L’Alpe Bl’Huez 10 mile Hill Climb Time Trial is sponsored by MadCity Velo Club and hosted by the Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association (WIIL Cycle). The American Bicycle Racing (ABR) is part of the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS) although OPEN categories are available for WISport members and Recreational Athletes. Starting in the southwest corner of the Village of Blue Mounds it finishes near the top of Blue Mound State Park.
Check out our article on how to prepare for the L’Alpe Bl’Huez Hill Climb.
Pick-up numbers at the top of Blue Mound State Park starting at 8am. First rider off at 9am with time trialers released every minute on the minute. Starting line is at the intersection of Cty. ID and Mounds Road in the Village. Register at BikeReg for $30 or $15 for juniors. ABR provides insurance so a yearly ABR license or a one-day ABR license for $5 covers the insurance. Parking at the Blue Mound State Park is $5 unless the participant has a Wisconsin State Park sticker.
The first 3 miles roll west along Cty. ID, the next 3.6 miles heads north on Cty. K. After a short uphill section K takes a steep downhill then flattens just before turning right for the final 3.4 miles up Mounds Park Road. Mounds Park Road mimics an Alpine ascent for a gain of almost 1000 feet. The last section into the park is the most exciting (steepest) but at this point the finish is near. Experience this small slice of the Tour de France race. Install your climbing gears to handle the 10%, 12% and 14% grades.
Enjoy Wisconsin’s Driftless Region of rolling farmland and forest. Undisturbed by glaciation and capped by a layer of hard, chert rock, Blue Mound looks out over much of southwestern Wisconsin. Enjoy the two observation towers at both ends of the park.
The course is open to traffic, safety is key-ride right and highly recommended that you use a red blinker. Times in the past ranged from low 30 minutes to high 40s. Test your legs on this challenging course. Medals available in all categories with the fastest man and woman receiving a unique trophy.
Afterwards eat at The Opera House in Blue Mounds and visit the famous Cave of the Mounds. You may be interested in the Trolls, the Driftless Museum and the Grumpy Troll Brewery in nearby Mount Horeb.
L’Alpe Bl’Huez Hill Climb 20k TT Weather
Mid-June weather in Blue Mound brings mild, pleasant conditions, with morning temperatures ranging from 65-75°F at the 8:00 AM start—ideal for climbing but warming later. Humidity averages 65-75%, adding slight stickiness—bring a bottle or two for hydration as sweat builds on the ascent. Winds blow at 8-12 mph, often from the south or southeast, aiding flat sections but challenging uphill—pace to leverage tailwinds early. There’s a 25-35% chance of light showers, though mid-June mornings are typically dry—check forecasts closer to race day for tire and clothing adjustments.
Travel Directions
- From Milwaukee, WI (100 miles southwest): Take I-94 W ~80 miles to I-90 W, exit at WI-18 W/WI-151 S (Exit 261), go south 15 miles to US-18 W, follow 5 miles to County Hwy F, turn left to 3022 County Hwy F (1.75-2 hr drive).
- From Kenosha, WI (90 miles west): Head west on WI-50 W ~40 miles to I-94 W, take I-90 W 40 miles to WI-18 W/WI-151 S (Exit 261), go south 15 miles to US-18 W, follow 5 miles to County Hwy F, turn left to 3022 County Hwy F (1.5-1.75 hr drive).
- From Madison, WI (25 miles northeast): Drive west on US-18 W/US-151 S ~20 miles to County Hwy F in Blue Mounds, turn left to 3022 County Hwy F (30-40 min drive).
- From Chicago, IL (150 miles northwest): Take I-90 W ~130 miles to WI-18 W/WI-151 S (Exit 261), go south 15 miles to US-18 W, follow 5 miles to County Hwy F, turn left to 3022 County Hwy F (2.5-2.75 hr drive).
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