Wirth on Wednesdays MTB Race Series

Wednesday evenings at Theodore Wirth Park transform into one of Minneapolis’s most beloved summer rituals. Wirth on Wednesdays is a six-week mountain bike race series run by the Loppet Foundation, drawing riders of every level to the Conundrum, Area 36, and 45 North singletrack loops — some of the most accessible and well-maintained urban trail networks in the country.

Each race runs 5:15–7:00 PM with flexible distance options: choose 1, 2, 3, or 4 laps of the Area 36 loop (roughly 3 miles each), plus a Popsicle Race for kids under 8. Fat bikes and single speeds are welcome, though e-bikes are not. Week 4 (July 22) is dedicated to women and non-binary riders, creating a low-pressure, community-forward racing atmosphere that’s become a highlight of the Minneapolis cycling calendar.

Entry fees run up to $27.50 per event, with proceeds supporting the Loppet Foundation’s work maintaining Theodore Wirth’s trail system and expanding access to outdoor recreation across Minneapolis. This is after-work racing at its finest — fast, casual enough for first-timers, and over in time to grab a beer before sunset.