Coulee Crusher
Trek and WORS bring gravel racing to La Crosse
Gravel has grown and expanded as a riding category, but it’s not really ‘new’ to riders in La Crosse. Many small events have happened over the years, and some pretty big ones nearby as well. However, the region wasn’t really on the national scene until a local group brought the USA Cycling Gravel National Championship to the area in 2025. New for 2026 is the opportunity to ride new and different routes in the heart of the Driftless region. With 25, 50 and 75 mile options, there is something for everyone at the Coulee Crusher on Saturday, May 23rd.
Did you know there is a gravel hall of fame? Some of the bigger names you might be familiar with, depending on how long you’ve been riding drop bar bikes, but there are others who might fly under the radar a bit. One name in particular stands out to us in La Crosse – Chris Skogan. The founder of the historic Almanzo gravel race, Skogan now works for Trek Bicycles and regularly visits Smith’s Bike Shop.
Skogan volunteered with the Smith’s team at ORA Trails Fest for a couple of years, and conversations about gravel were plentiful. Multiple local groups have done races, as well as rides, and even an early ‘grinduro’ format event, before that was a thing. With a lot of event experience, the folks at Trek, Smith’s and WORS wanted to have all the pieces in place to put on a high quality event before launching.
In late 2025 WORS formally pitched the idea and the crew at Smith’s resoundingly said yes. We all worked together on some amazing routes, with rides leaving from the same area as Gravel Nationals. The beauty of this event is that the roads are unique and different from Gravel Nats, while still giving you amazing views, challenging climbs, and great gravel. You get to enjoy the day, regardless of distance, while also using the early season race as prep for Nationals, if you choose to come back in September.
And even if you have no aspirations for a national level race, you will definitely have a good time! If you’ve never been to a Trek event before, or experienced the low traffic and scenic roads of the area, you can comfortably set your expectations high. We will have a party before and after, with great rest stops and support along the way.
You can certainly make an entire weekend out of the Coulee Crusher by also checking out all the other WORS mountain biking happening in La Crosse, including a time trial Friday, short track Saturday evening, and cross country racing all day Sunday! Or you can race gravel on Saturday and ride for fun on Sunday. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful region, chock full of places to stay, with great food and drinks on tap. See ya soon!
Get registered here: https://www.bikereg.com/wors-oratrailsfest-2026
And keep up with all the latest on ORA Trails Fest on our website and facebook page!
Bike Fed Supporters Receive a Special Registration Discount!
ORA Trails Fest Coulee Crusher Gravel Race organizers are graciously offering a $10 registration discount on any race distance to current Wisconsin Bike Fed supporters!
- Supporters who are eligible for the discount received an email on February 25, 2026 with the exclusive code to enter during registration. Please note: discount codes may not be shared, transferred, or used to register others.
- Supporters who have not received an email communication with discount information, as well as new supporters who donate $50 or more, may contact the Donor Relations Team at donorservices@wisconsinbikefed.org or 414-626-1540 for the code or questions.