Chequamegon MTB Festival

The grounds do not allow onside camping so you will have to find a different place to park the motorhome for the night. There are quite a few awesome places to camp in the area from just a few miles to an hour away. However, you will want to make sure to reserve a spot early because this is a popular event and campsites fill up fast.

There are over a dozen campground and RV parks within an hour of the event so you will have many to choose from in the vicinity. Many of them are in the Hayward area, which is 30 miles away from where the race actually begins. However, all of Chequamegon MTB festivities are at the finish line in Cable. From lakeside beach campsites to wooded wonderlands, you can find just about any kind of space you want and most fit even the largest RVs and trailers. Amenities vary from primitive to full hookups, some with playgrounds, pools, showers, laundry facilities, and much more.

Participants will be transported by bus from the Great Hall parking lot to the starting line at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Hayward. There is a small fee, and you will have to register in advance for this service.

For those not participating in the race, there are five designated spectator spots to watch the events. The first is at Rosie’s Field near the Fish Hatchery two miles from the start. The “00” and Birke Trail spot is off Highway 63 about 16 miles from the start. The Janet Road spot about 17 miles from the start is off Highway 00 in Seeley at the intersection of Janet Road and Snowmobile Trail 71. The Boedecker spot is 20 miles from the start at Boedecker and Winding Pine Trail off Highway 63. And the Winding Pine Trail at CAMBRA land marker S-6/7 is 31 miles from the start at Winding Pine and Birke Trails.

Weather in this part of the state can fluctuate drastically at this time of year so you will need to be flexible with what you pack. Daily temps can range from low 50s to upper 80s so you will have to check the forecast. The usual attire for riders is typically biking shorts, a comfortable t-shirt, tennis shoes, and a helmet. On the day of the race, riders will need to pick up their numbered bib at the Great Hall. Spectators should wear something comfortable such as jeans and tees or whatever else you desire although high heels are probably not a good choice for walking in the fields and trails.

Pack outdoor items and cooking gear you may need for the type of RV camping you prefer. For example, if you do not have hookups for cooking, you may need to bring a camp stove or be prepared to boondock. If there is no potable water, bring plenty of bottled water and other beverages. Take a small backpack to carry extras for the festival since you will not have direct access to your rig while you are there.

Since the weather can change quickly, wear layers so you can take them off and put them back on as needed. Pack water, sunscreen, and bug spray and maybe a small first aid kit. You may also want to bring or wear a hat and sunglasses if it is supposed to be sunny.

Although there are plenty of food vendors at the festival, you may want to bring snacks and water to tide you over during the spectating part of the race. Participants will have designated food and water spots to use during the race, but spectators can come and go as they please as long as they respect the racecourse spaces. Cooking at your RV depends on the amenities where you are staying so be prepared with a few flexible meal options along the way.

The surrounding towns of Hayward and Cable have many great restaurants from Mexican to American and from pizza to subs. If your RV is parked at a campground, you can jump on a shuttle or even walk to some of the eateries nearby. Your after-race meal with the crew is sure to be enjoyable in these Northern Wisconsin communities.

Food trucks are available during the festival and vendors vary with their offerings from hotdogs and hamburgers to funnel cakes and ice cream. In past years, some of the vendors have included Shills and Chills Drinks, Shift Coffee Shop, Bomb Dog, Craft Mobile Kitchen, and Life Support BBQ. Also, there has been live music, kids play areas, and plenty of vendors offering various biking gear and mementos for sale.