ABOUT
CWOCC is a non-profit organization established in 2012. Our focus is to continually improve mountain biking in Central Wisconsin, through trail building, maintenance and advocacy. We oversee more than 150 miles of singletrack within a 30 mile radius from Wausau.
Our History
CWOCC was founded in 2012 a small group who thought it was necessary to have a voice representing the Mountain Bike Community in Central Wisconsin.
Mountain biking in central Wisconsin was growing in popularity, with cyclists seeking opportunities to ride off-road in wausau and the surrounding area. However, like many areas in the United States, access to public lands for cycling—especially for off-road or mountain biking—was often limited, and there was a lack of organized efforts to build dedicated trails.
This led to the formation of local advocacy groups like CWOCC that sought to create more opportunities for cycling in the region. CWOCC, land managers, and volunteers in central Wisconsin recognized the need for a more formal and coordinated approach to advocating for off-road trail development, promoting safety, and encouraging outdoor recreation and mountain biking for all ages.
Board of Directors
Officers
About me: I bought my first mountain bike in 1989 and I was addicted. My early years in the sport were spent exploring trails in Marathon and Portage County. In recent years, it’s been exciting to watch the growth and impact of mountain biking in our community. My passion for CWOCC is fueled by advocacy, fundraising, event planning, and community engagement. Get out and ride!
Favorite CWOCC Trail: Connector/Disconnector
About Me: I bought my first “real” mountain bike in 2016 and the rest is history. Mountain biking has become a central part of my family’s life and we are grateful to be part of such an incredible mountain biking community! It took me 33 years to get my first full suspension mountain bike. It took my son 7. Mountain bikes for the win!
Favorite CWOCC Trail: Nine Mile…all of it. I ride it all the time and never get sick of it.
About me: I love mountain biking because it allows me to immerse myself in the wilderness. The focus required on the trail restores and revitalizes me after a long day at work. Biking helps me stay in shape and I enjoy group rides with family and friends! When I’m not biking, I enjoy mountain unicycling, board games, sci fi, and my work as a family doctor.
Favorite CWOCC Trail: Lost 40 on the bike, Rookery on the mountain unicycle
About me: As an avid outdoor enthusiast, my passions include biking, trail running, and both telemark and Nordic skiing. I’m also the proud owner of Rib Mountain Cycles, where I combines my love for cycling with my entrepreneurial spirit.
Favorite CWOCC Trail: Ho Chi Minh
Members
About Me: A Wausau native, I discovered mountain biking after age 40 as part of a healthier lifestyle. After organizing the first CWOCC women’s mountain bike clinic in 2017, I also became certified as a BICP and NICA coach. Passionate about building community, I took over a hometown MTB race. My focus remains on promoting health, empowering others, and fostering connections through the sport.
Favorite CWOCC Trail: Nine Mile
About me: I have been mountain biking for about 17 years and have been active with CWOCC as a volunteer, board member, and trail boss at Big Eau Pleine.
Favorite CWOCC Trail: Prudential at Big Eau Pleine.
About me: John Lauer was born in Colorado and has been mountain biking since 1988. John moved to Wausau in 2005 and has been part of the mountain biking community for many years. He is currently the Executive Director of Ironbull Inc and the trail boss at Nine Mile recreation area. He is a dedicated advocate for silent sports in North Central Wisconsin and hope to be for many years.
Favorite CWOCC Trail: All of Nine Mile
About me: I grew up just west of Nine Mile. Started skiing there when I was just 5 years old and had my first mountain bike rides as a teenager in the mid 90’s. and after discovering single track trails I was hooked. As a founding member of CWOCC I have been dedicated to developing more riding opportunities in our area. We have come a long way in the past 13 years and it will be exciting to see the trails and community continue to grow in the future.
Favorite Trail: Brickyard locally & Scary Trail in Marquette
About me: I’ve been riding mountain bike in the Wausau area for more than 20 years. As one of the founding members of CWOCC, I’ve seen so much growth in our sport from the people to the trails. It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come. Looking forward see what’s ahead.
Favorite CWOCC Trail: Nine mile advanced loop. More rocks please!
About me: Long-time mountain biker that has made amazing friendships through biking and CWOCC. Love meeting new friends on the sponsored rides. I believe in CWOCC’s mission and recently joined the board with the hope of contributing positively to the exciting future of Central Wisconsin trails!
Favorite CWOCC Trail:Love the variety of Ringle, 9-Mile, Underdown & Dells, Eau Pleine, each in its own right.
About me: Fell in love with mountain biking while living in the PNW riding at Duthie Park and Tiger Mountain. Relocating back to Wisconsin in 2022, my husband and I chose Wausau because of the possibility of downhills trails at Rib Mountain, the variety of trails CWOCC manages, and the proximity to Duluth, Copper Harbor and Marquette. I’m excited to serve the biking community and share my love of outdoor adventure.
Favorite CWOCC Trail: Sylvans Loop
About me:I bought my first mountain bike in 2014 when I was in college, and started working in bike shops shortly after. My shop career may be over, but my love for mountain biking remains. I love it because of the focus it requires and the constant challenges that force you to improve. When I’m not mountain biking you can find me kayaking, cross country skiing, or hiking.
Favorite CWOCC Trail: Twisted Oak
Board Meetings
Meeting Schedule and Location:
CWOCC Board Meetings are usually held quarterly. Public has the opportunity to virtual attend. You may want to check Facebook, or contact a board member for the exact schedule.
Common agenda items for board meetings could include:
- Updates on trail maintenance or new trail projects
- Event planning, such as races, rides, or community outreach
- Fundraising or sponsorship opportunities
- Partnerships with local parks or municipalities
- Membership growth and engagement
- Financial updates or budget discussions
Meeting Minutes:
CWOCC publishes meeting minutes for transparency, allowing members to review what was discussed. Click links to the right to view meeting minutes
