Men's Journal

The summer season has officially begun, and this weekend we think you should take advantage. Head to Block Island for a taste of the simple life, or bike the trails of Wisconsin until the wind in your sails or the air in your tires peters out.

By Tara House

CAMBA Festival of the Trails, June 4-6

Cable, Wisconsin

With National Trails Day happening this Saturday, June 5, we figure what better way to spend the weekend than sitting atop a mountain bike as you navigate through miles of singletrack trails in the Cable-Hayward Area of rural northwest Wisconsin? It’s time to grab your helmets again, folks — we’re going biking.

The second annual Festival of the Trails is being held this weekend, by the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA). With 65 miles of pure singletrack and over 200 miles of marked and mapped off-road routes, the three-day festival showcases the area’s outstanding plethora with a series of trail-based events, and social gatherings to boot.

Outings such as the Tour de Trails, a series of self-guided tours along seven different trails, or the Taste de Trails, a 12-mile rolling food-fest showcasing five area restaurant, are just two of the five main biking events this weekend. An educational series called Teach de Trails covers areas such as riding skills, bike repair, making a sustainable trail, and more. A night-time ride called Twi-Night de Trails kicks off Friday, and an obstacle course comprised of tight turns, log ramps, and other challenges will be available to riders in the Test de Trails event.

A Friday-night meet-and-greet will be held, accompanied by a bike video-fest on Saturday night, and a cookout party on Sunday afternoon. The fest concludes with a swag-bag celebration and raffle, drawing from over $10,000 in merchandise prizes. Participants will be given a Tally de Trails card that acts as a raffle ticket, to be punched at the half-way point of each trail traversed. The more you ride, the more prizes you can win.

The pre-registration deadline has already come and gone, but those interested in making this weekend’s event can still register online here — although CAMBA coordinators suggest you register upon arrival if you can’t do so online by Thursday night.

Travel and Accommodations

While the festival does not have any camping accommodations set up, the Cable-Hayward Area has a wonderful selection of camp grounds and lodging to chose from. See here for details and contact info.

Cable Union Airport is located just two miles outside of Cable, WI.

A Taste of Block Island, June 4-6

Block Island, Rhode Island

On beautifully preserved land, nestled in the Atlantic, and just 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island sits a place called Block Island. This weekend, we suggest you get a taste of it.

The well-known northeastern island has been a happening tourist spot for generations, thanks to its rolling beaches, beautiful waters, and sprawling open spaces. It’s been a sanctuary and an escape to both visitors and residents, boasting a pleasant, relaxing, and simpler way of life.

This weekend the island invites and welcomes you with its second annual Taste of Block Island event. Local restaurants, boutiques, lodging facilities, touring centers, and more will be participating in a three-day showcase of everything they have to offer, with discounted rates, promotions, and special events in abundance.

With so many options to chose from, the most stress you’ll have all weekend is figuring out where to start. Take a kayak tour around the island, or go on a nature walk. Attend art shows and cook-outs during the day, then star-gaze into a dark New England night, or even take cooking lessons from participating venues. Or just simply sit back and relax on the beach. Whatever your tastes may be, Block Island can accommodate.

Discounts can be attained with a Taste of Block Island Button, available for purchase at the Block Island Chamber of Commerce or aboard any Interstate Navigation Block Island Ferry for the extremely low price of $5 per ticket. Make sure to check out the website for all participating venues and events.

Travel and Accommodations

The Block Island Chamber of Commerce and A Taste of Block Island provide a wonderful list of hotels and accommodations. Discount buttons are already included in these packages, so there’s no need to purchase one upon arrival.

Block Island is accessible three ways — by ferry, private boat, or plane. If you have a private boat click here to learn about the island’s Old and New Harbors. Don’t own a boat? Click here to find about the island’s ferry transportation systems, accessible from multiple points of interest in the surrounding area. Boats don’t float your boat? Click here for air travel details.