiful goodies to keep bellies warm and full for the 5-mile ride, and with over 400 participants, the jovial spirit was palpable all around Madison. Community members came out to watch the jolly horde of Santas, sleighs, and seasonal cyclists roll about, stopping at the capital for a large group picture.

The Santa Cycle Rampage Madison started ten years ago with a small group of devoted and merry riders (some of whom have kept the tradition going annually). The Wisconsin Bike Fed took the ride over three years ago, and we’ve had a jolly good time ever since. Children were highly encouraged to join the fun this year, and community partners like Free Bikes for Kids Madison (now Bikes for Kids Wisconsin)”, MyArts, and Madison Children’s Museum came to participate. They were highly supportive, offering free bikes, activities, and space making for youth. Kid-centricity is at the forefront of the Madison Santa Cycle Rampage. We encourage youth and families to enjoy this educational fundraising initiative. Come out

and ride; enjoy the community building and have fun!

The Santa Rampage is special because it brings a community together to create a jolly and publicly accessible space with kids at the forefront. Youth transportation literacy is a massively important mission to us at the Wisconsin Bike Fed. The more spaces we as an organization can curate to get kids and their people on bikes throughout the year, the merrier and better! Mark your calendar for December 14, 2024 for the Madison Santa Rampage!

Photo by Beth Skogen

Photo by Zoe Finney

Bike Fed Organizational Memberships Make an Impact

Businesses, communities, bike shops, and advocacy/non-profit organizations have many ways to help make biking more convenient, safe, and accessible for all riders. Bike Fed membership is an easy and important way to make an impact.

The following member organizations have made a commitment to better biking in Wisconsin, as well as the bike shop and bike club members listed on pages 100 through 107. When you support our member organizations, you support Bike Fed.

Arthritis Foundation

Aspirus Clinics

BayCare Clinic, LLP

Bike Fitchburg

Bikes for Kids Wisconsin

Bivo

Chads Design Build

City of Menasha

City of West Allis

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Destination Door County

Downtown Madison Inc

Edgewater Inn & Cottages

Evergreen Credit Union

Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce

Fox Valley Memory Project

Greater Waupaca Area Trails and Parks

Green Lake Chamber of Commerce

Green Lake Greenways, Inc

Hupy and Abraham

idRIDER

IRONBULL

ISG

Janesville Morning Rotary

Lake Effect Human Resource and Law

Law Offices of Clayton Griessmeyer

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Lowlands Group

Mikkelson Builders

Moondeer & Friends Gallery

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Neighborhood House Community Center

Neillsville Improvement Corporation

Oneida County Hiking, Biking Trails Council

ORA Trails

Race Day Events, LLC

Reflaero Brands LLC

Respiratory Health Association

Score Realty Group

St Germain Silent Trails UA

Start Line Services

Stevens Point Area Co-op

Sugar & Flour Bakery Cafe

The Andy Nowak Foundation Inc

The Nurturing Nook

Village of Cottage Grove

Village of McFarland

Village of Whitefish Bay

Whitewater Tourism Council

WISCONSIN BIKE FED WORKS HARD TO MAKE BIKING AND WALKING IN OUR STATE BETTER FOR EVERYONE!

Wisconsin’s 2024 population is estimated at over 6,400,000 residents. Tens of thousands of those residents are Bike Fed members, social media followers, and/or email subscribers. Wisconsonites care about the safety and rights of those who bike and walk!

Membership in the Bike Fed results in more funding for biking infrastructure and trail projects, bicycle education for children and adults, and progress towards our mission to make every ride safe, fun, and convenient.

• Help support our programming.

• Fund a dedicated Bike Fed staff committed to moving biking forward in Wisconsin.

• Send the message to legislators, sponsors, and partners that the work we do is important.

• Receive benefits including reduced rates on Bike Fed events, discounts at participating retailers, and more.

Household memberships are also available for $80 and magnify the impact for cyclists around the state.

Story by Natalie Schad

Biking and walking got a whole lot safer for students in Madison in 2023. Last year, 471 students in Dane County participated in our Bike Driver’s Ed classes, clubs, and camps. Students learned how to be safe and independent cyclists through bike handling basics and exploring the bike friendly streets and paths in their communities.

The summer presented challenges with poor air quality and heat index advisory days, however, we stayed safe and made the most of these days at Lussier Community Education Center. On the first day of camp, 3 bikers practiced on balance bikes and quickly graduated to pedals. When we returned to Lussier for an event in the fall, the bikers who learned to ride at camp were excited to show off all of the practicing they had done.

We beat the heat in Sun Prairie making regular splash pad stops on our tour of Sun Prairie’s elementary schools. The network of multi-use paths and quiet streets helped us make it to almost every school in the district with our fourth through sixth grade camps. Our Juventuras at Centro Hispano practiced navigating Madison by bike and enjoyed dipping their feet in Lake Monona, Lake Mendota, Lake Waubesa, and Lake Wingra.

At Warner Park we practiced shifting gears to climb uphill and using the brakes to go back down. One instructor waited at the bottom of a very long hill while the other counted off the campers at the top. Upon making it to the bottom of the hill a camper exclaimed, “this is better than Disney World!” We couldn’t agree more.

As always it brings a smile to our faces to empower youth to ride farther than they thought they could, while being safe of course! We hope our campers and

students in Dane County will continue to take control of their transportation and choose biking and walking. Many thanks to Madison Metropolitan School District for hauling bike trailers around so that we could have fun biking with their scholars this summer.

Are you a pedestrian? Over 100 students at Hawthorne Elementary sure are! The Bike Fed’s Walking Wisdom curriculum is designed for grades K-3. Students learned key words: visible, predictable, hazard, and most importantly, pedestrian. Students practiced their pedestrian safety skills on neighborhood walks and learned about pedestrian infrastructure like crosswalks and rapid flashing beacons. We always stopped at the curb and looked left, right, left again and even behind us for traffic.

This year, Bike Fed’s Safe Routes to School staff is excited to continue walking and rolling with youth, working with our community partners and schools, and expanding our reach and programs. Please reach out if your school or community wants to get involved with our programs.

Photos by Peter DiAntoni

Expanding Biking Opportunities for Milwaukee Youth

Story by Michael Anderson

The youthful freedom of a summer spent exploring on a bicycle is becoming an increasingly uncommon experience for kids in the United States. Many factors are contributing to this decline including concerns for public safety, the attraction of screentime, and the built environment itself. Despite these issues, Milwaukee youth and the organizations and leaders working to encourage and improve youth mobility are showing much hope and excitement in the future of biking in Milwaukee. Last year over 2,000 youth participated in direct education programs in Milwaukee, ranging from walking safety programs, paint the pavement projects, urban planning initiatives, and of course bicycling! Several agencies worked together to make 2023 a standout year for these youth programs as they joined forces to break down many of the barriers to children’s right to explore by bike. When it comes to getting Milwaukee youth on bicycles, the Boys & Girls Clubs at Bethune Academy and Lincoln Avenue School were behind some of 2023’s most inspiring stories. These MPS sites have worked closely with Bike Fed, with both sites celebrating new traffic calming infrastructure thanks to the Milwaukee Department of Public Works. This year the coordination between agencies helped take programs at these sites to the next level.

Most of our students at Lincoln and Bethune participated in Summer Bike Camps in previous years, but in 2023 they had the chance to experience new types of cycling. As part of the Tour of America’s Dairyland, Andrew Rossa with Milwaukee Rec arranged buses to take the students to Bay View to participate in a series of bike workshops with Bike Fed, NICA, and Milwaukee Cyclocross. When they first stepped off the bus, students were hesitant since they didn’t know exactly what to expect of the day. After learning new skills, the campers all rode in the Bay View Criterion kids’

lap. After finishing their skills courses and feeling the adrenaline of being cheered-on in a closed street circuit, they returned beaming and excited for their upcoming Adventure Bike Camp with Bike Fed. Little did they know that would not be their only new biking opportunity for the year.

There is still a lot of work to do to truly break down the barriers so that young people can feel the freedom to roam their city safely on bikes.

Later in July (with transportation again provided by the Milwaukee Rec Department), the students had the chance to be part of the Minority Mountain Bikers Weekend (for more information see pages 34). Mountain biking was a totally new experience for all 40 of the students who participated. After their first lap on a mountain bike, most students understandably felt a little anxious. During their second lap feelings were mixed, but they were clearly getting the hang of it. We ate lunch and hit the trail one last time before the bus departed. It was this third lap that cemented a love of mountain biking universally across all of these students. Building on the skills they learned at the workshops during TOAD, our young bikers truly thrived and put in over 12 miles of mountain biking at John Muir Woods. These efforts will continue in 2024 with the goal of getting our scholars from Bethune Academy and Lincoln Avenue School onto mountain bike teams. There is still a lot of work to do to truly break down the barriers so that young people can feel the freedom to roam their city safely on bikes. The hopeful promise of projects such as the 30th Street Industrial Corridor rail with trail, efforts to expand urban mountain biking opportunities, and major developments in complete streets projects will drastically improve access for our young bikers. We look forward to seeing the days of youthful bike exploration return to all communities in Wisconsin.

Photo by Peter DiAntoni

MAINTAINING BIKES, EMPOWERING RIDERS

Bicycles empower people and give them freedom. When riders learn the skills to maintain their bikes, they gain more independence. Learning to maintain something as valuable as a bicycle also develops pride and confidence. Bike Fed’s Mobile Bike Repair brings these skills to people in cities across Wisconsin. From libraries to parks, we taught skills, helped people resurrect bikes buried deep in garages, and developed pride of ownership. 2023 was a busy year for us in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay.

Photo by Peter DiAntoni

This year, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Mobile Bike Repair program in Milwaukee! What started as a pilot project in one neighborhood has become a valued resource across much of the city, serving 8 core sites and 16 additional sites and hosting about 50 events. We retained one youth mechanic from previous summers and introduced two new mechanics, one of whom was an intern at the PEAK Initiative in Tiefenthaler Park. Training and employing youth to support the delivery of these services while giving them marketable skills for employment is a key tenet of our mission.

Some of the events and projects the repair team supported this year include: the Amani’s Active Streets block party (sponsored by the Dominican Center), a self-supported bikepacking trip with students from Escuela Verde (for more about this, check out Bike Packing Reflections on page 66), a student bike shop at Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School, and a science project with middle schoolers at Morgandale School. We also returned to support this year’s Southside Bike Day with the Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, the Promise Zone Ride with Northwest Side CDC, and service learning week at Escuela Verde.

Our work with the Milwaukee Public Library, which started small in 2019, has expanded to every operating branch except the Central Library downtown. Having the library system as an integral partner has expanded our outreach, informing their many thousands of patrons about the broader availability of our service throughout the summer. Several of those who visited us at one branch returned to visit us at another branch or a playground site, often bringing friends, neighbors, and family members who needed our services.

The recently redesigned Green Bay Avenue School Playfield and Columbia Playfield were two of the most active of our core playground and community center sites. Staffing issues and construction had rendered us unable to include these sites in our schedule in 2022, but it feels like we repaired two years’ worth of bikes at each of these playfields in 2023. Wet weather and poor air quality from the Canadian wildfires impacted the turnout at Mitchell and Burnham sites, but overall the need remains for services such as ours across the south side.

Despite all of the repairs we perform across Milwaukee each year, we return the following year to find hundreds of bikes still in need of repair and untold numbers more that may never get repaired. This speaks to the need to continue and grow our Mobile Bike Repair program, to seed other repair projects, and to continue training people to maintain and repair bikes.

Thanks again to all of our partners, supporters, and friends who have donated their time, supplies, and money to make this possible, especially: Fleckenstein Foundation, Milwaukee Public Library, Colliers MKE, Happy E-Bikes Milwaukee, Escuela Verde, Milwaukee Recreation, Neighborhood House, PEAK Initiative, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, Dreambikes, Vulture Space, Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors Youth Foundation Inc., and New Belgium Brewing Gives.

300+ bikes repaired 20+ schools, libraries, parks, & community centers visited

50 + days of repairs performed

Program Manager

Jake Newborn

Program Coordinator

Anthony Rafael Casagrande

Youth Mechanics

Bethani Bell

Jabari Freeman

Lamar Kelly

Youth look on as Bethani discusses repair assessments at Columbia Playfield.

By Natalie Schad

Dane County Mobile Bike Repair walked and rolled with youth throughout the county in 2023. In tandem with Safe Routes to School Programming, Madison’s Mobile Bike Repair team held 10 events, connected with almost 400 people, and fixed 234 bikes. Over half of the bikes our wonderful partner mechanics fixed belonged to riders under the age of 18.

Bike safety giveaways of helmets, locks, and light sets encouraged participants to use bikes for transportation. Bike safety trivia games offered young riders a chance to learn and win prizes. It brings us all joy to see kids riding through the obstacle course, pumping up their tires at the FixIt station, and then teaching their friends and neighbors.

Mobile Bike Repair would not be possible without our mechanics from Dream Bikes, Wheels for Winners, Budget Bikes, CycleWorks, and Trek.

By Mark Woosencraft

The dedicated volunteers of the Green Bay Bike Collective operate a Mobile Repair Program in partnership with Green Bay Parks Department. In 2023, between June 14 and August 16, they serviced 58 bikes at 10 parks. Of the repairs, the vast majority involved brakes (or lack thereof!) and tubes. It has been amazing to see the interest in and need for this program grow over the past 2 years. Bike Fed supports the GBBC by lending an electric Larry vs. Harry cargo bike to be able to bring tools and supplies directly to those in need of service.

The Green Bay Bike Collective also worked with Bike Fed on many events. We supported rides including the BayCare Century, the Fat Tire Tour of Green Bay, and the Cocoon Brewing to Cycling Brews Community Ride. We helped raise money at the Give Big Green Bay and Big Brothers Big Sisters Miles for Matches Fundraisers as well as the Bike Banquet Ride & Fundraiser. We displayed at the Farmers Market on Broadway. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Bike Rodeo and the Bike Rodeo @ Howe Elementary School with Howe Community Resource Center provided additional opportunities for us to work together.

Green Bay Mechanics:

Mark Woosencraft, Brian Dyer, Hannah Taylor, Mike Johnson, Heather Gentry

Find out more at www.gbbicycle.org

Thank you to all of the volunteers and donors who made 2023 such an effective, productive year for Mobile Bike Repair in Wisconsin. Visit our website to see what’s planned for 2024 and where we will be fixing bikes and empowering bike owners. Go to WisconsinBikeFed.org and click Programs.

Photos by Lehi Cano

MilWALKee Walks

Addressing Milwaukee’s Pedestrian Safety Crisis

Story by Marybeth McGinnis

We are in the midst of a national pedestrian safety crisis. In 2022, 23 pedestrians were killed in Milwaukee, and 56 pedestrians were seriously injured. MilWALKee Walks is helping to address this crisis. MilWALKee Walks is a Wisconsin Bike Fed program designed to educate drivers and pedestrians about pedestrian rights, the built environment, and traffic calming that improves the walking experience. This was the program’s first year with full-time staff support, thanks to funding from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

This past year, we were active across the City of Milwaukee, engaging with residents on the issue of walking safety. This included meeting with residents interested in pedestrianizing Brady Street, walking with VIA CDC in the Clare Square and Silver City neighborhoods, and providing education on social media. We also partnered with the Coalition for Safe Driving to conduct a survey about resident experiences with reckless driving and worked to build relationships with many other community partners.

We conducted 60 crosswalk actions (CWAs) across the City of Milwaukee. During these events, Bike Fed staff, Walk Culture Ambassadors, and volunteers help pedestrians cross the street and educate people about Wisconsin’s Yield to Pedestrians law. Most of the CWAs were held on the city’s Pedestrian High Injury Network (areas where the most serious pedestrian crash

es have occurred) or during events with high volumes of foot traffic. We received a wide range of reactions to these events, including driver enthusiasm and pedestrians sharing personal experiences.

This work has allowed us to build deep neighborhood connections. Our work in the Amani neighborhood was fueled by AARP’s Walking Movement Leaders events in fall of 2022. A pedestrian was harmed in a crash during one of these events, sparking a partnership to change the neighborhood’s built environment. We are proud to partner with the Dominican Center for Women, Amani United, and Amani residents in this work. In November 2022, we tested simple and temporary changes to the roadway with residents and AARP. Following a series of community engagement sessions, Amani residents opted to receive a traffic circle in October 2023, funded by AARP Wisconsin. This partnership has led to additional efforts, including a biking-themed block party during Bike Week and raising awareness about the Traffic Calming Lending Library (another AARP grant, in partnership with the City of Milwaukee DPW). Our work with the Amani neighborhood also included acting as a resource for residents interested in safer streets and supporting the Amani Youth Council’s March Against Gun Violence. Thanks to WisDOT, we are excited to expand our work across Milwaukee County in 2024!

Photo by Peter DiAntoni

ACCOMPLISHING OUR GRANT GOALS

26

320+

Parklet

Used parklet to open right-turn slip lane for people, conducted a traffic study, and supported launch of Interim Plaza Program

103k Media Stories

60

Crosswalk Actions Volunteer Hours

400+

Yard Signs Given Away

Social Media Impressions

Special Projects and Successes

Amani Collaborative Vision Zero Survey

Conducted a speed study and tested road changes with local residents in the Amani Neighborhood

Partnered with Coalition for Safe Driving to conduct a survey of resident experiences with reckless driving: nearly 400 responses

BIKEPACKING REFLECTIONS

STORY BY JEREMY AULT

Special Education Director at Escuela Verde, Teacher, Bike Commuter, Bike Fed Member

Photos by Jeremy Ault and Sara Lopez

After 30 miles in the saddle, I could see that Jean thought about giving up. Wiping the sweat off his brow, he bore down on the grips and lurched forward. One foot stabilized on the pavement, while the second fell heavily onto the pedal. Momentum carried him until he balanced his bike upright and rode the last half mile to our final destination: Naga-Waukee Park in Delafield, Wisconsin. It would be there, in a grassy depression between two large oak trees, where he and ten of his classmates would triumphantly set up tents. In less than two hours, the students would be sleeping before the sun slipped behind the horizon, leaving only me, Anthony, and my colleague Sara to snuff the smoldering coals of our fire.

In May of 2022, Escuela Verde (EV) partnered with Wisconsin Bike Fed to plan a bike camping trip for ten high school students. Escuela Verde is a public charter school located on Milwaukee’s near southside. Students at EV engage in a project-based curriculum that focuses on ecological sustainability, peace, and justice. Since the school was founded in 2011, Bike Fed has been a regular partner, co-planning curriculum and teaching bike safety and maintenance. When we began to formulate an idea for

a “DIY bike tour,” it was natural that the Bike Fed would be our go-to-guide. Luckily for us, Anthony Casegrande of Valid Bike Shop and the lead mechanic and education instructor at the Bike Fed immediately took to the idea.

