Every September, something special happens in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Thousands of mountain bikers roll into the small towns of Hayward and Cable, bringing energy, excitement, and muddy tires with them. The forests come alive. The trails fill up. And for one weekend, this quiet corner of the American Midwest becomes the mountain biking capital of the continent.
In 2026, the festival returns for its 41st year. It is bigger than ever, richer in history, and more exciting than most cycling events anywhere in the world. If you have been thinking about registering, or simply want to know what makes this event worth the trip, this guide is for you.
Event Overview: What the Chequamegon MTB Festival Is
The Chequamegon MTB Festival is the oldest mountain bike race in the United States. It began in 1983 with just 27 riders on the American Birkebeiner ski trail. Today, it draws thousands of participants from across the country and beyond. The event now serves as Race 4 of the prestigious Life Time Grand Prix Series, placing it among the most important competitive stops on the American off-road cycling calendar.
The festival is organized by Life Time, one of the country’s leading endurance sports event producers. The event takes place across the towns of Hayward and Cable, situated in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest region of northwestern Wisconsin. The scenery is extraordinary, especially in mid-September when the trees begin to shift toward their autumn colors.
Festival Weekend Schedule: September 18 to 19, 2026
The main festival activity runs across Friday and Saturday. Here is a clear picture of how the weekend unfolds.
Friday, September 18, is the setup and expo day. The expo opens at 1:00 p.m. and runs until 7:00 p.m. at the Derksen Family Great Hall, located at 42000 Telemark Road in Cable, Wisconsin. Riders collect their bibs and handlebar numbers here. All events at the Derksen Family Great Hall take place outdoors, so dress in layers. The expo brings together sponsors, gear brands, and exhibitors, creating a lively pre-race atmosphere. Shakeout rides and pre-ride opportunities are also available on Friday for those who want to warm up their legs before race day.
Saturday, September 19, is race day. Both the Chequamegon 40 and the Short and Fat events start at 10:00 a.m. The Finish Festival runs from 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. at the Great Hall in Cable. Award ceremonies take place in the afternoon, recognizing top finishers across multiple categories. Post-race festivities continue into the evening with live music, food trucks, and craft beer.
The Races: Something for Every Rider
One of the great strengths of this festival is that it truly welcomes riders of all levels. There is no single race here. There is a menu of options ranging from a serious competitive 40-miler to a kid-friendly loop designed for the youngest riders.
The Chequamegon 40
The Chequamegon 40 is the headline event. It is a 40-mile point-to-point race that starts in downtown Hayward and finishes at the Derksen Family Great Hall in Cable. The course winds through forest roads, snowmobile routes, gravel paths, and the legendary American Birkebeiner Ski Trail. Riders face over 2,500 feet of elevation gain across constant rolling terrain that tests endurance far more than technical skill. The surface varies from hardpack to loose gravel, making the ride unpredictable in the most exciting way.
The race is limited to 2,100 riders. Since this is a point-to-point course, riders need to get from Cable to Hayward before the race. A bus pass is available as an add-on during registration for $10. Riders who already registered can add the bus pass through their confirmation email by managing their registration on the Let’s Do This platform.
Start gates are assigned based on previous finishing times from Chequamegon 40 races between 2022 and 2025. Riders without past results or a submitted race resume are placed in the last start gate by default. Gate placement appears on the laminated handlebar number provided at bib pickup on Friday.
The Short and Fat
The Short and Fat is a 16-mile companion event that starts and finishes in Cable. It delivers the same terrain variety and challenge of the 40-miler, compressed into a distance that works well for riders who want a meaningful backcountry experience without the full 40-mile commitment. This event is limited to 900 riders and starts concurrently with the Chequamegon 40 at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Little Loggers
Little Loggers is the family-friendly race option designed for young riders. Participants complete 15-minute loops, giving kids a genuine race experience in a safe and encouraging environment. The event draws families from across the region and adds a wonderful community dimension to the weekend.
Registration: How to Sign Up
Registration for the Chequamegon 40 opened on January 2, 2026, for Life Time members and January 9, 2026, for the general public. The race uses a lottery-based entry system for the Chequamegon 40 due to the high demand and participant limits. Riders can register through the official festival website at cheqmtb.com and through the Let’s Do This platform.
Entry for the Chequamegon 40 carries a registration fee. The Short and Fat and Little Loggers events are also available through the same registration system. If you have not yet registered, it is worth checking the official site immediately. The event sells out quickly each year, and waitlist positions fill up fast as well.
For riders who want to review their gate placement or request a reassignment, the gate review process runs through the race organization. Contact Peter Spencer at [email protected] with any gate questions.
