Life Time Fitness owns two of the most popular MTB races in the Northwoods and today those two races are going head to head in several categories. If one or both of them are on your list, check out the comparison and find out what makes these iconic races beautiful, rugged, and loved by so many. To learn more, visit Lutsen 99er and the Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival . Minnesota’s Lutsen 99er and Wisconsin’s Chequamegon MTB Festival are two of the Midwest’s most iconic mountain bike races, but they offer entirely different experiences. From the history and terrain to the atmosphere and race-day energy, each event reflects the unique culture and landscape of its region. Chequamegon is one of the oldest mountain bike races in the country, with over four decades of tradition rooted in the early days of the sport. It began as a small local event and has grown into a community-wide celebration that transforms the towns of Hayward and Cable each fall. In contrast, the Lutsen 99er is newer, first held in 2011, but has quickly become one of the premier endurance events in the region. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Superior and Minnesota’s Sawtooth Mountains, it’s a race built for riders who crave big climbs, long miles, and a deeper connection with nature. This article compares the two events across several categories, from their origins and course difficulty to community vibes and scenery, to help riders understand what makes each one special. Whether you’re looking for a high-speed sprint through the Northwoods or a grueling long-distance test on the edge of the Boreal Forest, there’s something unforgettable waiting at the start line. History As of writing this article, Chequamegon is 42 years old and Lutsen is 14 years old. Chequamegon is one of the oldest and most iconic mountain bike races anywhere in the United States. It began during the early days of mountain biking, long before the sport reached its current popularity and was dreamed up by Telemark resort employees as an effort to create a post-season tourism draw. The first year had 27 races and the event quickly grew into a beloved tradition. Lutsen is a much younger event than Chequamegon but saw fast, explosive growth since its modest start in 2011. Founded by Life Time and Peter Spencer, who still directs the event, the very first year had just 70 riders in the 39er and 99er events. Then the next year, it jumped dramatically to 425, followed by 840 in 2013 and 1,200 in 2014. Now the event welcomes over 2,000 cyclists and sells out in advance of the race. Over the years, the race has grown to welcome riders of all skill levels—including families—expanding both its reach and appeal. To accommodate beginners, kids, and intermediate riders, the team introduced alternate routes such as 29, 45, and 59, along with youth events. Route Difficulty Both Lutsen and Chequamegon are challenging events but the they are two completely different types of challenges. Lutsen has several distances but the marquee event, hence the namesake, is the 99 mile race. It caters to endurance riders and is a test of stamina and perseverance for a much longer ride. Chequamegon's marquee event is the 40 mile race from downtown Hayard to the Birkebeiner starting gate in Cable. Being much shorter, the race is known for it's fast-paced intensity and is more of a sprint for many riders compared to Lutsen's endurance format. While it's a mountain bike race, there is no technical single track which turns it into one long all-out effort for the entire 40 miles. Landscape & Scenery Chequamegon and Lutsen take place in two of the most iconic and special regions in their respective states. Lutsen's most defining feature is the proxity to Lake Superior while Chequamegon is famous for the high speed course along the Birkie rollers. The elevation challenge is similar with Lutsen climbing 53.5 feet per mile and Chequamegon climbing 61.4 feet per mile. Lutsen 99er is located along Minnesota's North Shore. The scenery, the drive, the route, and the towns are all full of stunning views of Lake Superior, boreal forests, and rugged terrain with regular dramatic rock outcroppings. The race starts with a category 3 climb in Minnesota’s Sawtooth Mountains. Beyond the ridgeline, the course winds through glacially carved terrain, rolling hills, and a landscape dotted with lakes and streams at the southern edge of the boreal forest. Along the way, you'll ride on roads and trails where moose sightings can be just as common as people. Chequamegon is a mountain bike race but not a traditional one. One glaringly notable thing missing from this mountain bike race is any singletrack whatsoever. Much of the route follows the Birkebeiner ski trail with constant punchy rollers following fast flowing and wide grassy cuts through the forest. There are also several gravel and double track sections sprinkled throughout the race. In general, the climbs aren't as long as Lutsen but total elevation per mile is slightly higher than Lutsen. While the views are not as scenic as Lutsen's dramatic vistas, the wooded trails and fall colors create a classic Midwest biking atmosphere. Festivities & Atmosphere Chequamegon is deeply rooted in community tradition and delivers a full-on celebration of mountain biking. Hayward and Cable rally around the event with cheering crowds and strong volunteer presence. With the race starting at 10am, riders come in hot in a short time frame and the party escalates quickly. The festival atmosphere is vibrant, with music, an expo, and vendors all adding to the experience. Lutsen 99er has a quieter, more nature-focused atmosphere, set against the scenic backdrop of Minnesota’s North Shore. With the event having a longer distance and catering to people who love long endurance, riders are finishing all day long which makes the event feel like an all day gathering and party. Lutsen vs Chequamegon Both Chequamegon and Lutsen represent different corners of Northwoods mountain biking, one steeped in tradition and community celebration, the other rooted in endurance and North Shore wilderness. Choosing between them depends on what kind of ride and race-day experience you're after. If you're drawn to high-speed racing and historic charm, Chequamegon offers a fast, festive weekend in the Wisconsin woods. If you're seeking a longer, more rugged challenge with sweeping views and a slower rhythm, Lutsen is your ticket. Either way, each event brings riders together in celebration of the sport, the landscape, and the thrill of the ride.

