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.
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!
Fat tire bike
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
* 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
2024 event photos are linked at the Facebook page.
QUESTIONS?
EMAIL US
RACE TEAM PROFILE
Race Director Chris Schotz
Operations: John Lauer
Event Sponsor
City of Merrill - for visitor information, call the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-536-9474 or visit www.merrillchamber.org
