Every September, thousands of riders travel to northern Wisconsin for one of the oldest off-road cycling events in the country. This year, the race returns on September 18–19, 2026, bringing together pros, weekend warriors, and families for a weekend of trails, food, and music. If you are planning to race, watch, or simply learn more, this guide covers everything you need to know.
When and Where It Happens
The 2026 edition runs from Friday, September 18, through Saturday, September 19. The action centers on two small Wisconsin towns, Hayward and Cable, both tucked inside the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Riders start in Hayward and finish in Cable, covering rolling terrain, forest roads, and stretches of the famous Birkie ski trail. The finish line festivities take place at Mt. Telemark Village in Cable, at the Derksen Family Great Hall.
Friday is reserved for the expo and packet pickup, along with the Little Loggers kids’ race. Saturday is race day, when the main events take off from Hayward at 10:00 a.m. and finish throughout the afternoon in Cable.
A Race Rooted in History
This event holds the title of the oldest mountain bike race in the United States. It began in 1983 with just 27 riders on the Birkebeiner ski trail. There was no such thing as a mountain bike scene back then, only a handful of curious cyclists testing their limits on forest terrain. Over the decades, the field grew into thousands of participants from across the country and beyond.
Today, the race is Race 4 of the Life Time Grand Prix Series, a national circuit that draws elite off-road athletes each season. Consequently, the weekend now blends grassroots charm with high-level competition. Pro riders chase series points on the same course where beginners complete their very first off-road event. Few races anywhere manage that kind of balance.
Race Distances and Categories
The weekend offers something for nearly every skill level, from young kids to seasoned racers. The table below breaks down the main options.
| Event Name | Distance | Who It’s For | Start Day |
| Chequamegon 40 | 40 miles | Experienced riders and racers | Saturday |
| Short and Fat | 16 miles | Intermediate riders wanting a shorter challenge | Saturday |
| Little Loggers | Short loop course | Kids new to mountain biking | Friday |
The Chequamegon 40 is the headline event. It runs point-to-point from Hayward to Cable, crossing forest roads, ski trails, and rolling singletrack. Meanwhile, the Short and Fat covers 16 miles and runs alongside the 40-mile race, offering a shorter but still demanding route. Little Loggers, on the other hand, keeps things simple with a brief loop that introduces children to off-road riding in a low-pressure setting.
Terrain and Difficulty
The course is not flat, but it is not overly technical either. Riders face rolling hills, some steep and short, along with longer sustained climbs. Surfaces shift between packed dirt, forest roads, and grassy ski trail sections. Because of this variety, riders with road cycling backgrounds sometimes find the terrain more demanding than expected. Still, the course rewards steady pacing over raw power, which is part of why it attracts such a wide range of ability levels.
Weekend Schedule at a Glance
Planning your trip is easier with a clear timeline. Here is a general outline of how the weekend unfolds.
| Day | Activity | Approximate Time |
| Thursday, Sept 17 | Expo load-in and setup | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday, Sept 18 | Expo open to the public | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday, Sept 18 | Little Loggers kids race | Afternoon |
| Saturday, Sept 19 | Chequamegon 40 and Short and Fat start | 10:00 AM |
| Saturday, Sept 19 | Finish Festival in Cable | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Exact times can shift slightly from year to year, so it helps to check the official schedule closer to race day. However, this outline gives a solid sense of what to expect.
How to Register
Registration typically opens months in advance, often through a lottery system due to high demand. In 2026, sign-ups opened in January through the official race website and the Let’s Do This platform. Because spots are limited to a set number of riders across each event, early registration matters. Waiting too long could mean missing out entirely, especially for the Chequamegon 40, which tends to fill quickly.
Before signing up, riders should double-check their preferred distance, confirm travel plans, and review any age requirements for kids’ events. Additionally, it helps to read the refund and transfer policies, since plans sometimes change.
What to Expect at the Finish Festival
Crossing the finish line is only part of the experience. The Finish Festival turns the day into a full celebration. Riders and spectators gather for live music, craft beer, and food trucks serving hearty regional fare. Past years have featured stein-holding contests, pretzel necklace giveaways, keg barrel bowling, and even a dog costume contest. Therefore, the event works well as a family outing, not just a race for competitors.
The expo area also gives riders a chance to browse gear, talk with local bike shops, and connect with other cycling fans. Many participants treat the whole weekend as a mini vacation, arriving Thursday or Friday and staying through Saturday evening.
Tips for First-Time Riders
Preparing well can make a big difference in how much you enjoy race day. Consider the following pointers before you head to the start line.
- Train on varied terrain, not just flat roads, since the course mixes climbs, descents, and loose surfaces.
- Check your bike a week ahead, including tires, brakes, and gearing, to avoid last-minute repairs.
- Pack layers, because Wisconsin mornings in September can be chilly even if afternoons warm up.
- Arrive early on race day to find parking and reach the start line without rushing.
- Fuel properly before and during the ride, especially for the 40-mile distance, which can take several hours.
These small steps help riders focus on enjoying the course rather than dealing with avoidable problems.
Where to Stay and Getting There
Hayward and Cable are both small towns, so lodging fills up fast during race weekend. Cabins, motels, and campgrounds around the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offer the most convenient options. Booking early, ideally a few months ahead, gives you the best chance at a good spot close to the start or finish lines.
Getting to the area usually means driving, since the region sits away from major airports. The closest larger airports are in Minneapolis and Duluth, both roughly a two to three hour drive away. Many riders choose to make a road trip out of it, exploring the surrounding lakes and forests before or after the race.
Why This Race Still Matters
Plenty of mountain bike events have come and gone since the early 1980s, yet this one keeps growing. Part of the appeal comes from its history, since finishing a course with more than four decades of tradition carries real weight. Another part comes from the atmosphere, which mixes serious competition with small-town warmth. Riders often mention the sense of community, where strangers cheer each other on and locals turn out to support the event.
Furthermore, its role in the Life Time Grand Prix Series keeps the competitive side sharp. Elite athletes battle for national standings on the very same trails used by first-time racers. That contrast is rare in endurance sports and gives the weekend a special energy that draws people back year after year.
Conclusion
The 2026 edition takes place September 18 through 19 in Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, marking another chapter in a race with more than forty years of history. Riders can choose from the 40-mile signature event, the 16-mile Short and Fat, or the kid-friendly Little Loggers course. Beyond the racing, the weekend offers a full festival experience, complete with live music, food, and community spirit at the Finish Festival. Whether you are chasing a competitive finish or simply want to experience one of America’s oldest off-road traditions, this event delivers a memorable weekend in the Northwoods. Early registration, solid preparation, and a bit of planning around lodging will help you make the most of the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the race held in 2026?
The event takes place Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19, 2026, with the main races starting Saturday morning in Hayward.
Where does the race start and finish?
Riders start in Hayward, Wisconsin, and finish in Cable, Wisconsin, with the Finish Festival held at Mt. Telemark Village.
What distances can I choose from?
Options include the 40-mile Chequamegon 40, the 16-mile Short and Fat, and a short loop course for kids called Little Loggers.
How difficult is the course?
The terrain includes rolling hills, forest roads, and sections of ski trail. It suits intermediate to experienced riders, though pacing matters more than raw speed.
How do I register for the event?
Registration usually opens several months ahead through a lottery system on the official website and the Let’s Do This platform. Signing up early improves your chances of securing a spot.
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