Additionally, spectators and supporters do not need tickets to attend the Finish Festival. Admission to the festival grounds in Cable is free, though you will want money for food trucks, craft beer, and vendor items.
Festival Highlights: More Than Just Racing
The racing is the heart of the event, but the festival experience around it is what turns a great race weekend into an unforgettable one.
Live music runs throughout the festival, creating a concert-like atmosphere at the Great Hall in Cable. Past years have seen a mix of local and regional acts that keep the energy high from the first finisher through the final awards.
Food trucks line the festival grounds with a wide variety of options. Past vendors have included Shills and Chills Drinks, Shift Coffee Shop, Bomb Dog, Craft Mobile Kitchen, and Life Support BBQ. The combination of post-race hunger and quality food on site makes for some of the best eating you will do all year.
Craft beer is a festival staple. Rider and spectator alike can enjoy a cold pint while watching finishers cross the line throughout the day.
The expo area features gear brands, cycling accessories, and merchandise vendors. It is a great place to upgrade your kit or pick up a memento from what will likely be a memorable weekend.
The OO aid station, located 16 miles into the Chequamegon 40 course, is one of the best spectator viewing points on race day. Ample parking is available there, and the course view gives supporters a clear look at the field as it passes through.
Getting There and Practical Travel Tips
The festival area centers on Cable and Hayward in northwestern Wisconsin. Cable is about 1.5 hours from Duluth, three hours from Minneapolis and St. Paul, and roughly five hours from Green Bay and Wausau.
Parking for the Finish Festival is available at the Great Hall parking lot on Telemark Road and in the airport field across from the Great Hall. For the race start in Hayward, parking is available at the city lot on Highway 27 and 63, Hayward Primary School on Minnesota and Sixth, Peoples National Bank on Dakota and Second, and Hayward Wesleyan Church on Nyman and Highway 27.
Local lodging fills up fast during race weekend. Hotels, cabins, and campgrounds are scattered throughout Hayward and Cable, but booking early is critical. Many visitors book accommodations six months or more in advance. Note that on-site camping is not permitted at the festival grounds.
The surrounding towns have restaurants, cafes, and grocery options for the full weekend. Therefore, visitors can comfortably stay in the area for the entire festival without venturing far.
Conclusion
The Chequamegon MTB Festival 2026 runs September 18 to 19 in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, anchored by the towns of Cable and Hayward. Now in its 41st year and serving as Race 4 of the Life Time Grand Prix Series, the festival brings together elite athletes and everyday riders for one of the most beloved off-road cycling weekends in the country. The Chequamegon 40 covers 40 miles from Hayward to Cable, the Short and Fat offers a challenging 16-mile alternative, and Little Loggers gets younger riders onto the course.
Registration opened in January 2026 through the lottery system at cheqmtb.com and the Let’s Do This platform. Beyond the racing, the Finish Festival at the Derksen Family Great Hall delivers live music, food trucks, craft beer, and expo activities that make the weekend worth attending even if you never clip into a pedal. Whether you are chasing a podium finish or cheering someone else across the line, this is one Wisconsin weekend you will not forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the Chequamegon MTB Festival 2026 take place?
The festival runs September 18 and 19, 2026. The expo and bib pickup happen on Friday, September 18, at the Derksen Family Great Hall in Cable, Wisconsin. Race day is Saturday, September 19, with the Chequamegon 40 starting in downtown Hayward and finishing in Cable, and the Short and Fat starting and finishing in Cable.
How do I register for the Chequamegon 40?
Registration opened on January 2, 2026, for Life Time members and January 9, 2026, for the general public. The Chequamegon 40 uses a lottery-based entry system due to limited spots. Registration is available through the official festival website at cheqmtb.com and the Let’s Do This platform. Check the site for current availability and waitlist options.
What are the race distances available at the festival?
The festival offers three race options. The Chequamegon 40 is the flagship 40-mile point-to-point event from Hayward to Cable, limited to 2,100 riders. The Short and Fat is a 16-mile companion event starting and finishing in Cable, limited to 900 riders. Little Loggers is a 15-minute loop event designed for younger riders and families.
Do spectators need to buy tickets to attend the Finish Festival?
No. Admission to the Finish Festival at the Derksen Family Great Hall in Cable is free for spectators and supporters. However, you will want to bring cash or a card for food trucks, craft beer, and vendor purchases on site.
What should I know about parking and getting to the venue?
For the Finish Festival in Cable, parking is available at the Great Hall lot on Telemark Road and at the airport field across the street. For the race start in Hayward, multiple parking areas are available at the city lot, Hayward Primary School, Peoples National Bank, and Hayward Wesleyan Church. A $10 bus pass add-on is available to help riders get from Cable to the Hayward start line on race morning.