Anthony and I met several times during the winter and spring of 2022 to plan our route. We took advantage of EV’s location right along the Hank Aaron Trail and pieced together a course to Delafield that went through Waukesha, hooking up with the Glacial Drumlin Trail. Once the route was set, we turned our focus to procuring bikes and gear. Anthony and I were working within strict budget limits, so we knew we wanted to keep costs to a minimum. We also wanted this trip to be completely self-sufficient and ecologically responsible. We set some ground rules: first, students would rebuild and refurbish old bikes; second, they would upcycle kitty litter buckets for panniers; and third, there would be no sag-wagons or support vehicles. These guidelines were important in grounding learning in accordance with our curricular focus of ecological sustainability and earth care. We also wanted our students to see that having the strongest steel frame or the most up-to-date waterproof microfibers on a rain shell were not necessary to

get out on and enjoy nature. But we had some work to do (and so did the students).

A week before our departure, Anthony invited the class to the Bike Fed’s Valid Bike Shop at North Division High School to select bikes. Students received instruction on proper fit and were then presented with the various tools and parts needed for bike repairs. The bikes were old and needed work, but energy and excitement built as the students began to envision their potential—especially when they learned the bikes would be theirs to keep at the conclusion of the course! Students learned about repair diagnostics and bike systems. They were tasked with fixing chains, repacking bottom brackets, truing wheels, and replacing all sorts of brakes, tubes, and cable housing.

During the repair and maintenance portion of the class, we were intentional about designing a learning experience that was adaptable and accessible for our emergent bilingual students and for our students with exceptionalities. We were strategic in aligning jobs and tasks with students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs). And we utilized visuals, translations, and hands-on activities to promote student growth and mastery. By the end of the week, it was clear that students were gaining transferable job skills in the domain of bike mechanics, and we were getting the bikes fixed and ready to ride. Volunteers and friends chipped in by donating dozens of plastic kitty litter buckets. And after hours of scrounging for mounting pieces and nuts/bolts, each bike had a mounted set of rear panniers. We were ready. Our rag-tag fleet of upcycled touring bikes was primed to hit the trail. Anthony and I proudly loaded up our Nissan cargo van and drove the bikes back to the school

in preparation for our departure the next morning.

Students packed their food, clothes, and sleeping bags into their panniers, while Anthony and I carried other camping essentials – bike parts, tools, tents, cooking supplies, and first aid kits– in two cargo bikes. At 9:00 a.m., we pedaled out into a gorgeous morning of sheer sun and sky. Being mindful of the various riding abilities, we planned on taking a slow and deliberate pace on the trail, stopping every 45 minutes for long breaks to refuel and drink water. This would become crucial as the heat index began to creep up into the high 80s. As the day grew longer, our group pressed on, riding through farm fields, over train tracks, and around the rolling hills around Lapham Peak. At various moments during the ride, several students expressed self-doubts about their strength and ability to complete the route. At each juncture, they supported each other and offered encouragement. And they kept riding. After ten hours on the saddle, and just as the heat of the day began to subside, our group rolled into Naga-Waukee, exhausted but triumphant.

The next morning saw temperatures rise into the 90s and the heat index swell to 98 degrees. This forced us to break one of our three agreements, as we called in for pick-up support in Wales, WI. Waiting for our ride back to Milwaukee, the students sipped lattes and ate scones at Mama D’s Cafe. Jean didn’t say much the night prior when he collapsed, exhausted in his tent. As the senior member of our student group, he led mostly by example and quietly pedaled forward, even when I knew he was being pushed to his physical limits. But on this day, while waiting for his ride back to Milwaukee, I overheard him say to his friends, “It was harder than I thought. But I’m proud of us for completing the trip.” And at that, they all agreed.

BIKE.

Get ready, biking enthusiasts! Conquer over 15 miles of bike lanes, trails, and paths. Navigate through the Oak Leaf and Hank AaronTrails.Letourbike-friendly Citytakeyouonanexcitingride.

Biking

Communities Welcoming New Chapters & New Trishaws

Cycling Without Age (CWA) is a program that gets those who cannot pedal a bike on their own outside, feeling the wind in their hair and the sun on their skin. A trishaw (a three-wheeled pedal-powered machine with a pilot behind and a passenger seat up front) is the vehicle of choice, but CWA is really a social program intended to connect generations and eliminate social isolation and loneliness.

Cycling Without Age began in Copenhagen in 2012. The first CWA chapter in the US was started in 2015 in Oshkosh, WI where residents of Miravida Living discovered the joys of a trishaw ride. Oshkosh Police Officers were the first pilots, then staff in the activities department and volunteers from the community were trained.

Community involvement helps people reconnect. The Oshkosh community noticed benefits instantly and new chapters started at an unprecedented rate. Wisconsin is now home to 60% of all CWA programs in the US. Bike Fed is here to help new and existing programs and bring these cycle-driven benefits to your community!

2023 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

297 Pilots Trained in 2022-2023

95

45

932

Communities served

Wisconsin counties served

Demo rides given, about 10 per community visited

Photos by Ma Vue

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY & ADRC EAU CLAIRE COUNTY

On June 26, 2023 the Bike Fed Cycling Without Age team convened at L.E. Phillips Senior Center in Eau Claire with the goal of establishing a new program there. Attendees representing many organizations and multiple generations came together with the goal of reducing social isolation and loneliness among area residents. After introductions and a presentation on how to establish a successful CWA chapter, everyone gathered outside to learn more about the Van Raam Chat trishaw.

Bike Fed staff demonstrated the features that make it easy to load passengers and pedal around town. Everyone experienced first hand what makes these rides so special. We pedaled our guests down the street and waved to everyone we passed. Most importantly, we had an opportunity to “Chat!”

Since this successful community introduction, the Eau Claire County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) has purchased four trishaws for four skilled nursing facilities. In just a few months, we went from “hoping to start a program” to having a program in place. We know many people in Eau Claire will benefit from this program in 2024.

I am so excited to be able to partner with local facilities to bring Cycling without Age and trishaws to our community. These partners are the reason this program will be so successful and individuals will be able to ride for years to come. Without their commitment to innovation and the assistance from Bike Fed these programs wouldn’t be possible.”

Betsy Henck, Manager,

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County

COMMUNITY PROGRAM ELKHORN

Cycling Without Age is expanding around the state, but in Southeastern Wisconsin, one community in particular is doing BIG things within their chapter! On August 6, 2020, Bike Fed received its first communication from Eric and Bernadette Russow of Elkhorn Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, Inc. (DFCI). Between that day and their first pilot training on March 30, 2021, there were several conver sations and emails exchanged. During this time, we came to appreciate their determination and willingness to help the community.

In 2023, Eric and Bernadette inspired 52 pilots to give over 1,700 rides with only two trishaws - that’s an incredible number of smiles! What’s next for Eric, Bernadette, and the DFCI in Elk horn? They are gearing up for 2024 by adding three more trishaws to their fleet. Their 2024 goals are to provide 2,700 rides to 2,700 passen gers and to have 70 active pilots.

“Residents are so happy when the new trishaws come into their lives; they wave and smile as they ride past others.”

Linda

Soltis-Schroeder, Cycling Without Age Educator WI Bike Fed, Eau Claire, WI

In 2024, Bike Fed will offer opportunities all around Wisconsin for people and communities to learn more about trishaw programs and receive training.

Would you like to learn how to bring trishaws to your community? Scan the QR code below, or visit the Cycling Without Age program overview page at wisconsinbikefed.org, to learn how to start a CWA chapter and submit an Inquiry Form for additional assistance.

Are you interested in becoming a trishaw pilot - or are a current trishaw pilot who would like to learn how to train others? Scan the QR code below to sign up to receive information on future opportunities.

Waterford Precision Cycles Farewell Ride

Story and Photos by Dave Schlabowske

Cycling history does not get more storied than the revered legacy of the Schwinn Paramount and Waterford Precision Cycle frames, crafted up until June of 2023 in a small factory in Waterford, WI. So many cycling legends have put a leg over those expertly handcrafted frames that it would take volumes to recount their glories in the peloton. Here are a few highlights; visit Waterford’s website for a detailed history and more great photos.

In 1938, Emil Watson began building Paramount bikes for the hard men of the Six-Day races. Paramounts were the original American upstarts bumping shoulders and elbows with the European professionals. They continued to blaze trails during the Nervex lugs-silver brazing era thanks to the craftswomanship of famed builders Wanda Omelian and Lucille Redman.

ing art, complete with pinstripes to highlight the hand-carved lugs. When Trek moved steel production overseas, Waterford hired some of their talented tig welders for the house brand Gunnar and produced bikes and components for other brands.

Schwinn Paramounts dominated the American racing scene and the Olympics until the end of the 1970s. The worldclass quality frames were second to none. In the 1980s, the Paramount Design Group was headed by Marc Mueller and Frank Brilando who introduced innovations like oversized heat-treated tubing. Frames could be made lighter but still stiff enough to withstand the torque of powerful riders like Eric Heiden of the 7-Eleven Team.

In 1988, Schwinn celebrated Paramount’s 50th anniversary. They produced a limited run of 50th Anniversary framesets, with features like a gold-plated fork packed in a red velvet bag and an application for a certificate, signed by Tom Schwinn, documenting ownership of that frame. Many of those frames were built up with the Campagnolo 50th Anniversary groupsets and are still ridden by their proud owners on sunny days. While Paramount may not have reached its 100th Anniversary, the limited run of 75th Anniversary frames built in 2013 had modernized vintage styling that was stunning. Waterford craftsmen have made many custom bicycle dreams come true. Legions of devoted customers still ride their roll

I had the honor to build at Waterford for a brief period. I worked on frames, forks, handlebars, and stems for Standard BMX, Kelly, Salsa, Rivendell, Heron, Shinola, and the Milwaukee Bicycle Company. I was hired with competent skills in brazing, tig welding, and operating machine tools, but my skill set was near the bottom of their roster.

I started welding caps on the ends of Standard BMX chainstays. I would start with a big plastic tub full of hundreds of ovals and another of mitered chainstays. I welded those ovals on the ends of the chainstays one after the other. After a few days of repetitive welding I was excited to almost be done with my tub, only to be given another full tub of the little ovals. I immediately realized I needed to change my mindset from trying to empty the bin to making each weld as perfect as I was able. Focusing on perfecting the process rather than finishing the job was an important lesson in becoming a master frame builder, like Dave Wages.

Exacting and artistic, Dave had worked at Serotta, but he moved to Paramount for the experience. The shorelines of his lugs were so sharp and free from extra brazing material that

I nicknamed him “Mr Clean.” Dave still builds stunning, modern lugged and fillet-brazed Ellis Cycles frames out of his home shop in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. His ability to incorporate classic styles with modern features like thru axles, disc brakes, and electronic shifting has won him many awards at handbuilt bicycle shows. His Strada Fango has earned a place as one of the sexiest modern all-rounders in the growing gravel bike market.

While it is sad to see this factory close, Richard Schwinn has more than earned the right to spend less time helping other people enjoy their ride and instead point his handlebars in any direction he chooses. The legacy of Paramount and Waterford Precision Cycles will live long. All of us who participated in the Waterford Farewell Factory Ride and anyone lucky enough to have a bike built in that hallowed factory will continue to ride our timeless freedom machines into the future.

ONLINE INSPIRATION

Wisconsin Cycling Websites, Channels and Podcasts

By Dave Schlabowske

Looking for more inspiration to bike local? Here are a handful of entertaining and informative Wisconsin podcasts, websites, and YouTube channels. They are sure to inspire you to ride more, find yourself on a start line, explore a new trail, take on a new adventure, or just reflect on a life behind (handle) bars. Not listed, but it goes without saying that you should start with wisconsinbikefed. org! If we missed something, let us know.

Bike Farmer

youtube.com/@bkefrmr/about

Inspired by Bob Ross, the BikeFarmer videos are more of a Watch Me Work than a How To Fix Bikes channel put together by lifelong shop owner and mechanic, Andy Quandt from Gib’s Bike Shop in Lake Mills. With more than 17K followers Andy’s videos are sometimes scripted, usually very funny, and often informative. A professional bicycle mechanic at a small town shop specializing in practical bicycles and general purpose bikes for everyday people, the videos follow Andy as he works through bicycle projects, mostly refurbishing used bikes for resale, but also anything related to shop life. His video “Why are Bike Mechanics A$$holes” went viral with about a quarter of a million views at press time.

Brian Davis Races YouTube Channel and Instagram instagram.com/briandavisraces

Brian Davis records his cyclocross, road, and fat bike races with a GoPro, adds commentary while editing, and then shares the fairly well-produced videos with the goal of lowering the learning curve for bicycle road racing. He has a good sense of humor and is an experienced racer, so his videos are both informative and fun to watch. Brian also makes Follow Hollow Alpaca socks and Fix It Sticks, but his videos are not aimed to sell his products.

The Dusty Dutchman Youtube Channel and Instagram instagram.com/the_dusty_dutchman

Jonathan Hague, AKA The Dusty Dutchman, and his buddy Erin Fruit Punch Brannon produce really well done, informative and funny videos about their adventures mountain and fat biking around Wisconsin and elsewhere. Because they are knowledgeable, skilled riders with a great sense of humor and creative videographers, their well-edited short videos are becoming a Wisconsin favorite.

Fat-Bike.com’s Fat Bike Radio’s Weekly Dose of Fat fat-bike.com/category/radio

Gary “Gomez” Lake is an early adopter of fat bikes and OG podcasters. His website and podcasts “Fat Bike Radio Weekly Dose of Fat” are a slightly irreverent but expert look at news and happenings in the world of fat bikes. Bike and product reviews, interviews, travel news, and bikepacking are all part of the show!

Full Spectrum Cycling Podcast

fullspectrumcycling.com

Greg “Sven” Smith launched the “Full Spectrum Cycling” podcast with the goal of trying to showcase a wide variety of Wisconsin and Midwest cycling, the folks who ride, the places they go, the experiences they have, and the gear that makes their journey possible.

Northwoods Ramble Podcast

lifeaboveeight.com

“Seeley” Dave Schlabowske started this new video podcast as an outlet for his creativity after he retired from the Bike Fed and moved to the Wisconsin Northwoods. The podcast always has Northwoods bike content, but also includes his “Hyperborean Report on Life Above 8” with local flora/ fauna updates and news from the greater Seeley “metropolitan” area. His website also contains curated RideWithGPS maps of bikepacking, mountain bike, and gravel routes.

The Nxrth website thenxrth.com

Josh Rizzo of Eau Claire launched The Nxrth.com for the 2022 New Year. His site focuses on gravel, fat biking, bikepacking, and accessible adventures in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It now includes local gravel guides and Fat bike race, Fat Bike ultra race, and gravel race event calendars.

Shane Hitz Biking Adventures

shanehitzadventures.wordpress.com

Shane works with the Iron Bull events in Wausau and creates some extremely well-documented and researched routes for bikepacking, gravel, and MTB in the greater Wausau area. He also maintains the North Central Wisconsin Gravel and Bikepacking Facebook page.

Silent Sports Magazine

Silentsportsmagazine.com

This venerable print publication continues to publish great cycling stories and share inspiring videos on the magazine website. Silent Sports magazine was founded in 1984 by Greg Marr to provide regional information on adventure racing, bicycling, paddling, skiing, and pretty much all non-motorized aerobic activities. Readers are sure to find a story that puts something on their bucket list in every issue.

Trail EAffect Podcast traileaffectpodcast.com

Trails build community and communities build trails. What came first you may ask… Host Josh Blüm digs into the stories of how trails effect and affect the people and places we call home and those we might like to call home.

REGIONAL UPDATES

Chippewa Valley

By Jeremy Gragert

The Chippewa Valley region (which includes the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls area) is becoming an even better place for life on a bicycle, for both transportation and recreation. More and more events are popping up throughout the year to engage people of all ages and from different walks of life.

For over 10 years, Eau Claire has participated in Bike Fed’s Wisconsin Bike Week. Each June, Bike Chippewa Valley organizes over a dozen events from rides, to workshops, to advocacy opportunities during Bike Week.

Last fall, several Chippewa Valley organizations came together to make “The Trails Gala” a wonderful success. Hundreds of people attended the celebration to benefit and showcase groups that build trails for biking, hiking, and skiing, and those who provide youth programming to enjoy the trails. We may hold the gala again in 2024, so please visit VolumeOne. org/trailsgala for more information.

Eau Claire will host a National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Wisconsin League event September 6-8, 2024 at Lowes Creek County Park. The event will also be a fundraising opportunity for groups working to create a bike skills park at Lowes Creek. Visit LowesCreekBikePark.org for details about this exciting project.

When you visit the Chippewa Valley, pick up a free copy of the Chippewa Valley Bike Map to view both paved trails and on-street bike routes in the region. The map can also be accessed as a PDF online at BikeChippewaValley.com/cvbikemap.

For mountain bikers, CORBA Trails showcases the many off-road trails in the area. Detailed trail maps are available online at corbatrails.org.

The Chippewa Valley has world class urban and rural cycling opportunities. It is also easy to find low traffic and scenic city streets and rural roads that make biking a joy year-round.

Dunn County

By David K. Williams

Many of the biking and pedestrian improvements in Dunn County begin or pass through the City of Menomonie’s Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Formed 12 years ago, our committee continues to work to expand biking access, add to our trail network, and support various groups interested in bike programs here.

The Bike/Ped committee got a boost in late 2023 when Wisconsin Bike Fed staff joined one of our regular meetings. Staff members Kirsten Finn (executive director), Collin Mead (government affairs manager), and Michelle Bachaus (community engagement coordinator and Cycling

Without Age advocate) provided feedback and direction that will help us as we consider future bike advocacy efforts. We were delighted to host these three Bike Fed experts and hear their suggestions and offers of ways the Bike Fed could be of help.

As we cycle into 2024, we’re looking at a renewal of our committee. We are seeking new members as we thank former members who have moved on. We are exploring ways to better coordinate with surrounding government agencies, such as Dunn County, UW-Stout, and the townships surrounding Menomonie. The county has worked on a yet unfinished bike plan, and the city needs to update its plan to coordinate with the county.

One new collaboration between the two entities will support construction this spring and summer of a half-mile off-road trail linkage along Highways 12/29 from an existing trail near our county government center eastward to the judicial center. There is currently no easy way to reach the judicial center without a car. The new segment will provide a key link in our trail system which will be especially helpful for some residents of our county jail who need to travel to jobs during the day, often by bicycle.

We will continue to host the Menomin Meander, a family-friendly ninemile ride around our lake on August 10. On this same date, the Sadistic Century will send more venturesome riders into the awesome hills of western Dunn County. The Meander is free, but funds raised for the Sadistic Century benefit our local food pantry and our mountain biking group—last year those two groups split $7,000! We remain enthused about biking opportunities here in western Wisconsin.

