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

• 3:00 pm - 7:00 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"

This shorter untimed race is perfect for kids and families!

• Total Distance: 3.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: (TBD)
• Surfaces: Ski Trails 3.1 miles (mix of gravel and grass logging road type)

17K Red Squirrel

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

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

Racers who don't hit these cut off times will disqualified and be asked to return to the Minocqua Winter Park Chalet.

100K Century Black Squirrel

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

Racers who don't hit these cut off times will be disqualified and be asked to return to the Minocqua Winter Park Chalet.

Race Policy

All participants must wear helmets.

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

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.

Link to Register

For more information and to register, visit the Dirty Squirrel Gravel Grind page.