How to Support Wisconsin Bike Fed Through Auctions and Fundraisers

Updated

You can support Wisconsin Bike Fed (Bike Fed) through three channels listed on its homepage: an online auction ("Packages, Gear, Getaways & More!") open for bids through October 31, a fundraiser night called "Indeed We Can" in November, and membership through the "Join us!" entry point. The homepage does not list prices, ticket costs, or whether any of these require an account, so confirm those details on each linked page before you plan to participate. Below is what the site states and how to act on it.

Online Auction: Packages, Gear, Getaways & More!

The homepage promotes an online auction under the heading "Packages, Gear, Getaways & More!" with the line "Online Auction – Bid Thru October 31st!" This is the most time-bound way to give: you bid on donated packages, gear, and travel getaways, and the winning bids support Bike Fed.

What to do:

  1. Go to wisconsinbikefed.org and find the auction block on the homepage.
  2. Follow the auction link to see the actual lots, current bids, and closing times.
  3. Register or log in if the auction platform requires it (the homepage does not say either way).
  4. Place bids before October 31; check the lot page for exact closing times, since auctions often stagger them.

What to verify before bidding: shipping or pickup arrangements for gear and getaways, whether bids include fees, and payment methods accepted. None of these are stated on the homepage.

Indeed We Can Fundraiser (November)

The homepage lists "Indeed We Can Fundraiser for Bike Fed – Nov 2026" under a section headed "Indeed We Can." The event calendar also shows "Nov 03 Indeed We Can – Election Watch Party" in Milwaukee, WI. The pairing suggests a Milwaukee event tied to a giving night, but the homepage does not spell out how the donation mechanism works (for example, whether a venue donates a share of sales).

What to do:

  1. Open the "Indeed We Can" item on the homepage or the event calendar entry for November 3.
  2. Check the event page for location, time, and how proceeds reach Bike Fed.
  3. If you cannot attend, look for a donation link on the same page; the homepage does not confirm one exists.

Membership: The "Join us!" Entry Point

The homepage's "Join us!" block links to membership information and registration ("Info/Register"). Membership is the ongoing support option rather than a one-time event, and it is the entry point the site foregrounds alongside the auction.

What to do: use the "Join us!" link to reach the membership page, then review tiers, benefits, and renewal terms there. The homepage does not list dues or benefits, so treat the membership page as the source of truth.

Other Ways the Site Points to Giving

  • Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW): described as Bike Fed's "signature fundraising event," listed under Bike Fed Events. If you want a ride-based fundraiser rather than an auction, start here.
  • Event calendar: lists dated rides and gatherings (for example, the October 31 Annual Fete Ghede Ride in Milwaukee and the December 5 Santa Cycle Rampage in Milwaukee). Participating in listed events is another route the site surfaces, though the homepage does not state that every event raises funds.
  • Sponsors: a sponsor section at the bottom indicates organizational support; the homepage does not describe a sponsor sign-up process.

Quick Comparison

Channel Timing What you do Confirm on the linked page
Online auction Bids through October 31 Bid on packages, gear, getaways Lot list, closing times, fees, pickup/shipping
Indeed We Can November (calendar shows Nov 3) Attend or give via the event Location, donation mechanism
Membership Year-round Register via "Join us!" Dues, benefits, renewal
Ride Across Wisconsin Event date per event page Register and ride Registration cost, fundraising requirement

Common Pitfalls

  • Assuming the auction runs past October 31. The homepage states bidding closes October 31; late interest means watching for the next cycle instead.
  • Treating the November calendar entry as the whole fundraiser. The homepage names "Nov 2026" for Indeed We Can while the calendar shows a November 3 watch party; check the event page to see whether these are the same event or related ones.
  • Expecting prices on the homepage. No costs, fees, or login requirements appear there, so do not plan a budget from the homepage alone.

The reliable next step is simple: open wisconsinbikefed.org, pick the channel that fits your timing (auction before October 31, the November fundraiser, or membership), and read that page's details before committing money.