Recreation Wellness

A Grand Day to Bike

4th annual Nature Valley Grand Prix zips into Menomonie

Eric Koeppel, photos by Leah Dunbar |

Nature Valley Grand Prix 2010
Nature Valley Grand Prix 2010

The annual Nature Valley Grand Prix will take place in Menomonie for the fourth time on Saturday, June 15, between 9am and 5pm. The courses, which start and ends in Menomonie, will take riders along rural county roads that weave through parts of Elmwood, Knapp, and Boyceville. The men’s course will cover 101 miles of hilly terrain, and the women’s course will take a similar 76-mile route. The local roads that make up the course have been popular with Midwestern cyclists for years, and the rolling terrain is sure to make for an epic race as always.  Riders will be met with food and refreshment locations, sprint points, and King/Queen of the Hill spots throughout the race and will finish with several circuits through Menomonie. Family events and activities will also take place during the pro race. Events such as a bus tour, amateur criterion race, kids’ race, and other rides – including the Gran Fondo and Spectator Rides – will be happening all afternoon. After the event, attendees can enjoy rock ’n’ roll themed festivities in downtown Menomonie for the annual SummerDaze festival. The event will feature a variety of food, crafts, and live music to celebrate the historic town.