Last updated October 25, 2025

The 2026 event date is not confirmed yet… Winding its way through beautiful central Wisconsin is the Ironbull Red Granite Grinder 2026, a premier US gravel event rated by Strambecco as one of the Best in the Midwest. The event is produced by Ironbull,  a charitable organization that promotes outdoor adventure sports in Central Wisconsin. The event is also a part of the Ironbear 1000 Gravel Series when riders complete 1000 miles across five iconic Wisconsin gravel races.

The Ironbull Red Granite Grinder 2026 race offers a unique medley of scenic landscapes, allowing riders to traverse through areas typically inaccessible to bikes. A gravel aficionado cannot miss the allure of riding past ginseng fields, dairy farm pastures, barns, and other facets of Marathon County’s rustic charm. This event is distinctive, taking riders through “featured sections” like Rib Mountain State Park, Fenwood-Edgar ATV trail, and various privately-owned Managed Forest Lands, each a gem in its own right, unveiling the true essence of Central Wisconsin.

Event & Course Info

The Ironbull Red Granite Grinder races start and conclude in downtown Wausau. Various options are available, such as the 50, 85, and 144-mile gravel races that commence at 7 a.m. and a 12-mile recreational ride that starts at 3 p.m.

The 50-mile event is ideal for first-time gravel riders, as it avoids the grueling 800-foot climb to the top of Rib Mountain but still encompasses the gems of Marathon County. With a near 100% finisher rate, this route comprises 67% pavement, 7% dirt, 26% gravel road/snowmobile trail and 2,800 ft. of climbing.

In the 85-mile option, riders face serious climbs and taste “Xtreme Gravel.” They ride through private lands, experience Narnia-like trails at Wausau School Forest, and tackle wind and possibly harsh weather conditions on their way to Edgar, ending their journey back in Wausau. The total elevation gain for this course exceeds 4,600ft.

The big kahuna, the 144-mile, is the most challenging course and tests riders immediately. It exposes them to a mixture of gravel, dirt, and grit and requires them to maintain focus through unpracticed and technical descents, ultimately leading them back to downtown Wausau. The course is designed to find out who is the toughest of the tough, featuring 60% gravel, 30% pavement, 10% off-road, and nearly 6,400 ft of climbing.

Aid stations with drop bag access are available at specific locations for the 85- and 144-mile routes. Riders are responsible for arranging their own mechanical, medical, and transportation needs and are expected to carry their nutrition. However, aid stations supplement nutrition and have water, Tailwind Nutrition, bananas, and other food options. Efforts are made to maintain a minimal environmental impact, with compost and recycling on site and cupless aid stations.

The finish line festival meals, local craft brews, food, and music are ready to enjoy once you reach the finish line. Custom finisher medals are awarded to everyone who completes the route. The top three males and females in the 50, 85, and 144-mile races receive “Blood of the Bull,” locally produced wine and custom cutting boards for age group winners.

Riders at Ironbull Red Granite Grinder can enjoy festivities and cherish the rugged, natural beauty surrounding Wausau. For those yearning for adventure, it’s a chance to experience trails draped in nature’s brilliance, passing through places not usually open to bikes and diving deep into the secrets of Marathon County. It’s an excellent course for testing yourself for UnBound Gravel or beyond.

Area Accommodations & Things to Do

Nestled in Central Wisconsin, the vibrant city of Wausau beckons adventure seekers, presenting itself as a Midwest rival to renowned locales like Bend, Durango, and Santa Fe. The official lodging partner for the Ironbull Red Granite Grinder is Bantr, while other hotel options include Hilton Garden Inn, and Jefferson Street Inn. If you prefer a more home-like experience, there are many vacation rentals in the area, from lakeside cottages to homes in the historic district.

Wausau boasts a diverse culinary scene that blends Midwestern comfort foods with innovative gastronomy, where locally-sourced ingredients meet international flavors in cozy eateries, trendy cafes, and traditional supper clubs. The city’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its array of dining options, ensuring a palate-pleasing experience for both locals and visitors alike. Some local favorites include Urban Street Bistro, Ciao, and Lemongrass.

From adrenaline-fueled mountain biking to serene paddling experiences, Wausau promises an unforgettable encounter with nature. The confluence of three mesmerizing rivers — the mighty Wisconsin River, the Big Rib, and the Eau Claire Rivers — sets the scene for a canoeing or kayaking experience par excellence. The stretch between Merrill and Wausau is particularly enchanting, with its forested shores and intimate island passages. As you float along, you might find yourself lulled by the gentle rhythm of the river, only to be awakened by the adrenaline rush of the “Bull Falls”. After such excitement, Lake Wausau offers tranquil waters, ideal for paddleboarding.

Biking aficionados can gear up for an exhilarating ride at the Ringle Trail System, which spreads across 11 miles of flowy single-track trails. As you navigate through the loops, be ready to encounter jump, gap, and drop features that promise to elevate your biking experience. The landscape, shaped by glacial terminal moraine ridges, provides an added scenic touch to your ride.

Finally, located just to the northwest of Wausau, in Merrill, Council Grounds State Park is a serene haven for those who cherish the great outdoors – spread over 509 acres, the park features the picturesque shores of Lake Alexander, a perfect spot for hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating, camping and in the winter, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Related Events

In addition to Ironbull Red Granite Grinder, the team at Ironbull also produces one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Midwest, the Ironbull Ultra Trail. For those looking to add other premier gravel cycling events in the Midwest to their calendar, check out the Gravel Worlds from Pirate Cycling League, the Barry-Roubaix in Michigan, or the Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) Kansas from Monuments of Cycling and part of their Quadrupel Crown of Gravel Series.

The multi-sport athletes will appreciate these best-in-class events held in Wisconsin throughout the year – the Horribly Hilly Hundreds, one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Midwest, and the infamous Chequamegon MTB Festival, produced by Life Time Events and is part of the Life Time Grand Prix Series – it’s also considered by our team to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Midwest. Those looking for trail running events in Wisconsin should check out the Ice Age Trail as well as the Kettle Moraine 100 Endurance Trail Races, which is a Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning event and a Western States qualifier.

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