Life Above 8 Events

26/02/2024

Our guests for the weekend of the Fat Bike Birkie had to cancel, so our Airbnb is open if anyone is thinking about coming up. PM me for the friend discount!

Silent Sports Retreat in Seeley

08/02/2024

In the latest podcast with TJ, we discuss the winter that wasn't. TJ also gets deep into the tremendous amount of work involved in making snow on the Birkie trail. We do some video site visits to look at the giant snow whales (swale watching) and I take you along on some more frozen lake rides. Direct links to the podcast on Youtube and Spotify in the comments below as well as the embeds in my Life Above 8 blog post linked in the image.

It feels like we never really experienced winter this year. By New Year’s Day we still had green grass with snow highlights in yard, so Liz and I decided to start the year with a paddle down the Namekagon River. I followed that with a couple bikerafting trips on the same river over the next couple...

16/12/2023

A bunch of fun videos and updates on Life Above 8 in the latest post, plus Tj is back (yay!) with reasons why you should not ride the Trek Trails Powered by OTM at Telemark, even if the ground is frozen.

What a difference a year and El Niño make. Last year I had venison backstraps for Thanksgiving, we had 22″ of snow on the ground, were still trying to chainsaw open trails to groom after two ice storms bent trees over, and people had been skiing on the Bikrie trails since mid-October. This year, ...

15/12/2023

Mineral Lake, on the Brunsweiler River. Thanks again to by brother Dean Schlabowske for letting me an old song he wrote with a former band "TV White" (anybody remember what "TV white" referred to?). More of his music here => https://deanschlabowskemusic.com/

Biking on Mineral Lake in the town of Marengo, WI north of Clam Lake. Song "Frozen Lake" written by my brother Dean Schlabowske and performed by one of his f...

17/02/2023

We are capping the race at 400 this year, and there are only about 150 spots left. We have never hit 400, but came close last year with 360 riders and we are way ahead compared to last year at this time. Register soonish if you want to be sure you get in. — Seeley Dave

Whether you have a hankering to ride the Hungry Bear 100, Snacking Bear 60 the or the Climbing Cub 30, all routes will serve up a challenge and give you a taste of the fortified gravel we have in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. From smooth rolling forest roads to steep descents littered with bumpy baby he...

02/09/2022

Yesterday I opened registration for the Hungry Bear on BikeReg and added some race-branded apparel and Life Above 8 Northwoods Tees people can order when they register. For those who want a shirt or jersey but don't want to enter the Hungry Bear this year, I added a store to my website. All profits go to support local causes and a new equity program to try to encourage more diversity on the start line at Northwoods races and rides. Check it out all the cool new designs here, most created by Milwaukee ex-pat and extremely talented homey Roberto Rivera Art.
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01/09/2022

Registration for the 2023 Hungry Bear Gravel Ride is open. Sign up here => https://www.bikereg.com/hungrybear100

New this year, we will have a 30-mile Climbing Cub route because I wanted to do a shirt with Goldilocks and the three bears. We are also allowing riders to pre-order a slice of Tilly's Pie so it is waiting for you when you finish. And there are cool new clothing options available, including a Borah Teamwear Freeride jersey made from recycled plastic bottles.

Check it all out on the event registration page or the event page on my lifeaboveeight.com website.

BikeReg - online cycling event registration

25/07/2022

23/05/2022

Hello Mtn Bikers -

The Chequamegon 100 is back and better than ever in 2022. The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) is honored to take over the reins of one of the midwest’s most iconic mountain bike endurance races: The Chequamegon 100.

Come to CAMBA-land in Seeley, WI on June 18th for miles and miles of glorious singletrack fun! There are 3 distances to choose from: 30, 65, or 100 mile races. This is a fundraiser for CAMBA singletrack, and 100% of the profits will go directly to the maintenance and construction of CAMBA singletrack.

Free beer and food to participants! Yes you read that correctly. This is northern Wisconsin.

We have amazing sponsors this year. A silent auction and a raffle will take place to showcase their donations: bike racks, bikes, the list goes on. You don't want to miss out on this!

