October 19, 2022 - The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) recently announced the approval of Class 1 e-bikes on many of the renowned mountain bike trails that it manages in the Chequamegon–Nicolet National Forest, a 1,530,647-acre U.S. National Forest in northern Wisconsin.

With over 130 miles in the mountain-bike trail system, and over 200+ miles of gravel routes, CAMBA also grooms 70+ miles of trails for winter riding, thus creating a proverbial adventure paradise.

The massive trail network includes the Bayfield and northern Sawyer County Forests, covering nearly a million acres for riding your mountain bike or your gravel bike. Trails are based in the towns of Bayfield, Cable, Hayward, Namakagon and Seeley.

CAMBA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization with a vision to offer the premier off-road riding destination in the upper Midwest and host exceptional events and programs, while utilizing the trails to build community and drive economic enhancement.

In that light, the popular 40th edition of the Chequamegon MTB Festival will be held next year and once again will feature three events: the 40-mile Chequamegon 40; the 16-mile Short & Fat; and the Little Loggers for mountain bikers-in-training. The long-standing festival attracts top riders and enthusiasts from across the United States, including international participants.

The list of CAMBA trails where the use of Class 1 pedal- assist e-bikes is permitted includes the Hayward Cluster: Hospital Trail, Hatchery Creek Trail, Makwa; Seeley Cluster: Makwa, Seeley Pass, FlowMama, Camp 38 Spur; Cable Cluster: Ojibwe, Sleigh Trail, Wild River Trail, Short & Fat, Esker, Dirt Candy, Danky Dank; Mt. Ashwabay Cluster: All trails. Authorization for e-bike use on the remaining CAMBA trails is pending.

CAMBA plans to post appropriate signage indicating where the use of e-bikes is permitted and utilize its website and social media network to promote safe riding practices. Wisconsin allows Class 1 e-bikes on paved roads and pathways, but state regulations leave it up to land managers to designate the use of e-bikes on trails.

The renowned American Birkebeiner, the largest cross-country skiing race in North America that debuted in 1973, features two premier events, a 50km skate and a 55km classic race from Cable to Hayward, that utilize some of CAMBA’s trails. 

For more information, please visit www.cambatrails.org and www.cheqmtb.com