Horribly Hilly Hundreds

Biking Like A Viking

Three routes, two county tours, one result: a painfully fun, must-do biking experience destined to find its way onto your calendar for years to come.

At the start of February, move fast to secure a lottery place and a chance at a place.

Once voted the "Sufferfest of the Year" by Madison weekly newspaper Isthmus, "The Toughest One-Day Challenge Ride in the Midwest" is not to be missed by serious riders anywhere.

Since 2003, Horribly Hilly participants have enjoyed a day of riding that results in an awe-inspiring accumulation of 10,000 feet of elevation gain in the Driftless Area** of Wisconsin. Growing in popularity each year, the Horribly Hilly registration has moved to an annual lottery system to accommodate the swelling number of interested riders. A second and third route option beyond the original course were added in 2005 and 2011. How hard do you want to push it? Choose between the 100K, 150K, and 200K routes. The day is capped with a meal featuring quality local food and beer.

Approximately 1,300 riders test their mettle on southwestern Wisconsin's scenic byways each year in the Horribly Hilly. Join the ranks of an inspired community of riders for the premier cycling event in the Badger State and beyond.

Sag wagons, medical support, and repair trucks will be available. Bring extra tubes and other spares, especially if you use sew-up tires or non-standard gear. We recommend a minimum of a 27-tooth rear cassette. Many successful completers of the HHH have used a rear MTB derailleur with a 32- or 34-tooth, or a triple crank.

** Driftless refers to the unglaciated areas of Wisconsin and Iowa from the last glacial period, occurring approximately 10,000 years ago. As a result, dramatic landscapes of repeated hills and valleys create the terrain for more than 100 miles. The hills are steep, limestone-based, and mostly wooded.