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RIDE FAQ

2025 UPAF RIDE FOR THE ARTS, PRESENTED BY MILLER LITE

JUNE 1, 2025

7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Returns to the Hoan Bridge with the Hoan Loop Course:

UPAF1617_CourseMap_v2.png

Our 2025 course continues to head north on Lincoln Memorial Drive and utilizes Interstate 794 from downtown Milwaukee to Cudahy and back again! This exciting course takes participants over the iconic Hoan Bridge, offering scenic views for riders of all ages and abilities. Completely closed to car traffic in both directions, bikes rule the road!

Registration Fees

  • $45 – Early Bird Registration until March 14
  • $55 – Adult Registration until May 1
  • $65 – Adult Registration
  • FREE – Kids 12 and under when registered with an adult
  • FREE – Fundraiser’s Discount + commitment to raise $150 by May 31
  • May 1 – Team registration deadline to receive custom Bike Bibs and/or T-shirts
  • $35 - Friend of the Ride, join in on the festivities without riding but receive a T-shirt! 

Significant Dates (Packet Pick-up)

After May 15 t-shirts will be available only while supplies last. Packets can be picked up on event day at the registration tables, but we encourage Riders to pick up their packets ahead of the event to avoid long lines. 

Where is the starting line?

The official starting line festivities will commence at 6:30 a.m. outside of the North Gate on the Summerfest grounds, where riders will line up along N. Harbor Drive to enter the Hoan Loop Course at 7 a.m. Riders will then head north on Lincoln Memorial Drive.

Riders may enter the course anytime between 7 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. When the course opens there will be two Gateway access points at Pennsylvania and I-794 on the South and Lincoln Memorial Drive and Kenwood on the North. 

Please note:  Starting line festivities will only take place downtown on N. Harbor Drive outside the North Gates of Summerfest.

Where can I park?

Free parking will be available at the Summerfest grounds, please follow Erie St. All the way Southeast to lot P & H.  Detailed instructions will be emailed to all registrants leading up to the event.

What can I bring inside Summerfest?

Before entering the Summerfest grounds, attendees will proceed through a security checkpoint with metal detectors. Common items such as backpacks, large bags, water bottles and wagons are not permitted. For a complete list of restricted items, see the Summerfest website.

* Special consideration will be given for parents with infants and those with medical needs. 

How much distance can I cover?

Ride as little or as much of the 20-mile loop course as desired between the hours of 7:00 and 11:00 a.m. Entrance to the course will be closed at 10:00 a.m. and all riders must be off the roads by 11:00 a.m. There will be opportunities along the course to exit and re-enter for those who want to enjoy a shorter ride, as well as Oasis areas for riders to break. 

For the fastest riders (averaging 20 MPH), approximately 50-60 miles can be accomplished on the loop course within the three-hour window of operation. Novice riders (averaging 5-10 MPH) can ride the entire loop 1.5 to 3 times. All riders will have the opportunity to experience the ride over the Hoan Bridge more than once! Riders can turn back toward the Summerfest grounds at the South end of the Hoan Bridge and the ramp exit at Carferry Drive. 

Is this a safe event?

YES! With all lanes of the course closed to car traffic in both directions, there is plenty of space for participants to spread out during the ride. Signage indicating fast riders stay to the left and slow riders stay to the right, plus helpful volunteer marshals will make the course accommodating to all ability levels.

Additionally, the lack of potholes on this course lends itself to a smooth ride.

The health and safety of our event participants is of the utmost importance. The planning of the UPAF Ride for the Arts is a collaborative effort of the City of Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Milwaukee County Parks Department, Milwaukee County Health Department, the City of St. Francis, the City of Cudahy and the United Performing Arts Fund. All safety protocols will be observed to ensure a happy and healthy event for participants.

Is this an accessible event?

The arts are for everyone and in that spirit UPAF wants to welcome everyone to enjoy the Ride for the Arts. See “Can I ride something other than a bike?” for more details on what’s allowed on the Hoan Loop Course and Arts Path. 

If you do not ride a bike, we welcome you to enjoy the finish line festivities and entertainment at the Henry Maier Festival park between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Experience all the performing arts within the park while enjoying a variety of food and beverage.

If you would like to reach out to UPAF about how we can better accommodate riders of all ages and abilities, please email ride@upaf.org.

Can I ride something other than a bike?

No. For the safety of all participants, only bikes will be allowed on the Hoan Loop Course. Adults may pull children in bike trailers, but children’s tricycles are not allowed, except on the Arts Path around Lake Shore State Park. Recumbent bikes, hand cyclists and tandems are welcome. eBikes are also allowed, just please remember to fully charge your eBike and bring your charge cable just in case. Questions? Email ride@upaf.org.

What is UPAF Fest? 

