When summer hits the Upper Midwest, it’s hard to beat our local singletrack. But sometimes the itch for something new takes over. We’ve handpicked destinations like the rugged hills around Spearfish and the riverside trails of Chattanooga, all within road-trip range of the Northwoods, so you can swap the familiar for fresh trails, big views, and a change of pace. Load up the bikes, pack the snacks, and hit the road. Words by Chris Stindt MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Tannins And Tribulations is a 24-hour unsupported challenge following a 13.3-mile loop of singletrack gravel around Mt. Telemark and Bayfield/Sawyer County Forest in northern Wisconsin. It will take place on Oct 4 at 7am, read on for details. Words by Joshua Uhl. To learn more, visit here . After recently moving to northern Wisconsin I began to explore and put together routes that I thought would be fun and challenging. The Hayward/Cable area, where I live, has over 150 miles of singletrack and a ton more backroads to explore. There are lots of supported races held in this area throughout the year centered around going fast. Not to mention the expensive entry fees. I wanted to put together a free event that focused on the bikepacking ethos, self supported/unsupported, while presenting a similar challenge to a long distance bikepacking race. Thus the Tannins and Tribulations 24 Hour Challenge. My hope is that this format of 24 hour bikepacking style event catches on and is something people can organize in their own back yard, even if they only have a few miles of trails to work with. A 24-hour unsupported challenge. It’s a 13.3 Mile loop of single track with a hint of gravel. Around Mt. Telemark and Bayfield/Sawyer County Forest in northern Wisconsin. This is an unsupported challenge with a Grand Depart: 10/04/25 – 7am – at the Top of the Mt. Telemark Observation Tower. Ride the route for a 24 hour period, logging as many laps as you can. Keep a tally so you don’t forget what lap you’re on. Each lap starts and ends at the top of the observation tower on the top of Mt. Telemark. The Last lap may start as late as 23:59:59. Rules: Unsupported means you must carry everything you need from start to finish. This includes any and all food, gear, equipment, etc. You may obtain water from publicly available or natural water sources only. If you leave the route for any reason you must re-enter the route in the exact same location you left it. No stashing gear No Crew No leaving any electronics at an outlet to charge for a lap No cars or campers No use of commercial services You may discard trash at publicly available trash cans. You may use publicly available bathrooms. If you choose to sleep, do so at your own discretion. This is an Unofficial challenge and anyone participating is doing so as an individual. Be courteous of other trail users and don’t be a dingus. Have fun, bikes are fun! ** There is NO 24 hour parking at Mt. Telemark – The CAMBA Cable Cluster Trailhead has a large 24 hour lot. It’s about a 3 mile ride to the base of Mt. Telemark. Remember, the Challenge starts at the TOP of the Mt Telemark Observation Tower.

