Dirty Squirrel Gravel Grind

Race Overview

Join us on September 26th, 2026 for a fun filled bike race featuring a scenic mix of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest gravel roads and select ski trails within Minocqua Winter Park’s vast trail system. It will be a truly unique race experience! Check out the on-site bike demos and more offered by the Chequamegon Adventure Company and Lost Wave.

Race Day Schedule

Friday, September 25th, 2026

• 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Bib Pick Up at MWP Chalet

Saturday, September 26th, 2026

• 7:00 am: Park Opens & Registration/Bib Pick Up Opens
• 7:45 am: Registration Closes For CENTURY Black Squirrel
• 8:00 am: Century Black Squirrel Race Start
• 8:15 am: Registration Closes For 50K Fox Squirrel
• 8:30 am: 50K Fox Squirrel Race start
• 8:45 am: Registration Closes For 15K Red Squirrel
• 9:00 am: 15K Red Squirrel Race start
• 9:00 am: Registration Closes For Acorn 5K "Fun Ride"
• 9:15 am: Acorn "Fun Ride" 5K start
• 11:00 am: Food Available
• 5:00 pm: Park Closes

Post Race Food/Beverage

Brats, burgers, chips and more – details to come. Racers will receive a meal ticket and free drink ticket for a beer or non-alcoholic beverage of choice. A variety of other beverages will be available for sale as well.

Race Route Details & Cut Off Times

Detailed race routes will be released closer to race day. Stay tuned!

ACORN 5K "Fun Ride"

• Description: This shorter untimed race is perfect for kids and families!
• Aid Station: This race does not pass an aid station. Be prepared to carry all water, food, and emergency supplies you may need.
• Total Distance: 3.1 miles
• Surfaces: Ski Trails 3.1 miles (mix of gravel and grass logging road type)

17K Red Squirrel

• Aid Station: This race does not pass an aid station. Be prepared to carry all water, food, and emergency supplies you may need.
• Total Distance: 17K / 10.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 866 ft
• Surfaces: Gravel 6 miles, Ski trails 4.5 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 60%

50K Fox Squirrel

• Aid Station: This race passes 1 aid station.
• Total Distance: 30.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,299 ft
• Surfaces: Gravel 25.5 miles, Ski trails 4.5 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 83%

50K Race Cut Off Times:

• 10:30 am: 50K racers must reach the Aid Station by this time
• 3:00 pm: 50K racers must cross the Finish Line by this time

100K Century Black Squirrel

• Aid Station: This race passes 1 aid station twice.
• Total Distance: 62 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,907 ft
• Surfaces: Gravel 58 miles, Ski trails 4.5 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 92%

100K Race Cut Off Times:

• 10:30 am: 100K racers must reach the Aid Station by this time
• 3:00 pm: 100K racers must cross the Finish Line by this time

Race Policy

All participants must wear helmets.

Awards

17K, 50K, 100K Awards - ~ NOON-1pm

• Awards: Awards will be given to the overall top 3 male and female finishers.
• Age group awards: Will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each 10-year age group.
• 5K Fun Ride: Participants will be recognized for their completion order overall.

For more details, visit the official race page: Dirty Squirrel Gravel Grind.