The Lil Drifty

The Lil’ Drifty is an epic 3-day, human-powered adventure challenge held August 6–9, 2026 across Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Region. The experience combines biking, kayaking, and camping as participants travel scenic backroads and quiet river corridors between Madison and Spring Green.

It’s less of a race and more about embracing the challenge, building community, and creating lifelong memories. Riders swap bikes for kayaks along the route, pushing themselves through a unique multi-sport endurance experience while exploring some of the most beautiful and lesser-known landscapes in southern Wisconsin.

A core goal of The Lil’ Drifty is to encourage people to travel off the beaten path — discovering small communities, supporting local businesses, and experiencing the Driftless Region in a way most visitors never do.

Now entering its third year, participation and supporting partners have doubled each year as the event continues to grow. The weekend concludes with DriftyFest at Working Draft Beer Company in Madison, a public finish-line celebration bringing together riders, sponsors, volunteers, and the broader community.

Most importantly, 100% of event profits benefit Adaptive Adventures, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that expands access to outdoor recreation opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities by removing financial and equipment barriers.

The Lil’ Drifty promotes wellness, adventure, inclusion, and regional economic impact while showcasing the spirit of the Driftless.