Town of Rib Mountain named presenting sponsor of Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge
Teams work together at Doepke Park to navigate an unmarked course in the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge. Photo credit: Ann Ilagan Photography
RIB MOUNTAIN – The Town of Rib Mountain’s Tourism Commission has awarded local non-profit IRONBULL a $12,000 sponsorship in support of the upcoming adventure race, the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge. Beginning in 2015, the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge has quickly catapulted to be one of the largest adventure races in the United States, helping to promote Rib Mountain as a destination for outdoor recreation.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase our community. Tourism plays an important role in our economy. Also, Rib Mountain’s tagline is ‘Where Nature, Family & Sport Come Together,’” said Gaylene Rhoden, Town of Rib Mountain administrator.
Four of IRONBULL’s 2021 events feature outdoor amenities in the Town of Rib Mountain:
1) The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge, which requires teams to navigate using a map and compass, has a new location and course every year. After building a strong track record, the event draws racers from around the Midwest with nine states represented in 2019. This year’s racers represent 13 states, and the event is currently on pace to sell out, with registrations surpassing prior attendance by 50%.
The 2019 Red Granite Grinder brought bikers on trail at Rib Mountain State Park for the first time. Photo credit: Gary Barden Photography.
2) At IRONBULL’s first event of 2021, the inaugural Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition, 87% of participants were visiting from outside of Marathon County, and half of all participants were competing in their first adventure race. The event took place entirely within the Town of Rib Mountain, utilizing off-road bike accommodations including the 51/29 Trail and the newly constructed Trillium Trail, trekking on property planned for Sandy’s Bark Park expansion, and sledding at Doepke Park.
3) The IRONBULL Ultra Trail event is held entirely within the Town of Rib Mountain, starting and ending on the racetrack of State Park Speedway before connecting on private property to Rib Mountain State Park.
4) The Red Granite Grinder will feature Rib Mountain as one of sixteen villages and towns on the routes which range from 12 to 144 miles. Bikers are allowed on several properties not normally open to bikes, including, for this one day of the year, on trails at Rib Mountain State Park. Word has spread about the Grinder, with 2021 registrations surpassing its 2019 first-year totals when the event is still six months out.
“As a Town of Rib Mountain resident, I love introducing visitors and town residents alike to opportunities that are out our doorstep,” said Andrea Larson, IRONBULL executive director. The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition course literally went past Larson’s residence. IRONBULL’s decision to host many of their events in Rib Mountain makes it easy for Rib Mountain residents to either participate or cheer on racers and provide another proof point as to why IRONBULL’s and Town of Rib Mountain’s goals align.
The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge is held every Memorial Day weekend, with the exact location remaining a secret until race day. More details available at: https://www.ribmountainadventurechallenge.com/
Banner photo: The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge has been the largest in the United States Association Adventure Racing Series for several years. Photo credit: Ann Ilagan Photography
Related:
Recipient of Wisconsin grant - Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge
Results - Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - Winter Edition
WSAW news event coverage - Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - Winter Edition
Pre-race news coverage - Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - Winter Edition