Great Headwaters Trails Foundation to Host Fundraisers Ahead of Ride with Leinie event
By Gary Ridderbusch
The Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF) will host two special fundraising events leading up to its annual Ride with Leinie bicycle ride set for Saturday, July 26, in Conover.
Pictured right: GHTF volunteers Mike Bishop, Cheryl Adams, Neal Adams, with Dick Leinenkugel, and Melisa Kris from the Green Hill’s Log Cabin.
The pre-ride events, called Let’s Talk Beer and Biking with Dick Leinenkugel, will offer attendees a chance to talk about Leinenkugel beer, biking and the upcoming Ride with Leinie, all while raising funds for a great cause.
The events will be held on:
• Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at Greenhill’s Log Cabin in Conover; and
• Friday, July 11, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Andy’s Pontoon Saloon in Eagle River.
Leinenkugel said the casual events will promote Ride with Leinie and trail development in eastern Vilas County.
“I’ve always believed in the power of beer and bikes to bring people together — and that’s exactly what we aim to do with the Ride with Leinie,” he said. “I’m personally attending the gatherings at The Log Cabin in Conover and Andy’s Pontoon Saloon in Eagle River not only to raise a glass with fellow supporters, but to help raise awareness and funds for the incredible trail work being done by the Great Headwaters Trail Foundation.”
Leinenkugel said these informal events provide a great opportunity to connect with riders, community members and supporters in a relaxed atmosphere.
“My goal is to inspire more folks to get involved — whether that means signing up for the ride, donating to the cause, or simply becoming champions for trail development in the North Woods,” he said. “These trails are more than just paths through the woods — they connect our communities, support local economies, and promote healthy, active lifestyles.”
Pictured left: Dick Leinenkugel with supporters at last year’s Let’s Talk Beer and Biking fundraiser.
Guests at the two events also have the chance to win Leinenkugel swag, including an autographed Leinenkugel’s canoe paddle through raffles held during both events. Raffle tickets are $1 each and winners must be present to win. Proceeds will support GHTF’s mission to develop and enhance biking and walking trails in eastern Vilas County, including the proposed River Trail that would connect Eagle River with St. Germain.
In addition, a special offer will be available at the July 10th and July 11th events, according to Laura Van Valkenberg, Leinie Ride director and president of GHTF. The first five people to register for the Ride with Leinie during the events will receive a free commemorative Ride with Leinie beer glass. Registrants must be present at the July 10th or July 11th events to claim their glass.
Pictured right: Dick Leinenkugel presents an autographed canoe paddle to the lucky winner at last year’s Let’s Talk Beer & Biking Fundraiser.
GHTF also will be selling tickets for the Ride with Leinie raffle that will be held on July 26th at the Ride with Leinie. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. Prizes include an Aventon Sinch.2 foldable e-bike, a Liv Embolden mountain bike, and a Cannondale Optimo 2 road bike. The drawing for those prizes will take place at 2:30 pm on July 26th at the Conover Town Park. For this raffle, the winners need not be present to win.
Van Valkenberg said the two Let’s Talk Beer and Biking gatherings will set the tone for Ride with Leinnie.
“We’re excited to welcome Dick Leinenkugel, who will share stories about the legendary Leinenkugel Brewery, their iconic beers, and the upcoming Ride with Leinie event,” said Van Valkenberg. “Come enjoy great beer, good company, and help us raise funds to develop more biking and walking trails.”
For more information about GHTF and the Ride with Leinie, visit ghtrails.org.