Mountain biking in the Chequamegon Area of Northern Wisconsin
and Implications for Regional Development
University of Wisconsin-Extension 1997
Dr. N.R. Sumathi and David A.
Berard
Recently Dr. N.R. Sumathi and David A. Berard of the University of Wisconsin-Extension
published a report on mountain biking. This is the executive summary of
the report.
Executive Summary
Although mountain biking is a rapidly growing activity within Wisconsin
and the nation, little research has been conducted on its impact. This
study profiles mountain biking user characteristics from the Chequamegon
Area Mountain Biking Association (CAMBA) trail system located in northwestern
Wisconsin.
Mountain Biker Characteristics
- Approximately 45% of mountain bikers on the trail system classify themselves
as having advanced or expert skill levels while about 44% classify themselves
as possessing average skills.
- More than 86% of the respondents indicated that mountain biking was
an important or extremely important activity to them.
- Approximately 92% of respondents possess some post-secondary education.
- While survey respondents were of all ages, about 60% were between 25
and 40.
Trip Characteristics
- Almost 63% of the trail users are repeat visitors.
- The average length of stay in the Cable Area is 3.6 days.
Trail Information
- Ninety-four percent of trail users expressed satisfaction with the
CAMBA trails.
- Namakagon and Cable were the most used trail clusters, followed by
Seeley, Hayward, Drummond, and Delta. Trail count estimates account for
22,630 bikers using these clusters during the 1996 season.
- Respondents identified problems related to logging activity, lack of
drinking water, and lack of restrooms.
Marketing Information
- More than 44% of respondents were from the Twin Cities area, while
other major market areas include Chicago and Madison.
- Word of mouth was the primary avenue for information about the trail
system.
Economic Impact
- Based on trail counts of 22,630 and reported daily expenditures of
about $27, direct expenditures within a 30 mile radius of Cable are $630,245.
An additional $163,391 was spent outside the 30 mile radius by trail users.
- Total economic impact including direct expenditures, employment, property
income, and value added from the CAMBA trail users is calculated as $1,174,100.
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