Fitchburg

By Steve Arnold

2023 was a productive year for bicycle friendly Fitchburg! One exciting development was the extension of the Madison BCycle electric bike share system to Fitchburg. The city now has fifteen new stations and over fifty bikes around the city’s urban service area, increasing ridership in Fitchburg. Infrastructure wins include the reconstruction of 1.5 miles of Lacy Road. It now sports buffered bike lanes, a multi-use side path, and a 35 MPH speed limit (reduced from 50 MPH). The city made similar improvements to 0.6 miles of South Syene Road, and additional phases are planned for 2024 and 2025. The city also added buffers to 1.5 miles of McKee Road bike lanes and installed new flashing beacons at trail crossings.

Events were held throughout the year, including Winter Bike Week, Celebrate Trails Day, Bike Month, Wisconsin Bike Week, Fitchburg Festival of Speed, the Bike the ‘Burg Challenge, and the ¡Pick Me Up at the Border! ride to Illinois and back. Bike Fitchburg introduced monthly seniororiented Rides for Joe from the Fitchburg Senior Center. Fitchburg was also well represented at the South Side Slow Roll, Ride for Your Life, and Santa Cycle Rampage regional events.

The League of American Bicyclists recognized Fitchburg as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community for another four years. Local advocacy group Bike Fitchburg received a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Business Award and the city’s own civic campus (City Hall, Library, and Community/Senior Center) received Gold. Fitchburg now has more Bicycle Friendly Businesses than any other Wisconsin community and is fourteenth in the nation.

Fox Cities

By Jason Brozek

Here in the Fox Valley, we’re celebrating the completion of plans that have been years in the making, while looking forward to exciting next steps!

In central Appleton, College Avenue’s road diet was finished last summer and early reports point to success. The main street that connects Lawrence University with the central business district was converted from four lanes to a center turn lane, two auto travel lanes, and two bike lanes (with no reduction in parking). Although this is officially an 18-month pilot project, early, unofficial reports point to a dramatic decrease in crashes, a substantial increase in bike traffic, and only minor travel delays for drivers. The city’s Common Council will begin reviewing data from the trial period later in 2024. If the early indicators hold, they may have the evidence they need to make it a permanent part of Appleton’s downtown landscape.

In October, the village of Kimberly cut the ribbon on the waterfront Papermill Run Trail, which follows a bend in the Fox River alongside a new park and housing development that replaced a demolished paper mill. Already a great trail, this new segment provides the final link in the 13.1mile Loop the Locks trail system, which connects Kimberly, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, and Combined Locks. The five municipalities and Fox Cities Greenways, a local advocacy organization, originally developed a Loop the Locks plan in 2017, with support from the Outagamie County Greenway Implementation Committee. As Holly Femal (Kimberly’s Community Enrichment Director) put it, “Five years of infrastructure development by all the municipalities have led up to this.” The Fox Valley Community Foundation’s David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund has been critical in bringing this project to fruition. Riders, runners, walkers, and rollers in the Fox Cities should keep an eye out for a community celebration in the spring!

Zooming out to Outagamie County, the board recently approved the county’s first-ever Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The plan is intended to guide municipalities and decision makers by establishing high-priority projects, identifying areas of particular safety concern, recommending ways to expand the trail and path network by closing gaps, and suggesting policies and programs for adoption. This new guiding document is already shaping the process of reimagining the corridor of West College Ave that brings visitors from Appleton International Airport to downtown, which was identified as one of the Highway Safety Priority Areas. This corridor was selected as one of only 15 nationally to receive a Community Connectors grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Smart Growth America, Equitable Cities, and New Urban Mobility Alliance, which is designed, “to help advance locally driven projects that will reconnect communities separated or harmed by transportation infrastructure.”

Heading northeast, the newly revised Paper Route is a series of scenic, waterfront commuter and recreational routes that connect communities from Neenah to Wrightstown in neighboring Brown County. To the south, in Winnebago and Calumet counties, progress continues on the ambitious High Cliff Connection route. This route will link the Fox Cities via off-street trail to High Cliff State Park, a high-profile destination for cyclists, walkers, runners, and more. A plan was adopted in October 2022, and the careful work of implementation and adoption is underway.

Madison

By Harald Kliems

EpicTales•

CHARITY BIKE TOUR

August 3rd & 4th, 2024

In 2023, notable infrastructure developments transformed Madison. Atwood Avenue underwent a comprehensive reconstruction, featuring fewer and narrower car lanes, new multi-use paths, and continuous sidewalks. Progress was made on the Lake Loop's Dempsey and Davies project, introducing a multi-use path on Davies St., with completion slated for 2024.

Downtown celebrated the completion of the West Wilson and Broom St. project, including a two-way cycletrack on West Wilson to Monona Terrace. Next year, when the East Wilson portion is complete, riders will be able to enjoy the full impact of this project on the downtown bike network.

The University Bay Drive overpass and phase 1 of the Hammersley Road multi-use path marked significant accomplishments. Phase 2 of Hammersley, connecting Gilbert to the Beltline Frontage road, will link up to the Southwest Path in 2024. Another highlight was a new West Beltline Path segment, from Junction Road to Commerce Drive.

In addition to these large projects, smaller but impactful improvements, such as rapid flashing beacons and green crossing markings, enhanced safety. BCycle's expansion into Fitchburg (extending the all-electric bike share system) led to record ridership in 2023, with more stations anticipated in Madison next year.

Looking forward, Madison secured substantial federal funding for critical projects, including the Autumn Ridge Path and overpass, John Nolen Causeway reconstruction, and $6.2 million for the Vision Zero action plan.

Rock County

By Dean Paynter

Rock County continues to develop new biking facilities, bike rides, and youth riders.

The Peace Trail connecting Janesville and Beloit will grow in 2024. The paved Peace Trail will soon be connecting off-road into the city of Beloit

YEAR’S

CHARITY BIKE TOUR IS GEARING UP TO BE ONE MOOO’VELOUS WEEKEND! EXPLORE PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPES AND CHARMING TOWNS AS YOU CYCLE THROUGH NORTHERN ILLINOIS INTO WISCONSIN ON ROUTES DESIGNED FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS. CHOOSE A ONE DAY RIDE (18, 30, OR 65 MILES) OR A TWO DAY RIDE (135 MILES)!

EVERY MILE YOU RIDE HELPS RHA™ FIGHT FOR HEALTHY LUNGS AND CLEAN AIR FOR ALL.

with construction in 2024 and 2025. The Rock Trail Coalition will celebrate the trail with the “Pedal the Peace Rides” on Saturday, July 27 in Afton, Wisconsin with well-stocked aid stations and distance options up to 50 miles.

Janesville Velo Club and Michael's Cycles staff are working with the City of Janesville and Traction Trailworx (professional trail building) to create a 35-acre mountain bike park with flow and progressive trails in the southern part of Janesville’s Palmer Park. The Pump will contain professionally built MTB/BMX type trails that will be fun for beginners, encourage intermediate riders to improve, and challenge riders with more advanced skills. It will be located safely away from the unleashed dog space in the northern part of the park.

The club maintains eight miles of MTB trails in Rockport Park with volunteers working to add an additional skills area in a 15-acre parcel in the park.

The Velo Club website offers many rides each week for all abilities, ranging from fun, ‘smell the roses’ to ‘make ‘em hurt’ levels. Visit veloclub.org for details.

For Young Riders

In 2023, over 50 kids participated in Janesville Youth Mountain Bike Club. This talented, hard working group won the 2023 Division 2 Wisconsin NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) State Championship. The club welcomes middle school and high school riders from throughout the county.

Beloit’s Stateline Spinners and friends encourage brand new youth riders with a program that finds and rehabs bikes for kids who need them, teaches them how to ride and how to shift, and leads them on rides. The group rides from the Beloit Boys and Girls Club each Thursday morning beginning in June. These are low intensity rides geared toward tutoring young cyclists in the fundamentals of safe cycling.

In addition to recreational and training rides, Rock County offers these bike tours:

Janesville Velo Club Winter Challenge (ongoing)–various miles and days in January and February.

Rock County Parks Bike Tour on May 18 at the historic Beckman Mill with tours from 20 to 64 miles.

Pie Ride - Yes you get a pie! June 15 with rides of 5k to 100k.

Pedal the Peace Rides on July 27 with rides up to 50 miles.

Sheboygan County

By Nathaniel Darling

In December of 2023, the city of Sheboygan voted to adopt the Complete Streets Program. This major step was made possible thanks to support from the community and dedicated advocacy by a local group called Sheboygan Active Transportation. The focus of the program is to make the city’s streets less car-centric and more accessible for all methods of transportation, including biking and walking. A recently completed pilot project on Indiana Avenue with new bike and pedestrian paths, bump outs, and curve outs showed community groups how a bike and pedestrian friendly street could be designed. Next steps include engaging different active groups in the area. We hope to have the Complete Streets policy ready by the end of 2024 to prepare to implement changes starting in 2025.

Another exciting project in the area is the Evergreen Park project. Sheboygan County Cycling fully funded the planning phase of the project. We collected public feedback this past winter and started exploring and planning park improvements with IMBA. We expect to have a completed assessment by Spring 2024 and will be fundraising for the trail improvements through this year.

Finally, in 2023 Sheboygan County Cycling received approval to machinegroom the Greenbush Mountain bike trails located in the northern Kettle moraine forest. We were excited to expand the winter cycling season in our community. Visit our website at sheboygancountycycling.org in the fall for updates on trail grooming for the winter 2024/2025 season.

Vilas County

By Jeff Currie

Vilas County has a lot to offer riders of all ages and skill levels. More family friendly trails are being developed, mountain biking venues are being improved, and a new opportunity for seniors has been launched.

Family-friendly trail development:

• The Arbor Vitae Bicycle Foundation (arborvitaebiketrail.com) is working to establish a trail connection from their town to CTH M and the nationally recognized Heart of Vilas Trail System.

• 2024 marks the 20-year anniversary of the Three Eagle Trail Foundation (3eagletrail.org). Local citizens designed, built, and now maintain the 12.7-mile limestone trail from Three Lakes to Eagle River. In 2024, the Foundation plans to resurface the entire trail, improving water drainage and surface compaction.

• Wilderness Pedalers (wildernesspedalers.org) in Winchester and Presque Isle established a signed 20-mile out-and-back trail route between the two towns. Their goal is to connect to the Heart of Vilas Trail System.

Five towns are connected by the 55-mile, asphalt-surfaced Heart of Vilas Trail System (biketheheart.org). In all five towns, elected officials and volunteer groups are looking to add more trail:

• Boulder Junction will be adding 3.3 miles of additional trail this summer. That will expand the Heart of Vilas system and create a new 14-mile trail and road loop. The new trail section will connect several campgrounds. There will also be access via Nichols Lake Road to Nichols Beach Park.

• St Germain joined the River Trail Commission in 2018 to partner with two other municipalities (the Town of Cloverland and the City of Eagle River) to build a 10-mile asphalt trail to connect the town and the city into the Heart of Vilas System. Great Headwaters Trails (GHT), a nonprofit is assisting the Commission with the project.

Great Headwaters Trails:

• Great Headwaters Trails (ghtrails.org) helped Conover and Phelps build their 11-mile trail. Now GHT is ready to assist the Town of Conover and the county if they want to develop a 2-mile extension down to the county park and RV park at Torch Lake.

• GHT is also ready to assist elected officials in Eagle River if they decide to develop a safer crossing of STH 45. The highway separates the business district from Riverview Park, the county fairgrounds, and a proposed trail coming in from the west.

• GHT is also busy preparing for its two signature bike ride events: Ride with Leinie on July 27 in Conover and SepTimber Ride on September 14 in Eagle River.

Mountain bike venue developments:

• In 2023, WinMan Trails (winmantrails.com) between Manitowish Waters and Winchester opened Air Mail. Air Mail includes some of the biggest jumps and fastest sections on the WinMan trail system. They rebuilt their skills park and pump track and also rebuilt and improved Send It and Roller Creek. In 2024, they plan to morph Jump Line into a technical, cross-country style trail. Twins will be improved into a true, dual slalom that will start at the Front Hub. The secondary trailhead on Papoose Lake Road will be incorporated into their mountain bike trail system, allowing for overflow parking and access to Rear Hub.

• The Lakeland Area Mountain Bike Organization (LAMBO lamboriders.org) built five miles of trail at Musky Mountain in Sayner last sumer and plan to build three more this summer. They also started a new trail, Sucker Springs, north of Eagle River off of CTH 45 at Ski Hill Rd. About a mile is complete with three additional miles planned.

The Vilas Oneida Cycling Without Age program was launched last year. This program brings the joy of being on a bike to seniors unable to pedal for themselves. The first group of trishaw pilots was certified and pedaled for residents at senior facilities in both counties last summer. The program will be expanded in 2024. For more information call Vilas ADRC Director Sue Richmond at 715-479-3625.

A Vilas-area walking and biking council is in the early stages of being formed. By next year, we hope to be able to report on an updated countywide bike-ped plan, coordinated collection of trail-use data, and measures for improving biking and walking safety in the county.

For more information, contact Bike Fed board member Jeff Currie at curriefam@gmail.com or 715-617-0080.

Wausau

By Bill Bertram

The Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership (GWPP) is a business advocacy organization that aims to implement a comprehensive outdoor recreation plan that includes biking. GWPP is working with the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to create the first ever “Master Bike Plan for Marathon and Lincoln Counties.” The plan will include all types of biking. It will include both existing trails (mountain biking parks, rails-to-trails, off-street, and gravel) and future projects (such as the Chicago & Northwestern Bike Spur). One goal of the plan is to view the connectivity between communities and within communities to business parks and the hotels that ring the metro areas.

In the 1840’s, Jenny Road was the connection between two small communities, Big Bull Falls and Jenny Falls, which would become Wausau and Merrill, respectively. This scenic and historical trail hugs the east side of the Wisconsin river along the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway, a state designated water trail. The River District Development Foundation of Merrill recently hired design consultant MSA Marshfield to develop The Jenny Road, a 16.3-mile bike and pedestrian trail. The trail will connect the River Bend Trail in Merrill to Council Grounds State Park with the River Edge Trail in Wausau. Design work will begin at the end of January with the goal of completing the initial phase of the project in September.

IRONBULL Gravel Bike Trails are a collaborative effort between IRONBULL (an outdoor recreation organization) and GWPP. IRONBULL has designed a series of gravel trails in Marathon, Portage, and Lincoln counties that will add over 800 miles of branded gravel trails making Central Wisconsin a premier destination for gravel riding. The trails are interlocked and connected to existing biking trails offering a hotel to road experience like no other in the state. The first two trails to be completed will be the Big Poniatowski Trail and the Pomeranian Trail which highlights the area’s German heritage.

Waushara

By Jennifer Pulvermacher

Rolling hills, curves, and tree-lined roads. Farm fields, lakes, and streams. Villages, townships, Amish country, and county parks. Waushara County offers bikers spectacular scenery and experiences. Ten different bike routes span our beautiful county, totaling over 280 miles. Find and download these routes on the Bike Waushara Route Booklet available online at tinyurl.com/bikewaushara. For a paper copy of the booklet, contact the Waushara County Parks or Public Health offices.

Waushara County also has 9 miles of summer mountain biking trails at the Nordic Mountain ski area in Mt. Morris. During the winter, there are 3 miles of fat tire biking trails in the lower Willow Creek area. For updates and information, follow WAMBA on Facebook @ WausharaAreaMountainBikeAssociation.

The biking community in Waushara County has a variety of biking group rides throughout the year. They include a range of speed, length, and difficulty. You will find everything from trail rides to destination rides for food and drinks. For information about group rides, follow the Waushara Social Cycling and Fitness group on Facebook.

See you on the roads this summer!

West Bend

By Craig Walker

Biking is alive and well in West Bend, on and off road.

In 2023, the City of West Bend completed significant improvements in the downtown area including pedestrian and bike paths along the river. This work includes an underpass to allow safer crossing of State Hwy 33.

Glacial Blue Hills continues to be a destination for mountain bikers with the addition of a 0.3 mile flow trail and a new skills course. Winter fat bike riders enjoyed the groomed trails at Glacial Blue Hills and the additional 3 miles of trails at Regner park in the heart of West Bend.

GEARS (Glacial Edge Area Riding Society) has been working on an urban mountain biking course in Regner Park with over 3 miles of trail in the heart of the city. GEARS is a nonprofit with a mission to promote and protect environmentally responsible mountain bike opportunities in the West Bend, Washington County, and the Northern Kettle Moraine area. Currently the urban mountain biking course is unmarked, but rideable. Trail marking will be added this year.

WISCONSIN

BICYCLING EVENTS

NORTHWEST EVENTS

NORTH CENTRAL EVENTS

NORTHEAST EVENTS

SOUTHEAST EVENTS

SOUTHWEST EVENTS

OUT OF STATE

BCETS-BOMBAY'S CHALLENGE EVENT TRAINING SERIES

Mar 2 - Jun 8 | 9:00 a.m. bombaybicycle.org | graham@bombaybicycle.com

Bombay’s Challenge Event Training Series (BCETS) is a 15-week series of early season training rides preparing riders for hilly endurance events. The rides will challenge you on your way to attaining peak performance in mid-June. The program is also suited to riders who just want to improve their climbing skills, endurance, and overall fitness regardless of participation in a challenge event. Weather permitting, outdoor training rides take place every Saturday morning beginning the first weekend of March through mid-June. Most of the training is on gorgeous and very hilly terrain in and around Blue Mounds and Mt Horeb.

OAK LEAF DISCOVERY TOUR Apr 1 - Sep 15

parkpeoplemke.org/get-involved/programs/oak-leaf-discovery-tour parkplace@parkpeoplemke.org | 414-708-8500

The Oak Leaf Discovery Tour (OLDT) encourages you to explore the 125-milelong Oak Leaf Trail that winds its way through Milwaukee County. The Oak Leaf Trail is divided into nine lines, each running through various types of terrain and featuring unique points of interest. The $5 mobile "passport" app helps you track the points of interest you see on the trail. Check off 10 or more and you're eligible to win prizes at the OLDT end-of-the-season party on Sunday, September 15. Special offers from Milwaukee area craft brewers and other local businesses are also offered in the app.

