Cyclists are again gearing up to gather in Eagle River for the 12th annual SepTimber Ride.

The event returns Saturday, Sept. 12, offering quiet roads, scenic trails, brewery and winery stops, and a chance to support the continued expansion of northern Wisconsin’s bicycle trail network.

Hosted by the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation Inc. (GHTF) and the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce, the event serves as a fundraiser for bicycle and pedestrian trail development throughout eastern Vilas County, including the proposed River Trail connecting Eagle River and St. Germain.

GHTF’s long-term vision is to create a connected network of family-friendly trails linking Eagle River, Conover, Phelps, Land O’ Lakes and St. Germain while continuing to expand the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System. SepTimber Ride proceeds help move projects such as the River Trail forward while supporting tourism throughout the Eagle River area.

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

Route options

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

The 28-mile trail ride begins at 9 a.m. and follows the Eagle River Connector and scenic Three Eagle Trail between Tribute Brewing Company and Three Lakes Winery. The round-trip trail features a hardened limestone aggregate surface. Riders can choose to ride as far as they wish before turning around. Rest stops featuring snacks and water will be available along the route and at Three Lakes Winery.

The 60-kilometer (37-mile) road ride begins at 8:30 a.m. and travels on scenic county roads through Vilas and Oneida counties to Three Lakes Winery and back. Water stations and rest stops are located along the route, with refreshments available at the winery.

The 100-kilometer (60-mile) road ride begins at 8 a.m. and offers an extended tour of the Northwoods on scenic county roads. Riders will find support stations along the route, with refreshments at Three Lakes Winery near the halfway point.

Registration is $70 per person and includes the ride, wine and beer sampling, a long-sleeve moisture-wicking event shirt, picnic-style lunch and a commemorative SepTimber Ride beer glass. Organizers cannot guarantee shirt availability or preferred sizes.

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

“SepTimber Ride is an important fundraiser that helps us continue building and connecting the Northwoods bike trail network,” Van Valkenberg said. “Funds raised help advance projects like the proposed 10-mile River Trail between Eagle River and St. Germain while expanding the Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System and creating more opportunities for people to ride safely throughout our region.”

The River Trail project just received a significant boost with the announcement that the town of Cloverland has received a $1.3 million grant. (See related story in this week’s paper.)

“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, Eagle River.

For more information and online registration, visit eagleriver.org/events/septimber-ride.