Registration is still open for the Sunday, September 20, 1998 Rough Stuff Rendezvous bicycle orienteering event and the Cable Criterium lap race. You can preregister for either of thse events until September 1, 1998. After September 1, 1998 you can register on the event date, Sunday, September 20 up until one hour before the start of the event. If you want an entry blank for the Sunday events, e-mail us your name and address at cheqfat@win.bright.net.


Why is there a limit on the event?

Each year the event has filled its limit sooner. In 1992 a limit of 2,500 entries for the combined totals of the Chequamegon 40 & Short & Fat was established. Preservation of the race course trails is the foundation for the limit with the acknowledgment that those trails have a definite carrying capacity. Managing the safety concerns of 2,500 riders over the race course is another reason for the limit. In addition management for quality and not quantity means that the staff and volunteers avoid organizational burnout and have as much fun as participants. The net result is the consistent high quality of the Chequamegon experience for the participants, staff, volunteers and community.


Is there a waiting list for entries?

While there are always no-shows in any event, no waiting list is kept for the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival to fill the spots of participants who enter and decide to not show up. In fact the event is over booked beyond the 2,500 person limit to take into account the customary no-show percentage.


What about 1999 registration and beyond?

Registration for 1999 will be vastly different from the traditional system used. While at this time a firm decision has not been made, most likely a random lottery will be instituted. This will give everyone a more or less equal chance at getting one of the 2,500 spots, will eliminate the mad rush to the mailbox and eliminate the need to travel to the event one year in advance to even hope to get a spot.

When a decision is made on the lottery for 1999 an announcement will be made on this web page. At the very latest, the announcement will be made by May 1998 when the pre-race issue of Fat Tracks is published.

How Do I get There?

Approximate Driving Times

Minneapolis/St. Paul 3 hrs
Duluth/Superior 1.5 hrs.
Green Bay 5 hrs.
Milwaukee 7 hrs.
Chicago 8 hrs.
Wausau 3 hrs.
Madison 6 hrs.
Rockford 7 hrs.
Dubuque 5 hrs.