CHEQUAMEGON FAT TIRE
FESTIVAL: "The most spectacular mountain biking event this side of
the Pacific Ocean"
CHEQUAMEGON, WISCONSIN—
[FIELD REPORT][GETTING
THERE][HELPFUL LINKS]
Three miles into the Chequamegon 40, the pack
makes the turn at "Rosie's Field" |
Based in and around Cable, Wisconsin, the Chequamegon
Fat Tire Festival features several biking events the second weekend
in September. The "Chequamegon 40" is a 40-mile marathon
race between Hayward and the Telemark Ski Resort near Cable. The
muddy route includes steep hills, and it crosses logging roads in
the deeps of northern Wisconsin (see
map). The sight of nearly 1,700 riders blasting from
the starting line is amazing.
A sixteen-mile loop called the "Short and Fat"
allows less experienced riders to take on some of the challengs
of the longer marathon. There is also a bicycle orienteering treasure
hunt called the "Rough Stuff Rendezvous," in which riders
using compasses, maps and brain-power to find seven checkpoints
in a forest. The "Cable Criterium" is a spectator favorite.
Racers compete in a multi-lap, twisty, narrow ½-mile racecourse.
Click here for a field report from the 2003 race.
Click here for information about this year's results.
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