Snowbound in the Underdown
February 22, 2025
Fat tire bike or Snowshoe
2/19/25 trail update: Trails will have plenty of snow this year! Check out current trail conditions at: trailbot.com or see the 2025 course with your own eyes in the video link below!
Are you up for adventure?
Experience fat tire biking and snowshoe racing on the unique winter trails starting at Prairie Dells. Bikers start first with a journey up the Prairie River gorge before hitting the hills and lakes of Underdown for rides of 10, 15 and 25 miles. Six-mile snowshoers will get to the majestic Prairie Dells while three-milers will take in the overlooks of the new Heinemania Loop. The wonder of this place in winter is something that has to be seen to be believed. Courses will be well-marked. See course map below.
You choose your adventure - fat tire bike or snowshoe. If you sign up for both, you automatically receive 50% of the snowshoe event during registration!
Fat bike:
Short Race: approximately 10 mile lap. Terrain is rolling, flowy, and scenic. A chance to ride the famous Prairie Dells River Trail
Medium Race: approximately 15 mile lap with a blend of fast Prairie Dells flow and a vertical loop that is one big hill after another.
Long Race: approximately 25 mile lap with challenging, hilly terrain and a double dose of the Prairie Dells.
Snowshoe:
Short Race: approximately 3 mile lap. Terrain is rolling and scenic on Underdown’s newest trail, Heinemania
Long Race: approximately 6 mile lap. Terrain is rolling, flowy, and scenic with views of the majestic Prairie Dells canyon.
No snowshoes, no problem! We have Northern Lites race snowshoes available for free, just check the option during registration!
Choose your discipline!
Fat tire bike
Snowshoe
Location
Start/finish location for all racers is at the Prairie Dells Trail Head, Merrill, WI 54452 (this works in Google Maps) (located off of Heineman Rd / Cty R). GPS coordinates: 45.27290759030347, -89.5879814947932
TIME
8:30 am -12:00 pm: Bib pickup
9:00 am: Long fat bike race start
9:30 am: Medium fat bike race start
10:00 am: Short fat bike race start
12:00 pm: 6 mile snowshoe start
12:30 pm: 3 mile snowshoe start
Awards as soon as possible as podiums fill
ENTRY FEE
Early = $30 / Regular = $40 / Late = $50 / Extra late = $60
*Early is prior to 12/14/24 / Regular is before 2/1/25 / Late is before 2/15/25 / Extra late is up to 1 hour prior to event start
What’s included
Post-race meal and beverage
Sticker
Free Northern Lites snowshoe rental
Custom finisher mug
Racer Guide
Read race rules, print the race schedule, and spectator information.
2025 Course map
Check out the 2025 course maps with points of interest, passing zones, and features noted. All bikers will be treated with a first time combo of Heinemania and Haymeadow Bend!
Other helpful info
2024 event photos are linked at the Facebook page.
QUESTIONS?
EMAIL US
RACE TEAM PROFILE
Race Director Chris Schotz
Event Sponsor
City of Merrill - for visitor information, call the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-536-9474 or visit www.merrillchamber.org
