Billed as the world's largest holiday-themed costume group bicycle ride for charity, the Santa Cycle Rampage returns on Saturday, Dec. 6. It's a cool 13-mile slow roll-style ride for just about everyone. Registration for the event and merchandise purchases raise essential dollars for youth bicycle education in Milwaukee.

X

X

X

X

How long has this been going on?

According to the questionably trusty OnMilwaukee word-of-mouth timeline, we had thought this might be the 20th anniversary of the ride, but when asked for clarification, Assistant Director Jake Newborn said otherwise.

"This is a highly contested debate. [Origininator] Dave Schlabowske claims the first one was in the year 2000 with less than 10 people, but it became more organized and grew to a few hundred around 2006."

So maybe we're celebrating the 25th anniversary now...or is it the 20th anniversary next year?

It's part of the lore; no one really knows exactly how old Santa is. And we definitely don't ask Mrs. Claus how old she is!"

At any rate, registration is now open to ride, and proceeds benefit the Wisconsin Bike Fed's critical work in promoting cycling as a healthy way of living, as well as educational projects to help kids and families to ride safer and more often.

Registration helps build bicycling in Wisconsin

"We've had a great increase in the number of registered riders versus the total number of riders the past few years, and we appreciate everyone's support," said Jake Newborn.

According to their registration page in 2024 "we reached more than 2,000 young people with hands-on safety education and created memories that will last a lifetime."

And Newborn has mentioned that official rider registration—also known as “The Nice List”—has grown from around 600 good boys and girls, counted 6 years ago, to at least 1600 in 2023.

X

Most admissions includes a collectible sticker, coupons and an official “Nice List” bib. You can also purchase additional swag emblazoned with this year's design as well as enjoy deep discounts on last year's designs.

The Santa Cycle Rampage is is a slow roll-style, police-escorted, looped route, with speeds and spirits that should accomodate most riders of any age and skill level. The event has historically drawn thousands of riders that stretch dozens of blocks as they travel through the city, making merry and featuring all stripes of costumes and characters, including reindeer, snowfolk, misfit toys and menorahs as well as seasonal villains, like the Grinch and Krampus.

The route

The Bike Fed also returns with three official starting options: one for most riders and another for families.

If you want to ride the full 13-mile route, you'll start promptly at 9:30 a.m. at the offices of the Bike Fed at 187 E. Becher St. and travel through downtown and the East Side before heading back to Bay View. Or, if you prefer an abbreviated  adult version, you can join the ride at the halfway point at Hollander Grand Cafe on Downer Avenue (2608 N. Downer Ave.) around roughly 10:15 a.m.

The shorter family-friendly route—dubbed the Elf Cycle Frenzy—will be a 3-mile loop just around Bay View and will leave shortly after the main group and will be led by the Wisconsin Bike Fed's experienced Safe Routes to School education staff.

That ride ends at Cafe Centraal, with hot cocoa, snacks and festive activities.

But remember, whichever route you choose, no matter what your starting point is, neighborhood parking will be incredibly tight; riding to the event is highly encouraged. However, if you cannot ride out, be prepared to park further away.

More info

To find out more about the programs and mission of the Wisconsin Bike Fed, check out their website at wisconsinbikefed.org. You can also purchase merchandise now or RSVP to the event on Facebook.