Red Granite Grinder is hosting their 7th annual race this year in a new town, Athens, WI. While still being in the same region as the previous start/finish in Wausau, the race will have new routes and a new feel. Check our the details to learn more. For more info, visit Red Granite Grinder . The Red Granite Grinder has a new starting town and new routes for 2025. Known for its scenic red granite roads, the event offers 50, 100, and 150-mile route options that traverse colorful fall landscapes, farmland, and waterways. With a new start/finish line and fresh routes, 2025 promises more adventure, more gravel, and more challenge than ever before. 50 Mile Route Overview 86% gravel, 12% paved, 2% gravel trail. Riders start depart Athens and hit gravel just two miles down the road enroute to experience gems in Marathon County. Riders then split from the 100 & 150 mile routes where there’s just a few spurts of pavement sprinkled in. After passing the exact center center of the Northwest Hemisphere, riders cross the Big Rib River twice as they meander back to downtown Athens, rejoining the longer routes, and finishing through the forest of Erbach Park. 100 Mile Route Overview 92% gravel, 6% paved, 2% doubletrack with a creek crossing. Taste Xtreme Gravel which includes remote gravel, two track, and a creek crossing. Riders leave Athens, where your wheels will be rolling over the beautiful red granite this area is known for just minutes into the race. As riders swing north, they cross the Big River River and then are treated with an intimate ride along the shoreline on River Road. Then the race gets serious when the route swings further north onto remote roads and county forests where it rejoins the 150 mile route. From there, riders cross county lines on private property, following the tortuous (and perhaps torturous) path of the glaciers, with the Ice Age Trail National Scenic Trail a stone’s throw away. Just past the halfway point, riders stretch their legs as they dismount and tip-toe across Averill Creek, then follow double track east before reconnecting to gravel roads. As the riders turn south and re-enter Marathon County, they partake in a slice of gravel heaven as red gold rolls smoothly under their tires once again. Upon rejoining the 50 mile route, riders glide over the Big River River one last time, and finish through the forest of Erbach Park. 150 Mile Route Overview ~80% gravel, 14% paved, 5% trail, rest doubletrack and rugged surfaces. Experience Xtreme Gravel which is anything we want it to be, combined with what Mother Nature decides it's going to be. Racers begin on the 100 mile course, but then are tested on a variety of surfaces. After splitting from the 100 mile route, riders cross the Big Rib River snaking west with wind blasting in their faces (and perhaps rain or sleet to add to the challenge). Riders finally can catch their breath on the the Pine Line Trail. Despite being welcomed with crushed granite, the surface turns to coarser granite as they travel north. Riding over several tributaries & wetlands, past farm fields, skirting terminal moraines and hardwood and conifer forests, riders will enjoy the respite of the gradual climbs on the rail-to-trail. After passing the restored railroad depot, riders reenergize at the Ogema aid station, ready to tackle the gut-wrenching hills ahead as they approach the highest point in the state. Now the adventure is in full swing as racers tackle a mix of pavement, gravel, grassy dirt two track, and just plain grit. Riders weave through county forest as the route rejoins the 100 mile route amidst towering canopies in vast wilderness. Make It a Full Weekend Whether you're racing or supporting, the Red Granite Grinder is more than just a race, it’s an entire weekend of gravel community and Central Wisconsin charm. Here are some of the activities going on to make it a full weekend experience. Friday Activities: Women’s Skills Clinic (Free): Led by Laura Hrubes and sponsored by Embark Maple Energy. Pre-race Group Ride: Led by Race Director Shane Hitz, preview the course on a mellow 90% gravel ride. Live Concert + Beer Release: Celebrate the start of the weekend with local brews and music at The Milk Haus. Saturday Race Day: Kocourek Kids Ride: A fun, safe, and free ride for kids of all ages in Erbach Park. Ruby Coffee + Urban Street Bistro: Fuel up before and after the ride with award-winning coffee and a hot post-race meal. Post-Race Party: Music, craft beer, and camaraderie at the finish line to celebrate every rider’s journey.

We just wrapped up the 2025 Gravel, Dirt, & Snow: Best of Biking reader poll. The poll has several regional bike questions but it never asks, "which state is the best for biking on gravel, dirt, and snow?". Well today I'm going to share which state, in my personal opinion, is the completely unofficial and unprofessionally chosen best state for biking in a few categories. MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

The Trans-Wisconsin Bicycle Route is a top-to-bottom bikepacking route by Frank Hassler covering the entire length of Wisconsin with photography from Scott Haraldson. The route is ~70% unpaved and snakes through farmland in the south, deep forest in the north, and hits on everything we love about Wisconsin bikepacking in this epic adventure. Created by: Frank Hassler All Photos by: Scott Haraldson This route strings together a series of gravel and doubletrack trail networks, via the most rustic and wild roads that we could find in-between. It's not always straightforward or efficient, but always adventurous and scenic. The route starts at the Point of Beginning. This is the spot where, in 1831 the surveying of the state of Wisconsin began. Every county, town and plot of land in the state is measured from this point (or rather a post about 1/2 mile east of the roadside marker). So it seems like an appropriate place to start. The Wisconsin Adventure Bicycle Route has two courses for two different types of adventures: The Gravel Course and the Mountain Bike Course. Route Map The Gravel Course shares most of the same route as the MTB course, but omits the singletrack trails and any roads or trails that would not be suitable for gravel and touring tires. The Gravel Course is therefore the more straightforward and easier options, and at times can serve as an alternative track for mountain bikers when wet trail conditions or other issues don’t allow one to ride the trail segments. The Mountain Bike Course includes singletrack trails that are part of six different mountain bike trail networks along the western part of the state. This course also includes rough ATV trails and sandy roads that require technical riding skills and bigger tires. Trail Notes There is an MTB version of the route as well, which includes 100 miles of singletrack and a handful of more remote and rock or sandy backroads and ATV Trails, growing to over 700 miles in length. Getting to the Start: The fact that the route starts and finishes in rural and remote areas respectively is a feature of the route, but it also makes getting to the start and finish somewhat difficult. Best option is to have a friend drop you off and pick you up. Galena Illinois makes a good overnight town just a 5-10 mile ride from the Point of Beginning, and Bayfield is close to the north end. There are many miles of ATV trails on the route. ATVs are the primary trail users, and in the interest of maintaining friendly relations between user groups, you should always yield the trail to ATV’s. They are noisy, so its easy to hear them a ways off and find a good place to pull off. Give a friendly smile and a wave as they pass, or a coy nod if you prefer. It may be best to skip ATV trail sections at times when they are busy, such as weekend afternoons in the summer months. Consider this ambitious, 620+ mile route as a ’template for adventure’. The route is intentionally indirect, even circuitous in order to find the most rustic roads and remote trails. As such, feel free to adapt the route to your needs, if you need an easy day take a short cut. If there’s a site you’d like to see that’s off route, go check it out! There are several other bikepacking routes that you can connect to from the WABR, including the Northwoods Route , the Wisconsin Waterfalls Loop , the Tour De Chequamegon . If You Go, Here's What You Need to Know: Route Highlights 1. Something different every day. With the route traveling through the Driftless Region, the Central Sands, the North Woods and Northern Barrens of Wisconsin, the scenery is constantly changing. 