February 21, 2026

Fat tire bike or Snowshoe

Check out current trail conditions HERE

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Are you up for adventure? 

Experience fat tire biking and snowshoe racing on the unique groomed winter trails of the Underdown starting at Prairie Dells Trailhead.  Bikers start first with a journey up the Prairie River gorge before hitting the hills and lakes of Underdown for rides of 10, 15 and 25 miles.  Snowshoers will get to the majestic Prairie Dells during the 6mile long race while Short racers will take in the overlooks of the Heinemania Loop completing 3 miles.  The wonder of this place in winter is something that has to be seen to be believed. Be sure to come prepared, this place is true Wisconsin Northwoods. Courses will be well-marked. See Course Map below.

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Fat tire bike:

  • Short Race: Approximately 10 mile lap. Terrain is rolling, flowy, and scenic. A chance to ride the famous Prairie Dells River Trail

  • Medium Race: Approximately 15 mile lap with a blend of fast Prairie Dells flow and a vertical loop that is one big hill after another.

  • Long Race: Approximately 25 mile lap with challenging, hilly terrain and a double dose of the Prairie Dells.

    • *Note: Tire width must be at least 3.5” on groomed trails

Snowshoe:

  • Short Race: Approximately 3 mile lap. Terrain is rolling and scenic on Underdown’s newest trail, Heinemania

  • Long Race: Approximately 6 mile lap. Terrain is rolling, flowy, and scenic with views of the majestic Prairie Dells canyon.

*We do have a limited number of snowshoes to borrow. First come first serve. Check the information on the registration page for availability.

Choose your discipline!

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Fat tire bike

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Snowshoe

Location

Start/finish location:

Prairie Dells Recreation area

Merrill, WI 54452

location MAP LINK: HERE





schedule

  • 8:30 am -12:00 pm: Bib pickup

  • 9:00 am: Long fat bike race start

  • 9:30 am: Medium fat bike race start

  • 10:00 am: Short fat bike race start

  • 12:00 pm: 6 mile snowshoe start

  • 12:30 pm: 3 mile snowshoe start

Awards will be given as soon as possible as podiums fill

ENTRY FEE

Early - Before 12/21/25 = $30

Regular - 12/22/25 - 2/1/26 = $40

Late - 2/2/26 - 2/17/26 = $50

Extra Late - 2/18- 2/20/26 at 7pm = $60

What’s included with race entry

Post-race meal and beverage
Winter Beanie
Sticker

Awards

Custom Race awards

Other swag …

Racer Guide

2025 Racer guide (For Reference)

* Note that the 2025 racer guide is provided as a reference. A 2026 racer guide will be provided closer to the event.

2026 Course map

additional information

winter underdown trails map
2025 results
2025 photos
2024 results

2024 event photos are linked at the Facebook page.

2023 Results

QUESTIONS?

EMAIL US

RACE TEAM PROFILE

Event Sponsor

City of Merrill - for visitor information, call the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-536-9474 or visit www.merrillchamber.org