GENEVA LAKES COMMUNITY BIKE AND OUTDOOR GEAR SWAP

Apr 13 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Lake Geneva treadheadcycling.com/happenings bigjohngraf@yahoo.com | 262-442-0582

BUY used bikes/gear at an affordable price. SWAP for one other donated item. SELL your bikes and other gear you no longer use. Questions: akpether@gmail.com

TRACK 101 Apr 20 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Kenosha kenoshavelodromeracing.com | chris.riva333@gmail.com | 262-945-2507

Learn track cycling basics from some of the best track cyclists in the Midwest on the historic re-surfaced Washington Park Velodrome. These 3-hour clinics will introduce the track bicycle, velodrome basics, proper track etiquette, group riding skills racing. No racing experience needed. Need to be at least 9 years old. Come to one or come to all of them. What to bring – helmet, cycling shoes, track bike with pedals, appropriate cycling gear. There are limited track bikes available to use for the clinic. Check web-site or Facebook for additional Track 101 and Track 201 dates.

RAMP ROMP Apr 27 | All Day | Cashton embarkmaple.com/farm-events brandie@embarkmaple.com | 608-606-1413

The Ramp Romp Ride is a playful exploration of the Timber Coulee watershed and the unique, delicious, and interesting ecosystem we are a part of. The looped route is mostly paved country roads, with off-road and single track optional segments, and stops for foraging and exploration about every 10 miles. There are four significant climbs in the Driftless and a total elevation gain/loss of 3,000 to 4,000 feet. We’ll start at the Embark Maple farm, explore and sustainably forage our way through the watershed, and return to the farm to make wood-fired pizzas with our foraged finds.

BATTLE ON THE BORDER Apr 28, 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. kvcycling.com | kvcycling@gmail.com | 262-960-6103

Kenosha Velosport Cycling will host a series of criterium races for bike races as juniors as young as 9 and masters 60+. We also host category races, from Cat 5 to Cat 1/Pro. Please check our website for details, as the date draws closer: kvcycling.com.

WISCONSIN HEALTHY COMMUNITIES SUMMIT Apr 29 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Madison wisconsinbikefed.org

The Wisconsin Bike Fed and Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation will cohost the Wisconsin Healthy Communities Summit at UW-Madison's Memorial Union. This year's summit will be centered around three primary themes: Education, Advocacy & Community Engagement, and Outdoor Recreation. There will be multiple breakout sessions nestled under each of the three main themes, led by local and national experts on topics such as: Safe Routes to School, Trail Building, Walk Audits, Community Advocacy, and more! Watch the Bike Fed website for details and registration.

RIDES FOR JOE May 1 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Fitchburg

bikefitchburg.org/events | steve.arnold@fitchburg.wi.us | 608-239-3900

In memory of our late, long-time director Joe Imilkowski, Bike Fitchburg, the Fitchburg Senior Center, and the City of Fitchburg Bicycle Committee will host monthly, slow-roll Rides for Joe at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month from May through October. After quick bike and helmet checks and a brief educational topic, we'll head out on slow rides around the Fitchburg system of multi-use paths. The group will agree on a distance (historically 8-20 miles). These rides are free and oriented to seniors, but all are welcome. Register and bring your own helmet, bike, and state trail pass.

WORS #1 - RED BARN CLASSIC May 3 - May 5 | Waterloo wors.org | Marcus_Warrington@trekbikes.com

2024 is poised to be the most action-packed season of WORS in years – so what better place to kick it off than at the Trek Trails? A Friday evening Time Trial stage race centered at the Trek Lodge will officially usher in the new season, followed by Short Track and Dual Slalom racing on Saturday. Clinics, activities, and group pre-rides are also featured throughout the day. Capping off the weekend on Sunday is the signature XC race, highlighted by the debut of the Women’s Comp category. Plus, camping, a pump track, and live bands on Friday night at the Lodge.

LA CROSSE OMNIUM May 3 - May 5 | All Day bikereg.com/la-crosse-omnium christopherstindt@gmail.com | 920-379-5197

Returning for the 11th year, bigger and better! A 3-day road cycling event, featuring a time trial, road race and criterium in the beautiful Driftless region. From soaring 600-foot bluffs to the shores of the Mississippi River, this is one of the most beautiful races in the Midwest. New this year, winner's jerseys from Jakroo and a team competition. See full details at lacrosseomnium.com and at facebook.com/explorelacrosseomium.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MTB DAY May 4 | All Day | Whitewater metromountainbikers.com/International-Womens-MTB-Day-Event clark.melissa.j@gmail.com | 414-759-3360

Our International Women's MTB Day event to celebrate women riders is a great way to kick off the dirt season. Hope to see you there! This event is free. All attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Stay tuned to our website or Metro Mountain Biker Facebook Page for details!

TAKE A RIDE WITH CAP SERVICES

May 11 | 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Amherst capservices.org/event/take-a-ride-2024 dzaske@capmail.org | 715-343-7510

Join CAP staff, clients, and bicycling enthusiasts at Central Waters Brewing Company for loops of 10-, 30-, and 50-mile rides. Rides will go through a small town and will follow county highways as well as rural roads near lakes, streams, forests, and farm fields. Paid registrants will receive SAG support, water/snack comfort stops, Central Waters Brewing Company beverage chip, and a “Take a Ride” t-shirt.

TUESDAY NIGHT AT WASHINGTON PARK VELODROME

May 14, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Kenosha kenoshavelodromeracing.com | chris.riva333@gmail.com | 262-945-2507

Tuesday night is our premier night of racing. Racers from all around Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois compete June through September in various sprint and endurance track events. Track bikes are required on Tuesday Nights. These specialized bikes are fixed gear bikes with no brakes; if the back wheel is turning so are the pedals. Licensed riders ages 9 and up race in groups by ability level. Spectators can cheer on their favorite racer, free, from “the hill” as these athletes race at 35+ mph on the steep, 28-degree corner banked track.

WAUNAKEE KIDS TRIATHLON

May 18 | 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Waunakee tri4schools.org/event/waunakee-kids-tri | fdonovan@tri4schools.org Spring into race season in Waunakee! Swim in the indoor high school pool, bike on city streets and bike path, and run on the track in Warrior Stadium to celebrate your achievement with your Finish Line moment. Our favorite event to get kids active and families inspired after Wisconsin winter!

FRIENDS OF ROCK COUNTY PARKS BICYCLE TOUR

May 18 | 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Beloit co.rock.wi.us/parks | cplange@att.net | 414-350-4935

This year’s ride tours the Rock County Parks in the southwestern portion of the county, starting at historic Beckman Mill. Routes from 20 to 64 miles. Emergency SAG support.

WORS #2 - ENGLEWOOD OPEN May 19 | Fall River wors.org | Marcus_Warrington@trekbikes.com

Held in conjunction with the Cat 1 Englewood Open UCI event, the WORS Englewood Open has quickly established itself as a staple of the WORS calendar. Because of the UCI weekend, the Englewood race has attracted riders from over thirty states and is in turn one of the largest mountain bike races in the country. These are private trails on a family farm with flyovers, rock gardens, and fast and flowy singletrack through scenic woods and vast meadows. With only one or two chances for the general public to ride this track all year, the Englewood Open is your shot!

CHIPPEWA VALLEY CENTURY RIDE

May 26 | All Day | Chippewa Falls cvcride.org | cvcride.questions@gmail.com | 608-764-0113

Our courses includes a 35-, 50-, 75-, or 100-mile option all on blacktop roads. The entry fee covers 4 rest stops, water stops, support vehicles, and a meal featuring brats, soda, and Leinenkugel's beer. Riders can register and check in from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. and immediately start the Ride.

MILWAUKEE MEMORIAL DAY RIDE May 27 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. kempro1@aol.com | 414-708-4442

Please join us as we pay our respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This no-drop slow roll will include visits to Wood National Cemetery, the War Memorial, and Veteran’s Park. The starting point has yet to be determined. Please visit the “Tosa Cycles” Facebook page for details closer to the date.

OLD WORLD WISCONSIN May 31 - Jun 7 | Madison

pedalacrosswisconsin.com/Rides.html kennethjgoldman@yahoo.com | 847-309-4740

Cycle through some of Wisconsin's most scenic and historic areas over roads you will long remember. Tour the popular New Glarus Brewery and stroll through the historic Swiss Village of New Glarus. Walk into historic downtown New Glarus to sample chocolates, cheeses, and sausages, all made the Old World Way and shop early for Christmas in unique shoppes. A fantastic way to put some energy into your cycling with a loop tour through some of Wisconsin’s most scenic and historic areas.

HERITAGE TRAILS MTB FESTIVAL Jun 1 | All Day metromountainbikers.com/HeritageMTBFestival clark.melissa.j@gmail.com | 414-759-3360

FUN DAY FOR ALL! Mountain bike race, activities for families, food, beverages, and festivities! Stay tuned to our website and Metro Mountain Bikers Facebook page for more information.

Discover Waushara County on a bike. Over 280 miles in bike routes and 9 miles of mountain bike trails, all in beautiful central Wisconsin.

www.tinyurl.com/bikewaushara

GREEN LAKE BIKE 100 METRIC CENTURY RIDE

Jun 1 | 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Green Lake

greenlake100.com | allison@visitgreenlake.com | 920-294-3231

Join us for the beautiful Green Lake 100 Metric Century Bike Ride on Saturday, June 1, 2024! A challenging, yet fun ride featuring numerous routes of scenic beauty throughout the area. Three routes to choose from; 23 miles (37 km), 40 miles (64 km), and 62 miles (100 km) taking you through Green Lake County’s vibrant communities of Green Lake, Princeton, & Berlin. Ten percent of the proceeds of this ride will be donated to an area non-profit. Thanks to our 2023 riders for contributing to the Green Lake County Food Pantry.

WORS #3 - BATTLE OF CAMROCK Jun 1 - Jun 2

wors.org | Marcus_Warrington@trekbikes.com

The Battle of CamRock keeps the circuit close to Madison but offers a major change in being the first significant climbing event of the season. With elevation gain nearing 600 feet per lap and a leg-busting hill at both the start and finish, this race is one for the wicked. But don’t worry, it’s not just about the climbing - flowing singletrack, features sprinkled throughout the course, and beautiful scenery is what keeps riders coming back year after year to the fan-favorite event in CamRock park. Hosted by CORP, race proceeds will go to improving the trail networks all throughout the Madison region.

IRONBULL ESSENTIAL GRAVEL Jun 1 - Jun 16 | Ringle

Ironbull.org/essential-gravel-ride-details executivedirector@ironbull.org | 715-848-5949

The Essential Gravel introduces people to gravel riding and provides an option for gravel enthusiasts with the flexibility to pick your route and timeline. Ride at a leisurely pace or race and get your competitive juices flowing with prizes available. There are three looped route options, all starting and ending at the Mountain-Bay Trailhead at the Marathon County Solid Waste landfill, 1.5 miles east of Ringle, WI.

WISCONSIN BIKE WEEK 2024 Jun 1 - Jun 9 | All Day wisconsinbikefed.org/wisconsin-bike-week

Wisconsin Bike Week is a 10-day celebration of why we love to ride bikes, featuring rides, snacks, fun, education, and encouragement! People and organizations from around the state will host great rides, events, and activities, so start planning now to showcase your community, business, or club for fellow residents and riders to enjoy!

BAYCARE CLINIC CENTURY BAYSHORE TO LAKESHORE

Jun 1 | All Day | Green Bay baycareclinic.com/baycare-clinic-century-bayshore-to-lakeshore

The BayCare Clinic Century Bayshore to Lakeshore offers 100-, 60-, 30-, and 15-mile routes. No matter your age or skill level, we’ll have an adventure tailored for you to enjoy. It's a wonderful day of riding and camaraderie. Century riders will bike from the waters of Green Bay to Lake Michigan and back, going Bayshore to Lakeshore. Our signature event starts and finishes at BayCare Clinic headquarters, 1035 Kepler Drive, on Green Bay’s east side.

PROMISE ZONE BIKE RIDE Jun 1 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. sarah.b@nwscdc.org | 414-444-8200

Join NWSCDC and several partners as we kick off Wisconsin Bike Week on the 7th Annual Promise Zone Bike Ride through Milwaukee's 30th Street Industrial Corridor! The free, slow-paced, 6-mile, family-friendly ride will start and end in Garden Homes Park, featuring stops throughout the ride to highlight various developments and opportunities in the neighborhood. All ages and ability levels are welcome! There will be a free bike repair station and a limited number of bikes available to rent for the ride, free of charge. There will be free T-shirts, snacks & prizes! We encourage close-toed shoes and a helmet for safety.

2024 UPAF RIDE FOR THE ARTS, PRESENTED BY MILLER LITE

Jun 2 | 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.| Milwaukee events.upaf.org/event/2024-upaf-ride-for-the-arts-presented-by-miller-lite/e486700 kkorek@upaf.org | 414-239-6274

Enjoy spectacular views of Milwaukee from the Hoan Bridge and remind yourself what makes this city so great as you ride along Lake Michigan on Lincoln Memorial Drive. NEW this year, enjoy live performances, family activities, and excitement at UPAFest, the official finish line party at Henry Maier Festival Park. There is a route for all ages and abilities ranging from 7 to 20 miles (that can be repeated for those who want a longer distance) in addition to our 1.5 mile Arts Path through Lakeshore State Park, perfect for kids and families!

ARLINGTON 500 Jun 2 | 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Lake Zurich, IL cyclearlington.com/500 | 500@cyclearlington.com | 847-373-8079

The Arlington 500 is a recreational bike ride on scenic roads in Lake County, Illinois. The Arlington Heights Bicycle Club (AHBC) has hosted this ride for over 40 years. It is attended by hundreds of riders. Route options of 20, 41, 66, 87, or 101 miles. The Arlington 500 is a fully supported ride with SAG, food, and support vehicles. Downloadable GPS route and/or cue sheet.

MONDAY NIGHT STOCK BIKE RACING

Jun 3 - Aug 19 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Kenosha kenoshavelodromeracing.com | chris.riva333@gmail.com | 262-945-2507

Stock bike racing is an introduction to track racing, geared to our younger riders. Racers can be anywhere from three years of age (on training wheels) to adults. No need for a track bike, anyone with a bike and helmet can race. The littlest racers race tricycles and big wheels on the warmup circle. Older riders race the 333m track. From June through August stock bike racing helps keep young people focused on something positive and physical, making new friends, and can turn cycling into a lifelong sport.

RIDES FOR JOE Jun 5 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Fitchburg bikefitchburg.org/events | steve.arnold@fitchburg.wi.us | 608-239-3900

In memory of our late, long-time director Joe Imilkowski, Bike Fitchburg, the Fitchburg Senior Center, and the City of Fitchburg Bicycle Committee will host monthly, slow-roll Rides for Joe at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month from May through October. After quick bike and helmet checks and a brief educational topic, we'll head out on slow rides around the Fitchburg system of multi-use paths. The group will agree on a distance (historically 8-20 miles). These rides are free and oriented to seniors, but all are welcome. Register and bring your own helmet, bike, and state trail pass.

INSAYNER BACKWOODS MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

Jun 8, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. lamboriders.org/events/the-insayner/10544 bryoneblack@gmail.com | 715-614-4094

The InSayner is a back-woods, adventure mountain bike race that takes place in the depths of Northern Wisconsin's beautiful (sometimes treacherous) Northern Highland American Legion State Forest with 3 routes available to racers. The 23-mile, 50-mile, and e-bike Backwoods Biking Adventure takes you on the new Musky Mountain Bike Trail, snowmobile trails, sweet stretches of downhills, an old ski hill run, logging roads, gravel roads, a small stretch of blacktop, and a few other surprises.

TREK 100 Jun 8 | All Day

Trekbikes.com/us/en_US/trek100 | mike_monger@trekbikes.com

The Trek 100 began as a humble charity bike ride to raise funds for childhood cancer and related blood disorders research. But over the last three decades, it has grown into something so much bigger. Since 1990, we've raised over $20 million for the MACC Fund — and on June 8, we'll gather at Trek's global headquarters once again to ride, party, and support this crucial cause. This is our open invitation for you to join us for the best group ride ever!

FOURTH ANNUAL WILD GOOSE CHASE

Jun 8 | 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Juneau

pelicanpath.org | jttraughber@yahoo.com | 703-919-3201

This 70-mile gravel ride is a fundraiser for the Pelican Path Trail and you will receive the highly-sought-after Fourth Annual Wild Goose Chase moisturewicking shirt the day of the ride. The ride is 70 miles round trip on gravel, but please join us for a shorter distance if you like. All profits will go into the Pelican Path Trail account with the Friends of Dodge County Parks, Inc. [a 501(c)(3) non-profit]. Please register before May 15, 2024 to receive a shirt. Registration instructions are on the Pelican Path website: www.pelicanpath.org.

KWIK TRIP TOUR OF AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND

Jun 13 - Jun 23 | All Day tourofamericasdairyland.com

lkmoy@tourofamericasdairyland.com | 312-925-6177

The Kwik Trip Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD) is the largest competitive professional and amateur road cycling series in the United States. We host 11 straight days of criterium racing throughout Southeast Wisconsin with racers competing from all over the world. ToAD was started in 2009 and extends the legacy of multi-day bike racing that first started in Wisconsin back in 1969. Join us in celebrating 15 years of world class racing at these free, actionpacked, family-friendly events. Find information on schedules, opportunities for volunteering, and becoming a host family on our website. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

PEDAL ON!!! 4.0 - ANNIVERSARY BEER RELEASE & BIKE RIDES

Jun 14 | 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Stevens Point fb.me/e/4hKIT2gHV | trevor@gocurbwise.com | 715-570-1961

District 1 Brewing Company & Curbwise LLC are celebrating the release anniversary of Pedal On!!! Come out to join us for community bike rides, food, beer, and FREE raffle prizes! Please wear your helmet and join us for one of 3 rides: the slow family-friendly local ride (playground stop included); the faster and more challenging Green Circle Trail ride; or the even faster roadie ride. Return to D1 for a group photo, the Pedal On!!! celebration, food truck eats, live music, and FREE raffle prizes. All ages event. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.

WORS #4 - WAUSAU NINE MILE Jun 14 - Jun 16 | Wausau wors.org | Marcus_Warrington@trekbikes.com

Pivoting northward, the series continues a busy June with a stop at Nine Mile in its long-awaited return to Wausau. Here riders will find themselves with cross-country, short track and time trial racing opportunities, greeted by both fast singletrack and ski trail big-ring doubletrack. Hanging out for the full weekend? Get it started in style with our Friday night happy hour hangout in downtown Wausau. Registration pickup, complimentary beverages, and good vibes will kick off the festivities of this action-packed weekend.

TOUR OF AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND: CHEESE WHEEL CLASSIC Jun 14 | 11:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. | West Allis westalliswi.gov/1965/Cheese-Wheel-Classic-Bike-Race kmcginnis@westalliswi.gov | 414-302-8354

The City of West Allis is excited to welcome back the Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD) “Cheese Wheel Classic” to the Becher Street neighborhood for the third year! This annual bike race brings tours to 11 different communities over 11 days, and each day, eight to ten races are held from late morning to dusk with opportunities for junior riders to seasoned master racers, novices to pros, women, and men, and even hand cyclists.

