Epic Bike Fest
June 6-8, 2025
Singletrack and Gravel Races
Mt. Telemark Village, Cable, WI
Two Epic Rides. One Unforgettable Weekend.
Get ready for a cycling festival weekend that will challenge you while being fun for your entire family and friends. Food trucks, expo/festival, beer tent on site, fun and games – this will be a weekend worthy of the title Epic!
- Epic Singletrack
- Full: 37 Miles
- Half: 18 Miles
- Epic Gravel
- Full: 50 Miles
- Half: 27 Miles
- E2 – Take on both days for an epic combined challenge!
- Mini Epic Kids Race
2025 Epic Bike Fest Registration Opens October 1!
October 1 – March 27 | March 28 – May 22 | May 23 – June 7 | |
---|---|---|---|
Singletrack Full | $95 | $105 | $120 |
Singletrack Half | $95 | $105 | $120 |
Gravel Full | $95 | $105 | $120 |
Gravel Half | $95 | $105 | $120 |
Singletrack or Gravel Age 19 and Under | $48 | $53 | $60 |
E2 | $171 | $189 | $216 |
Mini Epic | Free | Free | Free |
Note: All Epic Singletrack FULL participants must be at least 16 years of age on race day. All Epic Singletrack HALF participants must be at least 12 years of age on race day.
Please note, Class 1 E-Bikes are the only E-Bikes allowed for the singletrack races. E-Bike riders will not be eligible for awards.
To Change Your Race Event/Technique (ALL EVENTS)
- Log in to your RunSignUp Profile HERE
- Scroll down to your event and click on “Manage Registration”
- Click on “Transfer Event” (along both top and bottom menus).
- Then select which new race you want to transfer to and complete new registration. You will be charged any differences and/or associated fees in the final cart.
- Changes before June 6, 2025 by 11:59pm — $15
- Changes on June 7 & 8, 2025 — $25
Registration Insurance
Protect your Birkie registration! Get reimbursed up to 100% on your registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons. Fanshield offers Registration Cancellation Insurance so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in the case of injury, illness, or other unexpected events. Fanshield Insurance can only be purchased during the initial registration transaction, and it cannot be added to an event registration after the transaction has been completed.
- Please see policy for complete list of covered perils here.
- Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions.
The Birkie’s Epic Bike Fest is an exciting multiday offroad cycling festival with an incredible point to point singletrack mountain bike race from Hayward to Cable, WI, and an equally challenging gravel event. Ride one or ride them both!
The ABSF is a non-profit organization, so all proceeds go to developing trails in the Northwoods. Since 2013, the Epic Bike Fest has raised over $200,000 for mountain bike trails.
Epic Singletrack
Full Singletrack – 37 Miles
Miles upon miles of pristine Trek Trails at Mt. Telemark Village and CAMBA singletrack define the course. Riders will surf through smooth banked turns, traverse rock gardens, and finally finish on the newest rowdy trails at Mt. Telemark Village. The premiere singletrack course in the Upper Midwest.
- Start: American Birkebeiner Trail on Wheeler Road, Hayward, WI
- 9:00 am
- Self-seeded start, corrals based on anticipated finish time
- 2 miles of ski trail + additional wide trails to sort out the field, remove bottlenecks, and avoid congestion
Half Singletrack – 18 Miles
Half the distance, all the fun! This loop will offer the same variety of terrain, a memorable experience, but with fewer miles.
- Start: American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI
- 9:00 am
- Mass start
Epic Gravel
Full Gravel – 50 Miles
The Full Epic Gravel route is shorter than it has been in the past, but is still one of the most challenging under 100 mile gravel races in the Midwest. This course is meant to be a challenge. It includes a little bit of everything. Amidst scenic flowy gravel roads, expect to be challenged with sections of singletrack, ATV trails, and fast pavement. This is not your Sunday stroll gravel event. Some have called it an adventure race.
- Start: American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, WI
- 8:00 am
- Mass Start
- Neutral Roll-out
Half Gravel – 27 Miles
This course is as a more manageable entry point into gravel racing. You can still expect incredible gravel roads and the challenge of climbing a manageable bit of Mt. Telemark at the end, but if the singletrack and ATV trails of the Full Gravel are too much, then this is the race for you.
- Start: American Birkebeiner Trailhead
- 8:05 am
- Mass Start
- Neutral Roll-out
E2 Challenge
Take on Both Days for an Epic Combined Challenge!
The 2 days of racing will be combined to create a multi day challenge. (Basically a 2 day stage race) take on the full singletrack and the full gravel or the half singletrack and the half gravel, The 2 race times will be combined and scored together for a combined award. E2!
Mini Epic Kids Race
For all of our little mountain bikers in training, this race is for you!