Details and registration information can be found here =>https://cambatrails.org/events/chequamegon-100/

Join us on June 18th for a day of playing in the big woods and endless trails!
------
Your race organizer,

Ken

16/05/2022

The 2022 Hungry Bear is in the books. The results are posted in this post on my website, along with some photos and a short rider survey.

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Hungry Bear this year. With great weather and a good turnout, every rider we saw at the finish said they had a great time. Most everyone said they liked the course. Some found it more challenging than they expected, but so far nobody had a complaint. Special t...

02/05/2022

Only six more days left to register for the Hungry Bear or Snacking Bear. I got the number plates in today, and they look good with my cute bear cub photo as the background. I also heard from Bree and Eric of Embark Maple, and they will have an aid station on the course with free samples of their yummy energy syrup, plus a couple coolers of water and their usual helping of extra stoke. After registration closes, I'll send out more emails to registered riders with details about parking, race plate pickup, the final route, etc. Register here => https://www.bikereg.com/hungrybear100

29/04/2022

Hey Hungry Bear riders past, present and future,

It is finally warming up in the Northwoods, the snow is almost gone and the gravel is drying. There are only about 10 days left to register, just saying... register here: https://www.bikereg.com/hungrybear100

I just got a request to offer a discount for NICA racers, so I created a coupon code good for $15 off, or $20 to ride with us. In the Spirit of the Hungry Bear, I will share it here and trust people to only use it if they are a NICA racer: Hungry4NICA.

If there are any other folks who want to ride but for whom paying the registration fee is an economic hardship, feel free to reach out to me to see if we can work something out.

As the race nears, I have been thinking more about how I feel about taking over the Hungry Bear and what changes I might make in the future. I can't promise I won't make any changes, but trust that those I do will be in the Spirit of the Hungry Bear as I understand it.

The Spirit of the Hungry Bear

There are hundreds of well-organized races and rides in Wisconsin with well-stocked aid stations, swag bags stuffed with “free” goodies, expert on-course medical and mechanical support, courses so well marked you can’t possibly get lost, age-group prizes, fierce competition, award ceremonies, podiums and expensive registration fees. The Hungry Bear 100 and Snacking Bear 60 have none of those things.

While we do have basic timing, these are more timed rides than races. The top finishers earn bragging rights, a sense of accomplishment, and a handshake or hug, but nothing more tangible. The Hungry Bear was started when many gravel races were DIY, free, and almost underground events. It retains that minimally organized, self-reliant spirit and probably feels more like a family reunion than a typical bike race

The organizers of the Hungry Bear charge a minimal fee to cover permits, porta-potties, insurance and other event expenses. ALL the remaining funds are donated back to promote the community that hosts us or other worthy local causes. The event organizer and volunteers take no money or compensation of any kind from the registration fees.

This year one of the causes that will get support from registration fees is a still-evolving equity program to promote more diversity at the start line and encourage a more diverse group of riders to visit the area. The event organizer is working with several well-known equity leaders in the cycling world to develop this program. As soon as we have more details, we will share them publicly. These equity leaders will be compensated for their valuable time and invaluable insights in helping to develop this program.

The remaining profits are going to pay a very talented illustrator to create some cool designs for apparel that can be sold to raise money for local trails, promote bicycle tourism in the area and further support the evolving equity program.

With all the wonderful organized races and rides in Wisconsin, if this event is not for you, we encourage you to register for something more your speed.

We are very grateful to everyone in our extended Hungry Bear family for the support they give by paying the fee to race/ride, for embracing the Spirit of the Hungry Bear and for coming Up North for Good.

Tailwinds,

Seeley Dave Schlabowske

Life Above 8, LLC

12/04/2022

Some big news about the Chequamegon 100 in the latest video update from Seeley Dave. Also a hyperborean report on current gravel conditions, Hungry Bear 100 permit status and see the new spring kits.

