Wisconsin Bike Fed’s Ride Across Wisconsin July 30-August 2, 2021

MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Bike Fed’s popular Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW) cycling fundraiser event returns for a seventh time in 2021.

While the pandemic made it necessary to cancel the ride in 2020, this year’s event will allow cyclists to safely choose their own adventure in a 1-4 day ride across the state. RAW, a 225-mile open road ride from La Crosse to Green Bay, takes place Friday, July 30 through Monday, August 2.

“RAW is not the kind of event that lends itself to going virtual,” explained Ride Director Chris Stindt. “Out of caution for riders, staff, and volunteers, as well as respect for the communities along the route, RAW has been adapted to avoid the traditional mass start and large group gatherings. With close to 1,000 riders in 2019, the Ride Across Wisconsin is one for every rider’s bucket list or annual ride portfolio.”

The expertly marked route will cross the central area of the state with scenic views from some of the most beautiful back roads Wisconsin has to offer.

RAW is a ride not a race. Individuals and groups of friends, family and colleagues can choose their own adventure. Cyclists can challenge themselves to complete the route in the original one- or two-day format. Riders may also extend the trip over three to four days.

Registration is available in three levels: Bike Fed Member, Non-Bike Fed Member, and VIP. Participants have the option to have the registration fee waived or reduced with optional fundraising.

The RAW experience is largely self-guided with limited support, gear, and technical assistance. Four full rest stops will be provided, plus additional guidance on where to hydrate, eat, sleep, or charge an e-bike battery along the route. Riders plan their own meals and lodging. Transportation between La Crosse and Green Bay, as well as luggage transport between scheduled stops, can be arranged for additional fees.

Ride Across Wisconsin is an amazing way to explore the scenic state, enjoy local hospitality, achieve an impressive goal, safely connect with fellow riders, and feel the pure joy of cycling.

Businesses and communities interested in information on supporting riders may contact Community Engagement Manager Michelle Bachaus at michelleb@wisconsinbikefed.org or (920) 470-1185.

Details about the Ride Across Wisconsin route, registration, and support options are available at www.RideAcrossWisconsin.com.

About the Wisconsin Bike Fed:   The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Educational Foundation, Inc. (AKA Wisconsin Bike Fed) cultivates, motivates, and unites a strong community of residents, communities, business, 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.  We have 3,200 members – individuals, families, and businesses – who support our work to:

• Advocate for cycling, including having the governor prioritize transportation access and environmental concerns in the recently proposed 2021-23 biennial budget, and having bike shops deemed essential businesses during the pandemic.
• 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 the scenic trails of northern and rural Wisconsin, 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.

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.