About This Event

Born in 1983 with just 27 riders on the American Birkebeiner ski trail, the Chequamegon MTB Festival has grown into one of America’s premier off-road cycling events. Now in its 41st year as part of the prestigious Life Time Grand Prix Series, it transforms the glacial terrain of northwestern Wisconsin into a weekend celebration combining elite competition with live music, food trucks, craft beer, and family entertainment.

The flagship Chequamegon 40 runs 40 miles from downtown Hayward to Cable’s Great Hall, navigating forest roads, snowmobile routes, and the legendary Birkebeiner trail. While lacking technical single track, the course delivers relentless climbing—over 2,500 feet of elevation gain through constant 25- and 50-foot rollers that test endurance more than bike handling. The terrain varies from hardpack to loose gravel, creating an ever-changing surface that demands sustained power and mental fortitude.

Four aid stations provide critical support with strict cutoff times: Gravel Pit at mile 12 (11:46 AM), OO at mile 18 (12:36 PM), High Point at mile 30 (2:20 PM), and a 4:00 PM finish deadline. Pro athletes receive crew support while recreational riders refuel with GU products and electrolytes. Starting positions reflect previous year results, with first-timers beginning from the final gates.

The Short & Fat covers 16 miles with similar challenges, while Little Loggers offers 15-minute loops for young riders. Pro winners split a $10,000 purse, with overall awards recognizing top finishers across multiple categories. The OO aid station provides an ideal spectator viewing point 16 miles into the race, offering ample parking and clear course views for supporters.

Life Time Events is a premier organizer of endurance events across the United States, known for hosting some of the most iconic cycling and trail running competitions. With a mission to inspire healthier, happier lives, Life Time Events brings together athletes from all over the world to participate in challenging and celebrated events.

Prominent Events Organized by Life Time Events:

Leadville Race Series
- Description: The Leadville Race Series includes the legendary Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Leadville Trail 100 Run, two of the most challenging endurance events globally. Participants compete at high altitudes in the rugged terrains of Colorado, making these races a true test of endurance and mental toughness. Other events in the series include the Silver Rush 50 MTB, Leadville Stage Race, and Silver Rush 50 Run.
- Links:
  - Leadville Trail 100 MTB
  - Leadville Trail 100 Run
Sea Otter Classic
- Description: Held in Monterey, California, the Sea Otter Classic is one of the largest and most diverse cycling festivals in the world. The event features a wide range of races, including road, mountain, and e-bike competitions, along with a massive expo that draws cycling enthusiasts from around the globe.
- Link: Sea Otter Classic
Unbound Gravel
- Description: Unbound Gravel, formerly known as Dirty Kanza, is a premier gravel race held in Emporia, Kansas. It offers multiple race distances, including the grueling 350-mile XL route. The event is a cornerstone of the gravel racing community, known for its challenging terrain and the strong camaraderie among participants.
- Link: Unbound Gravel
Life Time Grand Prix Series
- Description: This series features six of the most prestigious off-road cycling events, combining both mountain biking and gravel disciplines. The series includes events like the Crusher in the Tushar, Big Sugar Classic, and the Chequamegon MTB Festival. The Grand Prix attracts elite cyclists competing for one of the largest prize purses in U.S. cycling.
- Link: Life Time Grand Prix Series
Tour of the Battenkill
- Description: Known as the “Queen of the Classics,” this challenging mixed-surface race takes place in Greenwich, New York. It’s renowned for its scenic yet demanding course through rural roads and offers a vibrant post-race celebration.
- Link: Tour of the Battenkill

Life Time Events continues to set the standard in endurance sports, offering world-class competitions that challenge athletes while fostering a sense of community and accomplishment. Whether you’re into trail running, mountain biking, or gravel racing, Life Time Events provides opportunities to push your limits in some of the most stunning landscapes across the U.S.