
From the Organizer
262 Mi // 3 DAY // 2 NIGHT BIKEPACKING RACE
Finland - Ely - Grand Marais - Finland
Event Date: July 10-12, 2026
The Wolf Bikepacking Race is a three day stage race through the heart of Northern Minnesota's boreal forests. The event is designed to be a test of your cycling endurance and also a great way to be part of a bikepacking community.
The minimum age is 18.
Day 1: Finland to Ely: 89 miles with 3100 ft of climbing, 64% unpaved, 36% paved. Mostly well maintained gravel road. There will be a few miles of rough jeep road. It's a good mix of road surfaces for a first day.
Day 2: Ely to Grand Marais: 106 miles with 4500 ft of climbing, 86% unpaved. Mostly well maintained gravel road. This is the longest stage of the event and you will feel like you are truly in the wilds of Minnesota. An epic route with beautiful scenery. The drop into Grand Marais is one to remember.
Day 3: Grand Marais to Finland: 66 miles with 4000 ft of climbing, 81% unpaved. A beautiful last day of racing filled with a few punchy climbs. Long enough to test you, short enough to get you back home.
NOTE: Routes are subject to change due to weather or forest fires. We will update riders ASAP about any changes in routes if this occurs
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
76°
Typical Low
54°
Chance of Rain
40%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Wolf Ridge Elc, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
1,371 ft
Nearest Airport
DLH
Duluth International Airport · 61 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 The Wolf Bikepacking Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
32
Days to train
Coming Up
SheRides
32 miles away
Thunderbird Warrior Challenge
44 miles away
Tofte Trek Wilderness Race
20 miles away
Ely Track Club's 4 on the 4th (Janet Gensler)
45 miles 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)
The Wolf Bikepacking Race
Jul 10, 2026