Chequamegon 40
Each year, 3,100 participants ride in this challenging, 40-mile fat tire event. While a few compete for the chance to be called champion, the rest are in it for adventure, personal challenge and the pleasure of riding the wooded hills of Wisconsin.
Course Description
The iconic Chequamegon rollout from the start line in downtown Hayward, WI defines one of the longest running, largest off-road events in the sport and presents racers with an unmatched beginning to their off-road adventure. From there, the ride goes through the famed American Birkebeiner Ski Trail, forest roads, snowmobile trails and other wooded paths in Sawyer and Bayfield counties, all the way to the finish line at the Great Hall in Cable, WI.
For the safety of our volunteers and our riders, cut-off times have been added to various checkpoints. If you do not make the cut-off time, your number will be pulled and you can choose to be transported via sag vehicle to the finish or ride a short-cut route (after you sign a waiver.) Additionally, any finish time after 6 hours (4:00PM) will be listed as a DNF.
- 2:45 PM – Aid Station 4 Lk Helane Rd
- 4:00 PM – Aid Station 5 Birkie/Randysek
- 6 HR Time Limit to complete the 40 mile course (4:00 PM)
Course Safety
For the safety of all riders, please follow these rollout safety tips:
- Ride in control at all times
- Hold a steady and secure position until you hit the dirt
- Move with caution, each move you make in a mass start rollout impacts fellow riders
- Do not try to jump ahead of riders in the rollout
- Never leave the pavement
- Be aware of changing positions and paces of fellow riders
- Call out to others and announce your intentions when noticing change of pace, hidden hazard or any other pack dynamic that may impact the group
Start Gate Information
Coral Placement
Please let us know your best overall place from 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019 edition of the Chequamegon 40, as this will determine your corral placement in 2020. Riders without past Chequamegon event results and who did not provide a race resume for consideration will by default be placed in the last start gate. The decision of the race officials is final. After you receive your start gate confirmation email up until September 1, you may request a gate review by email Peter Spencer at pspencer@lt.life.
Gate 1 Male 1-200 : Female 1-450
Gate 2 Male 201-450 : Female 451-750
Gate 3 Male 451-700 : Female 751-1000
Gate 4 Male 701-1000 : Female 1001-1250
Gate 5 Male 1001-1300 : Female 1251-1450
Gate 6 Male 1301-1600 : Female 1451-1600
Gate 7 Male/Female 1600 and up OR NEW PARTICIPAN
Start Gate Time Splits for the Chequamegon 40
Pro/Elite: *NEW*1:00pm
Age Class: 10:00am
Please note, all age class participants will not be eligible for Pro/Elite awards, and all Pro/Elite participants will not be considered for age class awards. To be considered for a Pro/Elite start, please contact Peter Spencer at pspencer@lt.life.
Placement in Gates
Each participant’s start gate will be indicated on their laminated handlebar number provided at bib pickup. You may not enter start gates with a lower number, however, you may enter a start gate with a higher number. Loading in assigned gates is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please show up early to load into your gate for best placement and to ensure you will get in your gate.
New in 2020- No Ghost Bikes Allowed at the Start Line
No ghost bikes will be allowed at the start line moving forward.
Notification and request for reconsideration
Once start gate assignments have been made and you have been notified via confirmation email, you may request a further review for reassignment to another gate.
Requests for additional start gate review can be emailed to Peter Spencer pspencer@lt.life prior to September 1.
VIP Experience
Upgrade your 2020 Life Time Big Sugar Race weekend with our exclusive VIP Experience. Enjoy a full spread of goodies (both pre- and post-race) from food and drinks to massages, as well as private bathrooms. Not only can cyclists upgrade their race weekend — family, friends and spectators can too.
News
2024 Cheq MTB Fest Riders to Watch
Riders to Watch at the 2024 Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival! Click the image below to check out the elite riders expected to make a splash on September 14th:
2023 Cheq MTB Fest Pro List
The 2023 Chequamegon MTB Festival presented by Trek will be the 40th annual running of the event and the competition is fiercer than ever! Check out the full pro start list below: WOMEN: Crystal Anthony Ella Bloor Ellen Campbell Catherine Colyn Lauren De Crescenzo Rebecca…
Cheq MTB Fest Will Be Stop #5 On The Life Time Grand Prix
We’re thrilled to let you know that the 2023 Chequamegon MTB Festival will be part of the second annual Life Time Grand Prix! The series is set to feature 7 of the most iconic cycling events and 70 of the best cyclists in off-road cycling.…
Produced by Life Time
We believe every event is an extension of our Healthy Way of Life philosophy and brand, and it’s always our goal to deliver an exceptional event experience for both participants and spectators.