GEOGRAPHY LESSON

Ashland, Wis., is on the southern shore of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area. Superior is so big it could hold the water from all of the other Great Lakes combined, plus two extra Lake Eries. Its deepest point is 1,300 feet, or 700 feet below sea level, making it the lowest spot in the continental United States.

From the Twin Cities, it's about a four-hour drive to Ashland, Wis. Head north on Interstate 35 to Duluth, then head east on Hwy. 2 through Wisconsin.

The local showcase place to bunk down is the Hotel Chequamegon, which also serves as the starting spot for the race. Rooms are spacious, and many afford great views of the lake, but they're a bit worn ($72-$115; 1-800-946-5555; www.hotelc.com).

Tucked onto a scenic, wooded parcel of land, the Inn at Timber Cove features a suite in the estate's main home, plus several outlying options, including a five-room cottage, decorated in 1930s and 1940s decor, and a renovated carriage house ($75-$100; 1-715-682-9600; www.innattimbercove.com).

Celebrate your accomplishment in style by dining at 2nd Street Bistro, a chic spot a few blocks from the starting line. While the menu isn't extensive, it's carefully thought out, featuring items like steamed mussels, fried gnocchi, Lake Superior whitefish and pumpkin ravioli. The crab cake appetizers are plump with a perfectly crisped exterior and expertly finished with a lemony house aioli. The bistro has a small but well-rounded wine list and features live music Wednesday and Friday nights (1-715-682-6444; www.2ndstreetbistro.com). If you're more the beer-and-burger type, head to Deep Water Grille on West Main Street. Part of the South Shore Brewery complex, it shares space in a historic brick-and-brownstone building with the brewery and sister eatery The Alley, known for its wood-fired pizzas. The Deep Water Grille's menu carries typical brewpub fare: burgers, salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood and pasta. Of course you'll want to wash it down with one of the local microbrews. Just what the doctor ordered after a hard night out on the ice (1-715-682-4200; www.deepwatergrille.com).

Call the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-284-9484 or visit www.visitashland.com.

MELANIE RADZICKI MCMANUS