
From the Organizer
August 1st, 2026 - Join us for the Second Annual Loon Ride at the Mercer Bike Fest.
ICORE (Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts) announces the Second Annual Mercer Bike Fest and Loon Ride. The event supports our fund raising efforts to expand the current Mercer bike trail from Carow Park along Hwy J to WinMan Trails ultimately completing a 26 mile loop of Mercer and Manitowish Waters as part of the Heart of Vilas County trail system.
Join us in our efforts by riding a 7, 24, or 50 mile route starting and ending at Carow Park on the shores of beautiful Grand Portage Lake. When you return to Carow Park stay with us for music, food and raffles. Cool off with a swim in the lake! Registration fee includes moisture wicking ride shirt, beverage and lunch. Kids 10 and under ride FREE* when accompanied by a paid adult and do not need to register online. Kid friendly activities at the park after the ride.
For more about the Mercer bike trails and how you can play a part in completing the loop click here. This event also kicks off the week of Loon Days with the annual Loon Day Art and Craft fair on Saturday August 5th with over 250 vendors. Loon Day has been a Mercer tradition for over 45 years!
Please note: if you choose to ride an E-bike only class 1, those without throttles, are allowed for safety reasons.
*Free riders are not eligible for T-shirt, lunch or swag bag.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
77°
Typical Low
54°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Rest Lake, 10 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
1,598 ft
Nearest Airport
RHI
Rhinelander Oneida County Airport · 47 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Loon Ride at Mercer Bike Fest, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Great Northern Highland Paddle & Portage
29 miles away
Bear Cupboard Run
25 miles away
Freedom 5K and 1K Kid's Run
33 miles away
Run For A Vet
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Loon Ride at Mercer Bike Fest
Aug 1, 2026