Nicolet Hot Days

Mid-August timing lives up to the 'Hot Days' name. 'The heat was cranking so I did use almost all of the four liters I was carrying on one section' during a June attempt, noting the area 'hasn't had meaningful rain since the beginning of May so in a normal year the sand would be a bit tamer.' Expect heat, humidity, and potentially loose conditions. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]

The free community campout starts at 10am behind Wabeno Logging Museum, capped at 15 riders who must be willing to ford a 'slow moving and waist deep river' and camp without facilities. Registration filled up quickly in 2025 with a waitlist starting March 19th, but basic details like parking and packet pickup remain unspecified since there's nothing to pick up.[5]

The route requires fording a waist-deep river and camping at remote National Forest spots without facilities. 'Camping in dispersed spots in the National Forest is always a magical experience when doing stuff like this,' while the organizer warns participants must be comfortable with no outhouse and willing to ride two-tracks through isolated terrain.[1]

This is a free community campout capped at 15 riders, designed to 'build a stronger bikepacking community by learning from each other.' It's 'for all levels of bikepackers, veterans and those interested in being introduced to bikepacking with an emphasis on adventure' - educational rather than competitive.[3]

If you're local to Wisconsin—yes, it's good value. If you're traveling—skip it.