Short & Fat
September 19, 2026
Calling all off-road enthusiasts. This 16-mile, mass-start event is a fun and fast adventure through rugged Northwoods terrain.
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
2026 Event Pricing:
- Short & Fat: $100
Minimum Participation Age:
- 10 years old on race day*
*If you turn 10 between now and race day, you may encounter difficulty during the registration process. Please reach out to cheqmtb@ltevents.zendesk.com for support.
Click the link below to view live race results and timing splits:
*Please note that it may take up to 48 hours after the event for all photos to be uploaded.
2026 Race Week Rundown
Shorter than the headliner race, the Short & Fat starts and ends in Cable, Wisconsin, traversing a variety of off-road trails before circling back to the finish line.
SHORT & FAT COURSE MAP
There will be one aid station on the Short & Fat course:
- Spider Lake Rd – Timber Trail Aid Station | Mile 7.1
Offerings:
- Aid stations will offer products from Neversecond and Bobo’s, along with assorted snacks and drinks to fuel your race.
- After finishing, don’t miss Bravo Sierra body wipes, Pretzelized snacks, Wiley Wallaby Licorice, Splendor water, and Wenzel’s Farm Meat Sticks.
Train with what you’ll use on Race Day! You can find the following products at all the Life Time Chequamegon MTB Festival aid stations.
Here’s what you’ll find on course:
- Assorted snacks & drinks
- Neversecond Sports Drink – Citrus and Unflavored – 30g CHO / 750ml serving.
- Neversecond C30 Energy Gels – A mix of flavors!
There is a lot of mixed information when it comes to eating or drinking in the last hour before competition. Taking in some carbohydrate may help, because it provides extra fuel that may be needed, especially during longer events. However, it can also result in so called rebound hypoglycemia or reactive hypoglycemia with symptoms of weakness, dizziness and nausea. So, it can have positive as well as negative effects? What should we do? This blog will give you the ins and outs.
Corral Placement
Please use your best placement from previous Chequamegon Short & Fat results during the years 2019 – 2025 to determine your appropriate corral placement as you register for the 2026 Short & Fat. 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. You may request a gate review by emailing Peter Spencer at pspencer@lt.life
Gate 1: Male 1-125 | Female 1-200
Gate 2: Male 126-300 | Female 201-400
Gate 3: Male 301-450 | Female 401-550
Gate 4: Male 451-600 | Female 551-650
Gate 5: Male 601-750 | Female 651-750
Gate 6: Male/Female 751 and up OR NEW PARTICIPANT
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.
Overall Awards
- Top 3 men and women in the Short & Fat will be recognized and receive an award.
- Overall award winners will be taken out of their age class
Competition Classes for Males & Females
- 19 and under
- 20 – 29
- 30 – 39
- 40 – 49
- 50 – 59
- 60 – 69
- 70 – 79
- 80+
Class Awards
Top 3 males and females in the following age groups will receive an award
Single Speed
Top 3 overall males and females receive an award.
Fat Bike
Top 3 overall males and females receive an award.
Non-Binary
Top 3 overall receive an award.
Para
Top 3 overall receive an award.
Tandem
Top 3 overall teams receive an award.
E-Bike
Open category for participation, no awards. Pedal assist only.
Tech Talk: Parking
Cable Map
Directions from Cable
Parking Map
FRIDAY
- Hours: 2:00pm – 7:00pm
- Location: Derksen Family Great Hall 42225 Telemark Rd, Cable, WI
SATURDAY – Race Morning
- Hours: 8:00am – 9:30am
- Location: Derksen Family Great Hall 42225 Telemark Rd, Cable, WI
The Sawyer/ Bayfield County communities is excited to welcome the participants of the Chequamegon MTB Festival. Your spirit and dedication to biking inspires our entire community.
- Leave no trace – No garbage, clothing etc., shall be thrown on the course!
- No aero bars allowed
- We understand that aero bars have been seen at this event in the past, but our official stance is that the use of them is prohibited.
- ANY PARTICIPANTS CAUGHT USING AERO BARS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO START THE RACE. IF YOU DO END UP RACING THE EVENT WITH THEM, YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED
- Helmets must be worn when on the bike, and your chin strap must be buckled
- Support Vehicles/Outside Assistance – You may not accept assistance outside of aid stations or approved spectator areas.
- DNFs must be reported to timing.
- Timing chip (on bike number plate) must attach to the front of the bike. DO NOT wrap your bike plate or your chip will not read.
- DO NOT PASS LEAD MOTORCYCLES.
- THANK THE VOLUNTEERS!
