THE REAL DEAL. Just a couple of months out, the 11th annual Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW) event will return to the crests and valleys of western Wisconsin for the second week of July. Take part in the leisurely Family Ride or dial in on the 60-, 100- or 175-mile routes. (Photo via Facebook)

Cyclists near and far are gearing up for one heck of a ride thanks to the Wisconsin Bike Federation’s (WBF) swiftly approaching annual Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW) event.

Returning for its second go-around in the Chippewa Valley – with a refreshed route since last year’s ride – and its 11th year overall, RAW is likely to bring thousands to our western Wisconsin community by July 11. 

The 2025 event marked RAW’s 10th annual cycling shindig – its first in the Eau Claire area. Another “first” for the event happened in our local crests and valleys, as RAW took on a loop-style ride, differing from its previous point-to-point routes.

“We had a really great response and, last year, had the biggest turnout for RAW to date,” WBF Events Manager, Heather Rainer, said. “Eau Claire has great cycling infrastructure and there’s beauty everywhere. I’ve kind of fallen in love with this area.”

Picturesque small-town stops and incredible big river bluffs are highlighted along the way, with all long-range routes including several rest stops for rehydration, food and landmark views, including Augusta's historic Dells Mill.

Last year’s longer routes took folks through Eau Claire, over to Chippewa Falls and back toward the Menomonie area, before ending in a return to Eau Claire.

This year, long-route cyclists will take off from Phoenix Park once again before heading into the winding river valleys and quiet roads of Eau Claire, Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties.

Justin Berg, an Eau Claire area English teacher, and his father, Bill Berg, were instrumental in designing the refreshed 2026 route, Rainer said.

“There’s no one better to plan this route than people that already ride this area frequently,” Rainer said.

This year's RAW will both take off from and end in downtown Eau Claire's Phoenix Park, where vendors, food and drinks will be offered. (This image, image below by Andrea Paulseth)

Picturesque small-town stops and incredible big river bluffs are highlighted along the way, with all long-range routes including several rest stops for rehydration, food and landmark views, including Augusta’s historic Dells Mill.

RAW is mainly for those experienced cyclists – who else would go on a 60-, 100- or 175-mile ride in one day?! – though leisurely riders and families can enjoy the easy-going Family Ride route. That ride takes full advantage of Eau Claire’s status as a city of bridges, plus a short one-and-a-half-mile section of gravel trail, totaling about a dozen miles.

Another plus of RAW’s latest loop-style routes is the opportunity to explore and relax in one community throughout the weekend. Based on feedback from last year, folks particularly enjoyed taking in the downtown area and our slice of the state.

Still need to sign up for your ride or want to participate via volunteering? Head over to RideAcrossWisconsin.com to learn more.

Check out more information on each route (including estimated ride timelines), lodging, family-friendly activities, volunteering and more online at RideAcrossWisconsin.com. Riders must be ages 16+ to participate; for those under age 18, a signed waiver and parent/supervisor must be present.