2. The historic Petosi Brewery is right on the route! 3. Views of the Mississippi River from the bluffs of Nelson Dewey or Wyalusing State Parks. 4. Ride through a 3/4th-mile-long railroad tunnel on the first rail-trail in the US, the Elroy-Sparta Trail. 5. The remote backroads of the Black River State Forest, where you may find more wolf tracks than tire tracks. 6. Get your feet wet at Koehler Ford! 7. The great gravel roads and lakeside campground of the Chequamegon National Forest are too numerous to mention. 8. Be sure to grab a pie at the Delta Diner. 9. Solitude on the back roads of the Bayfield Peninsula. Must Know Trail Pass A $25 State Trail Pass is required to ride on the Elroy-Sparta trail or any state bicycle trail. Bicycles are allowed on any trail on federal, state or county land that the route passes through, unless otherwise signed. Tires This gravel route is intended to be ridable with 40c tires. With that said, I’d recommend some high volume, but fast rolling tires. the largest tires that would fit in your gravel or touring bike would probably be best to provide a little float in sand and smooth out the rocky roads and trails. 50c would certainly be better, with a small knob or semi-slick tread that will roll fast on the pavement sections. Low Gears The hills in the Driftless Region are no joke. Don’t underestimate how low of gearing you will need repeatedly climbing up 300 to 400’ climbs which typically have 5-10% grades on a loaded bike. Low gearing around 17 gear inches, or a 1:1.5 ratio (front:rear) or lower is recommended. A 24x36 or 30x51 low gear should be sufficient. Biting Insects Insect pests include mosquitos, deer flies, black flies, and the blood sucking arthropods deer ticks and wood ticks. Their populations can vary greatly based on recent rainfall and various insect life cycles. Be prepared with insect repellent, a head-net, and even a Dragonfly Wingman . A daily tick-check is recommended. When to Ride Conditions should be pretty good from May to October. The best time of year to ride this bike is probably late-August to early-October as you will have the least pest insect activity and the temperatures will be not too hot, and not too cold. Camping You will need to rely on campgrounds or hotels and Air B&B’s for the southern third of the route. There are no state or national forests south of Sparta. Once you get about half-way between Sparta and Millston (specifically, at the end of Cedar Rd after crossing Camp Ave) you enter state forest land. From this point on, the route is on public land more often than not. Major exceptions include the 15 miles south of Thorp, 20 miles north of Thorp, the 25 miles before you arrive at Hayward, and the last 9 miles of the route north of Hwy 13. Primitive camping (aka dispersed camping) is allowed in both national and state forests. Many state forests require permits or fees, but attaining these on a bike can be logistically difficult. Technically you are supposed to be more than 100’ from a road, trail, or lake. In practice, it seems you are fine as long as you are not on a major road or trail as little camp sites are not uncommon along rutted two-tracks, especially in areas that are popular for outdoor recreation. This gives you a lot more options where to stop for the day. Please practice “Leave no Trace.” principals and clean up litter left by previous occupants, if you have the capacity to do so. Food You should be able to get tap water at various parks, campgrounds and businesses, but I’d recommend bringing a water filter so you have more flexibility when you can get water, particularly in the less-settled northern 2/3rds of the route. All the grocery stores, and many of the convenience stores on the route are noted with waypoints on the Ride With GPS map. Many bars and restaurants are on the Ride With GPS map to but not all. You can usually find a bar that serves food in any small town in WI, and the larger towns there were more options than I had cared to make waypoints for. There are two sections of the route where you will have a particularly long stretch without any water available on-route. The first is the 40 miles north of the Wisconsin River. The second is the final ~60 miles from Delta to Lake Superior. For the latter stretch, you can take a quick run off-route to Birch Grove Campground to fill up at the pump there. Water You can probably get by on water you get from tap water you get from businesses and outdoor pumps. However, carrying a filter will give you a bit more versatility, and reduce the amount of water you need to cary with you. There are few good filtering options on the portion of the route south of Sparta, but more frequent tap water options. The clean-water streams and lakes increase as you go north, but you encounter tap water less frequently. Land Acknowledgement It is important that we acknowledge that the land through which we travel on this route is the traditional territory of several Tribes of First People. Despite the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which drove these people from their ancestral homes, many indigenous communities have reestablished reservations and tribal lands within Wisconsin in general and, near and on this route specifically. These people continue to work to reclaim the homelands that were wrongfully taken from them to this day. The route begins in land that was once home to the Potawatomi people. Around the time you cross the Wisconsin River you enter Ho Chunk territory. Somewhere between the Wisconsin River and Viroqua, you will cross the path of the “British Band” a group about 1,100 people of the Sauk, Fox and Kickapoo tribes led by Black Hawk, who tried who attempted to peacefully resettle east of the Mississippi River in Illinois in 1832. They were relentlessly pursued and attacked by the U.S. Army and local militia. Attempting to retreat west, Black Hawk and his warriors defending the many civilians in their party at the Battle of Wisconsin Heights near present day Sauk City. They continued west, and managed to stay ahead of the pursuing army until, while attempting to escape back west across the Mississippi River, they were intercepted by a U.S. gunboat and then attacked from the rear by Army and militia forces at what is now called the Battle of Bad Axe. While the warriors attempted a defense, hundreds of non-combatant woman, children and elderly persons fled for their lives, and were murdered and scalped by U.S. forces. On the north end of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve you will pass through current Ho Chunk Nation Trust Land. As you pass through the Black River State Forest you will be just east of the Ho Chunk Nation. Roughly north of Hwy 73 (Thorp) you enter the historic lands of the Ojibwe (aka Chippewa) People, which extend all the way to Gichigamiing (Lake Superior). Approaching Haward the route passes just north of the Lac Course Oreilles (Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa) Reservation. The route finishes at Point Detour which is on the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation. Information Based on this map developed by Wisconsin First Nations Education. Disclaimer: If you choose to ride this route, you do so at your own risk. You are 100% responsible for being prepared for all conditions and making sure that biking these routes is legal. Before riding, check local weather, road conditions, closures, and property ownership. Obey all traffic laws and follow land use restrictions. Do not ride these routes without proper safety equipment and navigational tools. The accuracy of these routes cannot be guaranteed neither can we guarantee that these routes are on public property. TheNxrth.com and its contributors are in no way liable for the personal injury or damage to property that may result from cycling this route or any other routes on this website.

