Madison, WI – June 15, 2026 – Register today for Loop the Lake 2026, presented by Lake Ridge Bank. Clean Lakes Alliance’s annual benefit bike ride returns on Saturday, June 20, inviting cyclists of all ages and abilities to enjoy a scenic ride around Lake Monona while supporting efforts to protect and improve Greater Madison’s lakes.
What’s New this Year
New start and finish: The East Side Club
New post-ride experience: Relax and celebrate with a lakeside picnic at The East Side Club featuring a traditional cookout lunch prepared by American Legion Post 501 in partnership with the East Side Club and Clean Lakes Alliance. Enjoy picnic tables, shaded seating, cold beverages, and beautiful views of Lake Monona.
New entertainment: DJs at the start and afternoon celebration
New scenic route: San Damiano Park and the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival
New treats along the route: Mini ice cream cones at Olin Park courtesy of Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream and new snacks at B.B. Clarke Beach
New community partners: American Legion Post 501, Wisconsin Bike Federation, Wild Ones, Friends of Olbrich Park, and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
Reminder: Loop the Lake is a family-friendly event where kids under 10 ride free with a paid adult ticket. This includes a free T-shirt, meal, and beverage.
About Loop the Lake
Loop the Lake is a family-friendly, at-your-own-pace ride along the official Monona Lake Loop. The scenic 12-mile route begins and ends at The East Side Club (3735 Monona Drive, Madison), marking a new home base for the event in 2026. The course is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with an optional group start at 9:00 a.m.
“We are excited to be a supporter of Loop the Lake, a bike ride that benefits our lakes and brings people together,” said Scott Ducke, EVP and Chief Operating Officer at Lake Ridge Bank and Clean Lakes Alliance Board Member. “This event provides a wonderful opportunity for the community to support the preservation of our beautiful lakes while enjoying a fun and active day outdoors, reminding us why these lakes are such an important part of our region.”
Participants will enjoy fun and educational stops throughout the route, highlighting the importance of protecting our lakes and watershed. Registration also includes a food item grilled courtesy of the American Legion and a complimentary beverage, including beer, sparkling water, or lemonade, courtesy of Wisconsin Distributors.
“Loop the Lake is one of the most enjoyable ways for our community to connect with our lakes,” said James Tye, Founder and Executive Director of Clean Lakes Alliance. “Nothing says Greater Madison more than lakes, bikes, parks, and local food. We’re especially excited to welcome participants to our new home at The East Side Club this year and grateful for the support of the City of Monona and Discover Monona through its tourism grant program, which helps make this event possible.”
Registration Details
Registration options include:
• $48 per rider (includes official event t-shirt while supplies last)
• $38 per rider (without event t-shirt)
• $58 virtual participant option (includes mailed event t-shirt)
Children ages 10 and under ride free when accompanied by a paid adult.
Groups are encouraged to participate together. Riders who register six or more adults receive a 25% discount on registration fees.
Access for All
Clean Lakes Alliance is committed to making Loop the Lake accessible to everyone. Rent an e-bike from Madison BCycle with special discounted pricing (option in registration). Thanks to Madison South Rotary, we are glad to provide a limited number of free tickets to those in need of financial assistance. Requests for free Community Pass tickets can be made through this Google form.
Supporting Clean, Healthy Lakes
Event proceeds support Clean Lakes Alliance’s work to protect and improve the lakes, streams, and wetlands of the Yahara Watershed through water quality monitoring, educational programs, grants, and on-the-ground lake improvement projects.
Loop the Lake is presented by Lake Ridge Bank and produced in partnership with The East Side Club, Madison LakeWay, Discover Monona, and San Damiano, in conjunction with the City of Madison and the City of Monona.
Additional event partners include the City of Madison, City of Monona, American Legion, barre3 Madison, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, Curbside Bicycles, Madison BCycle, Madison Water Utility, Wisconsin Distributors, and numerous volunteers and community organizations that help make the event possible.
To learn more about Loop the Lake 2026 or to register, visit:
https://www.cleanlakesalliance.org/loop-the-lake/
About Clean Lakes Alliance
Clean Lakes Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and protecting the lakes, streams, and wetlands of the Yahara Watershed. Through community support, education, advocacy, and science-based solutions, Clean Lakes Alliance works to restore and protect our waters for future generations.