Created inn collaboration with Andy Cabrera of U.P. Sport & Spoke Photos by Dylan Juchemich @jukendorf Where the Heck is Iron Mountain, Michigan? Iron Mountain is right on the border of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. If you were driving from Green Bay to Marquette, this would be pretty close to your halfway point. Surrounded by tons of forestland, lakes, and rivers (including the Menominee River that divides WI and MI), it's a fantastic jumping off point for exploring hundreds of miles of winding, rolling gravel roads. But what really makes it a great destination is the wide spread of amenities in the several little towns all tucked closely together including Iron Mountain, Kingsford, Norway, and Niagara. Jump to Section Map Overview Gravel Routes Bike Shops Where to Stay Where to Eat Where to Grab Evening Drinks Where to Get Coffee Off the Bike Attractions History Lesson on Iron Mountain The area was originally inhabited by the Menominee and Chippewa tribes before being discovered by French explorers in the 17th century. The city was founded in the mid-1800s, during the height of the iron mining industry in the region. The first mine in the area, the Chapin Mine, opened in 1879, and was followed by several others, including the Cornish, Murphy, and Quinnesec mines. The city grew rapidly, and by the turn of the 20th century, it had become a major center of the iron mining industry, employing thousands of workers. In addition to mining, the city also had a thriving lumber industry, with several sawmills located in the area. The decline of the iron mining industry in the mid-20th century led to a significant economic downturn in Iron Mountain, and the city's population declined. However, in recent years, the city has made efforts to diversify its economy, and has attracted a number of new businesses and industries. Today, Iron Mountain is a popular tourist destination, with several recreational opportunities (like gravel 😊) in the surrounding area, including skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking. Where to Ride Gravel From Iron Mountain, Michigan Would it be wrong to say that everything in the U.P. is just a little bit different? You've got pasties, winter-hardened yoopers, and a whole buncha gravelly goodness that they just never got around to paving. And lucky you, because whether you're stopping on your way to Marquette or going all in on a memorable Iron Mountain gravel weekend, they have the terrain, wild rivers, and endless network of janky old logging roads to get lost on. Add the fantastic variety of brewery pizza, rooftop vibes, and ice cream in a barn, and you've now got yourself a destination to bring the whole crew up north for. Gravel Routes Two Lakes Loop | 13.9 Miles Enjoy the lakes and stay close to town. Lake Antoine is mostly paved and includes a bike lane so you’ll see a lot of runners and families with kids. Lake Antoine also has a campground and a natural spring where you can get water. Once you get to Fumee Lake, you’ll find more gravel and double track around the lake. There are no motorized vehicles around Fumee Lake so it’s pretty peaceful and if you’re wanting some singletrack action, there are mountain bike trails on the north and south side of Fumee Lake. Link to Map . Old Carney Lake | 27 Miles Start downtown and roll the pavement until you hit the gravel on Old Carney Lake Road. This route includes the popular Rock Dam Falls which is worth a stop. After that you’ll go by Rock Lake and Carney Lake. Carney Lake has a campground but Rock Lake is more clear and better for taking a swim. Link to Map . Lone Wolf Short Course | 35 Miles This lollipop route starts at the DNR gravel pit. Follow the nice, mostly hard packed gravel roads with a few pavement connectors. This route follows the West Branch Sturgeon River and has a lot of pretty views of the water. Link to Map . Norway Truck Trail | 41 Miles This is named after the road that takes you into Norway after meandering around in the Copper Country State Forest. Once you get to Norway, your ride is 75% over but it just might be worth stopping before heading back via Fumee Lake and Lake Antoine. Norway has some mountain bike trails as well as attractions such as hiking trails to see the river and falls at Piers Gorge, and True North Outpost with zipline and white water rafting plus there are a few places to grab a bite. Link to Map . Lone Wolf Long Course | 51 Miles Starting at the gravel pit, this route is similar to the Short Lone Wolf but instead of looping back, you’ll continue south to the upper pine creek area and the outskirts of Norway before the last few big climbs of the route. If you ride this and find that you’re feeling the spirit of the lone wolf, that’s probably because it passes the storied spot where James Morrow and his friend saw the iconic lone wolf, and the rest is history. If you only had time for one route, and want all the best gravel in a perfect distance, this is it. Link to Map . Norway, Niagara, & Wisconsin | 52 Miles Connecting all