I love riding in Wisconsin. There are so many excellent trail systems here, and a variety, for sure. Whether you’re into cross-country, technical singletrack, or even a bit of downhill, Wisconsin’s got it all. The best part? There’s a welcoming community that makes every ride, from beginner to advanced, something special. If you’re ready to jump into racing, this guide will walk you through the best mountain bike races in Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS), the Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series (WEMS), and the Epic Bike Fest.

Why Wisconsin?

Because it's the best state in the Midwest. Well, yes, but seriously, Wisconsin’s trails offer a little something for everyone. From the cross-country routes of the CAMBA Trails to the jumps and berms of other trail systems, you’ll find yourself riding through lush forests, tackling challenging terrains, and cruising along well-maintained paths. And after a good day of shredding, there’s nothing better than relaxing at a local supper club with some craft beer and Wisconsin cheese (or cheese curds, of course).

Wisconsin is also deeply rooted in biking culture. With passionate local riders and an ever-growing community, the state offers a welcoming environment for every rider, from beginner to expert.

Trek Bicycle Corporation, headquartered in Waterloo, is a big part of that culture. Trek drives the local biking industry and supports riders through events and races. They even have their own dedicated mountain bike trail, The Farm, which is featured in one of the races listed below. It’s a place where local and visiting riders alike can experience Trek’s commitment to the sport firsthand.

Trek Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS).

The Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS) is the largest state mountain bike racing series in the U.S., featuring nine incredible races across Wisconsin. Sponsored by Trek, WORS brings together riders of all skill levels, offering a premier experience on some of the best trails in the Midwest. Here’s the official lineup for 2024:

1. Red Barn Classic

   • Dates: Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5, 2024

   • Location: The Farm, Trek Trails | 97 Canal Rd, Waterloo, WI

   • Details: The season kicks off on Trek’s home turf, The Farm, with a full weekend of racing, including Cross-Country, Short Track, and Dual Slalom events. Riders can enjoy on-site camping, group pre-rides, live music, and the unique experience of riding the same trails where Trek designs and tests its bikes.

2. WORS Englewood Open

   • Dates: Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19, 2024

   • Location: Englewood Farm | 1414 Co Rd Z, Fall River, WI

   • Details: One of the largest races in the country, the Englewood Open, attracts riders from over 30 states. This private course features fast and flowy singletrack, flyovers, rock gardens, and picturesque views, offering riders a rare chance to ride the otherwise private Englewood Farm trails.

3. Battle of CamRock

   • Dates: Saturday, June 1 – Sunday, June 2, 2024

   • Location: CamRock County Park | 2334 Highland Dr, Cambridge, WI

   • Details: The first significant climbing event of the season, Battle of CamRock, features nearly 600 feet of elevation gain per lap. Riders are treated to a mix of tough climbs and flowing singletrack, making it a favorite.

4. Wausau Nine Mile

   • Dates: Friday, June 14 – Sunday, June 16, 2024

   • Location: Nine Mile County Forest Chalet | 221700 Red Bud Rd, Wausau, WI

   • Details: This entire weekend of racing includes Cross-Country, Short Track, and Time Trials through the iconic Nine Mile Forest. The course combines fast, flowy singletrack with ski-trail double track. Festivities start with a Friday night happy hour in downtown Wausau to kick off the action-packed weekend.

5. Colectivo Coffee Classic

   • Dates: Saturday, June 22 – Sunday, June 23, 2024

   • Location: Minooka Park | 1927 E Sunset Dr, Waukesha, WI

   • Details: Known for its tight, twisty singletrack and surprisingly punchy climbs, Minooka Park is a favorite stop in the WORS series. Riders experience a mix of wooded trails and meadow crossings; all capped off with one of the best finishing lines in the series, perfect for thrilling sprint finishes.

6. ORA Trails Fest

   • Dates: Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14, 2024

   • Location: Upper Hixon | N2875 County Rd FA, La Crosse, WI

   • Details: An entire weekend of fun-filled racing in beautiful La Crosse, featuring Enduro, Short Track, and Cross-Country events. New this year is a Friday night uphill singletrack time trial for those wanting to test their climbing skills. With live music, activities, and scenic trails, it’s a destination event for riders and their families.

7. Treadfest

   • Dates: Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 21, 2024

   • Location: Lake Geneva Grand Resort | 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI

   • Details: One of the most popular races in the series, Treadfest features technical singletrack, and thigh-burning climbs, with fast descents that reward the effort. Hosted at the beautiful Grand Geneva Resort, the course was built by racers for racers and is well-loved for its challenging terrain and exciting atmosphere.

8. Reforestation Ramble

   • Dates: Saturday, August 3 – Sunday, August 4, 2024

   • Location: Brown County Reforestation Camp | 4418 Reforestation Road, Green Bay, WI

   • Details: Known for its fast, sandy trails and tightly packed, stadium-like infield, the Reforestation Ramble offers a fast track well-suited for riders with power. This all-weather course takes riders through a vast forest, with Saturday night offering the chance to race under the lights with a Short Track event.

9. Alpine Valley

   • Dates: Saturday, August 17 – Sunday, August 18, 2024

   • Location: Alpine Valley Resort | W2501 Co Rd D, Elkhorn, WI

   • Details: The WORS season finale takes place at Alpine Valley, one of the most challenging courses of the series. With steep climbs and fast descents, this course truly earns its nickname, “All Pain Valley.” Riders will battle for overall series titles as the season comes to an exciting close.

For the most up-to-date calendar, race details, and registration information, visit the WORS website.

Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series (WEMS).

The Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series (WEMS) offers a range of endurance races designed to test riders' stamina and technical skills. Events span 3-hour- to 12-hour races, and solo and team categories are available. From what I have read, some of these are tough. I hope to try one or two this year.

1. 9 Hours of Alpine Valley

   • Date: June 1, 2024

   • Location: Lake Geneva, WI

   • Details: The race features an 8-mile loop with 80% tight singletrack. Expect long, punchy climbs, off-camber turns, a downhill grass slalom section, and a spectator-friendly enduro cross section.

2. Jack Lake Crazy Eights

   • Date: June 15, 2024

   • Location: Deerbrook, WI

   • Details: The race takes you on a 12-mile loop that’s 96% fast, flowy singletrack. It’s not super technical, but Romp in the Swamp Epic is a ton of fun.

3. Romp in the Swamp Epic

   • Date: June 29, 2024

   • Location: Wausau, WI

   • Details: The race offers a 10-mile loop that uses sections of the East, West, and South loops. A water station is available around mile 5. Race options include the Long Race (10-hour), Mid Race (6-hour), and Short Race (3-hour), with various categories like solo, fat bike, and team formats.

4. RASTA Rock N Root

   • Date: July 20, 2024

   • Location: Rhinelander, WI

   • Details: 90% single track.

5. Thunderdown in the Underdown

   • Date: August 17, 2024

   • Location: Prairie Dells, WI

   • Details: Riders can choose between a 37-mile lap or a 13-mile adventure. Starting from Prairie Dells, they will traverse seven daunting hills before reaching Underdown Lake.

6. Wild Ride Buzzard Buster

   • Date: August 24, 2024

   • Location: Hatfield, WI

   • Details: This race takes you on either a 37-mile lap or a 13-mile ride, starting from Prairie Dells and heading over seven challenging hills to Underdown Lake.

Visit the WEMS website for the most up-to-date calendar, race details, and registration information.

Epic Bike Fest: Where Singletrack Meets Community.

The Epic Bike Fest is an event that will make you fall even more in love with mountain biking and Wisconsin. Held in the Chequamegon National Forest near Cable, Wisconsin, it’s all about good times, great trails, and friendly competition.

What to Expect at the Epic Singletrack Series:

• Race Options: The Epic Singletrack Series offers two main races: a full 37-mile singletrack adventure and a shorter 18-mile race for those wanting half the distance but all the fun. Both races take you through the pristine Trek Trails at Mt. Telemark Village and CAMBA singletrack, making this the premier singletrack course in the Upper Midwest.

  • Full Singletrack (37 miles): This one’s for those ready to take on the full challenge. Starting at the American Birkebeiner Trail on Wheeler Road in Hayward, WI, you’ll race at 9:00 am with a self-seeded start. The course features 2 miles of ski trail to help sort out the field, followed by miles of smooth banked turns, rock gardens, and a rowdy finish on the newest trails at Mt. Telemark Village in Cable, WI.

  • Half Singletrack (18 miles): Looking for a shorter ride but still want the full Singletrack experience? The 18-mile race starts at 9:00 am from the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, WI. It’s a mass start, bringing you through the same exciting terrain with fewer miles. You’ll finish alongside the 37-mile riders at Mt. Telemark Village.

• Elite Riders: If you're one of the top riders from 2024, you’ll be automatically placed in the Elite Wave for the 2025 season. Others can petition for a spot in the Elite Wave by submitting a race resume. Check the Elite Wave Page for details and submit by June 6, 2025.

• Getting to the Start: You can either park at the start of the 37-mile race or use the shuttle bus provided by the event. For the 18-mile race, park at the finish area at Mt. Telemark Village and ride to the starting line.

• Course Features: Both courses offer a mix of fast, flowy singletrack and more technical sections like rock gardens and berms, making for an exciting and varied ride. The trails here are pristine, and the atmosphere is electric, with riders from all over participating in one of the most exciting races in the Upper Midwest.

Why You’ll Love It: The Epic Singletrack Series isn’t just about racing; it’s about enjoying the ride and the community it brings. From the breathtaking scenery to the excitement of crossing the finish line, this race gives you the whole Wisconsin mountain biking experience.

Visit the Epic Bike Fest website for the most up-to-date calendar, race details, and registration information.

Pro Tip: Check out Roam Basecamp for weekend accommodations. You can learn more about this relaxing spot by reading our blog, Roam Basecamp Review: A Solo Camping Adventure in Wisconsin.

Racing in Wisconsin: Trails, Community, and the Heart of the Midwest.

There’s a lot to love about mountain bike racing in Wisconsin. I’ve only raced in WORS, but after learning more about the other race series in Wisconsin and having ridden many of the trails they use, I’m looking forward to racing in all of them in 2025. The local biking community is dedicated, passionate, and welcoming, and that sense of camaraderie makes racing here unlike anywhere else. Each trail and race has unique Wisconsin character, offering something memorable for every rider.

With the variety of terrains Wisconsin has to offer—from the forests of the Northwoods to the technical singletrack of Alpine Valley—there’s always a new challenge or adventure waiting. So, whether you're racing for fun, chasing podiums, or just here for the ride, Wisconsin’s racing scene has something for everyone. I hope to see you out on the trails!

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Explore More Mountain Biking in Wisconsin: Blogs and YouTube Videos.

• My First Time Exploring the Seeley Cluster in the CAMBA Trail System in Wisconsin.

• Introducing the CAMBA Trails in Northern Wisconsin: in search of Flow Mama. (YouTube)

• Mountain Biking: Top 3 Reasons to Wear a Helmet and Glasses.

• Roam Basecamp Review: A Solo Camping Adventure in Wisconsin.

• Mountain Bike Gear I Trust on the Trails and Off. (coming soon)