2024 ORA TRAILS FEST

ORA Trails Fest is the evolution of a mountain bike cross country race that was held in La Crosse for several years. This event has recently expanded to include a spectator friendly short race track, a challenging enduro, and continue the cross country race. Join this year, July 12-14, 2024, for a full weekend of racing and fun. 

Saturday features an enduro followed by a short track race, with live music 5pm-8pm. Sunday will have a full day of XC racing. There will also be food trucks, beverages, sweet WORS merch, multiple cheering sections and more! Bring the whole family, the entire Gateway Trail System will be available to ride, hike and sightsee all weekend, with no racing happening there.

All proceeds from this event will go to ORA Trails to advance the mission of building happy, healthy, and resilient communities by providing access to equitable and sustainable outdoor recreation experiences.

Trail Master Course

The 2024 Trail Master Course training course offers extensive and up-to-date trail building techniques taught by Mike Riter from Trail Design Specialists. The Full Trail Master Course class is June 24th-27th, 8am-4:30pm and lunch will be provided days 1-3. The Lite Trail Master Course is June 29-30, 8:30am-? with lunch being provided on day 1.

Contact ORA Trails staff to learn more and register.

2024 Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic

ORA Trails is joining forces with Brook’s Adventures to offer The 2024 Women on Wheels MTB Clinic July 27th to 28th.

This fun and welcoming event will allow you to build your confidence on your bike while exploring the ups and downs of the beautiful trails around LaCrosse. Coaching throughout the event will cover safety, riding fundamentals and skills training.

The event will start Friday night at Smith’s Bike Shop with a meet and mingle with snacks! If you choose to camp you will head to the Goose Island Campground to set up camp and join the fireside chats with your coaches. Saturday begins with breakfast (for campers), stretching, skills, riding, lunch for everyone, more skills, more riding, dinner at the trails (for all), more fires, and camping. Sunday will offer breakfast (for campers), stretching, more skills, and one final EPIC ride. Our skills clinic will be held at the amazing trails at Upper Hixon with great flow and features.

No experience necessary to attend – but safety is always a priority. Your bike must be a mountain bike with gears and working brakes. Helmets are required. Bring a water bottle, your own beverages (BYOB), a camping chair and blanket.

For more information, or to register for the event, please go to the Mountain Bike Clinics page at BrooksAdventures.com.

Volunteer Trail Work Nights

Trail maintenance is an important factor in the sustainability of the trails. Volunteer your time, #getoutside, and be involved in the outdoor community! ORA will provide tools, occasional refreshments, and a safety chat. Work nights are led by crew leaders/trained ORA volunteers. Thank you for your time and help!

 Upper Hixon Trail Work Nights will occur every 3 Mondays of the month from May-September, from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Meet near the weather ball in the Upper Hixon.

Lower Hixon Trail Work Nights will occur every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from May-September, from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Meet at the Lower Hixon parking lot.

Please wear appropriate clothing suitable for the outdoors and weather. This includes pants (not shorts), sturdy footwear, and work gloves. Bring a willingness to have fun, work with others, and get your sweat on! 

Please be sure to complete your volunteer waiver before attending!

Chainsaw Training Course

Have you ever been interested in learning how to operate a chainsaw? While in the field? Now is your chance!

*More information to come, stay tuned!