Dirty Squirrel Gravel Grind
September 6, 2025
Distances for all ages!
Saturday, September 6th, 2025
at Minocqua Winter Park
Featuring a scenic mix of Chequamegon/Nicolet National Forest gravel roads and select ski trails within Minocqua Winter Park’s vast trail system.
Race Details
Bikers will pass the Squirrel River, Yukon Creek, and a plethora of quintessential Northwoods wetlands and towering pine forests. Featuring 3, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mile race distances with aid stations, it will truly be a unique gravel grind experience for the whole family! Stick around for the free post race meal and beer (available to those who register by 11:59 pm on August 30th, 2025). We are excited to announce that Rocky Reef Brewing Company will once again be brewing a special Dirty Squirrel Amber for racers to enjoy at the finish line! Non-alcoholic options are also available.
Check out the on-site bike demos and more offered by the Chequamegon Adventure Company and Lost Wave.
Registration Information
Online registration is open until September 5th at 11:59pm CDT. Day-Of registration will be available at the Minocqua Winter Park Chalet until 15 minutes before each race. See schedule for details.
Guarantee your post race meal! Only those registered by 11:59 pm on August 30th, 2025 will be guaranteed a complementary post race meal and beverage!
The first 100 registrants of the 20, 40, 60, and 80 mile races will receive a commemorative tote bag. Perfect for hauling your bike gear to and from the trailhead!
Day-Before Bib Pick-Up
Pick up your bike plates ahead of race day. The Chalet (located at 7543 Squirrel Hill Rd) will be open on Friday, September 5th from 12:00pm-5:00pm. Otherwise, bike plates can be picked up prior to your race at the Chalet on Saturday, September 6th.
| Event | Jan 1-March 31 | April 1-Aug 31 | Sep 1-Sep 5 | Sep 6 |
| 80 mi | $60 | $70 | $75 | $80 |
| 60 mi | $60 | $70 | $75 | $80 |
| 40 mi | $60 | $70 | $75 | $80 |
| 20 mi | $60 | $70 | $75 | $80 |
| 3 mi “Fun Ride” | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 |
Route Descriptions
Please note that these distance and stats may change without notice, if routes need to be altered for any reason.
This event is authorized under Special Use Permit by the Chequamegon/Nicolet National Forest.
Mini Nut 3 Mile “Fun Ride”
This shorter untimed race is perfect for kids and families. 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 / Elevation Gain: (TBD) / Surfaces: Ski Trails 3.1 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 100%
Little Nut 20 Mile
This race does not pass an aid station. Be prepared to carry all water, food, and emergency supplies you may need. RidewithGPS Route
Total Distance: 22.8 miles / Elevation Gain: 866 ft / Surfaces: Paved 5.2 miles, Gravel 10.7 miles, Ski trails 6.9 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 77%
Big Nut 40 Mile
This race passes 1 aid station.
Total Distance: 43.2 miles / Elevation Gain: 1,299 ft / Surfaces: Paved 3.4 miles, Gravel 32.9 miles, Ski trails 6.9 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 92%
Roasted Nut 60 Mile
This race passes 1 aid station
Roasted Nut Race Cut Of Times (Racers who don’t hit these cut off times will disqualified and be asked to return to the Minocqua Winter Park Chalet)
- Racers must reach the aid station by 10:30 am
- Racers must cross the finish line by 6:00 pm
Total Distance: 60.2 miles / Elevation Gain: 1,907 / Surfaces: Paved 5.2 miles, Gravel 48.1 miles, Ski trails 6.9 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 91%
Cracked Nut 80 Mile
This race passes 2 aid stations
Cracked Nut Race Cut Of Times (Racers who don’t hit these cut off times will disqualified and be asked to return to the Minocqua Winter Park Chalet)
- Racers must reach the 1st aid station by 10:30 am
- Racers must cross the finish line by 6:00 pm
Total Distance: 82 miles / Elevation Gain: 2,362 / Surfaces: Paved 6 miles, Gravel 69.1 miles, Ski trails 6.9 miles / Percentage Gravel/Ski Trail: 93%
Route marking and navigation
- Minimal course markings: There will be minimal course markings with arrow cards. We cannot guarantee these will remain properly in place.
- GPS navigation is highly encouraged: Due to inconsistent cell service, we strongly recommend downloading the route to a GPS navigation device or carrying a printed map and cue sheet.
- Forest map: For a more detailed national forest map, please see the 2024_MVUM_ParkFalls.pdf.
Course awareness
- Open to traffic: All courses remain open to traffic, including ATV/UTV and hunting vehicles. It is essential to follow all rules of the road and stay alert for other road users.
- Be courteous to hunters: Please be aware of and courteous to any hunters you may encounter, as this is bear and migratory bird hunting season in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Aid Station Offerings
- There is one official aid station on the course, located at the intersection of National Forest Road 131 and National Forest Road 132.
- Restricted access: The aid station is for racers and staff only. Due to limited space, narrow roads, and congestion, these areas are unsafe for additional vehicles.
- Self-sufficiency is key: Friends, family, and spectators are not allowed at the aid station. The Dirty Squirrel is a limited-support event, and there are no businesses selling food or water along the routes. Please plan accordingly by bringing enough food and water.
Checkpoints and cut-off management
- Mandatory check-in: All 40, 60, and 80-mile racers must pass through the aid station checkpoint, though they are not required to stop.
- Checkpoints will be staffed by volunteers.
- Enhanced safety: The 60 and 80-mile routes require mandatory check-ins both times riders pass the aid station. This is to ensure the safety of all riders spread across a multi-county, 80+ mile course.
- Live tracking: For an enhanced experience, Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series, LLC will using RFID timing chips. Your friends and family can track your ride on a big screen at the chalet, with up-to-date race progression information.
Race Policy
- Helmets are mandatory for all participants.
- Number plates and timing chips: Do not wrap your number plate around your bike tube, as this will prevent your chip from being read and you will not receive a finish time.
- Riders are responsible for their own mechanical, medical, and transportation needs.
- Bike and tire selection: The route features a mix of surfaces, including pavement, gravel, and trail. Please choose a bike and tires that are appropriate for these conditions.
- E-bike policy: Only Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed. Their results will be recorded but are not eligible for awards. Racers with disabilities may use various types of adaptive bikes and trikes, some of which are electric.
Dropping Out
If you drop out of the race, inform The Aid Station or Course Marshall of your name and race number.
Event Schedule
Friday, September 5th, 2025
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Bib Pick Up at MWP Chalet
Saturday, September 6th, 2025
7:00 am – Park Opens & Registration/Bib Pick Up Opens
7:45 am – Registration Closes For Cracked Nut
8:00 am – Cracked Nut 80 mile start
8:15 am – Registration Closes For Roasted Nut 60 mile
8:30 am – Roasted Nut 60 mile start
9:00 am – Registration Closes For Mini Nut 3 mile “Fun Ride”
9:15 am – Mini Nut “Fun Ride” 3 mile start & Registration Closes For Big Nut 40 mile
9:30 am – Big Nut 40 mile start & Registration Closes For Little Nut 20 mile
9:45 am – Little Nut 20 mile start
11:00am – Food Available
5:00pm – Park Closes
Awards (Little Nut, Big Nut, Roasted Nut, Cracked Nut)
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: 19 and Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Volunteer Opportunities
Indoor and outdoor positions are available. No experience required. All volunteers will receive a race meal/beverage token and a free one-day winter day pass valid for the 2025/26 season.
Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring Dirty Squirrel Gravel Grind 2025? Please email Kris at races@minocquawinterpark.org. Thank you!
