For the decade-marking Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW), the Wisconsin Bike Fed celebrated in a significant way: A brand new route for the 100- or 180-mile cycling event was introduced – the first to begin and end in the same place, at Eau Claire's Phoenix Park.

Hosted in the Chippewa Valley – a first-time location for the annual event – on Saturday, July 12, cyclists were welcomed to various rest stops on their routes, including Together Farms, Northwoods Brewpub, and Dells Mill.

For those less keen on making the 100- or 180-mile loops, a family-friendly fun ride was also offered. The 13.5-mile route doubled as a tour of Eau Claire's bridges as well.

"But there are few better ways to show people why Wisconsin is such a special place to ride a bicycle."

WISCONSIN BIKE FED

on its 10th annual raw event

Ride Across Wisconsin is a fundraiser for the Wisconsin Bike Fed, a statewide organization. "Putting together a huge ride like this is a monumental undertaking for a small nonprofit like Wisconsin Bike Fed," the 2025 Ride Guide states.

"If we are honest with ourselves, there are a lot of other much easier ways for the Bike Fed to make money than shepherding a thousand people for 180 miles. But there are few better ways to show people why Wisconsin is such a special place to ride a bicycle."

Here in the Valley, major support for the large recreation event came from those part of volunteer teams with Bike Chippewa, CORBA, Valley Girls, the Optimist Club, Friends of the Red Cedar Trail, and a ton of other locals; mechanic teams available during the event from Wheel & Sprocket, Compass Bike Lab, Stache Cycle, Spring Street Sports, and Erik's of Eau Claire; and sponsors including Visit Eau Claire, the Pablo Center at the Confluence, and yours truly, among others.

Get a glimpse into the event that brought about 1,000 cyclists together throughout the backroads and streets of the Chippewa Valley, down below.