The Minnesota River Ramble is a five-day gravel bikepacking route that follows the Minnesota River in the southwestern part of the state. The river itself tends to ramble, starting on the state's western edge before heading south and then unexpectedly back north. The route also rambles from the top of the valley to the river below, out into the wide-open blue skies of country farmlands, and into dense forest canopies. With minimal climbing, recommended daily distances of around 65 miles, and towns dotting the way for resupply, the River Ramble would make a great first multi-day trip... Created by: Scott Haraldson Originally published on Bikepacking.com and featured here with their permission. ROUTE OVERVIEW ​ Distance 257 Miles Elevation 8,273 Feet Unpaved 68% Days 5 From Bikepacking.com : The Minnesota River Valley is a unique and vital part of Minnesota’s natural and cultural heritage, offering a mix of scenic landscapes, ecological diversity, and historical significance. Riders will explore areas along the river, which flows through a valley carved by the Glacial River Warren—a massive river that drained glacial Lake Agassiz at the end of the last Ice Age, roughly 10,000 years ago. The erosion and sediment deposition from this ancient river created the valley’s distinctive landscape, characterized by its wide, flat-bottomed terrain and steep bluffs. The Minnesota River Ramble allows bikepackers to traverse the area and experience this diverse terrain firsthand, from granite bluffs to waterlogged lowlands, along with expansive views of the valley and several waterfalls. The fertile soil of the Minnesota River Valley also supports important agricultural activities, with crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, and sugar beets divided by long stretches of gravel roads. Minnesota River Ramble Bikepacking Route Map: BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. They inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. They believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. More here. Disclaimer: If you choose to ride this route, you do so at your own risk. You are 100% responsible for being prepared for all conditions and making sure that biking these routes is legal. Before riding, check local weather, road conditions, closures, and property ownership. Obey all traffic laws and follow land use restrictions. Do not ride these routes without proper safety equipment and navigational tools. The accuracy of these routes cannot be guaranteed neither can we guarantee that these routes are on public property. TheNxrth.com and its contributors are in no way liable for the personal injury or damage to property that may result from cycling this route or any other routes on this website.

The Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS) is celebrating its 35th season, and 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet. With ten races on the calendar, including two brand-new venues, and an expanded slate of disciplines like Short Track, Time Trial, and Enduro, WORS is offering more ways than ever to get off-road and into the action. To learn more and to get registered to ride, visit WORS . The 2025 Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS) is back for its 35th season. Billed as “America’s Largest State Mountain Bike Racing Series”, the collection of mountain bike races will see an additional event on the calendar, bringing the series back to ten races. New events expand the geographic reach with a northern stop in Cable, WI and, for the first time in the series’ history, a trip south of the state line to Illinois. Beyond new venues, several other changes highlight what WORS hopes to be one of the biggest years in its history. In addition to the Cross-Country series, WORS will also feature a Short Track series (7 races), a Time Trial series (5 races) and an Enduro series (3 races). Two weekends will share a schedule with UCI racing in Fall River and La Crosse, which will bring additional riders from around the country to experience some of the best trails Wisconsin has to offer. WORS Series Director Marcus Warrington is most excited about continuing to build on what WORS has been doing so well for all of its 35 years: providing a great racing experience for riders of all backgrounds and abilities. “Two of the most exciting categories are on opposite sides of the spectrum. We’ve got our Newbie category, which is free racing for beginners that continues to not only see solid numbers, but is truly doing what we were hoping for and that’s bringing in brand new riders with absolutely no racing experience. Then we’ve got our Junior Elite racing categories, which have seen tremendous growth and are on pace to be among the biggest field sizes in the entire series. Growth is so fast, and so high, that we’re getting close to being one of the best regions to race in all of America for young aspiring junior elite riders”. And then, of course, there is everything in between. Brand new to the sport? Great. Seasoned veteran? We’ve got a spot for you. Just looking to have fun while building some fitness? You’ll fit right in. Here’s a preview of what to expect for the ten events that are on the menu this summer in Wisconsin. May 4 – Englewood Open | Fall River, WI Englewood Open is back to batting lead-off in 2025. UCI racing on Friday and Saturday pull in some of the top riders from around the country, with over thirty states represented on the starting line last year. That means the series will kick off with some stiff competition, but there’s no better place to spring into action. Held on private trails at the Agnew Family farm, this World-Cup caliber course is fast, punchy, and features not one, but two flyovers. Oh, and did we mention cows? You’ll see some cows. May 17–18 – Treadfest | Lake Geneva, WI Traditionally a late-season race, Treadfest moves up on the calendar this year. That’s good news for climbers, with no shortage of elevation on one of the more technically challenging courses of the year. And this year, climbers get an extra day to show off. That’s because our new Time Trial series will kick-off on Saturday with a 1-stage race to the top of the ski hill. Racers will certainly be hoping that the earlier-season