Riders ages 9-12, 8-6, and 5 & under will meet at Dive for the Dirt at Mt. Telemark Village to race on a looped course!
All participants will receive a bike plate for this untimed race. Celebrate with chocolate milk and sandwich cookies at the finish!
To save time on Saturday, please register your kids in advance for this free event.
2025 Event Swag to be Announced
The 2024 Epic Bike Fest shirt design is here! Register now to secure your spot and take home this t-shirt to commemorate your ride.
Competing in the E2 challenge? The first 200 to pick-up their bike plate at registration for both days of riding will receive even more swag in addition to their t-shirt.
Let’s do this!
Friday – June 6th
- Shakeout ride ~ Register to join coaches from the Birkie staff to preview the new Trek Trails powered by OTM.
- Bike Plate Pick-up
- Expo and demos, food & drink, fun and games for all.
Saturday – Singletrack – June 7th
- Full Singletrack ~ 37 miles
- Half Singletrack ~18 miles
- Mini Epic ~ Kids Race
- Expo and demos, food & drink, fun and games for all.
Sunday – Gravel – June 8th
- Full Gravel ~ approx. 50 mile route
- Short Gravel ~ approx. 25 mile route
- Expo and demos, food & drink, fun and games for all.
Bib Pick-up at Mt. Telemark Village
- Friday: 3:00 – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:30 – 9:00 am
- Sunday: 6:30 am – 8:00 am
Note: Full Singletrack participants, bike plates will NOT be available to pick-up at the race start. Please plan accordingly to pick-up your bike plate at Mt. Telemark Village beforehand.
Bike plate pick-up and the finish for ALL RACES will be at Mt. Telemark Village, Cable, WI.
Access to venues is available ONLY from Telemark Road. From Cable, take Highway M, traveling East out of Cable for 2-miles. Turn right on Telemark Road. Follow the directions of the parking attendants.
Full Singletrack
Busing is available from the finish line to the start BEFORE the race, via pre-purchased bus pass. Parking is also allowed at the Epic Singletrack Full race start, Wheeler Road | Hayward. There will NOT be any busing post-race to return you to your vehicles if you choose this route so please plan accordingly!
Singletrack Half & Gravel Races
The Half Singletrack and both Gravel races will start at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, WI. All riders registered for the Half Singletrack or Gravel races are instructed to park at the Finish Area at Mt. Telemark Village, Cable, WI. If the Mt. Telemark Parking Lot is full, participants can park in the overflow lot at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, as indicated in the map above.
Full Singletrack Race Day Bus Instructions:
- Drop your bike at the start of the race at 6:00 am (bikes are not allowed on buses)
- Drive to the finish of the race and leave your vehicle (29 mile drive: directions here)
- Board a bus that will leave the finish area between 7:00 – 7:30 am
- Get dropped off at the start of the race and be reunited with your bike
- Race from start to finish!
If you’ve already registered for the EPIC Singletrack FULL and would like a spot on the bus, please follow these steps:
To Buy a Full Singletrack Bus Pass After Registering:
- Log in to your RunSignUp Profile HERE
- Scroll down to your event and click on “Manage Registration”
- Click on “Add Ons” (along both top and bottom menus).
- Then make changes to your “Bus Pass” selection.*note: bus passes are available for purchase until 6/6 at 11:59 pm.
If you DO NOT buy a bus pass, you will need to arrange your own method of travel for you, your bike, and your vehicle.
The top 40 men and the top 20 women from the previous year will automatically be placed into the elite wave. You can also petition with a race resume to be put into the Elite Wave based on prior finishes at other races.
All elite requests must be made before 11:59pm CDT on June 5th, 2025.
On race day morning, you will be allowed into the first corral based on your number plate. The elite field is not chip timed, but rather will be a gun start. All non-elite corral riders will be chip timed.