Big news about the Chequamegon 100, spring gravel conditions, and fox kits in the latest hyperborean report on Life Above 8. As usual, thanks to my pals Hugh...

28/03/2022

With about 200 signed up so far for the Hungry Bear, I thought it was time for a Northwoods gravel update, but winter has other ideas! Seeley Dave and Cowboy ride the ephemeral crust season with Birkie, their new puppy. They also ride gravel on Old OO and give a hyperborean report on gravel conditions and the snow in the forecast for later this week.

After a long break, hyperborean reporters Seeley Dave and Cowboy are back with a new partner, Birkie, a 10-month-old puppy. It is crust season, so come on up...

08/02/2022

Yesterday afternoon I finally secured event insurance, so today I opened registration for the 2022 Hungry Bear! Registration on BikeReg.com is linked on the Life Above 8 website event page below. The race will have the same family reunion feel as in the past, and use most of the same route but there will be a few fun new twists. Stay tuned for more regular updates soon. Now I can finally begin applying for permits, but I wanted to wait for insurance before I began that process. Thanks for the patience everyone as we transition to new ownership. - Seeley Dave

Using the excellent forest roads of Bayfield County and the Chequamegon National Forest, we will take a grand loop of Lake Namekagon for the first running of the Hungry Bear 100. Why the Hungry Bear? Well, the race will be at the time of year when the bears are waking up, so keep an eye out in the f...

02/01/2022

Happy New Year everyone. The post below includes a video update on trail conditions, the Hungry Bear, Chequamegon 100 and the Tour de Chequamegon.

Happy New Year everyone! I got out for my first ride of the New Year and thought I would give a little hyperborean report on trail conditions. The CAMBA winter trails are groomed and finally in great condition for riding. Most of the early snow we got in the area was dry and powdery, which is very d...

27/12/2021

Happy Holidays to the Terrene Events family members. Tim promised an update on the events, and we have that below. I'll be running the Hungry Bear and the Cheq 100 in 2022, but Tim and Odia will be at the events. More details on registration and the transition to new ownership in the news post with a video below. Have a safe and happy New Year everyone, see you in Cable. – Seeley Dave

Registration for the Hungry Bear 100 and Chequamegon 100 races will open early in the new year. As soon as I wrap up the insurance and file permits, I will open registration for both events. Announcements for registration will go out on social media channels and here at this Life Above 8 website. Be...

07/05/2021

WHAT: A Gravel ride, unsupported, in the wilderness of the Chequamegon National Forest. You have chosen either the 60 or 100 mile event, and cue sheets and GPX files are accessible below. Printed Cue Sheets will also be available at number plate pickup. You should ride your event with all items you need to complete the course including food, water, tools and gear. Not only is this race unsupported, it also has absolutely no amenities on course. There is literally no businesses or facilities on the course at all for any kind of help.

One would think that an unsupported gravel race in the wilderness is the most COVID-friendly thing ever, but we also have to consider the area that we are going into. Several people in the area still expressed concern about the amount of people we are bringing into the area, so we must respect them, respect the area, and our use of it. Because of this, there will be a few changes from the typical Hungry Bear operations, outlined below in “HOW”

WHEN: Saturday May 8th, starting any time from 8am until Noon. We are having a non-mass start, rolling start to avoid a mass gathering. We do not want to force people into a situation of close proximity that they are not comfortable with, and we also do not want to inundate the small town of Cable all at one time. Tim&Odia will be under the Terrene tent in the public Cable Parking Lot from 7am until Noon to get your number plate, cue sheet (if not printed yourself) and any ordered swag!

WHERE: Parking, Start and Finish will be in the Cable Public lot behind the Old Cable School. Make sure to observe the area around the Fire Station marked for No Parking. You will be riding your bike through Bayfield, Ashland and Sawyer counties in Northern Wisconsin.

WHY: Because gravel riding is fun, and its better to ride in the wilderness than the cornfields.

HOW: This is the tricky part. COVID-related concerns are easing up, but we still have to be careful, respectful of the small town where we hold this, and make sure we do not wear out our welcome. Here are our methods of operation this year.