MADISON KIDS BIKE + RUN Jun 15 | 7:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Madison tri4schools.org/event/madison-kids-bike-run | fdonovan@tri4schools.org Celebrate the start of summer by racing in beautiful Warner Park! Bike and then run on park paths and neighborhood streets to reach families and friends cheering at the Finish Line. This accessible multi-sport race is a great way to start your summer off on the right foot (and pedal!).

KETTLE CLASSIC Jun 15 | 6:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Dousman

ladlake.org/kettle-classic | Bridgettbrown@ladlake.org | 414-763-3447

Join our annual bicycle ride through the stunning Kettle Moraine. Lad Lake’s Kettle Classic offers something for everyone. The bike ride will consist of three non-competitive routes. 15 miles, 30 miles, or 100k. All routes will take riders through the beautiful Kettle Moraine and will include sag support and a rest stop. Your participation in the Kettle Classic will help youth cross the finish line of success. Proceeds directly support more than 1,100+ youth and their families from across Wisconsin."

SOLSTICE FESTIVAL Jun 15 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

solsticefestival.us | iwcowart@gmail.com

The Solstice Festival celebrates the longest day of the year and is the official start to the summer cycling season in Manitowish Waters. Whether preparing for a week-long tour or charity ride, training for a summer of competitive racing, or simply getting the family out for an organized ride, the Solstice Festival has perfect courses and activities to offer. After a day in the saddle, stick around for a party in the park, featuring live music, food, drinks, and more.

HORRIBLY HILLY HUNDREDS Jun 15 | All Day | Blue Mounds bikesignup.com/Race/WI/BlueMounds/HorribleHillyHundreds greg@friendsofbluemound.org | 608-347-2545

With up to 10,000 feet of elevation gain, the Horribly Hilly Hundreds presents one of the Midwest's toughest challenges for the serious cyclist. Choose between the 100K, 150K, and 200K routes. The day is capped with a finish atop Blue Mound State Park (highest point in Southern Wisconsin), a meal featuring quality local food, and beer. This one-day challenge ride serves as an important fundraiser for Friends of Blue Mound State Park.

WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE Jun 15 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Madison MadisonWNBR.org | madisonnakedbikeride@yahoo.com | 608-616-0162

An international clothing-optional event protesting petroleum products and supporting positive body values.

DOOR COUNTY HOLIDAY Jun 16 - Jun 21 | Sturgeon Bay pedalacrosswisconsin.com/Doorcounty.html kennethjgoldman@yahoo.com | 847-309-4740

Door County Holiday by Pedal Across Wisconsin: Here's an opportunity to cycle the entire Door County Peninsula, plus a full day on Washington Island where our route provides many miles of empty roads as you glide past beaches, dunes, unique shops, parks, and museums. Loop ride from Sturgeon Bay and three nights in Sister Bay. Five days of photo-op cycling with many miles of shoreline, forests, and state parks while never far from a beach or pub.

TOUR OF AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND: TOUR DE PERE

Jun 17 | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. definitelydepere.org/events2/tour-de-pere tina@definitelydepere.org | 920-660-6077

Tour De Pere offers opportunities for junior riders to seasoned master racers, novices to pros, women and men, and hand cyclists. The exciting urban criterium course includes fast turns, elevation changes, and a finishing stretch that is long and flat leading into a great final sprint. Spectators enjoy picturesque views of the river while watching races, listen to live music, indulge in culinary specialties from local food trucks, and a variety of craft beers and beverages. The family-friendly atmosphere also features a marketplace showcasing local businesses, a kid’s race for ages 12 and under, and a fat tire race.

TOUR OF AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND: 20TH ANNUAL SHOREWOOD

CRITERIUM CLASSIC Jun 21 | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Shorewood shorewoodwi.com/events/shorewood-criterium-cycling-classic director@shorewoodwi.com | 414-585-8100

Shorewood will return to playing host for a day to the largest cycling event in the country, the 19th Annual Shorewood Criterium Classic presented by Draft & Vessel on Friday, June 21, 2024! The Tour of America’s Dairyland features 11 days of competitive racing around Wisconsin and brings in riders from amateurs to professionals. In addition, our local event includes kids’ races (littles, middles, and tweens) and more fun at the Kensington Square block party!

TOUR OF AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND: 45TH ANNUAL CAFÉ

HOLLANDER OTTO WENZ DOWNER CLASSIC

Jun 22 | 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Milwaukee downeravenue.com/events/downer-classic-bike-race historicdowneravenue@gmail.com | 414-585-8100

Historic Downer Avenue is home to one of the most famous urban criterium courses in the country. Global in reach and extremely local in flavor, The Cafe Hollander Otto Wenz Downer Classic hosted in partnership with the Tour of America’s Dairyland, promises to be one of the highlights of cycling in Wisconsin this summer. The full day of racing features a popular kids’ race, Dairyland Mile race, and a full slate of racing all afternoon and evening. Food, beer, and family fun complement the twilight pro race that promises to bring pro teams and riders from around the world.

TOUR DA GOOSE Jun 22 | 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Watertown

tourdagoose.com | julieo@thriveed.org | 920-728-7264

The Tour da Goose bike ride is a fundraising ride to benefit the Rock River Community Clinic. We have distances for everyone, from families to century riders. The routes are well supported with rest stops and SAG assistance. The ride will take you through the picturesque countryside of Jefferson and Walworth counties. After the ride, join us at Riverside Park for entertainment and a delicious lunch catered by local favorite Red Line BBQ.

TOTAL TOMAHAWK TERRAIN 6TH EDITION GRAVEL

Jun 22 | Tomahawk

ironbull.org/ttt-details | executivedirector@ironbull.org | 715-848-5949

The TTT stands for the start and end in Tomahawk, the climb to the highest point in Wisconsin at Timm’s Hill, in the 103-mile event and through Tripoli for the 103 mile event. The challenging TTT offers additional shorter route options to encourage new gravel bike riders. This is an old school free gravel bike ride so be prepared to support yourself. Use paper cue sheets, gpx, or your phone to navigate because the course is not marked. The ride starts in Somo Area Recreation Arena (SARA) Park. SARA Park has camping, a beach, and showers, so bring a towel.

WORS #5 - COLECTIVO COFFEE CLASSIC

Jun 22 - Jun 23 | Waukesha wors.org | Marcus_Warrington@trekbikes.com

WORS heads to the Milwaukee suburbs for the Colectivo Coffee Classic. Known for its tight, twisty, and smile-inducing singletrack, this urban oasis is one of the most popular mountain bike trail systems in the region. Minooka Park offers racing in an urban setting that seamlessly transitions into the tranquility of nature. With a surprising amount of elevation, the course winds its way through the woods and across short sections of meadow. The final straight stretch on flat doubletrack makes for one of the best finishing lines in the series, and always promises a few riveting sprint finishes.

OSHKOSH CENTURY Jun 23 | 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Oshkosh

Visit wisconsinbikefed.org/events for event link. mghalron@gmail.com | 920-379-5308

Join us for the 3rd Annual Oshkosh Century Bike Ride, presented by Fox Communities Credit Union. All fully supported routes start and finish at the 20th Avenue Oshkosh Y. You can choose to ride one of four routes: 30 miles, 50 miles, 62 miles, or 100 miles. All routes offer a beautiful, scenic ride west and south of Oshkosh. The 100-mile route takes riders around Green Lake. Six rest stops along the way will include restrooms, water, food, and mechanical support. All riders will receive a poly blend t-shirt and a catered meal with beverages at the conclusion of the ride.

RIDE & DINE WITH THE NICA WI LEAGUE

Jun 29 | 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. wisconsinmtb.org | renee@wisconsinmtb.org| 414-520-0469

A FUNdraiser for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League, an organization using mountain biking as a tool for youth development across the state. Enjoy exclusive access to the world-class mountain bike course at Englewood Grass Farm in Fall River followed by a farm-fresh meal and live and silent auction with a wide range of items. Open to everyone. Proceeds support programming of the NICA Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League's mission of building strong minds, bodies, character, and community through cycling.

LEOWSTRONG BIKE RIDE Jun 29 | All Day mmymca.org/leowstrong-bike-ride | tayah@mmymca.org

This beautiful summer ride will take you smoothly through Menominee County country roads, along the river into the northern woods of Wisconsin and then back into Michigan. The ride is inclusive for every type of rider from the weekend family experience to the long distanced experienced, able-bodied, or non-able bodied. We've partnered with the Bellin Stroke Survivor group to provide an inclusive ride for all abilities! All proceeds from the Leowstrong Bike Ride support the Greater Marinette-Menominee YMCA’s community hunger needs, memberships that create friendships & opportunity, accessible childcare, support for chronic disease, community volunteer work, & more.

RIDES FOR JOE Jul 3 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Fitchburg bikefitchburg.org/events | steve.arnold@fitchburg.wi.us | 608-239-3900

In memory of our late, long-time director Joe Imilkowski, Bike Fitchburg, the Fitchburg Senior Center, and the City of Fitchburg Bicycle Committee will host monthly, slow-roll Rides for Joe at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month from May through October. After quick bike and helmet checks and a brief educational topic, we'll head out on slow rides around the Fitchburg system of multi-use paths. The group will agree on a distance (historically 8-20 miles). These rides are free and oriented to seniors, but all are welcome. Register and bring your own helmet, bike, and state trail pass.

RED FLINT FIRECRACKER Jul 6 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. redflintfirecracker.com | nick@volumeone.org | 715-497-8903

The Red Flint Firecracker is an explosive mountain bike race, trail run, and party on the beautiful Lowes Creek Park trail system that's hosted countless WORS races, NICA races, and events of all kinds. With courses and distances for all abilities, anyone can challenge themselves with a dynamic creek-side course through a deep ravine in the woods of Eau Claire County. In addition to rides, enjoy food trucks, beer spots, and even a Friday night pre-party in downtown Eau Claire featuring live music, vendors, and more. Make it a weekend in Eau Claire for the whole family.

FREEDOM RIDE July 7 | 8:00 a.m. | Middleton ridewithgps.com/events/296125 graham@bombaybicycle.com | 978-496-0713

Celebrate Independence Day by participating in Bombay's century ride into Sauk and Columbia counties. The medium and long routes will cross the Wisconsin River on the ferry and go to Devil's Lake. The short ride goes to Crystal Lake and back. All three routes return through Lodi and the Lodi Marsh State Natural Area. A classic Bombay ride! Wear your most patriotic cycling look - red, white, and blue!

BIKE.BUILD.HOME500 Jul 9 - Jul 14 | All Day

bikebuildhome500.org | lkirch@centurytel.net

Our mission is to raise funds for affordable housing organizations while building community and camaraderie with an annual multi-day bicycle ride. Bike.Build.Home 500 was organized to continue the tradition of the Habitat 500 bike ride, which was previously coordinated by Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota. In its 30-year history, bike riders raised over $7 million to build affordable homes. Bike.Build.Home 500 hopes to mobilize the nearly-allvolunteer spirit of the original Habitat 500. To contact the committee, email us at info@bikebuildhome500.org. Whether you have questions or answers, we’d love to hear from you!

WORS #6 - ORA TRAILS FEST Jul 12 - Jul 14 | La Crosse wors.org | Marcus_Warrington@trekbikes.com

Offering a plethora of racing opportunities and off-site events and activities, ORA Trails Fest will also serve as the Midwest Mountain Bike Regional Championships. Enduro racing and Short Track are back. New this year is a Friday night uphill singletrack time trial, with riders fighting for the coveted KOM jersey. Sunday’s flagship day of cross-country racing will take riders on a host of incredible trails. La Crosse is the perfect weekend destination event and is expected to draw racers throughout the region. Join us for racing, live music, and a full weekend of fun for the whole family!

PEDAL IN THE PINES Jul 13 | All Day | St Germain pedalinthepines.org | pedalinthepines@hotmail.com | 715-891-1876

Come join us for the inaugural Pedal in the Pines bike ride in St. Germain. There are three routes to choose from: 9 and 18-mile options on local paved trails and a 35-mile road ride. Your registration fee includes a t-shirt, rest stops for the 18- and 35- mile rides, lunch, up to three beverages, and ride support. Non-riders are also welcome to hang out and enjoy the fun; food and drinks will be available for sale. Sponsored by the St. Germain Silent Trails UA, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, develop, and maintain silent trails in the St. Germain area.

KR BIKE CLUB ANNUAL RIDE

Jul 13 | 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Kansasville krbikeclub.com/events | hoff.christy@gmail.com | 262-705-1583

Join Kenosha Racine Bicycle Club for their annual century ride. With 4 different route options, you can choose your distance. New this year will be group starts on the hour. Route options from 23 to 29 miles - add them however you want! Catch up with us at Shelter #2 at Brighton Dale Park off CTH BB. We will be raising funds to support the White River Trail Extension through the Rails to Trails "Route of the Badger" project. Registration fees are $15 for members and $30 for non-members. Note $5 increase for day-of registration.

SALVATION RIDE Jul 13 | 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Sheboygan thesalvationride.org | carryejo.cony@usc.salvationarmy.org | 920-694-1271

Ride 10, 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles. From beautiful bluff views of Lake Michigan to sand dunes to farm fields and forest, riders experience it all. A delightful meal, finish line photos, and fellowship await as riders return to King Park. We want everyone from highly experienced riders to families who might be new to biking to have a blast, ride at their own pace, and enjoy the view! Your registration fee provides a night of shelter, three meals, case management, and other vital needs for a homeless neighbor through the Salvation Army’s life-changing services.

WISCONSIN TOUR BY PACIFIC ATLANTIC CYCLING

(PAC TOUR) Jul 15 | All Day | Beloit pactour.com/2024-wisconsin-tour | rnhbrady@gmail.com | 262-215-3773

The PAC Wisconsin Tour is for riders of intermediate cycling ability who are looking for a challenging week of cycling, but not as extreme as a PAC Tour cross-country tour. Wisconsin Tour is designed to introduce riders to the PAC Tour experience – plenty of good riding with excellent support and guidance. Recommended rider average speed is 10-15 mph with rest stops. We are limited to about 40 riders.

EAU CLAIRE HERE TO BEER COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE

Jul 20 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Visit wisconsinbikefed.org/events for event link. jeffrey.david.mares@gmail.com | 715-210-0768

The second annual Eau Claire Here to Beer Community Bike Ride is a 24-mile roundtrip fundraiser bike ride open to all kinds of riders, and all kinds of bikes — regular and e-bikes alike!

WORS #7 - TREADFEST Jul 20 - Jul 21 | Lake Geneva wors.org | Marcus_Warrington@trekbikes.com

The Treadfest course was built by racers for racers. It brings out the best mountain biking Lake Geneva has to offer—tight, technical single-track to wide open big ring double-track. The thigh-burning climbs are rewarded with fun and fast descents, not to mention the thrill of flying past the roaring crowd at the top of the hill. A relatively close event for Chicagoans, Treadfest is one of the best-attended races and hosted at the beautiful Grand Geneva Resort. Don’t get too distracted by the stunning venue as you’ll spend your undivided attention on the punchy, technical ascents throughout the course.

NORTHWOODS BICYCLE TOUR

Jul 20 - Jul 27 | All Day | Rhinelander

pedalacrosswisconsin.com/Northwoods-bike-trip.html

kennethjgoldman@yahoo.com | 847-309-4740

Wisconsin's original and longest running Northwoods loop tour since 1989: from Rhinelander to Eagle River, Nicolet National Forest, and the largest fresh-water chain of lakes in the world. A full week of rustic, smoothly paved back-roads riding, followed by indoor pools, whirlpools, and famous PAW Social Hours waiting for you at your hotel at the end of each day.

JINGLE IN JULY - RUN, WALK, RIDE FOR ARTHRITIS

Jul 21 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Middleton arthritis.org/jingleinjulywi | speterson@arthritis.org | 608-239-4773

The Jingle in July – Run/Walk/Ride (formerly Oktoberfest Ride for Arthritis) is a family-friendly fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation of Wisconsin. Don your holiday-wear and take part in one of the following: 100k Ride, 50k Ride, 25k Beginner Ride, 5k Family Ride, 5K Fun Run/Walk, or 1-Mile Walk. After the run, walk, or ride enjoy a picnic lunch, music, and family-friendly games and activities.

WAUSAU 24 Jul 26 - Jul 28 | All Day | Wausau wausau24.com | tuleytrails@gmail.com | 715-223-5851

The Wausau 24 weekend starts with the Wausau Trail Run for the running enthusiast and music for all. Runners can choose from 5K, 10K, or HalfMarathon. Saturday features the start of all riding events including the 6-, 12- and 24-hour mountain bike races (racers compete solo or on a team to complete as many 13 mile laps in their time category) plus kids’ races and events, music, and local micro-brew, Red Eye Brewing Company. During the course of the weekend, Dirt Town will have food trucks providing food and beverages to the racers and visitors.

RIDE WITH LEINIE Jul 27 | 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Conover ghtrails.org/ridewithleinie | ridewithleinie@gmail.com | 715-891-8314

Join Dick Leinenkugel of the legendary Leinenkugel brewing family for a fun-filled day of cycling in the beautiful Northwoods at the 13th Annual Ride with Leinie! Five great ride options to choose from: 100k, 40-mile, and 20mile road rides on scenic Northwoods roads and 20.4-mile and 10.4-mile trail rides on the Conover-Phelps Trail. Picnic lunch featuring Leinenkugel Beer tasting, Trig's Smokehouse Brats, raffle drawings and more following the ride. Register by June 30 for just $40 per person, after June 30, registration is $50 per person. Proceeds go toward the development and enhancement of easter Vilas County bike trails.

PEDAL AND PARTY IN PARDEEVILLE WITH A PURPOSE

Jul 27 | All Day | Pardeeville pedalandparty.com/index.html | kay@kaylumdesign.com | 608-225-3578

The 22nd Annual PPPP (Pedal and Party in Pardeeville with a Purpose) is a fundraising ride for MS. Choose from 4 routes: 12, 32, 40 or 57. Ride the rolling Amish countryside, enjoy free breakfast burritos at rest stop #1, and other rest stops with snacks, water, and energy drinks. Marked routes and readable maps as well as GPS routes are all included. Finish the ride where you started in Chandler Park. Enjoy live music, free food, and beer plus FREE AMISH PIE and camaraderie at the finish party!

PEDAL THE PEACE RIDES Jul 27 | 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Afton runsignup.com/Race/WI/Afton/PedalThePeaceRides srjohn82@aol.com |608-481-1548

Rock Trail Coalition is hosting its annual Pedal the Peace Rides open to riders of all abilities. Cyclists choose from three different routes: an 11-mile route entirely on the flat, paved Peace Trail, or 25- or 50-mile road routes which include 11 miles of paved multiuse trail. The ride starts in the charming village of Afton, Wisconsin in the heart of Rock County, the southern gateway to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Registration includes great rest stops, mechanical and SAG support, lunch, ice cream, and a t-shirt. Proceeds support the enhancement of trails in Rock County.

