WiMi Wish Unites Two States

Looking for something new? WiMi Wish Ride, a brand-new, locally organized event in Northeast Wisconsin will kick off on Saturday, August 8, 2026. “Not only is the WiMi Wish Ride launching for the first time this year, but the collaboration between the states is also a first,” says Ride Director Glenn Costie. “Participating in the WiMi Wish Ride is a historic opportunity for our riders.” 

Event proceeds will support Wisconsin and Michigan Chapters of Make-A-Wish. Fundraising pledges for Make-A-Wish are not required but riders are encouraged to  contribute to support the cause. 

The ride starts and finishes at the River Cities Community Pool, 1125 University Drive, Marinette, Wisconsin.  Riders are welcome to use the River Cities Community Pool’s showers following the ride. The pool isn’t available but there are lots of local beaches.

Registration includes SAG service, fully stocked rest stops, an event T-Shirt, and post-ride tacos with fresh-from-the-garden ingredients. The first 100 registrants get a free water bottle, so sign up now. More information and registration are available at wimiwishride.org. 

Route guru Steve Everson, a former ride director of the Menominee River Century (MRC), knows a good route when he sees one. Route distances range from 12 to 100 miles so there is something for everyone. This year’s 25-mile route follows the former MRC route along the bay. Everson has taken care to be sure that other routes are also scenic and include river and bay frontage and are low traffic for the most part. The route passes other local attractions such as the historic Peshtigo Fire Museum, the Peshtigo Harbor Wildlife Area, and downtown Menominee, MI. The 12 and 25 mile routes are completely flat while the longer routes include a bit of climbing but all less than 20 feet of climbing per mile. Ride with GPS routes are viewable at wimiwishride.org. 

It’s been a hot summer, but Marinette’s Northwoods location and cool bay breezes offer a refreshing escape. You can start as early as 6:30 AM to beat the heat or if you just want to experience birds and other wildlife out at that early hour. 

Paul Lata, event consultant and longtime ride director of the MRC, is excited about the new event. Research from the MRC showed that many participants take advantage of the location and participated in activities such as birdwatching, kayaking, sailing, and golf. Recently, mountain bike trails have been developed with at least 3 mountain bike trails in Marinette County. “There are lots of opportunities in Marinette and Menominee,” Lata says, and he hopes that visitors will consider staying overnight to enjoy the area at this perfect time of year. 

Organizers are thankful for generous donations from Pieper Electric in New Berlin and Integra First Federal Credit Union in Menominee, MI to get the ride up and running for 2026. 

While the first  ride offers a great route, fresh food, uncrowded roads, friendly local residents; the real reason for the event is the Make-A-Wish kids. 

Rick Downs, an event organizer and veteran of the Michigan Make-A-Wish ride, knows firsthand the lasting impact of that ride on kids and families affected by critical illnesses. He spoke of a father who recognized him because they had met years earlier at a ride. The father’s son was noticeably absent.  

“There was a tear in the guy’s eye, and he said, ‘Thank you for coming again,’” Downs said. “He was happy I came back, but there was sadness, because his son had passed away.” That’s when he realized that granted wishes from Make-A-Wish weren’t just for the child – they served as a positive memory for the family during their darkest days.  “That’s why I made a commitment to do Make-A-Wish for the rest of my life,” Downs said.

Help start a tradition and grant wishes. Register today for the inaugural August 8th ride at wimiwishride.org. 

Feature Photo: The final mile of the WiMi Wish Ride features stunning vistas of the bay of Green Bay shoreline along Marinette, Wisconsin.