Widder Will Bike Wisconsin State Trails in October
Sarah Widder will ride every state trail in Wisconsin this October to advocate for outdoor infrastructure funding.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Hiking
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Starting October 1, 2026, Sarah Widder will embark on a journey to bike every state trail across Wisconsin. This initiative seeks to highlight the urgent need for sustainable funding for outdoor recreational infrastructure.
Why it matters
The ride aims to draw public attention to the future of outdoor space maintenance following the expiration of long-standing financial support. Her journey underscores the necessity of consistent backing for the state’s extensive trail network.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program previously provided 40 years of financial backing for outdoor projects before its funding lapsed on June 30, 2026. The final celebration for this statewide ride is scheduled for October 22.
The players
Sarah Widder
She is the cyclist undertaking the statewide tour to advocate for Wisconsin's outdoor trails.
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
This government program served as the primary funding source for Wisconsin outdoor conservation and recreation for four decades.
Lucette Brewing Company
This establishment in Menomonie is hosting the concluding celebration for the trail adventure.
The details
Widder plans to document her entire trek across the state’s trail system through daily blog posts. Local land trusts and trail friends groups are scheduled to provide support as she traverses the state.
Timeline
June 30, 2026: The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program funding expired.
October 1, 2026: Widder begins her ride on the Red Cedar State Trail.
October 22, 2026: The finish line celebration takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Roadmap
This trek follows the lapse of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which functioned as the primary engine for Wisconsin trail maintenance for four decades. The ride represents a grassroots effort to bridge the gap in institutional support for public land infrastructure.
Residents and trail users can engage with the journey through Widder's daily blog updates during her October ride. The effort may influence local participation in land trust advocacy as community members assess the impact of the program's lapse on their favorite trails.
The takeaway
This initiative serves as a reminder of how personal advocacy can highlight the importance of public infrastructure funding. Readers interested in local trails can monitor the progress of the ride to better understand the current landscape of state recreational support.
What happens next
The Great State Trails Adventure concludes with a formal celebration held at Lucette Brewing Company in Menomonie on October 22, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Further reading
For more information on the state's outdoor recreational opportunities, visit the Wisconsin Hiking section.
More information
Review the full Great State Trails Adventure event details to follow the route and participate in the finish line event.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KFIZ News-Talk 1450 AM.
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