THE BADFISH CREEK 20K/40K TIME TRIAL

Jul 27 | 8:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Stoughton madcityvelo.org | wehrleysteve@gmail.com | 608-512-8078

The Badfish Creek 20K/40K Time Trial is one of the safest, most interesting and challenging bike races in Wisconsin. It is a time trial in which bikers start at one-minute intervals and are not allowed to draft or ride in groups. Riders compete in Open and Age Group categories. The first race/time trial is the Wisconsin Cycling Association State Championship. The second race/time trial is for MATTS bikers, Triathletes, WiSport, and anyone else. The course is nestled in the Rutland township between Stoughton, Oregon, and Evansville. Enjoy this section of the Driftless Region: DO THE FISH!

SCENIC SHORE BIKE TOUR Jul 27 - Jul 28 | All Day scenicshore150.org | jen.grandkoski@lls.org |262-613-1785

The Scenic Shore Bike Tour is a fully supported cycling event that is open to riders of all ages and abilities. One of Wisconsin's most popular bike rides, Scenic Shore is the largest locally organized and supported event for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. With over 1,000 riders raising over $1.7 million, we continue to be one of the premier charity cycling events in the Midwest. The beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan from Mequon to Manitowoc to Sturgeon Bay is the picturesque setting for a weekend of riding the shore for a cure!

NORTHWOODS BICYCLE TOUR Jul 27 - Aug 3 | All Day | Rhinelander pedalacrosswisconsin.com/Northwoods-bike-trip.html kennethjgoldman@yahoo.com | 847-309-4740

Wisconsin's original and longest running Northwoods loop tour since 1989... from Rhinelander to Eagle River, Nicolet National Forest, and the largest fresh-water chain of lakes in the world. A full week of rustic, smoothly paved back-roads riding, followed by indoor pools, whirlpools, and famous PAW Social Hours waiting for you at your hotel at the end of each day.

LAKE RIPLEY RIDE Jul 27 | 7:00 a.m. | Cambridge runsignup.com/Race/WI/Cambridge/LakeRipleyRide lrumpf@cambridge.k12.wi.us | 608-423-9727 Ext. 1117

The Cambridge Lake Ripley Ride features three distances: a family friendly 18mile route, a longer and slightly hilly 40-mile route, and a more challenging 62-mile metric century route. You will ride quiet country roads and visit Cambridge, Rockdale, Deerfield, and Lake Mills. Registration includes a shirt, map/cue sheet, scenic rest stops, SAG wagon, a sandy swimming beach, and a FANTASTIC post ride celebration featuring live music, refreshments, and a tasty dinner provided by the Cambridge Lions Club. Vegetarian and gluten free options available. Help us support the JDRF and CAP!

BIKE TO THE BEAT

Aug 3 | 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. De Pere/Combined Locks biketothebeat.com | lfreitag@foxcu.org | 920-993-3921

Bike to the Beat is a family-friendly bike ride for riders of all ages and skill levels with fun, camaraderie, live music, and a wide variety of free food, beer, and other beverages. Two starting locations (De Pere and Combined Locks) and multiple routes to choose from ranging from 7 miles all the way up to 57 miles. Proceeds support the Fox Cares Foundation and its mission of ending homelessness, fighting hunger, and providing access to the arts. Donations received beyond the registration fee will be matched by Fox Communities Credit Union, up to a total of $25,000.

COWALUNGA CHARITY BIKE TOUR

Aug 3 - Aug 4 | All Day | Gurnee, IL resphealth.org/specialevents/cowalunga-charity-bike-tour smeyerhughes@resphealth.org

For 28 years, Respiratory Health Association has proudly hosted CowaLUNGa™ Charity Bike Tour! Join our Cow-mmunity of fun; loyal riders like you help us continue our work toward healthy lungs and clean air. Mootastic moments await! Escape the bustle for a weekend pedaling over rolling hills through northern Illinois into southern Wisconsin. Along the way, you’ll experience an unparalleled level of camaraderie and support from other cyclists and Respiratory Health Association, while helping us achieve our vision of healthy lungs and clean air for all.

WORS #8 - REFORESTATION RAMBLE Aug 3 - Aug 4 | Green Bay wors.org | Marcus_Warrington@trekbikes.com

The series treks north for the final time in 2024 to a venue just miles from the shores of Green Bay. Well-known as an all-weather course, the sandy trails can throw whatever moisture is thrown their way. Well-suited for riders with power, the relatively flat course meanders its way through a vast forest of trees. Green Bay also offers your one chance to race WORS under the cover of darkness. Illuminated by the ski lights, a double-track Short Track course will wind its way through the woods, lapping around the infield area every few minutes.

PHELPS TWIN TRIATHLON Aug 3 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Phelps phelpswi.us/event/twin-triathlon | laura@phelpswi.us | 715-545-3800

This is a family-friendly yet challenging paddle triathlon! The 8k kayak paddle is on North Twin Lake, with waves & choppy water adding to the challenge. You may even spot an eagle soaring above! The 20k bike route is on the Conover-Phelps Trail, which is a mixture of pavement and gravel and is NOT recommended for road bikes. The 5k run also takes place on a mixture of surfaces and is a great trail run through town, parks and also on the ConoverPhelps Trail! This is a breathtaking course to experience the wonders of Northwoods nature with some fun & friendly competition!

DAIRYLAND DARE Aug 3 | 6:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Dodgeville dairylanddare.com | raceday@racedayevents.com | 608-316-5755

Set in southwest Wisconsin, the Dairyland Dare offers some of the most extreme hills in the Midwest. The area is characterized by steep, forested ridges, and deeply carved river valleys. Riders will climb through the historic streets of Mineral Point, WI and across the scenic countryside of Iowa County (WI) along their quest to cover from 50km to 200km before the sun goes down. Rest stops are well staffed and very well stocked with food and sports drinks. Join us at the post-ride party and enjoy music, laughs, and a meal that won’t leave you hungry!

BIKE MS: BEST DAM BIKE TOUR WI

Aug 3 - Aug 4 | All Day | Baraboo bit.ly/48QGGwp

This year’s ride will have you cycling through rural Wisconsin roads with spectacular views! Enjoy a fully supported two-day event that includes a blowout party on Saturday night with an amazing evening program. Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Tour is the best way to stay connected with your local cycling community and bring everyone together to reach our ultimate goal — a world free of MS.

BIKE4FRIENDSHIP Aug 4 | All Day | Fox Point fcwi.org/bike | lstein@fcwi.org | 414-755-5855

Visit fcwi.org/bike for all the details and to register.

RIDES FOR JOE Aug 7 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Fitchburg bikefitchburg.org/events | steve.arnold@fitchburg.wi.us | 608-239-3900

In memory of our late, long-time director Joe Imilkowski, Bike Fitchburg, the Fitchburg Senior Center, and the City of Fitchburg Bicycle Committee will host monthly, slow-roll Rides for Joe at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month from May through October. After quick bike and helmet checks and a brief educational topic, we'll head out on slow rides around the Fitchburg system of multi-use paths. The group will agree on a distance (historically 8-20 miles). These rides are free and oriented to seniors, but all are welcome. Register and bring your own helmet, bike, and state trail pass.

SADISTIC CENTURY Aug 10 | 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Menomonie sadisticcentury.com | porterbicycle@gmail.com | 715-330-4646

A fun and challenging 200 km, 100 mile, 100 km or 60 km bicycle ride in Western Wisconsin. Ride almost 9,000 feet of climbing in 100 miles. New date and 200 km route for 2024. A short drive from Madison and the Twin Cities to the quiet roads of Dunn County. Family fun 8-mile lake loop or Red Cedar Trail ride. We serve a great meal with refreshments after the ride.

NORTH LAKES BIKE ROUTE

Aug 10 - Aug 24 | All Day | Minneapolis, MN biketheusforms.org/north-lakes-bike-route info@biketheusforms.org | 201-503-6367

From August 10th to 24th, join us on the North Lakes Bike Route, a new Wisconsin charity bike ride. This 830-mile journey from Minneapolis to Chicago via Lake Michigan is not just a Wisconsin bike ride; it’s an adventure that combines the thrill of biking with supporting those living with MS. Pedal across Wisconsin and beyond, exploring the natural beauty and community spirit that make Wisconsin biking events unique.

THE APPLE BLOSSOM BIKE TOUR Aug 10 | All Day | La Crescent, MN appleblossomtour.org | appleblossomtour@gmail.com | 608-385-6846

Join us August 10 for some of the best bicycling in the state! Select from one of six unique rides, with your choice of ridgetop, view of the Mississippi, rolling hills, and challenging climbs. All routes are supported with SAG wagons, energy snacks, and fun. There is a ride for all skill levels and be sure to stick around for food and music following the ride. Visit appleblossomtour. org for more information. Proceeds benefit the La Crescent Rotary Club, Living For Liz Organization, and Erin Dunlap Mathews Memorial Foundation.

16TH ANNUAL RIDE TO THE BARNS Aug 10 | 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. tallpinesconservancy.org/events-home beth@tallpinesconservancy.org | 262-369-0500

Please join us for the 2024 Ride to the Barns - a benefit for farmland conservation in Lake Country! There are three different routes to choose: 30, 45, and 60 miles - with rest stops featuring local farms serving only locally-sourced food! After the ride, join us for our post-ride party featuring live music, local beer, and a full buffet lunch. Registration is $85 per person through Friday, July 26 and $100 thereafter. Advance registration required.

MENOMIN MEANDER Aug 10 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Menomonie williamsda@uwstout.edu | 715-309-8992

The Menomin Meander is a family-friendly and totally free ride around Menomonie's Lake Menomin Loop. This is a 9-mile ride, beginning and ending at the Dunn County Recreation Park (county fairgrounds). Much of the ride is on bike trail and free from auto traffic. A food and water stop will be located mid-way around the loop. The Recreation Park provides plenty of free parking. This ride is the family-friendly ride held in conjunction with the Sadistic Century. The Meander is sponsored by the Menomonie Optimist Club.

RIDE THE DRIVE Aug 11 | 0:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

RideTheDrive.com | ashea@cityofmadison.com | 608-266-5949

Madison parks and open streets return! Start your Ride the Drive journey anywhere along the route! Numerous hubs along the route provide activities, food, and entertainment for all ages.

TRAILS OF THE NORTH Aug 11 - Aug 16 | All Day aroundwisbike.com | aroundwisbikemj@gmail.com | 715-216-4005

This 5-day tour showcases the many miles of asphalt and limestone bicycle trails that Vilas and Oneida Counties have been constructing for the past fifteen years in its effort to add bicyclists to the group of sports enthusiasts who are already fans of these popular northern counties. This tour travels on 3 different trail systems, The Bearskin State Trail, The 3-Eagle Trail, and the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System. The mileage is kept around 40 miles a day and encompasses two limestone rail trails and the fully paved Heart of Vilas Bike Trail.

WORS #9 - ALPINE VALLEY Aug 16 - Aug 18 | Elkhorn wors.org | Marcus_Warrington@trekbikes.com

We’re headed to the slopes of Alpine Valley for one of the biggest cycling parties of the year. The ninth and final event promises to end the 2024 season with a bang. Cross-Country, Short Track, and Enduro racing, along with group pre-rides and riding clinics slated for the Mid-August weekend. Final battles will play out for series overall titles on singletrack that winds its way up, down and around the iconic southeast Wisconsin venue. Informally nicknamed by some as “All Pain Valley,” podium spots will be truly earned on one of the most challenging courses of the entire year.

ROUN'DA MANURE BICYCLE TOUR

Aug 17 | 6:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Sharon roundamanurebicycletour.com | roundamanure@gmail.com | 815-517-2548

Annual tour and local fundraiser for the Downtown Historic Sharon District four loop route lengths of 20, 40, 60, 80 or all four loops for 100 miles. These scenic routes loop to area ice cream shoppes. Riders who register for the tour are provided Moo Bucks to use at all the rest stops/ice cream shoppes and provided a Pig Roast or a Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten Free Lunch at the end of the ride in downtown Sharon Wisconsin. Those who early bird register prior to August 1 receive preferred pricing and a free Roun'da Manure T-shirt with this year’s design.

NORTHERN WOODS AND WATERS TOUR Aug 17 - Aug 23 | All Day aroundwisbike.com | aroundwisbikemj@gmail.com | 715-216-4005

Cycle for six days on lightly traveled back roads through the woods of northern Wisconsin, past quiet lakes too numerous to count. After a day of biking, go for a swim or sample the kayaks and paddleboards available at the popular Wild Eagle Lodge in Eagle River where we spend two nights. Over 50 miles of this 300-mile tour take place on the trails, which wind through the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest past campgrounds and lakeside beaches. This year includes a guided boat tour of the Eagle River Chain of Lakes.

MIDDLETON KIDS TRIATHLON

Aug 17 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Middleton tri4schools.org/event/middleton-kids-triathlon |fdonovan@tri4schools.org

Our favorite end-of-summer tradition! Swim in the beautiful outdoor Bauman pool, bike through a quiet neighborhood on closed city streets, and finish with a run on the new track in the outdoor Borden Athletic Complex at Middleton High School. With race activities redesigned in 2024 to support an improved experience for spectators, this race is sure to remain a favorite for our athletes and their families!

THUNDERDOWN IN THE UNDERDOWN Aug 17 | Merrill ironbull.org/underdown-details executivedirector@ironbull.org | 715-848-5949

Still rowdy since 1989, the Thunderdown in the Underdown are grassroots mountain bike races in Northern Wisconsin. Conveniently located only 6 miles off of Highway 51, this event offer racers a wilderness experience on challenging topography formed from glaciers that swept the area thousands of years ago. The course is primarily singletrack climbing hills (up to 75!) that pass by isolated lakes and dozens of boardwalks. The Thunderdown in the Underdown mountain bike race continues to be part of the Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Biking Series (WEMS) races.

RIDE ACROSS WISCONSIN Aug 17 - Aug 18 | All Day rideacrosswisconsin.com

The Bike Fed’s largest fundraiser of the year will revisit its route from La Crosse to Milwaukee one last time with options to ride entirely on paved surfaces or on a combination of crushed limestone trail and low stress roads to explore our beautiful state by bicycle. The route features a new finish line with one- and two-day options for a 235-, 165-, 135-, or 100-mile challenge, plus a new team relay option. RAW features a well-marked course, fullservice ride support and bountiful rest stops. Bike Fed members are eligible for a registration discount. Fun, epic, and hard - but worth it.

COON FORK 40 Aug 24 | All Day coonforkgravel.com | nick@volumeone.org | 715-497-8903

A beach-to-beach woodsy gravel ride adventure! Choose from three distance rides: 28 miles, 45 miles, or 88 miles. Depart from the hidden waterfall bridge to traverse deep swaths of pine forests, classic Amish farm country, and picturesque Wisconsin waterways on beautiful gravel roads through Eau Claire and Clark County lands. Whether you come for a race or a ride, and no matter what bike (fat, gravel, or mountain), you’ll enjoy a gravel party done right! After Party with music, food, beer, swimming, & more. And on-site camping available. Brought to you by CORBA: Community for Outdoor Recreation, Biking, and Adventure.

RIVERBEAST 24 Aug 24 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. riverbeast24.com | pooveyfarmsracingmke@gmail.com | 414-469-4650

Milwaukee's Eastside Alleycat Race! Riders are provided a list of checkpoints at the start of the ride and the first to reach all checkpoints wins! But our unique webapp checkpoint system makes this ride approachable for any level of rider! Your smartphone gives you access to a list of all checkpoints, map links to each checkpoint, and the ability to upload a selfie as proof that each checkpoint was reached! Whether you're out to win or just to explore Milwaukee's Eastside, there's something for everyone!

CHRIS’S SLOW ROLL Aug 25 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Milwaukee chriskegelfoundation.org/chris-slow-roll Katie.knighton@chriskegelfoundation.org

Join in on the fun - 9th Annual Slow Roll Bike Ride & Celebration along Milwaukee’s scenic lakefront! Starting at the War Memorial parking lot in downtown Milwaukee, we’ll ride north on Lincoln Memorial Drive up to Shorewood, then snake back on Milwaukee’s Oak Leaf Trail where we’ll end up just where we started! Gathering for a party at the Beer Garden at the War Memorial, provided by Kegel’s Inn!

WRIGHT STUFF CENTURY

Sept 1 | 8:00 a.m. | Bluemounds

ridewithgps.com/events/296123 | graham@bombaybicycle.com

Enjoy beautiful views of the driftless region including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin and Unity Chapel. Both routes start at Brigham Park outside of Blue Mounds. After passing the Taliesin Visitor’s Center at the river, the long route skirts Governor Dodge State Park and loops back towards Taliesin. Both routes return to Brigham Park. What's included: 2 routes 101 and 66 miles, an event t-shirt, volunteer staffed rest stops at Unity Chapel and Barneveld. Food and beverage will be available at the end.

THE HIGHGROUND HEROES RIDE BIKE TOUR

Aug 2 - Aug 4 | All Day | Neillsville Thehighgroundheroesride.com marketing@thehighground.us | 715-743-4224

Every year, five rides from all over the state with over 100 riders converge on The Highground Veterans Memorial Park. Formerly known as The Highground Annual Bike Tour, the Heroes Ride is the largest and longest-running annual fundraiser for The Highground with 2024 marking the 40th year of the ride. Riders plus SAG personnel join together to bolster the organization’s efforts to provide Veterans and their families support and resources to help them heal from the wounds of war. The Highground offers PTS/PTSD programs and Veterans Retreats along with the tranquility of being on the “high ground.”

RIDES FOR JOE Sep 4 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Fitchburg bikefitchburg.org/events | steve.arnold@fitchburg.wi.us | 608-239-3900

In memory of our late, long-time director Joe Imilkowski, Bike Fitchburg, the Fitchburg Senior Center, and the City of Fitchburg Bicycle Committee will host monthly, slow-roll Rides for Joe at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month from May through October. After quick bike and helmet checks and a brief educational topic, we'll head out on slow rides around the Fitchburg system of multi-use paths. The group will agree on a distance (historically 8-20 miles). These rides are free and oriented to seniors, but all are welcome. Register and bring your own helmet, bike, and state trail pass.

DOOR COUNTY HOLIDAY Sep 8 - Sep 13 | Sturgeon Bay pedalacrosswisconsin.com/Doorcounty.html kennethjgoldman@yahoo.com | 847-309-4740

Here's an opportunity to cycle the entire Door County Peninsula, plus a full day on Washington Island where our route provides many miles of empty roads as you glide past beaches, dunes, unique shops, parks, and museums. Loop ride from Sturgeon Bay and three nights in Sister Bay. Five days of photo-op cycling with many miles of shoreline, forests, and State Parks while never far from a beach or pub.

