Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never done a gravel grinder before, what should I expect?
You will ride an unmarked course on roads open to traffic. The routes are designed to showcase beautiful scenery along off-the-beaten path routes that may otherwise not be traveled. There are aid stations to supplement your hydration and nutrition plan with drop bag access (85 and 144 mile routes) but you are responsible for your own mechanical on the route. (The 12 mile recreational ride is marked.)
Why would I pay to ride on roads I can ride all year?
The 50, 85 and 144 mile races have several marked featured sections not normally open to bikes. Sections include 24 private lands as well as the Wausau School Forest, Nine Mile Forest, Fenwood to Edgar ATV trail (85 and 144 mile), Scotch Creek Preserve (85 and 144 mile), and Willow Springs corn maze (50 mile only). For this only day, 85 & 144 mile bikers ride trails at Rib Mountain State Park, descending on the Turkey Vulture Trail after a gnarly mile hike-a-bike. Riders in the 144 mile ride will also be treated to beautiful wooded Managed Forest Lands across several private properties elusive for this one and only day! 144 mile riders also have a creek crossing.
All riders, will have several perks listed on the registration page including aid stations with drop bag access, a free post-race meal, beverage, and prize eligibility. Note that all riders under age 18 are free for the 12 mile ride. All 144 mile riders have trackers included and 50 and 85 mile riders may tack onto their registration so friends/families can follow them. Finally you get the opportunity to compete for bragging rights!
How much of the race course is gravel?
Each course will have a mix of gravel, paved roads, and paved off-road bike & pedestrian paths. The 12 mile recreational ride only has a couple of miles of gravel. The 85 and 144 mile routes are primarily gravel after leaving the Wausau vicinity. The 50 mile course is mostly pavement with three short sections of off-road.
Each course will have short sections of trails. The breakdown of each route is the following:
o 144 mile: 60% gravel, 30% pavement, 10% off-road
o 85 mile: 45% gravel, 44% pavement, 11% off-road
o 50 mile: 26% gravel, 67% pavement, 7% off-road dirt
o 12 mile: 85% pavement, 15% off-road gravel
what type of bike should I use?
Gravel bike racers use a variety of different bikes - often gravel races even have a fat bike or two! Most people racing gravel grinders use a gravel bike with the drop bars set up. With the amount of gravel roads in this race, this would be fastest type of bike.
From a comfort standpoint a wider tire mountain bike would be more comfortable for the length of the ride but would be slower overall. For an average gravel racer, 2.5 inch (63 mm) tires are a good fit. That being said, expect to see bikes that range from gravel bikes running as narrow as 1.25 inch (32 mm) tires to mountain bikes and even the occasional fat bike. Note that the dew in early hours or precipitation could make for slick conditions, especially on bridges/boardwalks (there are several in the early miles). If choosing a narrow tire, prepare for a flat or two on the off-road sections and getting off your bike on boardwalks & singletrack.
Our suggestion: use the gravel bike setup with drop bars to gain the speed advantage on the gravel roads and suffer through the short sections off-road sections that are dispersed throughout the course. Choose your tire based on what you are comfortable and used to riding on, the weather for the day and days prior to the event, and how wet of a fall we have.
Are any of the routes marked?
Only sections with turns in close proximity are marked on the 50, 85, and 144 mile courses. This includes mostly off-road sections, but not all trail turns are marked. GPS batteries die, so cue sheets are recommended.
The 12 mile route will be marked throughout. However, due to the potential for signs to be removed, it is recommended to download the route on a GPS that is active at all times or to use a cue sheet.
What if I take a wrong turn?
Even the best riders can make a wrong turn. Go back to the last point you were on the correct route.
What are cue sheets?
Cue sheets will be provided for download the week of the event. Road names, turns, and distances are listed for a rider to follow. An odometer is recommended so riders know when they are approaching turns. A compass is also recommended to know which way to turn. Note that you need to download the cue sheets off our website (because the Ride With GPS cue sheets don’t list off-road turns).
Can I do this?
Absolutely! No matter the ability level, there’s a course for everyone. We’ve had riders ranging from 4 to 75!
If you’ve never done a bike race, then maybe the 12 mile ride or 50 mile race is right for you. If you want an epic challenge, go for the 144 mile route - but be prepared! Note where the routes’ major climbs and offroad sections are too.
You can stop as much or as little as you want along the course. Just make sure you follow the rules of the road.
What if I get a flat tire?
Be sure to bring a spare tube, patch kit, and bike pump. You are in charge of any mechanical repairs on the course. You are allowed to have outside assistance from a crew during the event except on private land sections of the race course.
What can my family do while I’m racing?
There are many things to do! In addition to cheering you on the racecourse (or even volunteering), families may participate in the 12 mile ride, take a chairlift ride up to the top of Granite Peak, hike one of the featured trail sections, or explore one of the many shops and restaurants in downtown Wausau. All are invited to the live concert and Red Eye beer release on the eve of the event!