9/15/2025

N. WISCONSIN - The 42nd Lifetime Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival, one of the nation’s oldest mountain bike races, drew over 2,800 cyclists from 40 states and nine countries this past weekend. Participants, ranging from two to 81 years old, gathered on the Birkebeiner Trail in Hayward to tackle various courses, including the 40-mile signature course, the 16-mile “Short and Fat,” and the kid-friendly Little Loggers ride. The finish line at The Great Hall in Cable offered a lively atmosphere with spectators, food trucks, cold beverages, and live music. In the professional division, Melisa Rollins of Utah secured first place in the women’s race, while Alexey Vermeulen of Colorado claimed the men’s title. The festival also introduced Generations in Motion, a new initiative dedicated to funding youth cycling opportunities in the Hayward area.