Cycling Events in Milwaukee: Rides, Races, and Festivals

Milwaukee's Cycling Event Scene

Milwaukee has a packed cycling event calendar, with something for every type of rider. Whether you want to race, raise money for charity, or just ride with friends, there's an event for you. Here are the highlights.

Charity and Community Rides

Bike to Work Week (May/June) includes organized commuter rides, pit stops, and after-parties. It's the biggest cycling celebration of the year.

Tour de Cure and other charity rides pass through Milwaukee, offering 10-100 mile routes with full support. These are great first events for new riders.

Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup often includes a bike-to-the-cleanup component, combining cycling with environmental action.

Races

The Milwaukee Criterium Series runs through summer, with fast, closed-circuit races in various neighborhoods. Even if you don't race, spectating is a blast.

Wisconsin Cycling Association road races and cyclocross events take place throughout the state, with several in the Milwaukee area.

Gravel Events

Milwaukee-area gravel events like the Wausau 24 and Dairy Roubaix attract riders from across the Midwest. These are challenging, scenic rides on rural gravel roads.

Festivals

Various neighborhood street festivals include cycling components — bike parades, slow races, and valet bike parking. Bay View Bike Day is a local favorite.