CAMBA FAQ's
What is CAMBA?
CAMBA, the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization whose mission is: To support mountain bike advocacy, education, sustainable trail development and tourism in the Chequamegon Area in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, local governments and agencies and private landowners. CAMBA is responsible for the development and management of a regional mountain bike trail system of over 300 miles in northern Sawyer and southern Bayfield Counties of Wisconsin. Trails are based in the towns of Cable, Delta, Drummond, Hayward, Namakagon and Seeley on National and county forests and some private land.
Is a trail pass required?
No, there is no formal trail pass required to ride the CAMBA trails. However, several trail heads do require parking fees: National Forest - Rock Lake TH, Sawyer County Forest - Hatchery Creek, Mosquito Brook and OO Trail Heads.
Is a CAMBA membership required to ride the trails?
No. Anyone may ride the trails, but we encourage you to join CAMBA to help support the trail system.
How do I join CAMBA?
There are several ways. You may fill out a membership form from our brochure and mail it in. You may download a form from our website and mail it in. [http://www.cambatrails.org/pdf/camba-pdf-membership.pdf] Or, you can join on-line at www.signmeupsports.com and pay by credit card. http://www.signmeup.com/site/calendar/details.aspx?calendarid=29&CalendarListingId=4355
If all CAMBA memberships expire on April 1, what if I join in Jan., Feb. or March?
If you join CAMBA after Oct. 31, 2008 through March 31, 2009 for example, your membership will be good through April 2010. You essentially get the off season for free. If you join from April 1 through the end of October, your membership will expire the following April 1. It is easier for our limited staff to have one anniversary date and do renewals all at once.
How do I find the trails?
If you are unfamiliar with the area, the best way to start is to look at the CAMBA Area Map. This map shows all the local highways, from Hayward north to U.S. Hwy 2 and locations of CAMBA trail heads. Also on this map are recommend paved routes for road biking and additional gravel road routes that are not on the CAMBA system.
Where can I get maps?
Maps are available from several sources. Individual cluster maps map be picked up at each trail head. You may order a full set of maps: the CAMBA Area map and 5 cluster maps, on the CAMBA website. [http://www.cambatrails.org/cambacatalog/index.php?cPath=23] You will, however, have to send payment. Or, you may simply send us a note with your payment and we will mail the maps to you. In the area, map sets can be purchased at area bicycle shops and chambers of commerce.
Are the CAMBA trails difficult?
The CAMBA trails run the complete spectrum of difficulty, from very easy paved or gravel roads suitable for beginners or families, to challenging technical singletrack that experienced riders will enjoy.
Are there paved bicycle trails in the CAMBA system?
Technically no. Several CAMBA routes use sections of paved town roads, but there are no paved bicycle paths.
Is my cross or hybrid bike O.K. for riding the CAMBA trails?
There are a few routes, mostly gravel roads, where a hybrid bike will work, but overall you will enjoy your experience more on a fat tire mountain bike.
When do the trails open?
Most of the CAMBA trails open on May 1. Trails on the National Forest are specifically closed until May 1. Trails on Bayfield and Sawyer County Forests may open earlier depending on conditions. Consult the CAMBA website, local bike shops or chambers of commerce for more info.
When do the trails close?
There is no set closing date, but generally when it gets too cold to ride, or if there is snow on the ski trails that are also used for biking. We do not recommend that people ride during the 9-day deer gun season, which usually falls during the last two weeks of November.
How do I know if it's O.K. to ride?
Once the trails are open in the spring, it is assumed that they are O.K. to ride the rest of the year. We will post trails closed to due logging or other work on our website and on the trails. If we experience a period of extremely wet weather, we will post trail advisories on our website and at the local bike shops and chambers of commerce.
Where can I stay?
As a popular tourist destination there are numerous resorts, motels and campgrounds. We encourage you to patronize our sponsors and business members. Consult the CAMBA Area Map or our website for recommended lodging options. You may also find additional lodging information through the Cable Area or Hayward Area Chambers of Commerce.
Where can I camp?
There are a few private campgrounds and several National Forest campgrounds in the area. None are actually right on the trails, but most are within a short drive to CAMBA trail heads. CAMBA publishes a brief directory of camping options, or you may visit our website for this information. [http://www.cambatrails.org/camping.html]
Where can I rent a bike?
There are two principal bike shops in the area where you can rent a bike: New Moon Bike Shop in Hayward and Riverbrook Bike & Ski with locations in Spooner and Seeley. Telemark Resort and Lakewoods Resort also have rental bikes.
Is there a source for learning how to ride?
CAMBA offers two programs: CAMBA Kids and Finding the Rhythm of the Trail, for children and adults respectively. More information can be found on our website. [http://www.cambatrails.org/kids.html, http://www.cambatrails.org/pdf/findingtherhythm-registrationform.pdf] Local bike shops also offer clinics and workshops.
Does CAMBA present the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival?
No. The Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival has been a long-time supporter of CAMBA, but it is a separate entity. CAMBA does sponsor a Friday afternoon trail tour during the festival weekend.
What happened to the CAMBA Fat Tire Poker Ride?
The Poker Ride was discontinued in 2006 due to declining participation. It is uncertain whether it will be resurrected any time in the future.
Does CAMBA present any races?
Thus far, CAMBA has not presented competitive events.
