Hello cycling friends!
I am part of the team behind the scenes at the La Crosse stop of the Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS). Traditionally a mountain bike only series, WORS is expanding with a 3 race gravel series in 2026, and we are the first stop. I created the course over the winter, using some of my riding experiences, as well as local maps and routes. It’s always a bit of a crapshoot, hoping for the best route while stuck inside on a bike trainer, but I think we scored with this one. Marcus from Trek and I drove the course a couple of weeks ago, and it’s fair to say we both came away very impressed.
On Sunday, May 3rd I had a chance to actually ride the course. First, a little backgound on me – I previously ran the La Crosse Omnium, and ride/race in most cycling disciplines. I’ve done everything from local gravel events with my young teenaged son, and also done some crazy things like ride across Minnesota and Wisconsin on back-to-back weekends. My hope was that this course would have something for everyone. And I think it does!
The race will start at the Best Western in La Crescent, MN. A neutral rollout through town and then things are live after the turn onto N Pine Creek Rd. This first stretch is pavement, and this race is almost like a spring classic with many gravel sectors broken up by small stretches of road. As a racer, I think the road sections will appeal because a little recovery or a chance to eat and drink will be nice. Pine Creek takes a hard left onto gravel and rolls for a bit. A short bit of pavement on Hwy 6 leads to Forster Road, a challenging gravel climb with rolling gravel at the top. 25 mile riders will take a right turn down a paved road, and then some gravel rollers will bring you back to Pine Creek. 50/75 mile riders will go left, and take some pavement through Nodine, MN, down a paved descent (with some pavement that will make you glad to be on gravel tires) and through part of the original La Crosse Omnium road course. New Hartford has some character, including a plastic skeleton hanging from a noose and a local pair of prairie chickens that like to hang out along the road.
Up Slippery Hill, which is another challenging gravel climb, and then a paved section to Stinson Road. I was happy to include that one! Stinson has some character, including an 8′ ball of branches and a Hermitude of Nuns. I think. I didn’t approach, just read the sign. The descent down to Hwy 76 is gnarly. Take it easy on this one. 75 mile riders enjoy a little paved break on 76, and then a left back onto a long gravel climb up a beautiful valley on Gates Coulee. (50 mile riders go left and then take Cty Rd 13 back to the loop.) Deer Ridge takes you to Dump Hill, which is another fun downhill, but seriously, take it easy. Sneak through the outskirts of the big city of Rushford and enjoy a quiet paved road along the Root River. Hop back onto gravel along River Drive, through the Vinegar Ridge Recreation Area and enjoy a super unique downhill carved into the hillside.
A quick paved connection section of Hwy 76 and back onto gravel for a sustained uphill and downhill on Paradise Drive. Some welcome pavement on Hwy 9 takes you back to gravel on Hanson Valley. I’m not going to lie, this hill hurt. I’ve ridden every challenging climb in the area, and this one seems to go on forever. Pavement back to Slippery Hill, where I hit 50 mph and again recommend caution going down. Paved climb back into Nodine and back to gravel on Hwy 16. The last gravel sector is on Pine Creek, back the way you came, with one final exception. Once you arrive back into La Crescent you take the Gravel Nats custom gravel connector to the finish line. It’s .. steep. And then you’re done!
With lots to see, 6-7 bluff climbs, road breaks, this really is a great ride and we hope you enjoy it!
Register here: https://www.bikereg.com/wors-oratrailsfest-2026
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