Wisconsin River bike ride finishing in Prairie du Chien
A pair of riders enjoy last year’s GRABAAWR. (Photo submitted)
By Ted Pennekamp
The Great Annual Bicycling Adventure Along the Wisconsin River (GRABAAWR) will be finishing in Prairie du Chien once again this summer.
GRABAAWR is an annual seven-day, 454-mile ride from Eagle River to Prairie du Chien that follows the length of the Wisconsin River, stopping at many communities along the way.
Since 2017, Bike Wisconsin has been running GRABAAWR, an event that has been going since 1986 under various organizations.
“It’s one of the cycling traditions in Wisconsin,” said Bike Wisconsin Ride Director Rob Layton who noted that he expects about 75-100 participants riding all manner of bicycles, including recumbents. “It’s a ride and not a race,” said Layton. “Some people try to finish as fast as they can for the challenge, but many like to take their time and enjoy the scenery, the exercise, the camaraderie and the stops along the way.”
Layton said the riders will drive to Prairie du Chien on Friday, June 10 and will camp at the football field at Prairie du Chien High School. Many will be taking rides around town as a way to get ready for the big ride.
On June 11, buses will take the riders, their bikes and their gear to Eagle River, Wis. The GRABAAWR will begin on June 12 as the riders take off from Eagle River.
Ride Schedule
The schedule is as follows.
Sat., June 11 - Transportation day/Arrival day in Eagle River
Sun., June 12 - Eagle River to Tomahawk - 65.3, 99.3, or 121.1 miles
Mon., June 13 - Tomahawk to Mosinee - 62.5 or 67.2 miles
Tue., June 14 - Mosinee to Wisconsin Rapids - 47.1 miles
Wed., June 15 - Wisconsin Rapids to Adams-Friendship - 43.9 miles
Thu., June 16 - Adams-Friendship to Baraboo - 57.8 miles
Fri., June 17 - Baraboo to Muscoda - 68.3 or 71 miles
Sat., June 18 - Muscoda to Prairie du Chien - 46.1 miles
Total mileage - 391 to 454.2 miles.
“We rely on local bars and restaurants for food and drink and some riders use local hotels,” said Layton, who noted that riders should be out and about in Prairie du Chien on Friday, June 10.
Layton also said Bike Wisconsin staff and volunteers also help get snacks, Gatorade and other such refreshments at local groceries.
Layton said regular registration for GRABAAWR ends on Friday, May 13. More information is available at the Bike Wisconsin website. The phone number is 1-888-245-3941.
