Mercer Bike Fest & Loon Ride
Ride with Purpose and Get Pure Enjoyment
There is something special about a summer ride through Wisconsin’s Northwoods: the quiet roll of tires beneath towering pines, the sparkle of lake water just beyond the trail, and the unmistakable call of a loon carrying across the shoreline.
On August 1, 2026, riders, families, neighbors, and visitors will come together to celebrate all of it at the 2nd Annual Mercer Bike Fest & Loon Ride, a community event that turns every mile into momentum for Mercer’s outdoor future.
Participants can choose the ride distance that fits their style, with 7-mile, 24-mile, and a redesigned 50-mile route options available for riders of different ages and abilities. Each route begins and ends at Carow Park on beautiful Grand Portage Lake, giving everyone a welcoming place to gather before and after the ride. When cyclists return, the celebration continues with food by Wolf’s Den, refreshments by Rocky Reef Brewery, music by Brett and Frisk, raffles, lakefront relaxation, and the kind of small-town hospitality that makes Mercer events memorable.
Guests can also take part in raffles featuring two different bikes, a stand-up paddle board, and many other prizes. Whether you ride, cheer from the park, volunteer, buy raffle tickets, or simply come to enjoy the festivities, your participation helps support the Mercer Bike Trail Expansion Project.
The day is designed to celebrate the Northwoods while raising support for a trail vision that will better connect Mercer to surrounding communities and regional trail systems.
When complete, Mercer’s Bike Trail Expansion Project will create a 24-mile loop beginning at Carow Park in Mercer, continuing along County Highway J to WinMan Trails, linking into the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System, circling through Manitowish Waters, and reconnecting with the existing Mercer Bike Trail that leads north back to Mercer.
Beyond the miles, the project is a long-term investment in safer riding routes, expanded outdoor recreation, stronger tourism, and healthier ways for residents and visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Northwoods.
The Town of Mercer has been working with ICORE (Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts) to plan and prepare for this project since 2022. The expansion is identified as a priority in the Town of Mercer Comprehensive Plan, the Iron County Strategic Outdoor Recreation Plan, and the ICORE Strategic Plan. In 2023, the town received a DOT Planning Study TAP grant, with feasibility work beginning in 2024 and completed in 2025. The study addressed safe routes to school, crash analysis, utilities, jurisdictional coordination, public outreach, permitting and environmental concerns, real estate, design layout, and funding.
Recent improvements to the existing trail include new signage, mile markers, a bike kiosk, and a bike repair station. The kiosk includes maps of the current trail system and proposed extension, along with information on fundraising progress. Community outreach has included public information sessions and meetings with groups such as the Mercer Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club, Mercer Dusty Loons ATV Club, Mercer School, local businesses, and cycling groups. Support was also evident at the 1st Annual Mercer Bike Fest in August 2025, which drew 235 riders, more than 300 attendees, 26 volunteers, and 32 local business sponsors and donors, raising more than $50,000 for the project, including event-associated donations.
Join the Ride
ICORE is committed to making the Mercer Bike Fest & Loon Ride an annual tradition
that supports fundraising goals while delivering a memorable biking and festival
experience. Join us on August 1, 2026, and be part of something big. Register Today!
Bike Fed Supporters Receive a Special Registration Discount!
Mercer Loon Ride organizers are graciously offering a $10 registration discount to current Wisconsin Bike Fed supporters through July 15, 2026!
- 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 questions and the codes.
Please note: discount codes may not be shared, transferred, or used to register others.