MIDWEST BIKEPACKING SUMMIT PRESENTED BY IRONBULL

Sep 12 - Sep 14 Ironbull.org/bikepacking-summit executivedirector@ironbull.org | 715-848-5949

Join experienced to first-time bikepackers for a weekend of fun in northern Wisconsin. With group rides, lakeside camping, expo, speakers, and of course bikepacking, this event offers everyone a chance to meet a riding buddy, learn something, and immerse themselves in the northwoods. Each registration includes registration for the group campsites (Thursday and Friday). We encourage everyone and anyone to attend the expo which will include speakers and vendors and join the free group rides. The Jack Lake group campground has access to Jack Lake mountain bike system (trail donations encouraged), access to flush bathrooms, onsite showers (coinoperated), lake access, and more.

SEPTIMBER RIDE Sep 14 | 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Eagle River eagleriver.org/events/septimber-ride kim@eagleriver.org | 715-479-6400

Join us for one of three great “brewery to winery” rides: a Trail Ride from Tribute Brewing Company to Three Lakes Winery and back on the Three Eagle Trail (28 miles) and two Northwoods Road Rides from Tribute Brewing Company to Three Lakes Winery on scenic county roads (60K or 100K). All participants receive wine tasting at the Three Lakes Winery and beer tasting at Tribute Brewing Company plus a brat picnic and a long sleeve shirt. Door and raffle prizes. Proceeds benefit development of biking/walking trails in Eastern Vilas County - such as the River Trail connecting Eagle River to the Heart of Vilas Trail.

BIKE THE BARNS Sep 15 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

csacoalition.org/bike-the-barns | tess@csacoalition.org | 608-226-0300

Bike the Barns is the FairShare CSA Coalition’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the ride benefit our organization and the Partner Shares Program, which helps low-income families afford farm-fresh veggies. When you sign up for Bike the Barns, you help families access food grown right in their community by a CSA farmer. The event features a full day of farm tours, gourmet local food, craft libations, on-farm activities, and live music. Join us as we bike to ensure fresh food for every family!

NORTH SHORE CENTURY

Sep 15 | 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Evanston, IL evanstonbikeclub.org/nsc | martin_horn@ameritech.net

The Evanston Bicycle Club’s North Shore Century offers incredibly scenic biking on routes of 25, 50, 62, and 100 miles. You'll experience beautiful neighborhoods, view unique architectural treasures, pedal down tranquil tree-lined streets, and feel the refreshing breezes of Lake Michigan. There are frequent, well-stocked rest stops. SAGs and bike mechanics provided. Helmets strongly urged!!

¡PICK ME UP AT THE BORDER!

Sep 20 - Sep 21, | 6:30 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. | Fitchburg bikefitchburg.org/pmuatb.html

treasurer@bikefitchburg.org | 608-239-3900

This is the signature event and annual fund-raiser for Bike Fitchburg, Inc. An 80-mile, nighttime, gravel ride to the Illinois border on the Badger State Trail. Shorter distances from 12 to 40 miles are also offered. A $15 or larger donation to Bike Fitchburg is requested. Online registration is required and can be done up to the start time. Roll out at 7pm with finish 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. depending on personal speed and distance. The ride is mostly unsupported but water and snacks are provided at three stations along the route. Riders are responsible for having a Wisconsin State Trail Pass.

TREADHEAD FALL TOUR 2024 Sep 22 | 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. treadheadcycling.com/fall-tour-ride bigjohngraf@yahoo.com | 262-442-0582

The TreadHead Fall Tour is an organized bicycle ride around beautiful Southeast Wisconsin. There are routes to meet everyone's needs from 18 to 100 miles. There will be rest stops and support along the routes to make sure everyone enjoys their ride. The ride starts from the House of Music in Lake Geneva. Well-marked and quiet country roads, cue sheets, SAG support, friendly volunteers and our well-stocked rest stops. These are noncompetitive, scenic rides of 18, 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles, all starting on the same roads.

FALL COLOR FESTIVAL Sep 28 | 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Whitewater FallColorFestival.org | jameswamser@mac.com | 262-617-8272

Annual mountain bike fundraiser held at the John Muir trails in Southeastern Wisconsin. Proceeds support trail maintenance and development. We have several timed events beginning at 9:30 along with a children’s ride, music by DJ Rick Jules, a beer garden, and much more!

DEER FLY CHASE Sep 28 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | New Auburn facebook.com/deerflychase | mhansen@co.chippewa.wi.us

Join the Friends of Hickory Ridge Trail Association for the Deer Fly Chase race on the trails of Hickory Ridge on September 28, 2024. This mountain bike race and trail run offers great trails, a challenging course, and beautiful country in a friendly atmosphere. The mountain bike long race is 25 miles; the short race is 14 miles. The trail run is 10K and features a course on the Ice Age Trail. All proceeds from the event are reinvested in the maintenance and development of the trails.

OUTDOORSY TRIATHLON MKE Sep 28 | All Day Outdoorsytrimke.com/tri-overview

Explore Milwaukee by hiking, biking, and kayaking along some of the best routes our city has to offer. Hike 2.5, Bike 10, Paddle 1hr. This event is a benefit for the Milwaukee Parks Foundation.

APPLE CIDER CENTURY Sep 29 | All Day | Three Oaks, Michigan applecidercentury.com | applecidercentury@gmail.com | 414-875-7466

The Apple Cider Century (ACC) is a one-day bicycle tour held on the last Sunday of September, which takes you through the orchards, forests, and wine country in and around Three Oaks, Michigan. Cyclists can choose from routes of 15, 25, 50, 75, or 100 miles, making it accessible for riders of all ages and skill levels. The ride takes place in the Village of Three Oaks, located about 60 miles from both Chicago and Kalamazoo. And of course, there's an abundance of cider and apples to enjoy!

RIDES FOR JOE Oct 2 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Fitchburg bikefitchburg.org/events | steve.arnold@fitchburg.wi.us | 608-239-3900

In memory of our late, long-time director Joe Imilkowski, Bike Fitchburg, the Fitchburg Senior Center, and the City of Fitchburg Bicycle Committee will host monthly, slow-roll Rides for Joe at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month from May through October. After quick bike and helmet checks and a brief educational topic, we'll head out on slow rides around the Fitchburg system of multi-use paths. The group will agree on a distance (historically 8-20 miles). These rides are free and oriented to seniors, but all are welcome. Register and bring your own helmet, bike, and state trail pass.

TOUR DE CHEQUAMEGON Oct 3 - Oct 5 | All Day tourdechequamegon.com/#theride

Ride the scenic gravel roads of Wisconsin’s Northwoods this fall with the Chris Kegel Foundation, Life Above 8, and Wheel & Sprocket on the 8th annual Tour de Chequamegon! Roll through the dense forest, uplands and along remote lakes in the Chequamegon National Forest. Join the bikepacking ride that literally put Wisconsin gravel on the map!

MILWAUKEE TWEED RIDE Oct 5 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. facebook.com/MilwaukeeTweedRide | kempro1@aol.com | 414-708-4442

Don your woolens and grease your vintage steel for we ride again! Join us for the annual Milwaukee Tweed Ride. Explore various parts of our fair city while dressed appropriately for the autumn weather. Vintage bikes not required but encouraged. Dress up in your tweed apparel and/or dress up your contemporary bike! This is a no-drop slow roll which has scheduled stops for libations. Route and start will be published in advance of the event. Please see the Milwaukee Tweed Ride or Tosa Cycles Face Book pages for more info and previous rides.

IRONBULL RED GRANITE GRINDER Oct 12 | All Day | Wausau

Ironbull.org/red-granite-grinder-details executivedirector@ironbull.org | 715-848-5949

Ready for adventure? Our routes are designed to give riders the chance to explore the grit in the western portion of Marathon County on several gems that can only be accessed through this race. Riders will fully experience Central Wisconsin by riding through areas not usually open to bikes through “featured sections” in addition to passing ginseng fields, dairy farm pastures, barns, and farm fields in each the 50-, 85-, and 144-mile races plus a 12-mile recreational ride free to all kids.

HUGH JASS FAT BIKE SERIES Nov 9 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. hughjass.bike/#home-race

Join Hugh Jass & the team for another amazing fall/winter season of riding and racing through the woods of SE Wisconsin on fat bikes. This 5-part series explores the most fun places to ride fat bikes along with a party atmosphere that makes you wish every weekend was a Hugh Jass weekend.

WISCONSIN BIKE FED FALL FUNDRAISER

Nov 9 | 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Waterloo wisconsinbikefed.org

This FUNdraiser is a celebration of all things cycling with a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at Trek Bicycle Corporation’s headquarters in Waterloo. Eat, drink, and talk bikes with your cycling community while helping build a better future for riding a bike in Wisconsin. Watch the Bike Fed website and e-newsletter for more details in summer.

MILWAUKEE VETERAN’S DAY RIDE Nov 10 | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Visit wisconsinbikefed.org/events for event link.

kempro1@aol.com | 414-708-4442

Please join us in paying honor to our area Veterans. This no-drop slow roll will visit area sites which have links or significance to the area’s Veteran population. These include the Old Soldiers’ Home, War Memorial, and Veterans’ Park. Start point to be determined. Follow "Tosa Cycles" Facebook page for details.

HUGH JASS FAT BIKE SERIES Dec 7 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. hughjass.bike/#home-race

Join Hugh Jass & the team for another amazing fall/winter season of riding and racing through the woods of SE Wisconsin on fat bikes. This 5-part series explores the most fun places to ride fat bikes along with a party atmosphere that makes you wish every weekend was a Hugh Jass weekend.

SANTA CYCLE RAMPAGE 2024 - MILWAUKEE

Dec 7 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Milwaukee wisconsinbikefed.org/santa-cycle-rampage

Join us for the World’s Largest Winter Holiday Themed Costume Bike Ride for Charity! Elves, Reindeer, Santas, Ralphies, Grinches, and more can celebrate the joy of cycling at this FUNdraiser for the Wisconsin Bike Fed. Ride registration fees support programs like bike education for kids, free repairs for low-income residents, and staff time for advocacy projects. Come along with us and jingle all the way!

SANTA CYCLE RAMPAGE 2024 - MADISON Dec 14 wisconsinbikefed.org/santa-cycle-rampage

Join us in Madison for Santa Cycle Rampage and help support youth cycling education in Dane County. Riders are encouraged to dress warmly and not only as Santa but their favorite holiday (family friendly) characters. Kick off the season spreading holiday cheer on wheels!

@lemonknow

Chris Walker

@hostel_shoppe

@paulonebts

@dja0309

WISCONSIN BIKE SHOPS

Bike Fed Member

APPLETON

Active Bike & Fitness activebikeandfitness.com

1131 Badger Ave | 920-202-3034

Affordable Bike Repair affordablebikerepair.com

370 E Coolidge Ave | 920-428-7824

Appleton Bicycle Shop appletonbike.com 121 S State St | 920-733-2595

Chain Reaction Cyclery chainreactioncycleryllc.com

818 N. Superior St | 920-733-1141

REI rei.com

3850 W Wisconsin Ave | 920-442-5550

Scheels scheelssport.com

4301 W Wisconsin Ave | 920-830-2977

Wheel & Sprocket wheelandsprocket.com 3939 W College Ave | 920-997-9300

ARBOR VITAE

Coontail Adventures coontail.com 1400 Highway 51 North | 888-874-0885

ARLINGTON

Yellow Jersey, Ltd yellowjersey.org 219 Main St | 608-257-4737

ASHLAND

Bay City Cycles baycitycycles.com 412 Main St W | 715-682-2091

BARABOO

Wildside Action Sports wildbaraboo.com 880 State Road 136 Ste 1 | 608-356-9218

BELLEVUE

Stadium Bike East stadiumbike.com 2633 Development Dr | 920-632-2318

BOULDER JUNCTION

Coontail Adventures coontail.com 5446 Park St | 888-874-0885

BROOKFIELD

REI rei.com

13100 W Capitol Dr | 262-783-6150

Wheel & Sprocket wheelandsprocket.com 13925 W Capitol Dr | 262-783-0700

CEDARBURG

Cedar Creek Outdoors cedarcreekoutdoors.com 7518 WI-60 Trunk, Lot B | 262-377-6600

CHIPPEWA FALLS

Spring Street Sports springstreetsports.com 12 W Spring St | 715-723-6616

CUDAHY

South Shore Cyclery southshorecyclery.com 4758 S Packard Ave | 414-831-0211

DE PERE

Broken Spoke Bike Studio brokenspokebikes.com

2200 Dickinson Rd # 21 | 920-425-3379

The Bike Hub thebikehubonline.com 1025 N Broadway | 920-339-0229

DELAFIELD

Playtri playtridelafield.com 2736 Hillside Dr | 262-646-7308

Wheel & Sprocket wheelandsprocket.com 528 Wells St | 262-646-6300

DOUSMAN

Bicycle Doctor Nordic bikedr.com

Ski Shop 105 N Main St #8835 | 262-965-4144

EAU CLAIRE

ERIK’S Bike Board Ski eriksbikeshop.com 4130 Commonwealth Ave | 715-835-6746

Riverside Bike & Skate riversidebikenskate.com 937 Water St | 715-835-0088

Scheels scheelssports.com 4710 Golf Rd | 715-833-1886

Shift Cyclery & Coffee Bar eaushift.com 615 Graham Ave | 715-514-5060

Stache Bike and Adventure stachebikesnowboards.com 414 North Farwell St | 715-514-5068

FISH CREEK

Nor Dor Sports & Cyclery nordoorsports.com 4007 Hwy 42 | 920-868-2275

FITCHBURG

Curbside Bicycles - Mobile curbsidebicycles.com

Bike Repair 203 Williamsburg Way Ct | 920-574-5585

Wheel & Sprocket wheelandsprocket.com 2970 Cahill Main Ste 101 | 608-630-8880

FOND DU LAC

Attitude Sports attitudesports.com 209 N Macy St | 920-923-2323

Fond du Lac Cyclery fdlcyclery.com 209 S Main St | 920-923-3211

FORT ATKINSON

2 Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor 2riversbicycle.com 33 W Sherman Ave | 920-563-2222

FOUNTAIN CITY

Brone’s Bike Shop bronesbikeshop.com 615 South Main St | 608-687-8601

FOX POINT

Wheel & Sprocket wheelandsprocket.com 6940 N Santa Monica Blvd | 414-247-8100

FRANKLIN

Wheel & Sprocket wheelandsprocket.com 7044 S Ballpark Dr | 414-529-6600

GLENDALE

ERIK’S Bike Board Ski eriksbikeshop.com 598 W Northshore Dr | 414-831-1001

GRAFTON

ERIK’S Bike Board Ski eriksbikeshop.com 1275 Washington St | 262-474-2453

GREEN BAY

Broken Spoke Bike Studio brokenspokebikes.com 115 Pine St # 101 | 920-634-2040

JB Cycle jbcyclesport.com 2500 Glendale Ave | 920-434-8338

Old Skool Bicycle Shop Home Shop - Please Call 920-259-9253

Pete’s Garage petesgarage.com 142 N Broadway | 920-857-1690

Stadium Bike West stadiumbike.com 2150 W Mason St | 920-499-3400

GREEN LAKE

Moboevo moboevo.com 528 Mill St | 507-881-3553

GREENFIELD

ERIK’S Bike Board Ski eriksbikeshop.com 8401 W Layton Ave | 414-448-1208

HALES CORNERS

Patio Bike Shop facebook.com/patiobike 9800 W Forest Home Ave | 414-425-3535

HARTFORD

Expedition Supply expeditionsupply.com 20 W Sumner St | 262-673-7303

HAYWARD

New Moon Ski & Bike Shop newmoonski.com 15569 US Hwy 63 | 715-634-8685

Riverbrook Bike & Ski riverbrookbike.com 10538 Main St | 715-634-0437

HUDSON

Art Doyle’s Spokes & Pedals spokesandpedals.com 607 2nd St | 715-386-8500

JANESVILLE

Michael’s Cycles michaelscycles.net 2716 Pontiac Dr | 608-752-7676

Velocity Multi-Sport & Cycling velocityjvl.com 1327 N Wright Rd Ste 180 | 608-352-0649

KAUKAUNA

Recyclist Bicycle Co. recyclist.com 631 Saunders Rd | 920-759-1200

KENOSHA

Total Cyclery totalcycleryrepair.com 5039 6th Ave | 262-652-2222

LA CROSSE

Bikes Limited bikesltdlax.com 1001 La Crosse St | 608-785-2326

Smith’s Bike Shop smithsbikes.com 125 7th St N | 608-784-1175

Wrench & Roll Collective wrenchnrollcollective.com 1200 Caledonia St | 608-406-2261

LA POINTE

Motion To Go motion-to-go.com 102 Lakeview Pl | 715-747-6585

LAKE GENEVA

Avant Cycles avant-cycles.com 234 Broad St | 815-382-1688

LAKE MILLS

The BikeMobile thebikemobile.com 213 W Madison St | 608-213-7476

LAKEWOOD

Lakewood Ski and Sport facebook.com/Lakewood-Ski-Sport-182298994995 15309 State Highway 32 | 715-276-3071

MADISON

Black Saddle Bike Shop blacksaddlebikeshop.com 601 N Sherman Ave Ste F | 608-283-9568

Budget Bicycle Center budgetbicyclectr.com

Main 1230 Regent St | 608-251-8413

Budget Bicycle Center budgetbicyclectr.com

Service 930 Regent St | 608-251-8413

Budget Bicycle Center budgetbicyclectr.com

Used Bikes 1124 Regent St | 608-251-8413

Cool Bikes North coolbikesnorth.com 1861 Northport Dr

Crazy Lennys E-Bikes crazylennysebikes.com 6017 Odana Rd | 608-276-5921

Cronometro cronometro.com 338 W Lakeside St | 608-243-7760

Curbside Bicyles curbsidebicycles.com

Mobile Bike Repair 608-571-7330 | See website for details

Destination Bicycle destinationbicycle.com 2606 Monroe St | 608-283-9383

Down With Bikes downwithbikes.org 601 Bram St | 414-242-7064

Dream Bikes dream-bikes.org

1131 N Sherman Ave | 608-416-5536

ERIK’S Bike Board Ski - East eriksbikeshop.com 3813 E Washington Ave | 608-244-9825

ERIK’S Bike Board Ski - West eriksbikeshop.com 6610 Seybold Road | 608-278-9000

Machinery Row Bicycles machineryrowbicycles.com

601 Williamson St | 608-442-5974

Motorless Motion Bicycles motorlessmotionbicycles.com 640 W Washington Ave | 608-443-0640

