Grassroots Gravel 2023

Are You Ready for an Adventure?

Prepare to Embark on an Exciting Journey!
Our meticulously designed routes invite cyclists to embrace the allure of the western sector of Marathon County, a realm accessible solely through this remarkable race. Participants will immerse themselves in the heart of Central Wisconsin, traversing paths not traditionally accessible to bikes, thanks to exclusive “featured sections.” Along these routes, riders will witness the picturesque beauty of ginseng fields, serene dairy pastures, charming barns, and expansive farmlands, a true embodiment of Central Wisconsin’s essence. Spanning 50, 85, and 144 miles, these races are integral to the Ironbear 1000, celebrating Wisconsin’s legendary gravel. Rally your friends and family for a weekend of festivities that await you (further details provided below).

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Highlighted Sections:

Rib Mountain State Park (85 & 144 mi only)
Wausau School Forest
Nine Mile County Forest
Fenwood-Edgar ATV trail (85 & 144 mi only)
Scotch Creek Preserve (85 & 144 mi only)
Numerous privately owned Managed Forest Lands (144 mi only)
Willow Springs corn maze (50 mi only)

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO CONQUER THIS CHALLENGE?
For those who wish to participate in the event but prefer not to spend hours cycling through rain, snow, or shine, consider the 12-mile recreational ride or volunteering!

Exploring the Course

Every race commences and concludes at the heart of downtown Wausau’s 400 Block, with a police escort for the 7 am races.

50 Mile Route – An Ideal Gravel Introduction

Begin your journey downtown, skipping the formidable Rib Mountain State Park ascent, yet immersing yourself in the area’s treasures. Traverse the magical Wausau School Forest, followed by a stretch on the Nine Mile County Forest’s snowmobile trail. The path deviates from the 85 and 144 mile routes, guiding you back to downtown Wausau through a playful exploration of the Willow Springs corn maze. Given the downtown start/finish, this route serves as an excellent introduction to gravel riding, suitable even for road bikes. The course comprises 64% pavement, 7% dirt, and 29% gravel road/snowmobile trail. In 2021, our event boasted an impressive 96% finisher rate.

50 MILE RACE REPORT BY SCHWAN HARDI
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85 Mile Route – A Glimpse of Xtreme Gravel

Embark on an adventure into the world of Xtreme Gravel, shaped both by our intentions and the unpredictable whims of Mother Nature. Departing the city, the race intensifies quickly with an 800-foot climb to the summit of Rib Mountain, followed by a mile of hike-a-bike. The subsequent technical descent demands unwavering focus. Brace yourself for dirt trails across private lands, followed by a mesmerizing journey through the Wausau School Forest. Concluding this segment, riders delve further into the Nine Mile County Forest via its snowmobile trail. A short detour through a farm field paves the way to Fenwood, where the wind may challenge, accompanied by rain or sleet, adding to the excitement. The rail-to-trail path from Fenwood to Edgar provides a brief respite. Edgar marks the transition to wooded trails and even singletrack at Scotch Creek Preserve. An aid station at mile 51 revitalizes riders, followed by a divergence from the 144-mile route. Red Granite country welcomes racers before they conquer the final climbs. The path culminates in a thrilling downhill through Billy Goat Hill in Maine, eventually leading to smooth pavement as you head back to downtown Wausau. Concluding with the sun setting over the heart of downtown, riders can finally savor the moment.

THIS COURSE UNVEILS MARATHON COUNTY’S HIDDEN GEMS AND CHALLENGES YOU TO CONQUER IT!
85 MILE RACE REPORT BY TODD MEERDINK
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144 Mile Route – A Genuine Xtreme Gravel Challenge

Embark on the ultimate Xtreme Gravel experience, defined by both our vision and the capricious forces of nature. Racers face an immediate test, ascending 800 feet to Rib Mountain’s peak, setting the tone for the entire course. After a mile-long hike-a-bike, riders descend with intense focus on an unpracticed yet exhilarating path.

Savor dirt trails across private lands and journey through the enchanting Wausau School Forest, followed by more miles of gravel via Nine Mile County Forest’s snowmobile trail. Navigate through farm fields to reach Fenwood, where the wind might challenge you, perhaps accompanied by rain or sleet. As Edgar comes into view, embrace wooded trails and even some singletrack at Scotch Creek Preserve. The aid station at mile 51 rejuvenates riders, who then traverse Managed Forest Lands in Lincoln County, characterized by a mix of gravel, dirt, and unyielding grit. Following an exhilarating ride through Red Granite country, and a final gut-wrenching climb, racers will soar down Billy Goat Hill before heading back to downtown Wausau. A smooth stretch of pavement carries you to the heart of downtown Wausau, where the finish line and the embrace of friends and family await.

EXPERIENCE AN XTREME COURSE CRAFTED TO TEST THE TOUGHEST RIDERS.
144 MILE RACE REPORT BY CHRIS SCHOTZ
144 MILE RACE REPORT BY STAN PRUTZ
144 MILE RACE REPORT BY MATTI ROWE
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12 Mile Route – Kocourek Kids Sponsored Recreational Ride

The 12-mile recreational ride offers a family-friendly, timed, non-competitive experience within downtown Wausau, perfect for participation. This beginner-friendly route showcases downtown Wausau’s bicycle amenities, welcoming participants of all ages. Feel free to bring your kids along in a tag-along or bike cart, or enjoy a tandem ride with your significant other. The route predominantly features pavement and is well-marked, ensuring a delightful ride.

All participants under 18 enjoy free entry, and those competing in longer events can join for free with family and friends (provided they finish in time for the 12-mile start!).

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Embarking from downtown, the route commences with the primary climb, followed by a descent down Sylvan Hill. Riders circle back to downtown via the new River Edge Trail along the Wisconsin River, passing by the playful Riverlife Park. As the route progresses, enjoy a segment through Barkers-Stewart Island Park and the renowned Wausau Whitewater Park’s whitewater course. The loop encompasses Isle of Ferns Park, allowing riders to experience nature amidst the heart of downtown Wausau. The course concludes by looping around Oak Island Park, embracing the downtown atmosphere on the 400 Block alongside fellow riders. With the total route elevation gain of less than 400 feet, this 12-mile journey promises a relaxed yet exhilarating experience.

FAMILY PARTICIPATION ENCOURAGED – ALL PARTICIPANTS UNDER 18 ENJOY FREE ENTRY!
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Race Support and Beyond

Spectators and crew