The Beyond Design Bike Tour (BDBT) is an annual fundraising and networking event organized by the Eppstein Uhen Tennessen Foundation. Its primary aim is to raise funds for local charities within our community while fostering connections among partners, clients and friends. Commencing 21 years ago, the event serves as a weekday bike ride through the picturesque landscapes of Wisconsin.

The Eppstein Uhen Tennessen Foundation was established by EUA in 2007, commemorating our 100-year anniversary. Its core mission revolves around enhancing the quality of life for individuals in the communities where we reside and operate.

Each year, the BDBT garners funds through sponsorships and contributions, which are then allocated to support the Foundation and various local charities across communities where EUA maintains offices. Over its history, the BDBT has successfully raised more than $1 million for charitable causes.

This year’s event will once again take place at Embers of Tuscany (formerly Chivaree), traversing the country roads of Ixonia and neighboring areas. Riders of all skill levels are encouraged to join in, with support and rest stops conveniently positioned along the route. Participants can choose from routes spanning 20, 37 and 70 miles, ensuring inclusive opportunities for all.

We are so excited to announce that Logan's Heart and Smiles has been chosen as the designated charity for the BDBT 2026 ride.

Logan’s Heart and Smiles is a Madison based non-profit organization dedicated to improving homes and inspiring hope for children with disabilities across Wisconsin. They work to eliminate both the physical and social barriers, by making accessibility and safety upgrades through the Home Modification program and providing inclusion, connection and community through the Beyond the Build program. 

We encourage you to learn more about their impactful work by visiting their website.

Are you looking to contribute to the BDBT Silent Auction? We would love to include your item or experience package. Be a part

of this interactive and visible part of the event.

Items will be displayed online + on auction tables during the post-ride event

Please submit Auction Item Form with the donated auction item(s) to EUA. Items due by Monday, August 10.

QUESTIONS

Please contact us at foundation@eua.com or 414.298.2222

View our 2025 Sponsor Packet for sponsorship levels to find which works best for your organization.

To become a sponsor, please complete our Sponsor Commitment Form or email foundation@eua.com

Date: Wednesday, August 19th

Location: Ixonia at Embers of Tuscany (formerly Chivaree) | N8345 Park St. Ixonia, WI 53036

Routes: 20, 37 and 70 mile routes for every skill level

FAQ's

What’s the attire for the event?  As the current forecast predicts 80-degree weather, please stay updated on the forecast and ensure you come prepared accordingly. Additionally, remember to bring a change of clothes for the post-ride party. Casual attire is suitable for the post-ride festivities. Helmets are mandatory for the ride, and all riders will receive a long sleeve performance shirt.

Can someone still register? Online registration closes on August 19, but we can handle limited on-site registration.

Can I use my aero bars or ride without a helmet? No and no. Using aerobars is not conducive to riding in a group and riding without a helmet is definitely not allowed.

Can I ride an electric bike? Yes.

Payment / Donations: Checks should be made out to Eppstein Uhen Tennessen Foundation. 

What if I don't think I can make it for my distance, or I'm not feeling well quite 100% on the day of the ride? You’re the best judge of how far you can go. We also have support vehicles on the route, and they will be able to shuttle you forward if you need it.

What's the route like? The new route offers less traffic and scenic views but includes a high-traffic intersection. Remember the mantra "Pace and Space" – pace yourself and maintain ample space when navigating hills to avoid accidents. Certain sections of each route lack a paved shoulder, so we request all riders to ride single file in those areas, adhere to road regulations, and show respect to motorists throughout the journey.

Do I have to ride in a group?  No, but it's easier and always nice to chat with someone while you're riding. We will have groups organized at different speeds, including 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22+.

What if it rains? Visit our bike shop partners at Wheel & Sprocket and Ben's Cycle to get some rain gear. It is a rain or shine event. In the event that severe storms are eminent we reserve the right to change our mind. Clear glasses are great to have in the rain (safety glasses work well for this purpose)

Do I need to bring food for the ride? It's never a bad idea to carry a nutrition bar or something similar with you. We will have food and drink at each of the rest stops. All rest stops are about 16 -20 miles apart.

How will I know where to turn on the route? The route will be well marked with road arrows. If you have a GPS device, you can download the route ahead of time from our ride site or scanning the QR code at registration. 

Can I invite others to the post-ride party? Tickets for guests are $75.00 and the networking event starts at 3:00PM. Dinner and two drink tickets included.