the small towns, this is nice and accessible gravel route from anywhere in the area. You’ll do the entire Norway Truck Trail and also connect Old Carney Lake Road and go right by Strawberry Lake. When you get into town, this route cuts through the golf course and then rides some singletrack for a little bit and also runs right by Piers Gorge. There is some pavement connecting the towns and a big climb coming back to Kingsford. When you’re in Kingsford, feel free to stop at 51st State Brewing or Contrast Coffee. Link to Map . Big Loop | 96 Miles Well look at you, you made it all the way to Way Dam Lake (and you might need the campground that's there). This route also follows the Ford River which is really beautiful in the fall and cuts through Felch. Link to Map . Bike Shop U.P. Sport & Spoke Iron Mountain's lone bike shop and it's perfectly located downtown to start your rides with a public parking lot right behind the shop. They're a Salsa and Trek dealer and are right next to Moose Jackson with Spiros, Jean Kay's Pasties, and Odd Fellows also right there. Grab some maple syrup energy, a spare tube, and get even more local riding tips from the team there. They helped put this gravel guide together and are experts on gravel adventures. Where to Stay Edgewater Resort Pick one of several little country cabins that line the Menomonee River where you can even go fishing with a Wisconsin license since it’s right on the border of the two states. Pine Mountain Resort The beautiful resort has onsite dining, drinks, golf course, and pool. If you’re there in the winter, they also have downhill skiing as well as the largest ski jump in North America. Marriott Towneplace Suites This is a brand new extended stay all-suite hotel in downtown Iron Mountain with free hot breakfast. Camping Rivers Bend This campground has been around for 40+ years and is nestled along the Menomonee River. They have RV and tent sites as well as a few glamping options. Lake Antoine Campground Right on the shore of Lake Antoine this campground is also close to downtown. They have swimming, boat launch, RV, and tent sites. Where to Eat Spiros Downtown Restaurant This place is, you guessed it, right downtown. It’s a favorite spot for food with a great menu and the best burgers. They have outdoor seating and a tasty wine selection. Odd Fellows They offer seasonal courses and farm-to-table dishes highlighting the agriculture all around Iron Mountain. They have a constantly changing menu based on what's growing, and offer a beer and wine selection that is otherwise unavailable for hundreds of miles. Moose Jackson This is a nice place for lunch and also has a coffee shop with over 15 custom roasted international blends of coffee and a full espresso bar and European style bakery. Henry’s Steakhouse This one is located a stone's throw from Iron Mountain in Kingsford and is where you’re going to find the best steak as well as an early model of Henry Ford’s Model T. Jean Kay’s Pasties Don’t you even think about going to the U.P. without sitting down for a pasty. If you’re new to pasties, the most popular is steak or steak with rutabaga and they’ve even got breakfast pasties for your dawn patrol gravel rides. Carlos Cantina Carlos Cantina is a family owned and operated Authentic Mexican restaurant located inside the beautiful historic building in downtown Iron Mountain that also houses Sol Blue. Carlos Cantina offers guests a casual, family friendly atmosphere including a wide variety of Mexican beer and a full bar. Crispigna’s Italian Market Using the same family recipes for over 90 years, you're gonna fine authentic Italian foods, and specialty meat and cheese (gravel charcuterie ride anyone?). You may also want to grab a fresh roll from the bakery and shove it in your jersey pocket on your way out of town. Dessert The Ice Cream Barn It’s right on the highway. Easy in, easy out. Live animals, ice cream, and an actual barn. You always gotta stop for ice cream, so do it. Where to Grab Drinks in the Evening 51st State Brewing This is Kingsford and Iron Mountain’s first brewery and the name is inspired by the U.P.’s various attempts to secede and become it’s own state. Enjoy the patio here and possibly the area’s best best pizza. Sol Blu Housed in a historic downtown building, this is your central taproom with beer, spirits, and food. Sandstone Terrace Honestly is there anything better than a rooftop bar in the evening during the summer? Grab some food from the bar or from Carlos Cantina then gather around the fire. Where to Grab Coffee Contrast Coffee In Kingsford, this is where the yooper coffee spirit is fully alive. You’ll need a stiff smack in the face with a cupa caffeine before the early morning rides and this is where to get it. Moose Jackson With a European style bakery and custom roasted blends and espresso bar, you should have some fun exploring Moose Jackson’s craft coffee. Organic Grounds Coffeehouse Located in Kingsford, Organic Grounds serves coffee, espresso, gluten-free treats, and healthy organic options. ​ Off the Bike Trout Fishing I haven’t done it, but I can tell you that bike fishing is a thing and Iron Mountain has it. You’re more than welcome to strap your folding fly rod to your bike and go searching for trout streams or just take a day off the bike and see if anything is biting. Piers Gorge A beautiful gorge shaped by the Menominee River, Piers Gorge showcases its unique beauty with cascading drops resembling "piers" over rock ledges. These drops form four sets of rapids, with the largest one named Mishicot Falls, standing approximately 8 feet tall. Accompanying the pretty scenery is a well-maintained hiking trail that stretches alongside the ledges and drops, extending for a distance of 1-2 miles along the river. There is an elevated overlook that provides a great view of the falls, while those seeking a closer experience can venture down to the water. This area is also popular for white water rafting. Millie Mine Bat Cave This is a deserted vertical iron mine and now serves as a sanctuary for one of the largest bat colonies in North America housing up to 1 million bats. Don’t worry though; the mine shaft entrance is protected by a specialized steel grate that prevents humans from accidentally falling in while allowing the bats to come and go freely. 51st State Brewery Yep, we already mentioned this one but it’s worth a stop and a mention here. Bike right over after a ride, grab some local brews on the patio from the place that has occasionally wished it was just its own state. Fumee Lake Natural Area Fumee Lake Natural Area spans over 1800 acres and boasts unique features, including Fumee Lake and Little Fumee Lake, offering five miles of untouched shoreline. Home to eagles and loons, it serves as biking, hiking, picnics, and wildlife viewing. ​ True North Outpost An adventure HQ located in Norway with options for guided trips, gear and rentals, for outings including white water rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, a more.

Some people think love is about candlelit dinners and handwritten letters. Gravel bikers know better. Our true expressions of devotion happen in dust clouds, on questionable “shortcuts,” and over Kwik Trip snacks eaten on a curb. Here’s your guide to understanding the real love languages of the gravel life so you can ride, relate, and romance like a pro. 1. Words of Affirmation Nothing says “I care” quite like telling someone their bike is perfectly dialed or that they floated over that washboard like a pro. Gravel compliments are oddly specific and often muttered between gulps of Skratch. Examples: You corner like a whisper. Your chain sounds so smooth right now. *You’d totally crush Unbound That was the cleanest bunny hop over a roadkill raccoon I’ve ever seen. Your route choices are questionable, but I respect the chaos. *even if this is not true 2. Acts of Service When someone truly loves you, they’ll do the gritty, unglamorous stuff so you don’t have to. Pulling into a headwind for 20 miles? Stopping to help fix your flat when they’re already late for dinner? That’s love, baby. Examples: Lending you their pump when they know you already have one but “yours squeaks weird.” Standing guard at the porta-potty line so no one cuts in front of you. Sitting on the curb outside Kwik Trip holding both bikes while you raid the hot case. 3. Receiving Gifts The currency of gravel courtship isn’t diamonds, it’s wool socks, a fresh tub of chamois cream, and the occasional surprise bottle cage upgrade. Bonus points if it’s something they spotted in a sketchy bike shop two states away. Examples: Dropping off a fresh burrito on your doorstep before a big ride. That little bag of Haribo gummies at mile 75. A shiny new multi-tool “just because.” Bringing you the “good” chain lube, not the bargain-bin sludge. 4. Quality Time For gravel riders, quality time often means minimal talking, maximum pedaling, and the occasional “car back.” The real bonding happens in shared miles, headwinds, and post-ride patio beers until the sun dips behind the silos. Examples: Sitting on the curb outside a Kwik Trip with chocolate milk in hand. Riding all day without looking at your phone once. A weekend bikepacking trip where showers are optional. 5. Physical Touch We’re not a super touchy bunch, but when it happens, it’s meaningful. A sweaty high-five after a sketchy descent? A muddy hug at the finish line? Peak intimacy. Examples: Gently brushing gravel out of someone’s helmet vents. Shoulder-to-shoulder drafting in the crosswind. Adjusting their backpack straps without being asked. Bonus: Miscommunications in Gravel Love Just like in relationships off the bike, sometimes the love language wires get crossed. Examples You wanted Quality Time … but they “surprised” you with intervals. You craved Acts of Service … but they just yelled “shift down!” from 20 feet ahead. You hoped for Words of Affirmation … and got unsolicited advice on your saddle height. You were excited for Receiving Gifts … and they showed up with matching Lycra kits you definitely didn’t approve.

