Fifty states of trails: Wisconsin Mountain Bike races that build and sustain our trails.
Fifty states of trails: 1 of 50 | WisconsinMountain bike trails don’t just appear out of nowhere—they’re built, maintained, and improved by people who put in a lot of time and effort. That’s why I’m starting this 50-state series: to shine a light on the races that give back to the trails we all love. These events aren’t just about riding; they’re about making sure our trails stay rideable and awesome for everyone. Let’s start with Wisconsin, where local groups and riders come together to keep the trails in top shape year after year.
Wisconsin’s trails: Mountain bike races that give back.
I love the state of Wisconsin and riding its trails. If you’ve ever hit singletrack here, you know how good the trails are—and they’re not that way by accident. It takes a lot of effort (and money) to keep them ride-ready and build new sections like wooden features, berms, jumps, and technical rock gardens. That’s where the biking community steps up. Several bike races and events across the state dedicate their proceeds to building and maintaining the trails we all enjoy. This post gives you the lowdown on the races that directly support trail projects and the organizations behind them.
1. Fall Color Festival
Location: John Muir and Emma Carlin Trails, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest
The Fall Color Festival is a must for anyone who loves riding the gorgeous John Muir and Emma Carlin Trails. This laid-back event is perfect for all ages and skill levels, with everything from kids’ rides to competitive races. All the money they raise goes straight back into the trails, helping with upkeep, adding new features, and keeping the Southern Kettles in tip-top shape for riders year-round.
Who Manages These Trails?
The Southern Kettle Moraine Chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is the driving force behind the John Muir and Emma Carlin Trails. They are a volunteer-based group committed to maintaining, improving, and expanding the trail network. They organize regular trail workdays where volunteers gather to repair sections, build new features, and ensure the trails are sustainable and fun. The group also collaborates with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to manage trail building in ways that preserve the natural landscape while offering a great riding experience.
How These Races Support the Trails: Since the festival started, it has raised over $100,000 to support the trails, funding new trail segments, building features like boardwalks, and keeping them in perfect shape.
To learn more about this event, visit here.
2. EPIC MTB Fest
Location: Nordic Mountain Trail System, Mt. Telemark Village
The EPIC MTB Festival lives up to its name with tons of events that are just as fun to watch as they are to ride. From cross-country races to family-friendly rides, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, the money it raises goes directly into keeping the trails at Mt. Telemark Village and CAMBA in amazing shape.
Who Manages These Trails?
The CAMBA (Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association) is behind the trail network at Mt. Telemark Village and many other trails in the Cable area. CAMBA is dedicated to creating a world-class trail experience for riders. The funds raised from events like the EPIC MTB Festival go toward building new singletrack, maintaining existing trails, and adding features that make the trails more fun and challenging. With a strong volunteer base, CAMBA has transformed the area into a destination for mountain bikers from all over the Midwest.
How These Races Support the Trails: Since 2013, the EPIC MTB Festival has donated over $200,000 to trail development and enhancement, solidifying its place as a crucial contributor to the Wisconsin mountain biking scene.
For more details, visit the official event page: EPIC Bike Fest.
3. Refo Ramble (WORS Race)
Location: Reforestation Camp, Brown County, Wisconsin
The Refo Ramble is a race that’s part of the Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS), but it’s got something extra special—it gives back directly to the Reforestation Camp. All the proceeds from this race help support the Friends of the Reforestation Camp Trails, keeping the 17 miles of singletrack in prime condition.
Who Manages These Trails?
The Friends of the Reforestation Camp Trails is a local volunteer group dedicated to maintaining the trail network in Brown County’s Reforestation Camp. They work closely with Brown County Parks to ensure the trails are well-maintained, safe, and fun for all users. Their projects range from routine maintenance to adding new trail segments and improving existing features. The funds from the Refo Ramble are a key part of their annual budget and help them keep the trails in top shape.
How These Races Support the Trails: The funds raised go into maintaining the trail system, adding new features, and protecting the surrounding ecosystem so that the park remains a top spot for riders.
4. Battle of CamRock (WORS Race)
Location: CamRock Park, Cambridge, Wisconsin
This race is also part of the WORS series but stands out for its local impact. Proceeds from the Battle of CamRock support trail projects at CamRock Park, which is managed by the Capital Off Road Pathfinders (CORP), a chapter of IMBA. It’s an awesome way to give back to the trails while taking on some seriously fun terrain.
