Epic Bike Fest Draws Cyclists to Wisconsin's Northwoods

Pro cyclist Daxton Mock trains relentlessly in the rain, just days before competing on his home turf in Wisconsin. "You gotta push through it," he emphasizes, embodying the spirit of determination.

At 24, Mock is no stranger to success, having clinched victories in both races at last year's Epic Bike Fest, a premier cycling event that winds through Wisconsin's picturesque Northwoods. "In the National Forest, ripping corners, up, down. It keeps it interesting," he reflects. "The trails are so good here."

This three-day festival kicks off with single track races spanning from Hayward to Cable, traversing the Sawyer and Bayfield county forests on Saturday. Kristy Maki, event director for the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, highlights the uniqueness of the event: "You don't see long stretches of single track like this in any other place around the Midwest. A 37-mile race on single track, point to point, is pretty unusual and pretty unique for anywhere in the country."

On Sunday, participants will face a challenging 50-mile gravel road race, which Mock describes as "just unreal." Maki adds, "You also have a big mental component on watching out for sand and rocks and different features on a gravel race, too."

To accommodate various skill levels, a half-distance option is available for both races, broadening the appeal for riders. "We are now over 1,000 riders and racers for the weekend," Maki notes, reflecting on the event's growth.

This increase in participation has enabled Epic Bike Fest to raise over $200,000 for trail development at Mt. Telemark Village and the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association. Mock expresses his gratitude: "It's really important for me because I train on them all the time. Having a spot up north in northern Wisconsin, where there's maybe not so much other things to do, it's really great."

For Mock, this event is not just about competition; it's an opportunity to showcase his skills and highlight the area's charm. "The community is amazing here and it seems to grow every year," he shares.

Despite on-and-off showers expected this week in Wisconsin's Northwoods, festival organizers remain optimistic about the weekend's races. Saturday is anticipated to be dry for the single track events, while Sunday may bring rain—though it won't hinder the gravel race.

Registration remains open for all races, and attendees need not be cyclists to enjoy the festivities at Epic Bike Fest. Spectators are welcome to watch the races or volunteer. For more details, visit Epic Bike Fest's website.