Neff Cycle Service neffcycleservice.com 1490 Martin St | 608-514-5393

Old Town Cycles oldtowncycles.com

920 East Johnson St | 608-259-8696

REI rei.com 7483 West Towne Way | 608-833-6680

Revolution Cycles revolutioncycles.net 2330 Atwood Ave | 608-244-0009

The Cargo Bike Shop facebook.com/thecargobikeshop 1404 Williamson St | 608-373-4798

Trek Bicycle Store - East trekbikes.com 1706 Eagan Rd | 608-442-8735

Trek Bicycle Store - West trekbikes.com 8108 Mineral Point Rd | 608-833-8735

UW-Madison Bicycle transportation.wisc.edu/bicycling/university-bicycle-resource-center Resource Center 600 N Park St | 608-263-2969

MANITOWOC

The Bicycle & Fitness Co bikenfit.com 1704 Memorial Dr | 920-682-1944

The Fitness Store thefitnessstore.com 1410 Dewey St | 920-684-8088

MARINETTE

Marinette Cycle Center marinettecycle.com 1555 Pierce Ave | 715-735-5442

MARSHFIELD

The Sports Den thesportsden.net

1202 S Central Ave | 715-384-8313

MENOMONEE FALLS

Bigfoot Bike and Skate bigfootbikeandskate.com

N48 W13334 Hampton Road | 414-332-3479

Emerys Cycling Triathlon emerys.com & Fitness N88W15036 Main St | 262-255-0770

MENOMONIE

Simple Sports facebook.com/SimpleSportsUS

400 Main St E | 715-233-3493

MEQUON

Trailside Recreation trailsiderecreation.com

11090 N Weston Dr - Suite 3 | 262-236-9719

MIDDLETON

Playtri playtristore.com

1661 Deming Way #154 | 608-203-8775

Wheel & Sprocket wheelandsprocket.com

6641 University Ave | 608-820-1166

MILWAUKEE

Ben’s Cycle benscycle.com

1013 W Lincoln Ave | 414-384-2236

Dream Bikes dream-bikes.org

2021 N Dr Martin Luther King Dr | 414-763-0909

Emerys Cycling Triathlon emerys.com & Fitness

9929 W Lisbon Ave | 414-463-2453

ERIK’S Bike Board Ski eriksbikeshop.com

1819 E Kenilworth Pl | 414-831-9300

Everyday Cycles everydaycycles.com 414-585-0366 | See website for details

Fyxation Bicycle Company fyxation.com

3618 W Pierce St | 414-210-4907

Milwaukee Bicycle Collective bikecollective.org

2930 W Clybourn St | 414-431-0825

The Bikesmiths thebikesmiths.com

914 E Hamilton St | 414-332-1330

Truly Spoken Cycles trulyspokencycles.com

600 E Center St | 414-263-2453

Vulture Space vulturespace.org

651 N Plankinton Ave | 414-301-1661

Wheel & Sprocket wheelandsprocket.com

187 E Becher St | 414-234-5500

MINOCQUA

BJ’s Sportshop yourboatclub.com/bjs-sportshop 917 US Highway 51 | 715-356-3900

MONONA

Slow Roll Cycles slowrollcycles.com 4118 Monona Dr | 608-286-1176

MONROE

The Bike Haus facebook.com/MonroeBikeHaus 480 14th Ave | 608-325-2263

MOUNT HOREB

Trail This Bicycle Shop trailthis.com 103 S 2nd St | 608-274-8447

MUKWONAGO

Won-A-Go Biking wonagobiking.com 106 Main St | 262-363-4770

NEENAH

Cranked Bike Studio crankedbikestudio.com 407 S Green Bay Rd | 920-720-0800

NEW BERLIN

Trailside Cycle trailsidecycle.com 1849 S Calhoun Rd | 262-782-7433

OCONOMOWOC

Moboevo facebook.com/moboevo 118 N Main St | 507-881-3553

ONALASKA

Coulee Bicycle Co couleebike.com

213 Main St | 608-783-7433

River Trail Cycles rivertrailcycles.com 106 Mason St | 608-519-5757

OSHKOSH

Winnebago Bicycle winnebagobicycle.com 502 N Main St | 920-426-3020

PLATTEVILLE

Momentum Bicycles momentumbikes.com 25 West Main St | 608-348-6888

PLYMOUTH

Back Door Bike Shop backdoorbikeshop.com 828 Eastern Ave | 920-893-9786

RACINE

Trek Bicycle Store trekstoreracine.com 5509 Durand Ave C | 262-770-3294

RHINELANDER

Bikes N Boards bikes-n-boards.com

1670 N Stevens St | 715-369-1999

Mel’s Trading Post melstradingpost.net 105 S Brown St | 715-362-5800

RICE LAKE

Grinders Sports grinders-sports.com 816 Hammond Ave | 715-736-7858

RIPON

Mr. Barts Bike Shop facebook.com/mr.bartsbikeshop 316 Doty St | 920-748-7801

RIVER FALLS

CrankWorx Bike Shop crankworxbikeshop.com 101 South Main St | 715-629-7246

SHEBOYGAN

Johnnie’s Bike Shop 1001 Michigan Ave | 920-452-0934

Trek Bicycle Store trekbikes.com 4501 Vanguard Dr | 920-395-2017

SHEBOYGAN FALLS

Bicycle Works bicycleworkssheboygan.com 1114 Plankview Green Blvd | 920-467-4549

SHULLSBURG

E-Rental Adventures erentaladventures.com 20366 County Road A | 608-482-6280

SPARTA

Speed’s Bicycle Shop speedsbike.com 1126 John St | 608-269-2315

STAR PRAIRIE

Russell’s Sport N’ Bike russellssportandbike.com 703 Jewell St | 715-248-3644

STEVENS POINT

Campus Cycle & Sport Shop campus-cycle.com

1732 4th Ave | 715-341-2151

Hostel Shoppe hostelshoppe.com

3201 John Joanis Dr | 715-341-2453

PABS Cycling pabscycling.com

1311 Strongs Ave | 715-498-4122

Trek Bicycle Store trekbikes.com

5370 Hwy 10 East Ste J | 715-544-1600

STOUGHTON

Stoton Cycle stotoncycle.com

100 W Washington St | 608-877-1134

STURGEON BAY

Nor Door Sport & Cyclery nordoorsports.com

1014 Egg Harbor Rd | 920-818-0803

SUAMICO

Suamico Bike Company suamicobike.com 1790 Riverside Dr | 920-489-8800

SUN PRAIRIE

Sun City Cyclery & Skates suncitycyclery.com

235 E Main St | 608-837-2453

THIENSVILLE

Extreme Ski & Bike extremeskiandbike.com

235 N Main St | 262-242-1442

VERONA

Atkins Verona Bicycle Shoppe atkinsbike.com

517 Half Mile Rd | 608-845-6644

VIROQUA

Bluedog Cycles bluedogcycles.com

201 S Main St | 608-637-6993

WAUKESHA

Fox River Sports foxriversports.net

143 E North St | 262-544-5557

M&M Bike Repair facebook.com/MMBikeRepair/?rf=390642831130186

230 E Broadway | 262-542-5912

Mokros Cycle facebook.com/Mokros-Cycle-226905964173931

N6W23757 Bluemound Rd | 262-521-1300

WAUPUN

Ron’s Lawn and Sport 650 W Main St | 920-324-3181

WAUSAU

Builer’s Cycle & Fitness builersbike.com

215 S 3rd Ave | 715-842-4185

Rib Mountain Cycles ribmountaincycles.com

226241 Rib Mountain Dr | 715-359-3925

Shepherd & Schaller shepssports.com

Sporting Goods 324 Scott St | 715-845-5432

Trek Bicycle Store stadiumbike.com 2601 Stewart Ave | 715-845-7433

WAUWATOSA

Johnson’s Cycle & Fitness johnsonsbikeshop.com 6916 W North Ave | 414-476-2341

Tosa Bike Garage tosabikegarage.com 1500 Underwood Ave | 414-758-5185

BIKE THE ‘BURG

EMBARK ON A BIKING ADVENTURE IN FITCHBURG, WI THIS YEAR!

15 BCYCLE STATIONS IN FITCHBURG!

WITH BCYCLE STATIONS LOCATED THROUGHOUT FITCHBURG, THE BIKE SHARE PROGRAM HAS MADE IT EVEN EASIER TO EXPLORE THE AREA ON TWO WHEELS.

SEPT 20 - ¡PICK ME UP AT THE BORDER!

RIDE TO THE ILLINOIS BORDER & BACK WITH BIKE FITCHBURG! REGISTER AT BIKEFITCHBURG.ORG

MAY-SEPT BIKE THE ‘BURG CHALLENGE

JOIN THE BIKE THE ‘BURG CHALLENGE THIS SUMMER! LOG 150 MILES AND WIN GREAT PRIZES FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES! REGISTER AT BIKETHEBURG.ORG

STAY IN FITCHBURG! MORE INFO AT VISITFITCHBURG.COM

WEST ALLIS

Allis Bike & Fitness allisbike.com 9622 W National Ave | 414-327-1290

WEST BEND

Mountain Outfitters mountainout.com 109 S Main St | 262-335-0424

Pedal Moraine pedalmoraine.com 1421 South Main St | 262-338-2453

WHITEWATER

BicycleWise & Sport Fitness bicyclewise.com 1155 W Main St | 262- 473-4730

Quiet Hut Sports quiethutsports.com 186 W Main St | 262-473-2950

WISCONSIN RAPIDS

Bring’s Cycling & Fitness bringscycling.com 1710 8th St S | 715-423-5520

WOODRUFF

Chequamegon Adventure chequamegonadventurecompany.com Company 1301 1st Ave | 715-356-1618

Z-Best Bikes z-bestbikes.com

Lemma Creek Rd & Gross Rd "(W73R+H7) Woodruff 715-356-4224

Educational Programs

Courses We Can Offer

Teaching Safe Bicycling: How To Host a Youth Bike Rodeo

Learn to Ride: For New Adult Riders

E-bike safe riding and

Smart Cycling by League of American Bicyclists

Courses for Specific Groups

Women, People new to Wisconsin, Ages 65+, and low income residents

As classes are scheduled you can find them on our events page

Interested in hosting or attending a free class in your city?

SCAN QR code to take interest survey

WISCONSIN BIKE CLUBS

Bike Fed Member

ANTIGO

Antigo Bike and Ski Club facebook.com/AntigoBikeandSkiClub/ antigobikeskiclub@gmail.com

BEAVER DAM

Beaver Dam Cyclist facebook.com/groups/436126883721905

BELOIT

State Line Spinners statelinespinners.com | info@statelinespinners.com

CABLE

CAMBA cambatrails.org | info@cambatrails.org

CEDARBURG

Serpentijn Art & serpentijn.bike/pages/team-serpentijn Athletics Cycling Team info@serpentijn.bike

COLGATE

Metro Mountain Bikers MetroMountainBikers.com metromountainbikers@gmail.com

EAGLE RIVER

Great Headwaters Trail ghtrails.org | ghtrails@gmail.com

EAU CLAIRE

Chippewa Valley Girls facebook.com/valleygirlscycling Cycling Club valleygirlscycling@gmail.com

CORBA- Community for Outdoor corbatrails.org | facebook.com/corbatrails Recreation, Biking & Adventure info@corbatrails.org

FOX POINT

Ride MKE ridemke.org | iloveridemke@gmail.com

GREEN BAY

Bay Shore Bicycle Club bsbc.clubexpress.com president@bayshorebikeclub.org

Green Bay Bicycle Collective gbbicycle.org | info@gbbicycle.org

GREENFIELD

Root River Youth Cycling Club rrycc.org | info@rootriveryouthcycling.org

HARTLAND

Barn Racing Team barnracingteam.com barnracingteam2022@gmail.com

JANESVILLE

Janesvile Velo Club veloclub.org | janesvilleveloclub@gmail.com

KENOSHA

Kenosha Velosport Cycling kvcycling.com | kvcycling@gmail.com

LA CROSSE

Coulee Region Ladies Rides facebook.com/groups/crlrides

ORA Trails oratrails.org | contact @oratrails.org

LAKE GENEVA

Treadhead Cycling treadheadcycling.com | treadheadcycling@gmail.com

MADISON

Bombay Bicycle Club bombaybicycle.org | info@bombaybicycle.org

Brazen Dropouts brazendropouts.org

Hollander Benelux

Racing - MAD facebook.com/HollanderBeneluxCycling

MadCity Velo Club madcityvelo.org | wehrleysteve@gmail.com

Madison Bike Trials facebook.com/groups/168121709936831 fefo_ies@hotmail.com

Madison Women's Cycling Club facebook.com/groups/422391611714723

Wisconsin Bicycling Meetup meetup.com/Wisconsin-Bicycling

MENASHA

Fox Valley Different Spokes facebook.com/FV-Mens-DifferentSpokes-Bike-Club-112833939365078

MIDDLETON

Capital Brewery Bike Club capitalbikeclub.org

MILWAUKEE

Bay View Bicycle Club bayviewbikeclub.org | info@bayviewbikeclub.org

Black Girls Do Bike Milwaukee facebook.com/groups/BlackGirlsDoBikeMilwaukee Cadence cadencemke.com | mkecadence@gmail.com

Cream City Cycle Club creamcitycycleclub.com president@creamcitycycleclub.com

Hollander Benelux

Racing - MKE facebook.com/HollanderBeneluxCycling

Milwaukee Recreation Community Bike Rides mkerec.net | erika@mkerec.net

Milwaukee Tuesday Night Rides facebook.com/mketnr | mketnr@gmail.com

MKE MTB milwaukeerecreation.net/rec/Programs/Sports/MKE-Mountain-Bike.htm

MKE Northshore MTB Club facebook.com/MKENorthshoreMTBClub (6-12th grade) northshoremtbclub@gmail.com

Pedal Revolution facebook.com/pedalrevolution414 ladiesrevolutionmke@gmail.com

Poovey Farms Racing pooveyfarmsracingmke.com pooveyfarmsracingmke@gmail.com

Red, Bike, and Green Milwaukee facebook.com/rbandgmke

NEW RICHMOND

Big Ring Flyers bigringflyers.com | bigringflyers@gmail.com

OAK CREEK

Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League wisconsinmtb.org

RACINE

Kenosha Racine Bike Club krbikeclub.com | krbikeclub@gmail.com

RICE LAKE

North Roads Bicycle Club 715-234-4127

SALEM

Midwest Youth Cycling League myclbike.org | mycl.ltd@gmail.com

STOUGHTON

Stoton Cycle Club stotoncycle.com | stotoncycle@gmail.com

BIKE CLUBS CONT.

STURGEON BAY

Door County Silent doorcountysilentsports.com Sports Alliance dcssawi@gmail.com

WASHBURN

North Coast Cycling northcoastcycling.com Association bike.north.coast@gmail.com

WAUKESHA

CZ Velo/Cafe de Arts Cycling Team facebook.com/groups/22811462864

Spring City Spinners springcityspinners.org | loneoakvoc@aol.com

WAUSAU

Wausau Wheelers wausauwheelers.org

WAUWATOSA

Couples on Wheels (COWs) couplesonwheels.com | cowspresidents@gmail.com Team Wisconsin Cycling teamwisconsincycling.com teamwisconsin@gmail.com

Tosa Spokesmen tosaspokesmen.groups.io main@TosaSpokesmen.groups.io

WOODRUFF

LAMBO lamboriders.org | email@lamboriders.org

ILLINOIS BIKE CLUBS

BUFFALO GROVE, IL

Wheeling Wheelmen wheelmen.com | wheeling@wheelmen.com

LIBERTYVILLE, IL

Bicycle Club of Lake County bikebclc.com | president@bikebclc.com

HIT THE TRAILS

Sayner-Star Lake A Biker’s Dream

Sayner-Star Lake A Biker’s Dream

Biking enthusiasts will find the haven of their dreams in Sayner, Wisconsin, in the town of Plum Lake, within Wisconsin’s Great Northwoods offering lodging, shops, great eateries and numerous facilities for bikers. Whether you’re exploring the nationally recognized Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System or slicing down single-track in the woods, Sayner welcomes bikers in any season (yes, you can even fat bike here in the winter).

Biking enthusiasts will find the haven of their dreams in Sayner, Wisconsin, in the town of Plum Lake, within Wisconsin’s Great Northwoods offering lodging, shops, great eateries and numerous facilities for bikers. Whether you’re exploring the nationally recognized Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System or slicing down single-track in the woods, Sayner welcomes bikers in any season (yes, you can even fat bike here in the winter).

The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System offers riders more than 50 miles of paved trails connecting St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer. This spectacular trail winds through the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest and along crystal-clear lakes and rivers. The trail system features smooth pavement suitable for all types of riders -- from flat-to-rolling terrain, manageable hills, and multiple scenic bridges.

The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System offers riders more than 50 miles of paved trails connecting St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer. This spectacular trail winds through the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest and along crystal-clear lakes and rivers. The trail system features smooth pavement suitable for all types of riders -- from flat-to-rolling terrain, manageable hills, and multiple scenic bridges.

“Ride groups love coming to Sayner-Star Lake for organized outings,” says Mary Debilzen, local biking enthusiast and owner of the Corner Store, located just outside of Sayner. “They typically set their base here and plan a different route each day to explore our neighboring communities.”

Explore the links below to find tips on where to go road biking and mountain biking in Sayner, where to rent a bike, and details on Sayner’s paved biking trails. To see detailed trail maps in the Sayner area, download the free Map It Vilas County Trails App. And to learn more about Sayner and its neighboring community, Star Lake, request a free 2024 SaynerStar Lake Visitor Guide.

“Ride groups love coming to Sayner-Star Lake for organized outings,” says Mary Debilzen, local biking enthusiast and owner of the Corner Store, located just outside of Sayner. “They typically set their base here and plan a different route each day to explore our neighboring communities.” Explore

links below to find tips on where to go road biking and mountain biking in Sayner, where

DISCOVER THE HEART OF VILAS

Discover the best of the Northwoods and ride the Heart of Vilas Paved Bike Trail System With over 50 miles of paved trails, winding through landscapes forged by glaciers along crystal

EXPLORE FERN RIDGE

Explore year-round fun with 4 miles of fast and flowing single-track mountain bike clear lakes, this path connects five communities and joins over 83,000 miles of national recreational trails trails in the summer and groomed fat-bike trails in the winter The Fern Ridge Trail System meanders through thick forest stands, built to provide the best riding experience possible

For over 50 years, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has fought for injured clients with a mission to provide excellent representation and get every dollar our clients deserve. Since the firm’s humble beginnings in 1969, it has grown to include 11 o ces throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa and is the Midwest’s largest personal injury law firm today. The firm has recovered over $1 billion for over 70,000 satisfied clients and continues to be voted best and rated best, year after year.