Wisconsin Bike Fed’s 2023 Ride Across Wisconsin Offers New Route Options from La Crosse to Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Bike Fed is proud to announce that it will again host its Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW) event August 19-20, 2023.

The Bike Fed’s largest fundraiser of the year will revisit its route from La Crosse to Milwaukee with a new twist. This year, riders will be able to complete the ride entirely on paved surfaces or by a combination of trail and paved surfaces. A variety of opportunities are available for riders to explore our beautiful state by bicycle.

The 2023 RAW route showcases quintessential Wisconsin attractions including the Elroy-Sparta State Trail Tunnels, Wisconsin Dells – Waterpark Capital of the World, Merrimac Ferry, Trek’s World Headquarters, and a new finish line spot: American Family Field’s Tailgate Haus. With one- and two-day options, riders can choose a 235-, 165-, 135-, or 100-mile challenge based on their abilities and ambitions. A new 11-mile (or 22-mile round trip) family-friendly slow roll on the Elroy Sparta Trail on August 19th is an even more attainable option for anyone to participate in Ride Across Wisconsin!

“Ok, that was wild…who knew that was in Wisconsin? Not me.” shared Tyler Pearce, the California-based Vegan Cyclist, as he exited the Elroy-Sparta State Trail Tunnel 1 during RAW 2022.

RAW participants are encouraged to bring their families along for a uniquely Wisconsin vacation. In addition to the slow roll on the Elroy Sparta Trail, RAW families can enjoy kids’ activity bags, RAW Car Bingo, swimming and nature activities at Mirror Lake State Park, and more.

For those who have considered riding across our beautiful state by bike, this is the year to do it, and the journey does not have to be taken alone.

This year’s riders will be joined by former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, who shares “Traveling the state is one of my favorite things to do, and so is riding my bike. Now I get a chance to do both at the same time, for an amazing cause.”

Ride Across Wisconsin features a well-marked course, full-service ride support provided by Wheel & Sprocket, and bountiful rest stops to refuel along the route. Participants can sign up for an all-inclusive transportation package for themselves, and their bikes, to the host city of La Crosse. A full VIP option that includes RAW apparel, transportation, and lodging is available. Bike Fed members are eligible for a registration discount. Details about Ride Across Wisconsin routes, registration, transportation, and support are available at www.RideAcrossWisconsin.com.

Businesses and communities interested in information on how to support riders, RAW, and the Bike Fed through sponsorship opportunities may contact Community Engagement Manager Michelle Bachaus at michelleb@wisconsinbikefed.org.

As always, RAW promises to be fun, epic, and hard – but worth it. Support of RAW helps to make cycling in Wisconsin better for everyone.

 

About the Wisconsin Bike Fed
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Educational Foundation, Inc. (AKA Wisconsin Bike Fed) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that cultivates, motivates, and unites residents, communities, businesses, and political leaders to move bicycling forward in Wisconsin through education, legislation, and involvement. The Wisconsin Bike Fed is the only statewide organization that advocates for better bicycling for everyone who rides a bike in Wisconsin:

• Advocate for cycling – including encouragement for the governor to include transportation access and environmental concerns in the proposed 2023-24 biennial budget.
• Provide programs to make bicycling safer and more accessible across the state – particularly in the state’s most populous urban communities of Milwaukee and Madison.
• Promote Wisconsin as an economic engine for cycling – highlighting scenic trails and emphasizing the many large and small businesses that support bicycling as direct producers, repairers, or vendors of bikes and related accessories, as well as the hospitality industry that benefits from cycling. According to the most recent impact study released by the governor’s office in 2020, consumers spent $1.42 billion in 2017 on direct bicycle-related expenditures, bringing funds into our businesses and state budget.

The Wisconsin Bike Fed celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2023
Learn more about how the organization was established in 1988 as the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, became the Wisconsin Bike Fed along the way, plus plans to celebrate.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.