Number Plate pickup will be from 7am to Noon in the Cable parking lot. Tim & Odia will be under the Terrene tent. We will be wearing masks, and anyone picking up number plates must wear a mask. If you do not want to wear a mask, do not show up. We understand you may forget, and we may remind you gently if you forget. If you choose to debate the usefulness of masks with us, you will immediately be disqualified and asked to leave. Please use social distancing when in line. Once out of the start area, please use your best judgement when riding. When in the town of Cable, please adhere to CDC guidelines, and/or requests and rules of local businesses
There will not be a mass start. Start anytime from 8am until Noon, as you are comfortable. Please actively try to avoid large groups.
When you finish, there will be a Terrene board with a clock. Take a selfie in front of it and send it to us, or just write down your time and let us know. To avoid mass gathering at the finish, we will not have a timing system set up, or any sort of formal finish line. You can send Finish times, DNFs or other info to [email protected] or 715-558-6246
As with all Hungry Bear events in the past, each entry comes with a slice of pie from Tilly’s Pies! We will include a coupon with your number plate pickup to claim a slice. Also, the owner of Tilly’s Pies has requested that we not gather en masse in their driveway, to avoid issues in town. If you see many people in line, please give it a minute. Tilly’s Pies requires masks to be worn for pickup. We will also make sure your coupon is good up until the end of 2021, so if its busy, just come back next time you are up and get a free slice of pie then!
As results are reported to us, we will be recording them and posting them on Terrene Events page, as well as sending them out to all participants.
COURSE REPORT - The course is in really great shape this year. Of course, there are always road hazards of potholes and soft conditions in a few spots, and trees can fall at any time, so be aware of your surroundings and ride with your head up. But generally, the course is very firm and well graded this year.
Waivers - Every participant is required to sign a waiver to pick up the number plate. We will have them at the start, but you can save yourself some time by pre-printing and filling it out, and bringing it all ready to go. Right Click - Save As - https://www.dropbox.com/s/c5pg0x8nv25kj6j/HB100%20Waiver.pdf?dl=0
CUE SHEETS AND GPX FILES.

To access this data - find the link you want, and RIGHT CLICK - SAVE AS. Just clicking the link will not get you access to the file. GPS files are given in three formats, whichever works best for you and your device. Cue sheets are provided this way in case you want to print your own in a certain way, or preview the course. Printed cue sheets will be available at number plate pickup.

Hungry Bear 100 CRS File - https://www.dropbox.com/s/piba3bpbg0vh2ws/HB100.2021.crs?dl=0

Hungry Bear 100 GPX File - https://www.dropbox.com/s/a1n1l0bdgq5kolw/HB100.2021.gpx?dl=0

Hungry Bear 100 KML File - https://www.dropbox.com/s/r0l9kghws7jrprh/HB100.2021.kml?dl=0

Hungry Bear 100 Cue Sheets - https://www.dropbox.com/s/z1dbinzohith5kw/HB100CueCard.2021.pdf?dl=0

Snacking Bear 60 CRS File - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ncbqzqubgsqoc1r/SB60.2021.crs?dl=0

Snaking Bear 60 GPX File - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ldsndbhwxdq22qj/SB60.2021.gpx?dl=0

Snacking Bear 60 KML File - https://www.dropbox.com/s/qwvfxfnifhm5lf3/SB60.2021.kml?dl=0

Snacking Bear 60 Cue Sheets - https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3tajzfeqjbtq5o/SB60CueCard.2021.pdf?dl=0

Waiver - https://www.dropbox.com/s/c5pg0x8nv25kj6j/HB100%20Waiver.pdf?dl=0

Shared with Dropbox

07/05/2021

Hello everyone -

We promised that we would send out all the details, cue sheets, and GPX files on Thursday evening, and I wanted to make sure we communicated to you.

We just got off the course here at about 9:30, and the good thing is, the course is absolutely beautiful this year. Well maintained, fast and firm!!!

I won't be able to compile all the info until tomorrow morning though, and I will send it out by 10am on Friday AM.

