SepTimber Ride Returns to Eagle River

Hosted by the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation, Inc. (GHTF) and the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce, the SepTimber Ride is more than a recreational ride—it’s a fundraiser that helps build the future of cycling in northern Wisconsin. Proceeds support the development and enhancement of bicycle and pedestrian trails throughout eastern Vilas County, including the proposed River Trail connecting Eagle River and St. Germain, future trail connections linking Eagle River, Conover, Phelps, and Land O’ Lakes, and continued expansion of the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System. Every registration helps move these projects from vision to reality while supporting tourism throughout the Eagle River area.

The ride begins and ends at Tribute Brewing Company in Eagle River, with all routes featuring a stop at Three Lakes Winery, where participants can enjoy wine tasting. After the ride, cyclists are invited to celebrate with a picnic-style lunch featuring brats, hot dogs, plant-based burgers, beer sampling with a variety of Tribute beers, and raffle drawings.

“SepTimber Ride showcases the beauty of the Northwoods at a wonderful time of year, when the fall colors are just beginning to emerge,” said Laura Van Valkenberg, GHTF president. “While we can’t predict the weather, mid-September typically offers cooler temperatures and ideal conditions for cycling.”

The event attracts approximately 400 riders each year and offers three route options:

• 28-mile Trail Ride: This round-trip ride follows the Eagle River Connector and the scenic Three Eagle Trail between Tribute Brewing Company and Three Lakes Winery. The trail features a hardened limestone aggregate surface, and riders are welcome to ride as far as they wish before turning around. The ride begins at 9 a.m., with rest stops featuring snacks and water along the route and at Three Lakes Winery.
• 60-kilometer (37-mile) Road Ride: Beginning at 8:30 a.m., this route travels through the scenic county roads of Vilas and Oneida counties to Three Lakes Winery and back. Water stations, rest stops, and refreshments at the winery provide support along the way.
• 100-kilometer (60-mile) Road Ride: Starting at 8:30 a.m., the longest route offers an extended tour of the Northwoods on quiet county roads, with support stations throughout the ride and refreshments at Three Lakes Winery near the halfway point.

Early-bird registration is available through Aug. 1 for $60 per person. Registration increases to $70 after Aug. 1, including day-of-event registration.

Registration includes the ride, beer sampling, an event long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt, picnic-style lunch, and a commemorative SepTimber Ride beer glass. Organizers cannot guarantee shirt availability or preferred sizes for registrations received after Aug. 1.

The ride will take place rain or shine, and entry fees are nonrefundable. Participants must be 21 years of age or older. All routes are self-guided, and riders are strongly encouraged to wear a CPSC-approved helmet.

“Once the summer rush starts to ease up, SepTimber Ride is the perfect reason to slow down and be out with like-minded people in what many of us call ‘the greatest place on earth,'” said Abbey Gatlin, Executive Director of the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce. “From Tribute Brewing to Three Lakes Winery and back, you’re rolling through the kind of place that reminds you what really matters. Make it a weekend, take in the fall colors, and don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your next trip in another season.”

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

For riders looking for a mid-September Northwoods adventure featuring scenic self-guided routes, brewery and winery stops, and an opportunity to help grow Wisconsin’s trail network, SepTimber Ride deserves a place on the calendar.

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