Josh, founder of The Nxrth, recently joined the Lake Superior Podcast to talk about bike adventures up north. In this conversation, Josh shares how childhood rides along Wisconsin’s Chippewa River State Trail sparked a lifelong passion for cycling and adventure. He talks about why the Lake Superior region is an awesome place to live and ride, from its endless gravel and mountain bike routes to its fat biking culture that thrives in winter. The episode also dives into Josh’s approach to bikepacking as a family, sometimes with kids as young as 10 months in tow, and how The Nxrth helps riders discover routes, events, and stories across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Listen below;

Is it too early to think about winter fat biking? Not when the Snow Crown Fat Bike Series just dropped three race dates for 2025. From golf course laps to ski trail sprints, these mid-winter favorites are your excuse to circle a few weekends on the calendar and start daydreaming about snow. To learn more, visit Snow Crown series. The Snow Crown Fat Bike Series is back for another winter of groomed trails, cold air, and big post-ride smiles. The three races in the series now have confirmed dates: Fatty Shack – January 11, 2025 – Hilly Haven Golf Course, De Pere, WI Fat Camp – January 25, 2025 – Reforestation Camp, Suamico, WI U.S. Fat Bike Open – February 8, 2025 – Ariens Nordic Center, Brillion, WI Each race offers categories from beginner to elite, with equal awards for men’s and women’s fields. Whether you’re chasing the podium or just chasing your friends, Snow Crown promises fun, fast courses and a great winter fat bike community.

Meghan and Jake left behind city life and careers in auto body and journalism to build something entirely different in the heart of Minnesota’s Cuyuna Country. What started as one cabin flip has grown into the Cuyuna Cabin Collection: thoughtfully designed getaways built for bikers, families, and anyone chasing trailheads and time well spent. To learn more, visit the Cuyuna Cabin Collection . A Bike Trip to Cuyuna That Changed Everything Jake didn’t know it yet, but a casual weekend invite to Meghan’s parents’ cabin in Cuyuna was about to change everything. At the time, the couple was living in the Milwaukee area. Meghan was working in broadcast journalism, Jake at his family’s auto body shop. Meghan’s family had a tradition of going to the cabin every weekend, and she encouraged Jake to bring his bike along, figuring he could sneak in a solo ride while the family relaxed. That ride turned into a revelation. “Meg, this is a mountain bike mecca,” Jake told her afterward, stunned by the red dirt, the flowy trails, and the sheer scale of what Cuyuna offered. They both loved biking, but this was something different. Trails were everywhere. The pace of life felt different. And something about it just stuck. They started coming up north every weekend, chipping away at their first cabin renovation while still living in Wisconsin. Eventually, Jake left the family shop to devote himself full-time to the project. Meghan joined him not long after. “People say you can run a short-term rental business from anywhere,” Meghan said, “but it really is nice to live close to where you're working.” So they moved to Cuyuna, no backup plan, no looking back. From Flip to Full-Send: Building the Cuyuna Cabin Collection Jake had always been handy; flipping cars, fixing anything, and working at his family’s auto body shop. But after falling for Cuyuna, he left it all behind to renovate their first property: the Crosby House, a 100-year-old miner’s home turned mountain bike basecamp. Meghan, a former TV news anchor, leaned