For those of you travelling, don't worry. We will have printed versions of the cue sheets available at number pickup if you cannot print them yourself. Same for waivers, so don't fret.

Additionally, all race transfer requests, and confirmation of bib numbers will come at that time as well.

Finally, there have been requests to carry over registrations to 2022. Yes, if you are not happy with our COVID plans and workarounds, you would rather ride with a group, or the opposite, you are not wanting to join a gathering at this time, we are more than happy to transfer any entry to the 2022 event if for any reason you are not comfortable coming this year. Just let us know before Noon on Saturday that this is your choice.

Apologies for the delay, but we are working as fast as we can to put it all together.

Thanks,

Tim

27/04/2021

INFO DUMP FOR 2021 HUNGRY BEAR 100 -

WHAT: A Gravel ride, unsupported, in the wilderness of the Chequamegon National Forest. You have chosen either the 60 or 100 mile event, and you will be given cue sheets for the appropriate race on Thursday, 5/6/21 after the final course check is complete. You should ride your event with all items you need to complete the course including food, water, tools and gear. Not only is this race unsupported, it also has absolutely no amenities on course. There is literally no businesses or facilities on the course at all for any kind of help.
One would think that an unsupported gravel race in the wilderness is the most COVID-friendly thing ever, but we also have to consider the area that we are going into. Several people in the area still expressed concern about the amount of people we are bringing into the area, so we must respect them, respect the area, and our use of it. Because of this, there will be a few changes from the typical Hungry Bear operations, outlined below in “HOW”
WHEN: Saturday May 8th, starting any time from 8am until Noon. We are having a non-mass start, rolling start to avoid a mass gathering. We do not want to force people into a situation of close proximity that they are not comfortable with, and we also do not want to inundate the small town of Cable all at one time. Tim&Odia will be under the Terrene tent in the public Cable Parking Lot from 7am until Noon to get your number plate, cue sheet (if not printed yourself) and any ordered swag!
WHERE: More details will be sent out with the cue sheets. Parking, Start and Finish will be in the Cable Public lot behind the Old Cable School. You will be riding your bike through Bayfield, Ashland and Sawyer counties in Northern Wisconsin.
WHY: Because gravel riding is fun, and its better to ride in the wilderness than the cornfields.
HOW: This is the tricky part. COVID-related concerns are easing up, but we still have to be careful, respectful of the small town where we hold this, and make sure we do not wear out our welcome. Here are our methods of operation this year.
1. Number Plate pickup will be from 7am to Noon in the Cable parking lot. Tim & Odia will be under the Terrene tent. We will be wearing masks, and anyone picking up number plates must wear a mask. If you do not want to wear a mask, do not show up. We understand you may forget, and we may remind you gently if you forget. If you choose to debate the usefulness of masks with us, you will immediately be disqualified and asked to leave. Please use social distancing when in line. Once out of the start area, please use your best judgement when riding. When in the town of Cable, please adhere to CDC guidelines, and/or requests and rules of local businesses
2. There will not be a mass start. Start anytime from 8am until Noon, as you are comfortable. Please actively try to avoid large groups.
3. When you finish, there will be a Terrene board with a clock. Take a selfie in front of it and send it to us, or just write down your time and let us know. To avoid mass gathering at the finish, we will not have a timing system set up, or any sort of formal finish line. You can send Finish times, DNFs or other info to [email protected] or 715-558-6246
4. As with all Hungry Bear events in the past, each entry comes with a free slice of pie from Tilly’s Pies! We will include a coupon with your number plate pickup to claim a slice. Also, the owner of Tilly’s Pies has requested that we not gather en masse in their driveway, to avoid issues in town. If you see many people in line, please give it a minute. Tilly’s Pies requires masks to be worn for pickup. We will also make sure your coupon is good up until the end of 2021, so if its busy, just come back next time you are up and get a free slice of pie then!
5. As results are reported to us, we will be recording them and posting them on Terrene Events page, as well as sending them out to all participants.