timeslot results in cooler temperatures, as heat has often defined this event in the past. No matter what the weather, racers can expect a boost at the on-course water station, and perhaps another cold beverage at the rock garden for a post-race refreshment. May 31–June 1 – Battle of CamRock | Cambridge, WI The series wraps its early season block in southern Wisconsin with a trip to Cambridge for the Battle of CamRock. Big fields and tight racing are the norm for this race in the beautiful and sprawling County Park. New for this year is a Saturday Short Track race, the first in the series and held in conjunction with CORPFest on Saturday evening. Cross-Country racing on Sunday will take racers on another hilly course, featuring fast and flowy single track and, of course, the infamous start and finish hill. June 13–15 – Wausau Nine Mile | Wausau, WI The series then pivots to the north for the first major weekend-long festival of the year in Wausau. Four races will make up this WORS weekend, starting with a Time Trial on Friday night at Nine Mile and continuing with an Enduro race across town at Sylvan Park on Saturday morning. Racing returns to Nine Mile on Saturday evening for Short Track racing, and concludes with the main event of cross-country racing all day on Sunday. After a wet weekend in 2025, racers will be hoping for dry conditions on a trail system that holds up great in all types of weather, but can get much faster with less rainfall. The weekend supports the local bike club - CWOCC - and is right at home in one of the best local regions in all of Wisconsin for mountain biking. June 21–22 – Colectivo Coffee Classic | Waukesha, WI The second half of a back-to-back weekend, Waukesha hosts the annual Colectivo Coffee Classic on June 21 and 22. Short Track racing makes its debut at Minooka Park, which is good news for those who want to get in more reps on the wooded starting climb. Twisty single track defines much of this course, which also features plenty of double track passing, and a surprising amount of climbing. Hosted by the Colectivo Coffee Mountain Bike Team, one of the most prominent teams racing on the WORS circuit, this remains one of the best attended races on the calendar. And with this event serving as the Wisconsin State Championships this year, expect even more fireworks than usual. July 11–13 – Northwoods Frolic | Cable, WI (New Event!) WORS is debuting a new annual race - The Northwoods Frolic. This event will travel on a year-to-year basis around various venues in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. And kicking it off in 2025 is one of the best racing venues in the entire Upper Midwest - the Trek Trails at Mt. Telemark in Cable. It’s a full weekend of festivities - another 4-race weekend with Time Trial, Enduro, Short Track AND Cross-Country all on the menu. Course Maps and additional information on this race will be out in early May - it’s a long drive for many in the southern part of the state, but promises to be among the most action-packed WORS weekends of the year. July 19–20 – Border Battle | Rockford, IL (New Event!) Just a week later, we have another new event on the calendar - and for the first time in the history of the series, it won’t be in Wisconsin. WORS is crossing the border into Illinois for a trip to Atwood Park in Rockford for the Border Battle - this event, once held a decade ago, but against Minnesota, returns to answer the question: which state is faster? This event will also serve as the Illinois MTB State Championship race as well, meaning that Illinois will be bringing some of its fastest riders – pressure is on for Wisconsin to meet the challenge! August 2–3 – Reforestation Ramble | Green Bay, WI WORS will kick off the month of August back up north for the Reforestation Ramble - perhaps the fastest race on the WORS calendar. The series features plenty of climbing and technical single track throughout the year, and while Green Bay isn’t absent of it completely, this race tends to be more like a drag race through the woods. Fast and flowy single track means its a race for the riders with the most power. On Saturday night, for the third straight year we’re bringing you the Short Track Under the Lights race. With the ski lights on, riders will ride around a short circuit for twenty minutes, doing somewhere between 5-8 laps in the penultimate Short Track series event of the year. With only two events remaining on the calendar, series points are more valuable than ever, and we’ll start to get a good picture on where things look to be ending up heading into the final stretch. August 15–17 – ORA Trails Fest | La Crosse, WI One of the most picturesque stops on the calendar, ORA Trails Fest blends the charm of La Crosse’s trail community with seriously fun racing. You’ll find punchy climbs, wooded switchbacks, and panoramic ridge views. And yes, you’ll probably suffer a little. The ORA Trails Alliance and Smith’s Bike Shop put on one great party, and this year they’re making it an even bigger and better weekend with UCI racing bringing some of the nation’s top riders to town on Friday and Saturday. This means that WORS series Short Track is off the table, but the Friday Night Uphill Time Trial and Saturday morning Enduro races remain on and better than ever. Live music, local food, and racing almost nonstop from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon will make this one of the best events of the season. August 22–24 – Red Barn Classic | Near Madison, WI Where better to finish a season than at home? A mile down the road from WORS/TREK Headquarters, the Red Barn Classic will wrap up the season on the private Trek Trails. Time Trial Stage racing on Friday evening kicks it all off, with Dual Slalom racing on Saturday morning followed by Short Track racing on Sunday night. A big day of Cross-Country racing will conclude the season on Sunday, with series awards being handed out on-site at the conclusion of each race. With a pump track, a Happy Hour at the Lodge, and a few surprises to be announced (stay tuned!) this will be one of the biggest mountain bike parties of the year, and a picture-perfect way to end the WORS 2025 season. To learn more and to get registered to ride, visit WORS .