into her creative side, handling all the interiors and guest experience while Jake handled the layout and construction. Over time, they added new builds and bike-accessible properties, some tucked in the woods, others just steps from the trail. Each one is designed with intention, balancing comfort, style, and a deep connection to the biking lifestyle they love. Cabins That Ride the Same Line You Do Each stay blends location, layout, and lifestyle for riders who want the trails just outside their door. Cuyler and Una are ride-in, ride-out to the CroftsMine trails, while Little Rabbit Retreat sits just minutes from Sagamore . At Cuyler and Una, Jake even carved in private bike trails through the property, perfect for warmups or letting the kids ride while dinner’s on. Beyond location, the cabins are packed with post-ride perks: outdoor showers, private saunas, hot tubs, and even a bucket-dump cold rinse. They’ve hosted everything from Midwest MTB Fest after-parties to casual New Belgium cabin hangs, proof that these spaces are just as much about community as they are about rest. On the Horizon: A New Cabin Unlike Anything Else in Cuyuna Next up for the Cabin Collection: their most unique stay yet. Tucked along an unnamed lake with no neighbors in sight, the new property opens this September and blends total seclusion with spa-like details. Think private sauna, outdoor shower, stargazing net, hot tub, and a mural made for trail-weary selfies. They bought the cabin materials before even finding land, then called over 100 people to track down the perfect slice of lakeshore. The name is still in the works, but the intention is clear: not to scale endlessly, but to keep building meaningful places that feel special for guests and for them. Meghan and Jake's Cuyuna Favorites From trail snacks to paddle spots, here’s what Jake and Meghan reach for when they’re off the clock and soaking up their own backyard. Meghan's Favorites Meghan leans toward the smoother side of the trail map, with the Sagamore Unit as her go-to ride: fun, flowy, and easy to sneak in between cabin turnovers. For sunset hangs, she and Jake pack up Rafferty’s pickle pizza (with ranch, obviously) and head to the Miner’s Mountain overlook with camp chairs. She’s also a die-hard fan of MacDaddy’s cronut (but get there early), and loves paddleboarding the mine lakes when it’s time to slow things down. Jake's Favorites Jake’s all about adrenaline on the bike, and his trail picks reflect that. You’ll find him hitting the jumps and rock drops on Roly Poly at the Rally Center, railing the endless berms on Bobsled, and riding the expert lines at the Mahnomen Unit North, where challenging drops and features keep things spicy. Off the bike, his go-to spot is Cuyuna Brewing Company , especially with a plate of nachos from Burritos California next door. He’s also big on lake time: fishing, wake surfing, kayaking, or just relaxing on the water whenever he’s not swinging a hammer or checking in guests. Living the Dream, One Cabin & Ride at a Time For Meghan and Jake, the Cuyuna Cabin Collection isn’t just a business. It’s the life they set out to build together. What began as a single cabin flip has become something deeper: a hands-on way to connect with the land, the trails, and the people who ride them. Every cabin they create reflects their love of design, adventure, and community from the post-ride saunas to the handwritten notes left for guests. And even as the collection grows, the heart behind it stays the same: build with intention, welcome people warmly, and create spaces that celebrate everything they love about Cuyuna. To learn more, visit the Cuyuna Cabin Collection .

