SepTimber Ride Returns to Eagle River

The fundraiser bicycle ride is hosted by Great Headwaters Trails Foundation, Inc. (GHTF) and the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds go towards the development and enhancement of eastern Vilas County bicycle and walking trails, such as the proposed River Trail between Eagle River and St. Germain.

“SepTimber Ride represents an incredible confluence of nature, exercise, local businesses, and fundraising in our communities,” said Kim Emerson, executive director of the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce. “Hundreds of people of all ages get to explore the area on bike, see our beautiful landscapes and nature, all while supporting an admirable cause. We’re proud to co-host this celebration.”

The event starts and ends at the Tribute Brewing Company in Eagle River and all rides include a stop at the Three Lakes Winery, where wine tasting will be available. After-ride festivities for all riders will take place at Tribute Brewing Company and includes a picnic-style lunch with brats, hotdogs and plant-based burgers, beer tasting featuring a variety of Tribute beers, and raffle drawings.

Laura Van Valkenberg, GHTF president and SepTimber Ride co-director, said the ride drew a record 423 participants last year. “While we can’t forecast or guarantee the weather, mid-September is typically a wonderful time to ride as the temps are a bit cooler” said Van Valkenberg.

“This fun, fall event showcases the beautiful North Woods when the fall colors are really starting to show”

– Laura Van Valkenberg, GHTF president and SepTimber Ride co-director

Participants can select from three ride options. The 28-mile round trip trail ride includes the Eagle River Connector and the scenic Three Eagle Trail from Tribute Brewing Company to the Three Lakes Winery and back. The trail surface is a hardened limestone aggregate. The ride starts at 9 a.m. “Choose to ride as far as you wish; then turn around and come back,” said Van Valkenberg. A rest stop with snacks and water will be located approximately halfway on the Three Eagle Trail and at Three Lakes Winery.

The 60- and 100-kilometer (37 and 60 miles, respectively) Northwoods Road Rides feature the scenic roads of Vilas and Oneida counties from Tribute Brewing Company to the Three Lakes Winery and back. These rides will take place on black-topped county roads. Water stations and rest stops will be located along the route. Refreshments will be provided at the Winery, which is approximately the halfway point on both road rides. These rides start at 8:30 a.m.

Early bird registration for all three rides ends on Aug. 1. The cost is $60 per person by Aug. 1 and $70 per person after Aug. 1, including day of the event registration. Registration includes the bike ride, wine and/or beer sampling, event long sleeve wick-away shirt, picnic style lunch, and a souvenir SepTimber Ride beer glass. Event organizers cannot guarantee a shirt size if registered after Aug. 1.

Entry fees are not refundable, and the ride will take place rain or shine. All participants must be 21 years of age or older. All rides are self-guided, and it is strongly recommended that each rider wear an CPSC approved helmet.

Van Valkenberg said the SepTimber Ride is an important fundraiser for GHTF. “It helps us support our trail development efforts like the 10-mile River Trail project which will connect Eagle River and St. Germain and the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System,” said Van Valkenberg.

Registration and check-in will be from 7 to 9 a.m. at Tribute Brewing Company, located at 1106 N. Bluebird Road in Eagle River.

For more information and online registration, visit www.septimberride.com.