Built on reclaimed iron mining land in Chisholm, Minnesota, Redhead MTB Park opened in 2020 and offers 25+ miles of world-class trails and stunning crystal clear lake views with plans to expand even more. Check out how it came to be and details to plan your next weekend adventure exploring Redhead and Chisholm. Words by Redhead Trail Ambassador Matthias Norenberg, @akaGuyThompson on Instagram  and YouTube . Get inspired to book a Redhead trip on their website and follow along on Instagram . Reclaimed for Adventure: Mountain Biking on Historic Mining Land The park was envisioned in 2008 and officially opened in 2020. Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts travel from other parts of the country and world to Chisholm, Minnesota, so they can experience a mountain biking experience like no other. I have personally seen vehicles from all states surrounding Minnesota and states as far away as Colorado and California. Redhead boasts a 1,225 acre footprint that sits amongst the remains of iron mining from more than a century ago. Piles of waste rock and large open mine pits create the perfect landscape for repurposing and reclaiming once mined ground. The trails provide numerous outdoor immersion opportunities at little or no cost. Volunteers team with City of Chisholm staff to manage and maintain the trails. As a volunteer trail adopter, I look after my own little piece of a mountain on the South Rim trail. Why Redhead is Becoming a Bucket-List MTB Destination Access over twenty five miles of current mountain biking and hiking trails. With a goal of nearly seventy miles envisioned for this trail system, Redhead Mountain Bike Park is becoming one of the largest and most scenic biking parks in the whole country. This park will be considered as an International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Ride Center once fifty to seventy five total trail miles are developed in the coming years. Pump tracks, accessible trails, campgrounds, additional trailheads, picnic areas along the trails, hiking specific trails, and additional trail expansion projects are just a few of the planned 2025 projects. Mountain bikers can expect trails rated for all riding abilities. Beginners or those looking for a more easy ride can ride trails closer to the trailhead on green trails like Spell Bound, the High Road, and the Pines. Intermediate to expert level riders should surely ride the entire Rim trail that flirts with the steep drops and unending views as you ride 360 degrees around the entire Redhead park footprint. This trail is one way to access the south trails. Downhill, flow, jumping, and technical rock crossing lovers should absolutely ride Roller Derby, Orange Crush, Pit Plunge, and Secret Garden. Derailed has rocky trail features similar to those I’ve ridden on the Barr Trail at Pike’s Peak. Recenter your soul while traversing the Fractured Falls forest. It may have the longest and steepest climb out, but I bet this may also be a trail you keeping coming back for. Whatever the trails you ride. More Than Just Trails: Redhead’s Full Outdoor Experience In addition to mountain biking, the Redhead MTB park also offers hiking, swimming, and water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Arrange solo or group excursions such as canoeing or kayaking in the pit. Paddle the park’s lowest area while marveling for minutes or hours past geological features exposed by iron mining. Be sure to fully immerse yourself in mining history by diving off the big pit’s floating dock and swimming in the crystal clear blue waters. For those taking a break from the trails, visit Minnesota Discovery Center’s indoor and outdoor museum attractions across the previously mined historical sites across the property. Ride an original trolley as it rumbles along tracks originally built for transporting thousands of immigrant workers to and from the mining locations. Glen Location is a preserved example of accommodations available to miners over one hundred years ago. The indoor facilities are a great place to escape the heat or inclement weather, while also learning more about the park’s mining history. Outdoor festivals also provide summertime opportunities to gather on the grounds for concerts in the outdoor amphitheater. Not much in life is free, but if you have all the necessary biking, hiking, and paddling equipment, your summer Redhead MTB Park experiences are completely free. Rest assured that everything is rentable on site if you don’t have the needed equipment. Minnesota Discovery Center rents canoes and kayaks. More information regarding rentals and the shuttle service from the MDC upper property to the dock and beach is available at www.mndiscoverycenter.org. Bike rentals and purchases are available at the 30 West Bike shop located on the MDC grounds. Chisolm, A Hub for Even More Adventure Around the Range Chisholm is a progressive Iron Range town with many restaurants serving anything from Valentini’s pasta, multiple burgers and wing joints, and Black Bear Bakery’s fresh bakery. Find campgrounds, mine views of working mines, lakes, golf courses, rivers, atv trails, connections to the paved Mesabi trail covering 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely, the Canadian border two hours North, and nice people across Minnesota’s Iron Range. Numerous mountain biking locations such as Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Cuyuna in Crosby/Ironton, Ely, and Grand Rapids’ Tioga, are all located within a two hour drive. Additional trails nearby are up the North Shore, a section of road from Duluth, Minnesota to Canada. MTB riders could realistically plan a full week of riding between these Ride the Range trail systems and surrounding area. Contact a Ride the Range trail ambassador (www.ridetherange.com/ ambassadors/ ) for more information about their specific park or to ride the trails with. Words by Redhead Trail Ambassador Matthias Norenberg, @akaGuyThompson on Instagram  and YouTube . Get inspired to book a Redhead trip on their  website  and follow along on Instagram .