Adrian from Compass Bike Lab recently traveled to Iceland to take on The Rift, a legendary gravel race that crosses some of the wildest terrain on the planet. Harsh weather, volcanic sand, and lava boulders made for a brutal but unforgettable ride. Here's Adrian’s quick recap of his first experience racing The Rift. Adrian Ong from Compass Bike Lab recently checked a big one off the bucket list: riding The Rift gravel race in Iceland. Known for its otherworldly terrain and notoriously unpredictable weather, The Rift is a test of mental grit and physical endurance. Riders tackle either the 200km (125 miles) or the 120km (75–85 mile) course through lava fields, volcanic sand, steep hike-a-bike climbs, and wide-open wind-blasted plains, all while skirting the edge of a tectonic rift zone. This year’s course featured a brand-new route and some especially wild conditions. Adrian rode the 85 mile distance and shared a few quick thoughts after the race: Words from Adrian Ong: What. A. Race. Words don’t really do this one justice, you’ll have to ride it to understand! The start? Absolutely miserable. 😵‍💫 Cold rain, relentless wind, and that unique Icelandic chill that cuts right through your layers. One of those mornings where you seriously question your life choices. But hey, we didn’t fly across the Atlantic to sit this one out. This year’s course? All new. All brutal. Think: • Lava boulders the size of IKEA furniture • Soul-sucking volcanic sand for miles • Hike-a-bike climbs with zero traction and a sheer drop off on one side. ...Oh, and it’s all on top of a volcano. 🌋 Casual. About an hour in, the pro men and women came flying past. Unreal. We were grinding through sand and they made it look like pavement. It felt like we were pedaling backwards. I made the game-time call to switch from the 125-mile category to the 85-mile version (technically the 75-mile, but with Icelandic math and route extensions, it clocked closer to 85). Between a packed real estate schedule and a busy summer at Compass Bike Lab, training just didn’t line up. Still, 85 miles in Iceland is no joke, and I’m proud of the effort. Now I’ve got a perfect excuse to return next year to tackle the full distance. The Rift is one of those races that humbles you. Huge thanks to Carly and Morgan for the roadside cheers and encouragement. And to the Compass Bike Lab crew for dialing in the race machine, couldn’t have done it without you.

Every year, the Northwoods adds more races, rides, and bike events to the calendar but that doesn’t mean we can’t still dream a little. From mid-summer fat bike chaos to multi-day stage races and under-the-radar alley cats, here are the bike events we’d create if we had unlimited time, money, and absolutely no concerns about liability insurance. MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Earlier this year we shared Paul Warloski’s inspiring comeback story of his return to gravel racing after heart surgery . Since then, Paul’s been on what he’s calling The Heart and Gravel Comeback Tour, chasing races, recovery, and resilience all season long. Now halfway through the tour, Paul reflects on how it’s going, what he’s learning, and how his relationship with racing is evolving. Below is a mid-season update from Paul, originally published on his website at Simple Endurance Coaching . We’re now midway through the 2025 Heart and Gravel Comeback Tour , and I’ve learned a few powerful lessons.  This year, I’ve committed to racing 10 gravel events across the Midwest on the road to Gravel Nationals in September—all while raising funds and awareness for pediatric heart care. Here are three takeaways so far: 1. Fundraising, Fun, and Gratitude The support for the Herma Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee has been incredible.  I’m humbled by the generosity of friends, family, and fellow athletes. So far, we’ve raised over $1,800, and I’ve celebrated each fundraising milestone with a fun challenge or costume: March – Dirty South Gravel Race (IL): I rode in a tutu and antennae—both orange, of course. April – Hell of the Wind (IA): One of my junior athletes ambushed me with silly string at the finish line. May – Hungry Bear (WI): I did 16 pushups after riding 62 miles of challenging gravel. Coming up next?  Once we hit $2,000 , I’m eating a dozen hot chicken wings post-race! If you’d like to support the cause, donate here . 2. Health Hurdles and Humility I named this year the Heart and Gravel Comeback Tour for a reason—I’m coming back from two years of interrupted training due to Ventricular Tachycardia (VT), a condition where my heart races out of control.  After two heart ablations, the second one last fall seemed to have fixed the problem. But during the Hungry Bear race in May, the symptoms returned. At the start, my heart rate spiked to 190+ bpm for 20 minutes—I felt it and backed off. The rest of the race? I unknowingly rode with my heart rate above 180 bpm for the last  In the last 90 minutes, I felt the familiar fatigue—legs drained of power—but didn’t know why until afterward.  