Life Time played host to cyclists in the remote towns of Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, this past weekend during the 38th annual Chequamegon MTB Festival. The 2021 event featured US$10,000 in prize purse winnings.
The event’s signature distance featured 40-miles of the famed Birkie Ski Trail, forest roads and winter snowmobile routes, but also includes the popular ‘Short & Fat’ 16-mile distance, and ‘Little Loggers’ route to inspire a future generation of off-road enthusiasts.
In total and across all three event distances, 2,677 cyclists took part, with the oldest aged 82 and the youngest just one year old; they hailed from 37 US states and four countries.
“It’s beyond exciting for us to welcome everyone back to this celebration of bikes and camaraderie in off-road cycling,” said Peter Spencer, Events Manager at Life Time.
“Everyone is in high spirits and the excitement is truly palpable. The atmosphere at Chequamegon is exemplary of what folks can expect at Life Time events, where we aim to provide memorable experiences that change lives while inspiring onlookers to take up the sport themselves.”
In the women’s 40-mile, Melisa Rollins, 25, of Salt Lake City, Utah, crossed the finish first with a time of 2:36:39. Second behind Rollins was six-year first-place title holder Jenna Rinehart, 37, with a time of 2:36:40. Kenzie Statz, 38, placed third with a time of 2:49:23
In the men’s 40-mile, Cole Paton, 23, of Durango, Colorado, took first with a finish time of 2:15:26. 2019 first-place winner Alexey Vermeulen, 26, took second, crossing the finish at 2:15:27. Corey Stelljes, 40, placed third with a time of 2:15:49.
Upcoming events on Life Time’s off-road cycling calendar include The ‘Rad Dirt Fest in Trinidad, Colorado, on October 2-3, and Big Sugar NWA Gravel in Bentonville, Arkansas, on October 23.
The Chequamegon MTB Festival is owned and produced by Life Time. It is among more than 30 athletic events owned by the company, including Garmin UNBOUND Gravel, the Leadville Race Series and the Verizon New York City Triathlon.
