If you're looking to explore new forests, ride the most beautiful remote gravel roads, and meet other bikepackers, we've rounded up a list of 8 beautiful bikepacking events in 2023. From the farthest corners of northern Minnesota to way up in the Upper Peninsula, there's tons of variety and event formats to discover something new this year.
1. Gravel Pizza Overnighter
The Nxrth's own community bikepacking event in the middle of nowhere, Wisconsin. Ride The Nxrth's handpicked gravel roads, stops for cheese curds and beer, and camping at the gorgeous Wedges Creek pizza farm. This year we're adding an optional Friday evening of social gravel and fun. Learn more at Gravel Pizza Overnighter.
2. Tour de Chequamegon
This bikepacking event is in its 7th year and rides Wisconsin's original bikepacking route created by Dave Schlabowske that first put Wisconsin on the bikepacking map. Three Days of riding, 106 miles, and fully catered meals with mechanical support and expert guides makes this a truly premium bikepacking experience. To learn more, head to Tour de Chequamegon.
3. The Wolf [Bikepacking Race]
The Wolf is a three day bikepacking stage race coursing through the heart of the North Shore wilds. This is the event that will test your endurance and grit and maybe even set your eyes on bigger adventures like The Tour Divide. They ask that participants have experience with overnight style bikepacking or touring. Completion of a 100 mile gravel event is a must. To learn more, head to Heck of the North Productions.
*The 2023 Wolf is sold out but you can join the waitlist or keep an eye on it for next year.
4. The Crystal Bear [Bikepacking Race]
The Crystal Bear is a two-day, two-state bikepacking adventure race traveling through remote corners of the Nicolet and Ottawa National Forests. It connects Laona, Wisconsin to Crystal Falls, Michigan and then back to Laona covering 192 total miles. Campsite fee, beer, and pizza in Crystal Falls, MI are included with registration fee. The event was designed so that you need to bring camping gear but not mess kit/cook stoves. This is an entirely self-supported event. There will be no SAG or support vehicles. To learn more, head to the Crystal Bear.
5. Midwest Bikepacking Summit
Join experienced to first-time bikepackers for a weekend of fun in northern Wisconsin. From group rides, lakeside camping, expo, speakers, and of course bikepacking all are sure to meet a riding buddy, learn something, and immerse themselves in the Northwoods. To learn more, visit the Midwest Bikepacking Summit.
6. Hodag Country Ramble
The Hodag Country Ramble took place for the first time last September at Jeff Frane's parents' land near Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Now the sophomore year was recently announced and event tickets and camping reservations are onsale. Learn about what made year one spectacular and what's shaking up for year 2. Learn more at the Hodag Country Ramble.
7. The Crusher [Self-Guided & Self-Supported]
The Crusher is a mass start race through the harshest "gravel" and remotest parts of the Upper Peninsula around Marquette. They also have an EX (expedition) format as well as a bikepacking format. The bikepacking format is 200 miles over 3 days and 100% self guided and self supported. To learn more, visit The Crusher.
8. The Fox [Bikepacking Race]
The Fox is a two day stage race that features 60+ mile days coursing through the heart of the North Shore wilds. The Fox will start in Finland, MN, on July 1. Riders will travel to Grand Marais for their overnight camping experience. On Sunday, riders will travel a different route back to Finland for the finish. The Fox is a timed event. Learn More at Heck of the North Productions.
The 2023 Fox is sold out but you can join the waitlist or keep an eye on it for next year.
