June, July, August

Wirth on Wednesdays

Mountain Bike Race Series

Wirth on Wednesdays (WOW)

A spotlight shines bright on the Loppet Foundation-managed singletrack trails at Theodore Wirth Park with the return of the popular spring and summer mountain bike race series. Meet us at The Trailhead for the Wirth on Wednesdays (WOW) events.

The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park has some of the most accessible trails around, including the popular Conundrum, Area 36, 45 North singletrack loops, all linked by the amazing paved trail network composed of the Grand Rounds, Theodore Wirth Parkway, and Luce Line trails.

Saddle up and get ready to ride in this fun race series that will surely WOW you!

There is no in person registration, all registration MUST be done online. This can be done via a mobile device right up to race time.

Registration Coming Soon

Proceeds from the Wirth on Wednesdays benefit the Loppet Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation's mission, vision, and values.

Registration and transaction fees are non-refundable, including in the event of delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of an event or program. An event or program registration is not transferable to another person or another event for any reason, including injury. Participating under another person's name will result in disqualification.

A Note About the Data We Collect

  • Weather/Trail Conditions – We will post here any weather or trail conditions that might impact the races. If a cancellation is needed, we will communicate it no later than 2:00pm on race day via email to registered participants and posting on the website and social media channels. If we know sooner than 2:00pm, we will certainly communicate earlier.

2024 Event Dates and Race Hosts

  • Wednesday, June 12
  • Wednesday, June 26
  • Wednesday, July 10  
  • Wednesday, July 24 WoW: Women & Non-Binary Week
    • Races this week are for those who identify as: Women, Non-Binary, Trans Women & Gender Expansive
    • *The kids races will remain open to all children*
    • ALL are welcome to celebrate, support and volunteer!
  • Wednesday, August 7
  • Wednesday, August 21

Schedule

The loops consist of variations of our Area 36 trails at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park. Each lap is a little over 3 miles.

  • 4:15pm-7:00pm Packet Pickup/Registration
  • 5:00PM Youth (13 years old and younger): 15-20 minutes / 1 lap race
  • 5:30PM Novice (all ages): 30-50 minutes / 2 laps
  • 6:15PM Advanced (13+ years old): 50-70 minutes / 4 laps
  • 6:30PM Kids Pedal Fun Race (2-8 years old): on the skills loop, usually ride for 10 min
  • 6:40PM Kids Strider Fun Race (8 and under): on the skills loop, usually ride for 10 min
  • 7:15PM Intermediate (11+ years old): 40-50 minutes / 3 laps

The July 24 date for WoW: Women & Non-Binary Week will have a slightly different schedule and races.

  • 4:15pm-7:00pm Packet Pickup/Registration
  • 5:30PM Youth (13 years old and younger): 15-20 minutes / 1 lap race
  • 6:00PM Advanced/4 lap, Intermediate/3 lap, Novice/2 lap with a 1 minute gap between starts
  • 6:30PM Kids Pedal Fun Race (2-8 years old): on the skills loop, usually ride for 10 min (all kids are welcome)
  • 6:40PM Kids Strider Fun Race (8 and under): on the skills loop, usually ride for 10 min (all kids are welcome)
  • 7:00PM Individual or Buddy Start – 1 or 2 lap option. Nice option for anyone new to mountain bike events and might be uneasy about mass starts or simply prefers an individual start. Riders are also welcome to start and ride with a buddy or two!

Race Categories

Race categories are broken into youth, novice, intermediate, and advanced racers, in order to provide every level of racer the opportunity to experience a safe, enjoyable challenge that fits their goals and abilities.

Format for the series is mass start. We will have spacing in the start area and may have multple waves depending on number of participants.

Fat bikes are welcome, though there is no separate category for fat bikes.

Checkin and Start Area

  • Registration and check in will be in the ticket booth in The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy)
  • The start area is just north of the Trailhead near the back patio. Follow the small gravel path near The Trailhead entrance.
  • The race course for all six races is on and around the Area 36 trail (closed to the public during the races)

Parking & Transportation

We encourage biking from your house if you are able. For those who must drive, we encourage carpooling. All participants and spectators who drive should park in the nearby Mortenson parking lot. It is a short bike ride from there using the Grand Rounds Bike Trail (along Theodore Wirth Parkway) to the start area.

Awards

Youth: The top 3 male and female finishers in the Youth race will be awarded a swag item.

Novice, Advanced and Intermediate:

The top 3 male and female finishers in each race will be awarded Mill Valley gift cards in the following amounts:

1st Place: $20

2nd Place: $15

3rd Place: $10

Raffle Drawings

Stick around after your race for the chance to win some awesome swag items provided by our nightly Race Host, series Sponsors, and the Loppet.

Winners will be drawn from registered participants after each of the 4 races and be called up to the announcers table for their choice of the available items.

The Loppet Foundation needs volunteers in all capacities for the Wirth on Wednesdays series. Volunteer signups are live! To signup, please click the button below.

If you have any questions, email volunteer@loppet.org.

2023 Results & Photos

2022 Results

2021 Results

2019 Results

Sponsors

Race Hosts

The Loppet Foundation
1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
info@loppet.org
612-604-5330

Registration Questions:
registration@loppet.org