Who Manages These Trails?
The CamRock trails are maintained and developed by CORP, a volunteer group under the IMBA umbrella. CORP manages the trail system by organizing trail workdays, maintaining existing trails, and advocating for new trail development. They also work with Dane County Parks to ensure that any new projects are sustainable and beneficial to both riders and the environment. Proceeds from the Battle of CamRock go directly into supporting these efforts.
How These Races Support the Trails: Money raised helps with trail development, repairs, and new construction, keeping CamRock a go-to spot for mountain biking in the region.
5. InSayner mountain bike race
Location: Sayner, Wisconsin
The InSayner Mountain Bike Race is held annually in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin, and it’s all about giving back to the local trails. This event offers riders the chance to experience the stunning Sayner and Plum Lake trail systems while knowing their participation helps keep these trails thriving. The funds from the race go directly into maintaining and expanding the trails, making it a key event for local trail enthusiasts.
Who Manages These Trails?
The InSayner Mountain Bike Race is managed by local volunteers and biking enthusiasts passionate about the area’s trail systems. They work alongside local organizations and sponsors to make sure all proceeds go back into trail projects, such as adding new singletrack sections, developing technical features, and keeping the trails in excellent condition for future riders. With a dedicated group of volunteers, the InSayner Mountain Bike Race helps preserve the unique riding experience of the Sayner area.
How These Races Support the Trails: All proceeds from the event support trail maintenance, new trail builds, and the addition of fun features like berms and drops that make riding the Sayner trails exciting and challenging.
6. Standing Rocks Enduro
Rider catching air off a rock feature at the Standing Rocks Enduro race. Captured from the event’s Facebook page, this shot highlights the thrill and skill involved in navigating the technical sections of the course.
Location: Standing Rocks County Park, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
The Standing Rocks Enduro is a must-ride event for anyone looking to challenge themselves on various terrains. Held at Standing Rocks County Park, this race features a mix of technical rock sections, flowy singletrack, and fast downhill segments. Proceeds from the event go directly into maintaining and developing the park’s trail system, making it a big win for local riders and the Stevens Point community.
Who Manages These Trails?
Standing Rocks County Park trails are managed by local volunteers and biking enthusiasts, with support from the Stevens Point Area Trail Association (SPARTA). The funds raised from this event help keep the trails well-maintained and support ongoing projects that add new features and improve existing trail segments.
How These Races Support the Trails: All proceeds from the Standing Rocks Enduro go toward maintaining and expanding the trail system, ensuring these trails remain a top destination for mountain bikers in Central Wisconsin.
Follow their Instagram for future races.
7. Wausau 24
Location: Nine Mile County Forest, Wausau, Wisconsin
The Wausau 24 is one of the Midwest’s largest 24-hour mountain bike races. Held at Nine Mile County Forest, the race challenges riders to complete as many laps as possible within a set timeframe (6, 12, or 24 hours). The event includes a kids’ race, music, food trucks, and camping, making it a fun weekend for everyone.
Who Manages These Trails?
The Marathon County Parks and Forestry Department manages the Nine Mile trails with support from local biking groups. Funds from the race go back into maintaining and expanding the trail system to keep it in great shape for all riders.
How These Races Support the Trails: Proceeds from the Wausau 24 help fund trail maintenance, development of new features, and overall upkeep of the Nine Mile County Forest trail system.
8. Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series (WEMS)
Location: Various locations across Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series (WEMS) is all about supporting trails through endurance races. Each event in the series, like the 9 Hours of Alpine Valley, Jack Lake Crazy Eights, and Thunderdown in the Underdown, dedicates its proceeds to maintaining and developing local trail systems. With a mix of challenging terrains and unique locations, the WEMS series is a major contributor to Wisconsin’s trail sustainability.
How These Races Support the Trails:
Proceeds from WEMS events help fund trail development and maintenance, as well as the organizations that keep the trails in top shape year-round. Every race partners with local trail associations, making it a series that truly gives back to the biking community.
Get involved: Help keep Wisconsin’s trails awesome.
Whether you’re racing, volunteering, or spreading the word, every bit of support helps keep Wisconsin’s trails some of the best in the Midwest. Sign up for a race, tell your friends, or join a trail workday to give back to the community. I know I need to do more of these races to help support the trails I love to ride. Check out the event links above to get involved and keep our trails ride-ready and fun for everyone. Also, let me know in the comments if I missed one that needs to be on the list. Happy trails!