Corey Stelljes recently won his sixth title at the 2025 Fat Bike Birkie event in Cable, Wisconsin. After getting hooked on the event 10 years ago, Corey spends every December through March training for this moment and has reached a level of impressive consistent dominance. Here we share his story from Fat Bike Birkie newbie to Northwoods legend. To learn more about the event, visit the Fat Bike Birkie . Ten years ago when the old Telemark Lodge was still standing, Corey Stelljes, now 44, was a relative newcomer to fat biking when he entered his first Fat Bike Birkie. Despite already holding a professional cycling license, Stelljes found himself starting at the back of the field on his newly acquired Salsa Mukluk. "I was still new to the fat bike world at that point," Stelljes recalls. "Just looking to find a way to ride more during the winter. I'm not a real big indoor cycling enthusiast, so I'll ride outside when it's zero degrees rather than ride in the basement." Behind Jeff Hall (in the black kit), Corey Stelljes (green) rides with the lead group in his first ever Fat Bike Birkie in 2015. That first race became a formative experience. While Stelljes quickly made his way to the front group, he took a "high-speed digger" with about 20 minutes left in the race, losing contact with the leaders. Mountain biking legend Ned Overend went on to win that day. "I just remember thinking how cool it was that he had come to the race and won," Stelljes says. "I think when he won that race, he was like 59 years old, so I just remember being in awe of that." Evolution of a Champion What began as a casual entry into winter cycling has evolved into a dynasty, with Stelljes capturing his sixth Fat Bike Birkie title this year. His journey to dominance wasn't immediate, it took a strategic shift in his approach. "My prep changed the year of my first win," Stelljes explains. "For a while, I would cross-train all winter and ride my fat bike a few times per week. But at one point, I decided I wanted to focus on this race and committed to doing a proper training cycle December through March just for this race. I've pretty much stuck with that plan every year since." Corey's first Fat Bike Birkie win, celebrating with champagne. That dedication has paid off with six victories, including his most recent back-to-back wins after losing to Jordan Wakely in 2023 in a sprint finish. The wins haven't come easily, especially as Stelljes acknowledges the passing years. "I'm not getting any younger," he says with a laugh. "And Jordan's still really very much in his prime and a very strong rider. He's a tough guy to beat." A Family Affair Cycling runs in the Stelljes household. His wife claimed third place in the women's division this year and is currently training for Half Ironman Wisconsin. The couple is also raising a soon-to-be three-year-old, who's already getting started on a Strider bike. Stelljes also rides in the Neff Cycle Service jersey, a shop owned by his brother-in-law, Isaac Neff. This family connection provides him with the equipment and backing needed to compete at the highest level. Winter Training Rituals For Stelljes, the Fat Bike Birkie serves as his north star through the dark winter months. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, where he works as a civil engineer for Madison Parks, he has developed a training regimen that maximizes his limited daylight hours. "The results are made in the months of January and February," he explains. "Those are the big months of training and putting in the work. If I didn't have a goal to really shoot for, I don't know what I would do all winter." Winning the sprint finish by a hair against second place Chris Stevens. His typical winter routine includes commuting to work (a 20-minute ride) and then taking a longer route home after work, often riding in the dark with lights. Madison's extensive network of paved paths allows him to ride for up to three hours without hitting roads, providing a safe winter training environment. "A lot of my riding is still on a fat bike all winter, regardless of conditions," Stelljes says. "I'll pick the worst weather day of the week for indoor cycling and then kind of try to hit a really intense interval session that day, just to be indoors and get the quality work in." Beyond Fat Bike Birkie While the Fat Bike Birkie may be Stelljes' winter crown jewel, his competitive calendar extends throughout the year. This season, he also claimed victory at the Polar Roll in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, another premier fat bike event he describes as "the kind of backcountry, singletrack, hike-a-bike wonderland." Looking ahead, Stelljes has his sights set on the gravel national championship event in the La Crosse area later this year. He's also a serious cyclocross competitor, having won his age group at the national championships for the past couple of years. In his professional life, Stelljes applies his passion for cycling to his work. "One of the long-term projects I'm working on here in Madison is developing, planning, and building an urban singletrack network for mountain bikes," he explains. "This year we'll build our fifth trail system." The Birkie Magic What keeps bringing Stelljes back year after year to the Cable-Hayward area isn't just the competition, it's the entire experience and atmosphere. "The Cable-Hayward area, the Birkie trail association, the preparation and trail conditions that they put into the race are really special," Stelljes says. "Being able to ride on the Birkebeiner Trail, that is so cool. Every time we go up there, I step out of the car, get on the trail, and you just start to appreciate how unique of an experience this is." For Stelljes, the area holds deeper meaning beyond the race itself. "I've been going up to the Cable-Hayward area since I was a little kid vacationing. I go camping in the area with my parents, so I have a historical connection to the area. I've developed a deeper appreciation for the area as an adult through mountain biking. It's just a can't-miss event and venue for me." As the race continues to evolve, with the new Telemark Village taking shape and the trail system expanding, Stelljes' connection to the event only grows stronger. When asked if he plans to continue focusing his winters on this race, his answer is clear: "Absolutely." "It is such an iconic event and the timing is so great that it's really a great motivator in January and February," he says. "It's nice to have that motivation and a reason to get out the door and ride every day and stay fit and engaged all winter." Six championships later, Corey Stelljes remains just as captivated by the Fat Bike Birkie as he was during his first race, only now, he's the one everyone else is chasing.

Winnebago Bicycle recently released a pretty deep calendar of 2025 community bikepacking trips with enough variety for people of all backgrounds and interests. Whether you’re curious about your first bikepacking overnighter or you’re a seasoned bikepacker, these trips are designed to be fun, welcoming, and adventurous. To learn move, visit Winnebago Bicycle on Facebook . Winnebago Bicycle's 2025 bikepacking calendar features eight different bikepacking events throughout the year, starting with the Introduction to Bikepacking in April and ending with the 4th Annual Door County Party Trip in early November. Riders can explore everything from the Wisconsin Waterfalls Loop to the Reforestation Camp, riding through a mix of terrain and scenery that showcases the beauty and variety of Wisconsin. These trips are all about community and adventure. Each ride is affordable, with most trips costing just $5 to $20 to participate. Riders bring their own food, shelter, and gear, but if you’re new to bikepacking or need something extra, Winnebago Bicycle has a gear library to help you out (reach out to them for details). Whether you’re camping under the stars for the first time or just looking for new people to ride with, these trips are a great way to meet people and have a blast outdoors. Trips are 1-3 nights, and everyone is welcome. Space is limited, and registration is required, so make sure to head to their Facebook events and fill out interest form. If you’re ready to explore new places, ride with a fun group, and experience bikepacking in some of Wisconsin’s most scenic spots, check out the full event calendar and book some great bikepacking trips this year. To learn move, visit Winnebago Bicycle on Facebook .

