RIDE FAQ
INFORMATION IN THE FAQ REPRESENTS THE 2024 RIDE
STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE 2025 UPAF RIDE FOR THE ARTS – COMING JUNE 1, 2025!
UPAF RIDE FOR THE ARTS, PRESENTED BY MILLER LITE
JUNE 2, 2024
7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Returns to the Hoan Bridge with the Hoan Loop Course:
Our 2024 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 and Significant Dates
- $45 – Early Bird Registration until February 29
- $55 – Adult Registration until April 1
- $65 – Adult Registration
- FREE – Kids 12 and under when registered with an adult, thanks to the Brewers Community Foundation
- $35 – Fundraiser’s Discount + commitment to raise $150 by May 31
- May 1 – Team registration deadline to receive custom Access Passes and/or T-shirts
- May 15– Registration deadline to receive packet by mail
- $35 - Friend of the Ride, join in on the festivities without riding but receive a T-shirt if you sign up before May 15!
For those who register after May 15 packets may be picked up at the event or the Bay View Wheel & Sprocket on:
Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
After May 15, t-shirts will be available only while supplies last.
Where is the starting line?
The official starting line festivities will commence at 6:30 a.m. outside of the South Gate on the Summerfest grounds, where riders will line up along N. Lincoln Memorial 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 9:30 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. Starting line festivities will only take place at the South Gate in downtown Milwaukee.
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 before the event.
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 9:30 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 of 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 South 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 many 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, ride to one of the mid-course turn around points before you reach the Hoan Bridge.
3. Starting from the North Gateway ride to one of the mid-course turn around points before you reach the Hoan Bridge.
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 $35 Fundraiser discount when you register, you are committing to raising an additional $150 via your fundraising page by May 31, 2024. By choosing this registration option, you will receive all the benefits of an adult registration (an Access Pass and limited edition 2024 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, 2024, your card will be charged the difference up to $150 on June 1, 2024.
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?
- Access Pass: You’ll be mailed a durable bike bib, which is your “Access Pass” to gain entrance to the Hoan Loop Course. Must register by May 15 to receive your registration packet in the mail.
YOU MUST HAVE AN ACCESS PASS TO ENTER THE HOAN LOOP COURSE, AND ARTS PATH!
- T-Shirt: A limited edition 2024 UPAF Ride for The Arts t-shirt will be mailed to you with your Access Pass prior to the event. 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…
- Water and Snacks will be available at the event. Bring your own water bottle for use during your ride.
- 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?
Yes, if you register before May 15 You will select your size and provide your mailing address when you register. We encourage you to register early to avoid lines and crowds to pick up your t-shirt at the event.
Deadline to have your Team Name on Bib and T-shirt is midnight on May 8!
Where do I get my t-shirt and bib after May 15?
Online registration will remain open through June 2 with Access Pass and T-shirt pick-up available at the event or at the Bay View Wheel & Sprocket on:
Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
After May 15, t-shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed and are available only while supplies last.
Restrooms?
Of course! Portalets will be available at the Howard Ave oasis station, the Summerfest grounds and at N. Lake Park Drive turnaround for the duration of the event.
Hours of operation?
7–11 a.m. Hoan Loop Course is open to riders and closed to all vehicular traffic
9:30 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 at Summerfest during the UPAF Fest, the official finish line party. 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 programs and all 50+ groups in 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. YOU MUST HAVE AN ACCESS PASS TO ENTER THE HOAN LOOP COURSE, AND ARTS PATH.
What happens if it rains?
We Ride On rain or shine!
If my child under 12 rides, must he/she be accompanied by an adult on the route?
Yes (Adults are considered those 18+)