Singletrack Course Maps
Gravel Course Maps
Epic Singletrack
Location | Full Singletrack Distance from Start | Full Singletrack Cut-Off Time | Half Singletrack Distance from Start | Half Singletrack Cut-Off Time | Provisions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start | 0 m | 9:00 am | 0 m | 9:00 am | Water |
Gravel Pit | 10.5 m | 11:00 am | – | – | Water, UnTapped: Mapleaid Hydration, Fuels, and Waffles, Sandwich Cookies |
OO | 16.5 m | 12:00 pm | – | – | Water, UnTapped: Mapleaid Hydration, Fuels, and Waffles, Sandwich Cookies |
Timber Trail | 28 m | 2:30 pm | 9 m | 11:30 am | Water, UnTapped: Mapleaid Hydration, Fuels, and Waffles, Pickles, Bananas |
Finish | 37 m | 3:30 pm | 17 m | 1:00 pm | Water, Kemp’s Chocolate Milk, Sandwich Cookies, Pickles, Bananas |
Epic Gravel Aid Stations
Location | Full Gravel Distance from Start | Full Gravel Cut-Off Time | Half Gravel Distance from Start | Half Gravel Cut-Off Time | Provisions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start | 0 m | 9:00 am | 0 m | 9:00 am | Water |
Telemark Road & Rock Lake Road (outbound) | 15.8 m | 9:45 am | 16.7 m | 10:30 am | Water, UnTapped: Mapleaid Hydration, Fuels, and Waffles, Sandwich Cookies |
Telemark Road & Rock Lake Road (inbound) | 38.7 m | 12:30 pm | – | – | Water, UnTapped: Mapleaid Hydration, Fuels, and Waffles, Sandwich Cookies |
Finish | 50 m | 1:30 pm | 22 m | 11:30 am | Water, Kemp’s Chocolate Milk, Sandwich Cookies, Pickles, Bananas |
Join us for the expo, food, and beer. It’s a party!
You already have the bike! It’s time for some new gear!
Join us on Friday from 3pm-7pm, Saturday from 9:30am-3:30pm, and Sunday 10am-2pm.
The expo brings together cycling enthusiasts from all over. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow cyclists, learn about the latest cycling trends, and try out some new bikes. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s something for everyone at the expo.
- Demos
Make sure to test out some awesome bikes and racing gear! - Food Trucks
Keep yourself fueled throughout the day with various food trucks & beverages! - Beer Garden
Visit the beer garden and grab an Earth Rider Beer!
Awards Schedule
All awards will be presented at the podium near the finish at Mt. Telemark Village.
Note: Class 1 E-Bike Riders are not eligible for awards.
Full Epic Awards – Singletrack & Gravel
- Top 3 overall male and female finishers
- Top 3 male/female riders in below class categories:
16-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60+
Half Epic Awards – Singletrack & Gravel
- Top 3 overall male and female finishers
- Top 3 male/female riders in below class categories:
12-17 / 18-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60+
E2 awards for Combination of Full Singletrack & Full Gravel
- Top 3 overall male and female finishers
- Top 3 male/female riders in below class categories:
16-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60+
E2 Awards for Combination of Half Singletrack & Half Gravel
- Top 3 male/female riders in below class categories:
16-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60+
Lodging
Presenting Sponsor of Birkie Lodging
Telemark Northwoods Lodging is the Presenting Sponsor of Birkie Lodging offering a great retreat in a year-round recreational playground.
Camp at Mt. Telemark Village
Camping is an add-on in your registration. If you have already registered you can log into your RunSignUp account go to manage registration and add ons and then you can add camping. A designated camping area will be available for overnight camping near the event site at Mt Telemark Village. Camper/Van/Tent camping, 6 people/site. Generators are allowed, Quiet hours are from 10 pm-6 am. Porta-Potties are available at the camping area, and potable water is at the event site. Dogs must be on a leash and picked up after. Portable and self-contained fire pits only, there is not a fire pit provided. Pack in-pack out any garbage. Camping is available Friday, June 6th and/or Saturday, June 7th, limited number of spots.
Activities
If you are traveling long distance to attend the EPIC, you’ll definitely want to stay and see all that the beautiful Northwoods has to offer. Here are a few resources to help you make the most of your race weekend:
Cable, WI Area
“The Cable Area is one of the most popular four season family vacation destinations in Wisconsin with a variety of lodging rentals, recreational activities & sporting events to choose from.” Check out activities and events going on in this area:
Hayward, WI Area
“With crystal clear lakes for water sports and fishing, and miles of trails for riding snowmobiles, ATVs, cross country skiing, hiking, and road or off-road cycling, this area is buzzing with activity year-round. The Hayward, Wisconsin Area also has a unique selection of golf courses that will make a memory for any skill level golfer!” Check out activities and events going on in this area:
As we like to say, an epic event is only as good as the volunteers behind it. Become an integral part of the EPIC BIKE FEST and join us during a weekend of riding, racing and festivities as a volunteer. Each volunteer will receive a gift as a token of our appreciation for their contribution towards the EPIC.
Since 2013, the EPIC MTB Festival has donated over $200,000 to trail development. This annual funding not only serves as a powerful support tool for the local trails, but one that ultimately comes full circle with new and improved trails for the Epic mountain bike race each year and the greater riding community in the woods of northern Wisconsin. All profits from the event will go to trail development at Mt. Telemark Village and CAMBA.
Title Sponsor
Official Bike of Birkie Cycling
Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Gold Circle Elite
Learn more about Birkie partnerships by contacting Mike Brown at mike.brown@birkie.com.