Thankfully, my heart surgeon at Froedtert Hospital believes this wasn’t a recurrence of VT but a less serious arrhythmia.  The verdict? Keep racing. The doctor believes excess caffeine may have been the cause of the increased heart rate.  I did the Hotdish Gravel Race recently in Winona, MN, and I had no problems after cutting way back on the caffeine.  3. Fitness Gains and a Solid Training Plan Despite the heart hiccups, my fitness has steadily improved through the winter and spring. I leaned on a base of years of training and did plenty of easy Zone 1 and 2 riding during the cold months.  But the biggest difference this year? Following the Athletica training plan. I did more HIIT sessions than ever before, especially 30/30s and threshold intervals. I maintained strength training and taught weekly yoga classes to stay mobile and resilient. At the 1904 Gravel Race in western Illinois , I felt fantastic, riding fairly close to the front of the pack with riders much younger than me.  Even during the Hungry Bear, with the heart rate issues and forced slowdowns, I finished only three minutes slower than last year. That’s a win. A Grateful Heart and More Racing Ahead So far, this season has given me far more positives than negatives. I’ve raced in incredible places, reconnected with a wonderful community, and proven to myself that I still have strength and grit. Gravel racing is a blast.  Each race is like a curated tour into the beautiful countryside I would never have otherwise seen.  The Heart and Gravel Comeback Tour rolls on, and I’m incredibly grateful for the ride. Three Things to Know About the Heart and Gravel Comeback Tour: We’ve raised nearly $1,900 for pediatric cardiac care at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.  I’m staying humble because my heart issues seem to be lurking in the background.  Athletica is kicking my fitness into a higher gear, and I’m feeling stronger than ever.  To learn more about Paul or to follow his journey, visit Simple Endurance Coaching .

When thieves stole thousands in trail tools from the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew, the community responded fast. In just 48 hours, over $7,500+ was raised to replace the gear and strengthen security showinghow much these trails mean to the people who ride them. Earlier this month, the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew discovered a break-in at one of their storage containers. Thousands of dollars in essential trail maintenance tools were stolen, including blowers, weed whips, hand tools, and fuel. These tools are vital for keeping Cuyuna’s 70+ miles of singletrack safe and rideable. In true Cuyuna spirit, the community stepped up fast. Within 48 hours, over $7,500 was raised to replace the stolen gear and upgrade security with solar cameras, flood lights, and better locks. “This wasn’t just a theft from a storage unit,” said Managing Director Shae Rossetti. “It was a hit to our community. But what came next showed who we really are.” Cuyuna’s trails are maintained almost entirely by volunteers. Thanks to this groundswell of support, the Crew is already working to restock equipment and prevent future thefts. You can follow along or support future efforts at cuyunalakesmtb.com. To learn more about the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Mike Crew, visit their website .

Redhead Mountain Bike Park is getting a major upgrade this summer with a new asphalt pump track, skills park, and improved trailhead amenities. Set to open by the end of August, the expansion brings new opportunities for riders of all levels and marks a big step forward for northern Minnesota’s MTB scene. To learn visit, Redhead MTB Park . Big changes are rolling into Redhead Mountain Bike Park this summer. A brand new asphalt pump track and bike skills area are currently under construction at the park’s main trailhead near the Minnesota Discovery Center. The new pump track, being professionally built by premier buidlers Velosolutions, features two loops: a beginner-friendly loop for new riders and a high-performance loop that has the potential to be a UCI qualifying loop. Surrounding the track, a full skills park is also being added, built by American Ramp Company, offering riders of all levels a place to practice features and refine technique. In addition to the new riding features, Redhead’s trailhead will see several upgrades including improved parking, restrooms, a bike wash station, picnic area, and drinking water access. Construction is expected to wrap by the end of August, making Redhead one of the only trail systems in northern Minnesota to feature a paved pump track—a rare and exciting addition to the region’s growing MTB scene.