UPAF Ride for the Arts

Bikes rule the road at the UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, on Sunday, June 4, 2023. All proceeds of this Ride benefit the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), supporting local artists and groups lifting our community up through world-class performances and life-changing arts education.

Returning to the iconic Hoan Bridge, the 2023 Ride will bring an exciting spin on the 43-year-old Milwaukee tradition. The new and extended Hoan Loop Course spans 20 miles and utilizes Interstate 794 from downtown Milwaukee to Cudahy and back. Participants will enjoy scenic views of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan from the Hoan Bridge and Lincoln Memorial Drive. Riders can choose from various distances within the Hoan Loop Course. Additionally, UPAF is proud to include families and riders of all abilities with the 1.5-mile Arts Path.

The event will also include the return of the finish line party at Henry Maier Festival Park filled with entertainment from UPAF Performing Arts Members and activities for everyone. To celebrate Pride month, UPAF Affiliate Our Voice Milwaukee, Milwaukee’s chorus for Gay men and allies, will be kicking off the event with their performance of the U.S. National Anthem.

The Hoan Loop Course will be completely closed to car traffic in both directions and free from the distractions of traffic lights, making it a safe and smooth ride for all ages and abilities. The course will be open from 7-11 a.m. All riders will have the opportunity to experience the ride over the Hoan Bridge multiple times!

Official starting line festivities take place at 6:30 a.m. and will be repeated again at 8 a.m. outside of the South Gate at Henry Maier Festival Park, ahead of entering the Hoan Loop Course at 7 a.m. Riders may also enter the course on the south end at Pennsylvania Ave in Cudahy or the on the north at Lincoln Memorial Drive and Kenwood, allowing for the opportunity to cycle to their closest entry point. Riders may enter the course anytime between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

There will be opportunities to exit and re-enter the course at the Port of Milwaukee (turnaround point for a 5-mile loop), as well as at an oasis station located at Howard Ave for participants who prefer a shorter ride. With all lanes closed to vehicular traffic, there will be plenty of space for participants to spread out during the ride. 

Interested in joining the Ride?

Register by May 15 to receive your Ride packet by mail. Registering after May 15? Ride packet pickup will also be available on May 27 and June 3 at the Bay View Wheel & Sprocket from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Packets may also be picked up the morning of the Ride at the main start line.

Registration is $65 for adults (13+) or $35 with the Fundraiser’s Discount which includes a commitment to raise $150 by May 31. Kids 12 and under ride FREE with adult registration thanks to the Brewers Community Foundation. All registered riders will receive a durable Access Pass to display on your bike and this year’s limited-edition t-shirt. If you’d like to support UPAF but won’t be riding, you can register as a “Friend of the Ride” for $35 and receive the official 2023 Ride t-shirt.

Don’t miss out on your chance to pedal across the Hoan Bridge — sign up before it’s too late at www.UPAFRide.org. 

Thanks to riders like you, the United Performing Arts Fund is able to provide vital funding for 47 Performing organizations in the Greater Milwaukee Area.  Any individual who raises $25 or more will be entered into the Fundraising Sweepstakes for a chance to win fabulous prizes including Wheel & Sprocket gift certificates, a Miller Lite mini fridge, tickets to local performances, and even a brand-new Trek Verve-2 e-bike! See all prizes and sweepstakes rules at UPAFRide.org.

Working closely with the Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, UPAF is committed to providing a safe ride experience. We can’t wait to see you on the Hoan this summer in support of our region’s world-class performing arts organizations. Learn more and join the Ride at www.UPAFRide.org.