Nominations are now open for the Gravel, Dirt, & Snow: Best of Biking reader poll! We already have a great list of your nominations from last year’s reader poll, but we’re looking for your nominations in a few new poll question s this year! You can now nominate your favorite things in each of our new poll questions : Best MTB Destination Best MTB Trail System Best Cabins or Lodging for Bike Trips Best Post-Ride Food & Drink Spot Best Bike Shop Best Bike Gear Maker/Manufacturer

The Nxrth's annual reader poll is set to kick off with an evolution into a larger poll covering more of the WI, MN, and U.P. bike adventures we love. With a new name, new categories, and a new nomination process, read on for details about the 2025 edition of the reader poll. Big changes are coming to our annual reader poll! What started as the Best of Gravel is evolving into the Gravel, Dirt & Snow: Best of Biking reader poll. This year, we’re expanding to include mountain biking, fat biking, and the best of the Northwoods bike culture. It’s still focused on off-road biking in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the U.P., but with even more ways to celebrate the places, events, and businesses you love. Stay tuned, nominations open soon! New Name: "Gravel, Dirt & Snow: Best of Biking" What started as the Best of Gravel is now the Gravel, Dirt & Snow: Best of Biking reader poll. We wanted the name to reflect everything we love: gravel adventures, mountain bike trails, fat bike winters, and the amazing communities that make them all happen. New Process: Nominate Your Favorites! New this year, we’re opening nominations to everyone! This means you can help shape who makes it onto the final voting ballot by nominating your favorite places, events, and business. Nominations open soon. Stay tuned for the official announcement! New Categories & Poll Questions We’ve added brand-new categories that go beyond gravel. You’ll be able to nominate and vote on: Gravel Best Gravel Race Best Adventure Hub for Gravel Biking Bikepacking Best Bike Camping or Bikepacking Event Best Bikepacking Route Mountain Biking Best MTB Race Best MTB Destination Best MTB Trail System Fat Biking Best Fat Bike Race Best Groomed Fat Biking Destination Bike Culture Best Cabins or Lodge for Bike Trips Best Post-Ride Restaurant Best Bike Shop Best Bike Industry Business Stayed Tuned: Nominations Open Soon Get ready to nominate your favorites so the whole Northwoods cycling community can vote for them in the Gravel, Dirt, & Snow: Best of Bike reader poll. Share your voice and help your favorite places, events, and businesses win in 2025. To make sure you get notified, join our email list below.

The Heywood Ride is coming up on its senior year of grassroots gravel this May 17, 2025 in Northfield, Minnesota. The largest gravel ride in The Nxrth's coverage area has no sponsors, no podium, is not a race, and has a unique focus on being a welcoming space for all people. Learn more about how it all came to be and what the future has in store for the Heywood Ride. To learn more and register for the ride, visit The Heywood Ride . Photos by @jarrod_from_hope In the landscape of increasingly commercialized gravel events, the Heywood Ride in Northfield, Minnesota stands apart for its focus on accessibility and community. The event has grown from 800 riders in 2022 to nearly 1,200 registered in 2024. The Birth of The Heywood Ride Let's back up. Where did Heywood originate and is it a continuation of The Almanzo ride? Kind of but kind of not. The Almanzo was started by Chris Skogen in the early 2010s and ran for many years primarily out of Spring Valley, Minnesota. One of the first of its kind, Almanzo set the template for free, grassroots gravel events in the upper Midwest. Near the end of its time, the Almanzo ride ended up moving away from Spring Valley and Skogen briefly relocated the event to Northfield in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. After the pandemic pause in 2020 and 2021, Skogen officially passed the torch to the Heywood organizers Marty Larson, Ben Witt, and Mike Lehmkhul to start something new, The Heywood Ride, in a similar spirit as Almanzo in Northfield, Minnesota. Gravel for Everyone With Minimal Barriers to Entry The Heywood team has maintained key elements of the Almanzo's spirit while creating their own identity. Most notably, they've kept the event extremely affordable. Initially it started as a pay-what-you-want event and now continues with just a $25 entry fee, dramatically lower than many gravel events that are priced much higher. They've also instituted a "pay for another rider" program that has proven surprisingly popular, with around 100 riders typically contributing to help others participate. If you could use some financial support to cover your entry fee, this community fund has your back, no questions asked. "We offer something that a lot of gravel rides don't," explains Marty. "It's that space for people of any flavor to come down and be amongst familiars and amongst people that are going to treat them with respect." Camaraderie Over Competition Obviously not everyone is out to race at all race events. But Heywood specifically creates a space that not a race and doesn't try to be. Did you finish first in your event or first in your age class? Cool! There is no podium. Riders can choose between 30, 60, or 110, 165, and 390-mile routes – with the flexibility to change their distance on ride day based on how they're feeling. Forget the cumbersome transfer process, Heywood just wants you to go out and ride the ride the feels right for you when you show up. The 30 and 60-mile options frequently attract first-time gravel riders, while the event also offers more challenging options including a 165-mile route as well as a 390-mile ultra-distance challenge that begins on Thursday night. Yikes. Side note , I asked Marty if he, Ben and Mike have done the 390-mile route. While he said they'd like to do it as a multi-day tour at some point, he laughed it off, noting that they are far from fit or fast enough to do it in one go. Ben, Marty, Mike, & No Sponsors The organizers, Ben, Mike, and Marty, have deliberately kept the event simple and grassroots. It is run by just the 3 core team members plus their spouses and a handful of volunteers. They've avoided corporate sponsorships and maintained a focus on the riding experience. This approach has resonated in the gravel community. At a time when many events have trended toward higher entry fees and more competitive formats, the Heywood has found success by moving in the opposite direction. The guys believe they could eventually grow to 2,000 participants while maintaining their grassroots approach, though they're cautious about expanding beyond what their small team can manage. The 2025 Heywood Ride and Beyond 2025 will see the addition of music and food trucks at the finish line in Northfield's tree-covered park. But the emphasis will remain on creating a welcoming environment where riders can set up tents, enjoy a fun party and cheer on finishers. "This is just a bike ride," Marty emphasized. "We're doing this to provide a space for people to come and ride their bikes. It's not an expo. It's not a trade show." By prioritizing accessibility and community over competition and commercialization, the Heywood has carved out a unique environment in the gravel scene – one that suggests there's still plenty of appetite for events that stay true to the grassroots spirit that helped launch gravel cycling's popularity. To learn more and register for the ride, visit The Heywood Ride .