Wirth on Wednesdays (WOW)
A spotlight shines bright on the Loppet Foundation-managed singletrack trails at Theodore Wirth Park with the return of the popular spring and summer mountain bike race series. Meet us at The Trailhead for the Wirth on Wednesdays (WOW) events.
The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park has some of the most accessible trails around, including the popular Conundrum, Area 36, 45 North singletrack loops, all linked by the amazing paved trail network composed of the Grand Rounds, Theodore Wirth Parkway, and Luce Line trails.
Saddle up and get ready to ride in this fun race series that will surely WOW you!
Register
There is no in person registration, all registration MUST be done online. This can be done via a mobile device right up to race time.
Register Now!Proceeds from the Wirth on Wednesdays benefit the Loppet Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation's mission, vision, and values.
Registration and transaction fees are non-refundable, including in the event of delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of an event or program. An event or program registration is not transferable to another person or another event for any reason, including injury. Participating under another person's name will result in disqualification.
Updates
- Weather/Trail Conditions – We will post here any weather or trail conditions that might impact the races. If a cancellation is needed, we will communicate it here on race day and via email to registered participants and posting on the website and social media channels.
Race Information
2024 Event Dates and Race Hosts
- Wednesday, June 11
- Wednesday, June 25 hosted by Utepils Cycling
- Wednesday, July 9
- Wednesday, July 23 WoW: Women & Non-Binary Week hosted by Unruly Women
- Races this week are for those who identify as: Women, Non-Binary, Trans Women & Gender Expansive
- *The kids races will remain open to all children*
- ALL are welcome to celebrate, support and volunteer!
- Wednesday, August 6 hosted by The Hollywood Cycles
- Wednesday, August 20
Schedule
The loops consist of variations of our Area 36 trails at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park. Each lap is a little over 3 miles. Click here for Google Course Map.
Week 1 & 2 schedule (schedule may change slightly for later weeks depending on registration numbers):
- 4:15pm-6:30pm Packet Pickup/Registration
- 5:30PM 2 Lap Race: 30-50 minutes
- 5:33PM 1 Lap Race: 15-25 minutes (mostly 8-18 year old participants)
- 6:00PM Popsicle Kids Race (free!):
- Pedal & Strider waves, both on the skills loop, usually ride for about 5 min (all kids are welcome, 8 and under)
- 6:20PM 4 Lap Race: 50-70 minutes
- 6:23PM 3 Lap Race: 40-50 minutes
Format for the series is mass start. We will have spacing in the start area and may have multiple waves depending on number of participants.
Fat bikes are welcome, though there is no separate category for fat bikes. No e-bikes.
Checkin and Start Area
- Registration and check in will be in the ticket booth in The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy)
- The start area is just north of the Trailhead near the back patio. Follow the small gravel path near The Trailhead entrance.
- The race course for all races is on and around the Area 36 trail (closed to the public during the races)
Parking & Transportation
We encourage biking from your house if you are able. For those who must drive, we encourage carpooling. All participants and spectators who drive should park in the nearby Mortenson parking lot. It is a short bike ride from there using the Grand Rounds Bike Trail (along Theodore Wirth Parkway) to the start area.
Awards and Raffle Drawings
Awards
1 Lap: The top 3 male, female and non-binary finishers in the 1 lap (youth) race will be awarded a swag item.
The top 3 male, female and non-binary finishers in each of the 2, 3, and 4 lap races will be awarded a prize to be announced.
Raffle Drawings
Stick around after your race for the chance to win some awesome swag items provided by our nightly Race Host, series Sponsors, and the Loppet.
Winners will be drawn from registered participants after each of the 4 races and be called up to the announcers table for their choice of the available items.
Volunteer
The Loppet Foundation needs volunteers in all capacities for the Wirth on Wednesdays series. Volunteer signups are live! To signup, please click the button below.
If you have any questions, email volunteer@loppet.org.
Results and Photos
2024 Results & Photos
- Week 1 Results
- Week 2 Results
- Week 3 Results
- Week 4 Results
- Week 4 Photos by David Samuels
- Week 5 Photos by Lawrence Pry
- Week 6 Photos by Ben Weidt
2023 Results & Photos
- All race results can be found on the Wirth on Wednesday Results Landing Page here
- Week 1 Photos by Sofie Edevold
- Week 2 Photos by Lawrence Pry
- Week 4 Photos by Willie Nordstrom
- Week 4 Photos by David Samuels
- Week 4 Photos by Lawrence Pry
- Week 6 Photos by Cary Johnson
2022 Results
- For all races, go to the Wirth on Wednesday Results Landing Page
2021 Results
- Race 1: June 2
- Race 2: June 16
- Race 3: June 30
- Race 4: July 28
- Race 5: August 11 (cancelled due to weather)
- Race 6: August 18
2019 Results
Sponsors
Sponsors
Discounted hotel rates: LOPPET Foundation Preferred Rates – Ramada Minneapolis Golden Valley
- Must book hotel through link above to get preferred rates
Contact Us
The Loppet Foundation
1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
info@loppet.org
612-604-5330
Registration Questions:
registration@loppet.org