Are there showers available? No, but you should bring a change of comfortable clothes for the post-ride party.

As always, if you have any other questions, let us know. 

DATE + LOCATION

Date: August 19, 2026

Location: Fireman's Park, Ixonia, WI

START LOCATION / START TIMES

Official Ride Start Location:  Fireman's Park Pavilion in Ixonia, WI next to Embers of Tuscany. Riders will congregate near the shelter before entering the chute to the start line.

Official Ride Start Times:

8:15 am: Registration Opens

9:00 am: 70-mile riders (register by 8:50 am)

11:30 am: 37-mile riders (register by 11:20 am)

12:15 pm: 20-mile riders (register by 12:00 pm)

WHAT YOU GET

• Bike License Plate

• Professional Ride Photos

• Participant T-Shirt

• Map & Instructions

• Experienced Mechanics on site and on course

• SAG vehicles roaming the course

• Fully Stocked Aid Stations - you won't go hungry!

• Post Ride Party - including a well-deserved meal, drinks, and music!

PARKING

Look for the parking attendants in yellow vests with orange flags near the park entrance. They will guide you to a parking spot. Please avoid parking on neighboring streets, as it is prohibited.

AID STATIONS / REST STOPS

Start + Finish Aid Station:  Fireman’s Park, Ixonia

• Water, Coffee, Snacks, Bathrooms, Bike Support

Aid Station 1:  St Paul’s Church Back Parking Lot corner of Gopher Hill Rd & SC 

• Water, Cold Cuts, PB&Js, Snacks, Porta Potty, Bike Support

Aid Station 2: Air Park Drive & South 12th Street, Watertown (grassy area by water tower)

• Water, Cold Cuts, PB&Js, Snacks, Porta Potty

Aid Station 3: Watertown Ave & Masters Ave – near Best Western of Jefferson (paved cul de sac area just passed the by-pass on the bike path)

• Water, Gels, Cold Cuts, PB&Js, Snacks, Porta Potty, Bike Tech

Aid Station 4: Ann’s Farmington Inn, off Highway B & Farmington Road, Helenville (Parking Lot of Inn)

• Water, Porta Potty

Hydration Only Stop: On Hwy CW, near Canoe Landing Access

• Water, Gatorade 

WEATHER / REFUND POLICY

This ride does not offer refunds or deferrals. By registering for the event, you agreed to the no refund and no deferral policy during your online registration. This policy applies to all participants, including those who may be unable to attend due to illness, injury, or any other condition.

RULES

Identification While Riding

Bib numbers, bike plates, wristbands and helmet stickers must be visible throughout the ride. Your bib number should be worn on the back of your jersey to help ride officials identify participants and assist in emergencies. Failure to wear these items may result in losing access to rest stop support, SAG/mechanical assistance, and post-ride food/beer, as well as future registrations.

Rules of the Road
The BDBT is a bike ride, not a race. Please remember this as you prepare. All traffic laws must be followed at all times. Violators risk being cited and/or fined. Please respect the residents and municipalities who have graciously allowed us to ride through their communities. There are plenty of resources provided along the course.

Come join us for a networking ride! Select your preferred route and savor the journey. Riders of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to participate.

All Routes + Aid Stations

*Links to ridewithgps.com. Subject to change.

20 Mile

37 Mile

70 Mile

*Video of 2018 Beyond Design Bike Tour

START LOCATION 

Official Ride Start Location: Fireman's Park Pavilion in Ixonia, WI next to Embers of Tuscany. Riders will congregate near the shelter before entering the chute to the start line.
 

ROUTE + REGISTRATION / START TIMES*

8:15 am: Registration Opens

9:00 am: 70-mile riders (register by 8:50 am)

11:30 am: 37-mile riders (register by 11:20 am)

12:15 pm: 20-mile riders (register by 12:00 pm)

*times subject to change

AFTER RIDE EVENT

1:30 / 2:00 pm: Riders begin returning to Embers of Tuscany - Social Hour in Pavilion 

3:00 pm: Dinner Buffet + Auction

4:30 pm: Announcements | Auction Closes

5:30 pm: Event Concludes

We're excited to have you join a sponsored team! There is no official team captain. You should receive your team link from the designated company captain, whose role is to send out the registration link and ensure that team members sign up for the race before the t-shirt deadline.

COMING SOON!