Midwest Owners,
I know this is premature, but too much going on this winter, so it is done real early. Whew....Ok, this is what Chris and I have come up for Midwest Xterra Gathering. Some things may change a bit ,but is the core of it.
We are still working on the itinerary that will be worked out shortly. All the information on campgrounds, lodging, and the area is there for you to go over.

Thank you, Dan

Midwest Xterra Gathering 04'
May 6th to 9th

After old man winter lets go of the northwoods, the MadcityXOC annually heads north for some much needed wheeling, camping (or lodging), and beers by the campfire. There are three main reasons we head up this time of year, no tourist, the Wisconsin blood sucking state bird is not out, and we have the trails to ourselves!

In a past thread on XOC Midwest forum some X'ers expressed it would be great to have a Midwest Gathering. This would unite the Midwest Owners and hopefully begin an annually event for Midwest Owners to gather in the Midwest. We are inviting all Midwest Owners and their families to our playground for just that purpose. We have set the dates as 6 though the 9th. To extend this longer, I will be heading north on the 5th, I have to make what I missed last Fall. Anyone is more than welcome to join me just outside Milwaukee for the trek north, for some early wheeling and camping. Remember, "It is better to be lost in the woods, than found at home!"

In the following pages you will find information you need on this gathering. If not, please contact us on any additional information you may need.

Dan - MadcityXOC Member (aka Excelagator on XOC Board)
Chris - MadcityXOC Pres. (aka Maximusdelirious on XOC Board)


Chequamegon National Forest

The Chequamegon National Forest is a special place of the northwoods. Offering you the wild and scenic wonders of its diverse landscapes. Totaling nearly 850,000 acres, the CNF was formed by ice age glaciers that sculpted the land surface. Planning off hilltops and producing small lakes from the huge blocks of melting ice left in the retreating glacier's path. Explore the forest for an endless variety of trails and recreational experiences it has to offer.

The Chequamegon National Forest offers all types of offroading to do. Everything from logging roads, to technical trails. In our trips to there, we have only scratched the surface and continue to find more and more challenging trails. The wheeling we have done and do in this area is legal. The rangers are more than happy to tell where to get your X dirty!

Background - Chequamegon is pronounced SHO-WAH-MA-GON, the name is derived from the Ojibwa Indian language and means"place of shallow water". The reference is to Chequamegon Bay which extends north from Ashland, Wisconsin into Lake Superior

Camping, Lodging and Provisions

- Two Lakes National Campground
North of Cable is Two Lakes National Campground. It lays in between Two Lakes, hence the name. The facilities are limited, but quite beautiful views from what I gather. So well worth the stay. These campgrounds fill up fast so reserve early.

- KOA of Hayward
We had the campgrounds much to ourselves this time last year. It is not your typical KOA , the campgrounds are set in a established tree farm. They have showers, a laundry room, and a small store for provisions if needed. The campsites range from tent sites to full hooks for campers. They also have small cabins available if that is your preference.

- Lodging
In Seeley there is a rustic looking lodge called, Lenroot Lodge. Built in the 1930s as a one room school, now converted into a lodge. The Lodge's exterior features recycled material including huge log columns rescued from blow-down areas, heavy beams from the town's former garage and telephone poles that now serve as handrails. Great find guys!

. Provisions
Hayward and Cable is best place for gas, food, and BEER!! Hayward does have a Wal-mart if you forgot something…like your tent, or your toothbrush.

Camping, Lodging and Provisions Links & Phone Numbers

Two Lakes Campground http://www.reserveamerica.com/jsp/commonpage.jsp?goto=/nrrs/wi/twol/newindex.html

Hayward Ranger Station Number 715-634-4821

•KOA of Hayward http://www.koakampgrounds.com/where/wi/49146.htm

•KOA of Hayward Email www.winkles@hotmail.com

•KOA Phone number 715-634-2331

•Lenroot Lodge http://www.seeleywis.com/lenroot.htm

•Hayward Chamber of Commerce http://haywardlakes.com

Chequamegon National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/

Map of Chequamegon National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/general/onlinemap/index.html

"Hotspots" in the area

Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association
Camba is the local Mountain bike club. They maintain over 300 miles of trails. They vary from dual track to single track, easy to difficult. Some of the best trails in the midwest are here. You can also hike these trails. The maps are updated more regularly than Wisconsin topo maps. Camba maps are $5 and available online and at New Moon Bike shop on the northside of Hayward on Hwy 63. We found these maps are great for wheeling also.
Camba http://www.cambatrails.org/
New Moon Bike Shop http://www.newmoonski.com/

Town of Seeley
If drive by it and blink, I'll miss it. The Sawmill Saloon is small bar in the northwoods. They also serve breakfast at 7am if you didn't go home! Mooselips Java Joint would a good place for coffee, if you didn't go home! Man, what would your mother say?
Sawmill Saloon http://www.seeleywis.com/saloon.htm
Mooselips Java Joint http://www.seeleywis.com/mooselips.htm

The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame
Located in Hayward. If you fish this is a must see for the fisherman
http://www.freshwater-fishing.org

Points of Interest Along The Trek North

Taliesin - Frank Lloyd Wright's home/school just outside Madison in Spring Green.
Link http://www.taliesinpreservation.org

Leinenkugels - Makers of the beer of the Northwoods located in Eau Claire. Free tours and samples. "free beer"
Link http://www.leinie.com/

Wisconsin Travel Great for current weather, road conditions, coupons and other interest around the cheese state
• Link http://www.wistravel.com

Precautions

In Wisconsin We say, “ If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes!” We had great weather for last year's gathering than we could hoped for. Just be prepared for what Wisconsin weather can bring, especially when camping.

Temps for Cable in May http://www.weather.com/weather/climatology/daily/USWI0108?climoMonth=5
Temps for Hayward in May http://www.weather.com/weather/climatology/daily/USWI0310?climoMonth=5

Please use caution driving in Northern Wisconsin at night. Deer are all over the place like grass on a lawn! Last year, We counted 20 plus deer in two miles after some night wheeling. Reducing speed at night is a must and extra lights are helpful.

Black Bears can be found here. In fact, the worlds record for the largest Black Bear killed was in Glidden, Wisconsin. We have never seen or had a black bear come into our camp on our trips. When camping do not store food in your tent. Rather hoist it in a tree branch with a rope. Another thing is make sure you clean up well after cooking, so there is no remains of food or smell in your camp or on you. Also, If you have to come across a mother and cubs this is not a photo op! Any bear mothering her cubs is the worst situation you could be in. Strange noises to them will help keep them away from you and your camp. Just as a precaution, be aware of your surroundings in the forest.

Xtra Xterra Equipment

A stock X can easily do 99% of trails. Here is a list of things at a bare mininium traveling offroad there. Also below is a optional list.

Should have List
- Full tank of gas before heading out
- FRS Radio ( channel 10 )
- A good tow strap
- A cooler for drinks and lunch - Micky Ds and Subway is a bit of a distance away.

Optional things

- Remove the stock steprails and mudflaps - Better safe than sorry!
- Tools that you think you may need