About
The Chequamegon MTB Festival is one of the most iconic off-road mountain bike events in the United States, set in the scenic Northwoods of Wisconsin. With options for racers of all ages and abilities, this autumn celebration of pedals and trails combines serious riding with festival fun - rolling courses through forests and along classic ski and snowmobile trails, live music, food, community energy, and an unforgettable weekend vibe that brings riders and supporters together.Little Loggers, Chequamegon 40, Short and Fat, and 1 more
View detailsFri, Sep 18, 2026 - Sat, Sep 19, 2026
View logisticsCable, United States
View locationWhere and when
Location42000 Telemark Rd, Cable, WI 54821, USAStart timesLittle Loggers: 5:30 PMChequamegon 40: 10:00 AMShort and Fat: 10:00 AMPro/Elite Chequamegon 40: 12:30 PMEvent summary
Here are the distances available for 2026 Life Time Chequamegon MTB FestivalChequamegon 4040mi$120Short and Fat16mi$95Little Loggers1.7kmfreePro/Elite Chequamegon 4040mi$120Chequamegon 4040mi$120Short and Fat16mi$95Little Loggers1.7kmfreePro/Elite Chequamegon 4040mi$120Route information
The adventure begins. Each year in mid-September, thousands of off-road enthusiasts descend on the towns of Cable and Hayward in northwestern Wisconsin to take on the oldest MTB race in the country! Chequamegon 40: The signature point-to-point 40-mile MTB race from Hayward to Cable, featuring rolling woods terrain, forest roads, ski trails and variable surfaces. Short & Fat: A 16-mile version of the course that offers all of the classic Cheq challenge in a shorter format for riders who want a bite-sized but still rewarding experience. Little Loggers: A fun, continuous loop course designed to introduce kids to mountain biking and get young riders involved in the festival atmosphere. Courses include a mix of glacial terrain with rolling climbs and descents rather than technical singletrack, making them both accessible and challenging in their own way.What's included
- Access to aid stations and course support along the Chequamegon 40.
- Finish line celebration with refreshments, expo, music and fanfare.
- Official event shirt and participant goodies.
- Awards for top finishers in age group and category divisions.
- Family-friendly options such as Little Loggers to get kids involved in the sport.
How to get there
42000 Telemark Rd, Cable, WI 54821, USAGet full directionsLocation: The event is based around Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, nestled in the Chequamegon National Forest region. The point-to-point Chequamegon 40 begins in Hayward and finishes at the Great Hall in Cable; shuttle services and rider logistics make this format easy to manage. The festival area includes spaces for food, music and expo booths, and serves as the hub for riders, families, and supporters. Local lodging options include hotels, cabins, and campgrounds in and around Hayward and Cable — booking early is recommended due to high demand during race weekend.Hotels and Accommodation
Find some of the best hotel rates close to the startline with Hotel Planner.Find your roomEvent day logistics
Friday- Shakeout rides and pre-ride opportunities for all participants.
- Bib pickup and event festival with food trucks, live music, exhibitors, and a lively community atmosphere.
- Kid’s ride events that get the whole family involved.
- Early morning gate setup and bib pickup.
- 10:00 AM start for both the Chequamegon 40 and the Short & Fat events in their respective start areas.
- Throughout the day — riders finish and celebrate at the festival area with cheering crowds, food and drink.
- Award ceremonies in the afternoon honor top finishers across categories.
- Post-race festivities continue with expo areas and activities for spectators.