UPAF Fest is the official finish line party and will take place at the Henry Maier Festival Park (enter at the North Gate) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Riders and community members are invited to join the one-of-a-kind arts celebration, which will feature entertainment from UPAF Performing Arts Members, food, beverage, activities and fun for all ages.

UPAF Fest is free to the community with a suggested donation to enter.

What if I don't want to ride over the Hoan Bridge?

No worries! You have options:

  1. For riders looking for a shorter course, enjoy the 1.5-mile Arts Path around Lake Shore State Park from 8:30-10:30 a.m. This short-distance ride offers greater access to riders of all ages and abilities, specially designed with families in mind.
  2. Starting from the South Gateway at I-794 and Pennsylvania Ave, ride to the Howard Ave. Oasis Station and turn back south to avoid the Hoan Bridge.
  3. Starting from the North Gateway at Lake Park Dr and Lincoln Memorial Dr., ride to Clybourn Street and turn around to avoid the Hoan Bridge or exit to enjoy the festivities at Summerfest.
  4. There are a variety of turn-back points along the course, making this a safe and accessible ride for ALL! 

What is the Fundraiser's Discount?

By selecting the FREE Fundraiser discount when you register, you are committing to raising an $150 via your fundraising page by May 31, 2025. By choosing this registration option, you will receive all the benefits of an adult registration (a Bike Bib and limited edition 2025 Ride T-shirt), plus your $150 of fundraising qualifies you to receive a UPAF SMART CARD. Your individual fundraising page is created for you automatically when you register. You can customize your page and share it via email and social media to engage your community in meeting your goal.

A credit card is required at the time of registration. If you do not meet the $150 commitment by midnight on May 31, 2025, your card will be charged the difference up to $150 on June 1, 2025.

If someone donates $150 through me for the ride, will they also get a SMART CARD?

Yes, donors of $150 or more receive a SMART CARD.

What do I receive for my entry fee?

  • T-Shirt: A limited edition 2025 UPAF Ride for The Arts t-shirt can be picked up along with your bike bib prior to the event (dates are listed above). T-shirts are available in many sizes which can be selected during the registration process. We love to see riders in their t-shirts at the event! We also love to see riders in costumes…
  • Bike Bib: You will receive a durable bike bib, which is needed in order to gain entrance to the Hoan Loop Course. YOU MUST HAVE AN ACCESS PASS TO ENTER THE HOAN LOOP COURSE!
  • Water and Snacks will be available at the event. Bring your own water bottle for use during your ride. You will be able to fill them at the Oasis stations.
  • Miller Lite Beer Samples! Riders ages 21+ will receive a wristband at the event to enjoy beer samples provided by Presenting Sponsor Miller Lite. *While supplies last
  • A unique experience! This is the ONLY recreational ride that travels over the Hoan bridge. In addition to the sweeping views of Milwaukee along the route, enjoy a one-of-a-kind arts experience at UPAF Fest, at the Henry Maier Festival Ground, with performances, giveaways, food, beverages and MORE! 

Will my t-shirt be mailed?

No, which is a change from 2024 to decrease event costs. This allows more funding to go directly to UPAF Performing Arts Members. 

Online registration will remain open through June 1 with Bike Bib and T-shirt pick-up available at the event or on the following dates and locations:

After May 15, t-shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed and are available only while supplies last. We encourage Riders to pick-up their packets ahead of the event to avoid long lines.

Restrooms?

Of course! Portalets will be available at the starting line on N. Harbor Dr., Howard Ave Oasis Station, and at N. Lake Park Drive turnaround for the duration of the event. Starting at 8:00 a.m., restroom facilities will be available inside the North Gates for Summerfest. 

Hours of operation?

  • 7–11 a.m. Hoan Loop Course is open to riders and closed to all vehicular traffic
  • 10:00 a.m. Entry to the Hoan Loop Course is closed
  • 11 a.m. All riders off the Hoan Loop Course
  • 8 a.m. -12 p.m. UPAF Fest, the official finish line party at Summerfest

Where do I park my bike?

Bike Ports will be available to park bicycles in Urban Park outside the North Gates of Summerfest. Bring your own bike lock to secure your bike.

Where do event proceeds go?

All proceeds from the UPAF Ride for the Arts including donations through fundraising efforts and sponsorship donations support UPAF Performing Arts Members who bring vibrancy to Southeastern Wisconsin.

Are the donations I collect tax-deductible?

Yes! Donations made by an individual or organization are tax-deductible.

Are registration fees refundable?

No, registration fees are not refundable or transferable.

Am I required to wear a helmet and the bib UPAF provides?

Yes, helmets are required. 

What happens if it rains?

We Ride On rain or shine!

If my child under 12 rides, must they be accompanied by an adult on the route?

Yes. (Adults are 18 years+)