Get ready for fat bike race season! When the snow falls, it's time to book some races for your winter calendar and text your friends to join in. There are tons of races to choose from and here we choose the 4 most iconic Northwoods races that are essential to race at least once.

Winter is getting closer and so is the excitement for snow and fat bike season. But will we get snow this winter? Last winter produced very minimal snow and the fat bike season was nearly nonexistent. If this winter sucks for fat biking like last winter, here are 30 ideas to pivot and find some new creative adventures that we cyclists can enjoy.

The Coon Fork Overnighter was designed to be a Northwoods treat for brand new bikepackers looking for their first adventure as well as seasoned adventure cyclists needing a snappy gravel S240. MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Created By: Josh Rizzo

Chasing the train is a north to south route from Saint Paul to Winona, Minnesota. The route leads riders out of the metro area and its suburban sprawl and into the river towns of Cannon Falls and Redwing. It then climbs back out of the river valley and traverses the top of the bluffs before descending back down into Winona. Upon arriving in Winona you board the Amtrak and ride the rails back to Saint Paul.  MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

This October, Katrina Hase and her husband Tony set out to explore the Split Rock Wilds trail system on Minnesota's beautiful North Shore. The ride offered a mix of flowing sections and technical terrain, making for an adventurous and scenic experience. Here Katrina shares a video of her adventure as well as a ride recap. Enjoy! Words and Video by Katrina Hase. Find her on YouTube and Instagram . In mid-October of 2024, my husband Tony and I decided to embrace the beautiful fall weather and drive 3 hours up the North Shore from the Twin Cities to check out the Split Rock Wilds trail system . We parked at a public trailhead in Beaver Bay, Minnesota and rode a few short miles south on the Gitchi-Gami state trail , before perilously crossing Highway 61* to the trailhead off a road designated as the Superior Hiking Trail Cove Point Spur. (Incidentally, this road and the property around it is privately owned and vehemently rejects the use of their lots for trailhead parking.) Climbing Inland to Flowing Trails & Rock Gardens Starting from the elevation of Lake Superior, we immediately started climbing as we headed inland on a trail called Neovision. Luckily, the well-designed trail included switchbacks to alleviate the steepness of the climb, and within 10 minutes we were on more rolling and flowing terrain. The first trails heading southwest, parallel to Lake Superior, were flowy and non- technical. Optional rock features and drops added some spice to trail and encouraged sessioning. Eventually, this green trail, called Highway 61, merged into a blue trail—Mail Route—which began to introduce natural rocks and mostly level rock gardens that were intricately puzzle-pieced together. Eventually we came to a man-made rock garden that was lengthy and more challenging than the previous ones, butted against a dramatic rock face. This was our first taste of the spicier features we’d encounter later, on the black trails. Overall, this first half of the trail system had a good mix of climbing and descending, with neither standing out as particularly dominant. Tackling Rugged Terrain on the Back Half As we approached the southwest corner of the course, we again encountered green trails that flowed through a golden-hued autumn forest, showing off the area’s spectacular terrain. It’s here that we saw our first rider of the day. At his request, I pulled out my Trailforks app to help him navigate, as he said he’d been going in circles for a while. Without Trailforks, it could be confusing to use the maps that are typically provided at intersections. These maps are difficult to read: overly detailed and too generally marked for your current location with a rectangle. Tony and I turned north, now on the back section of trails that would eventually return to the northeast trailhead where we started. The trails morphed from green (Rufus) to blue (Sellers) and finally to black (Fade to Blue). The black section is where the reputation of Split Rock Wilds as a technical rider’s playground reached fruition. While I consider myself to be comfortable with riding rough, rocky terrain, I must admit that this was a section where it was common for me to ride several hundred feet then put a foot down as I faltered. Nothing stood out to me as impossible to ride; rather, the challenge was to consistently scout lines quickly and execute them smoothly. Plus, with the more rugged terrain came increasing power demands, increasing my heart rate and burning my legs. I’ll admit to taking many breaks to catch my breath in this section! That said, Fade to Back was my favorite part of Split Rock Wilds to ride. I was fully engaged in the riding, frequently laughing and whooping, and often backing up to take another go over a feature. My favorite areas were any of the native boulders and rock slabs, which provided a uniquely North Shore experience. The Trail Builders’ Vision The Split Rock Wilds Trail system was built by several partners including OTM (One Track Mind Foundation), Zenith Trail Contracting, Conservation Corps of MN and Iowa, Rock Solid Trail Contracting, Lake County Mountain Bike Trails, and Dirt Candy Designs. The influence of many different designers provided a diversity of riding experiences throughout thesystem. One commonality, however, was their clearly demonstrated passion for creating exceptional trails. Tony and I both remarked that we could feel the love these trailbuilders put into their designs. Funding for Split Rock Wilds includes Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, MN Lake Superior Coastal Program and the One Track Mind Foundation. The trails are maintained by Lake County, in partnership with the Minnesota DNR, which owns and maintains the trailhead in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Split Rock Wilds were designated as part of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails System in 2016. The trail system had a soft opening in 2021 and officially opened to the public in July 2022. * A proposed Split Rock Wilds Beaver Bay expansion will allow riders access to the trails without having to cross Highway 61 and will bring beginner-level trails to the Beaver Bay side of the trail system. Katrina Hase is a White Bear Lake, Minnesota resident with a passion for mountain biking, gravel riding, and bikepacking. Find her videos on YouTube and connect with her on Instagram: @birdsnbikesnballet

Life Time Fitness owns and operates several athletic events including running and cycling events. Their cycling events range from MTB to gravel and span through much of the west and midwest. Here we list every single bike race that they operate. The Life Time Grand Prix has recently brought even more attention to the many cycling events owned and operated by Life Time. That series has included 6-7 of their mtb and gravel events but they own several other bike races beyond those. Their races are known for really high quality cycling experiences, equal payouts for men and women, and exceptional courses and host towns. Here we list all of their cycling events in both a list and map format. Map of Every Life Time Bike Race List of Life Time Bike Races Life Time Sea Otter Classic presented by Continental Month : April The Sea Otter Classic is a massive cycling event held in Monterey, California, marking the beginning of the cycling season. Participants can race, ride, and test gear from over 1,000 bike brands at the Sea Otter Expo. The event features 12 competitive races across various terrains, as well as untimed recreational rides for cyclists of all skill levels. Learn more at Sea Otter Classic Life Time UNBOUND Gravel Month : First Weekend After Memorial Day UNBOUND Gravel, founded in 2006, is a gravel cycling event held in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. Originally a 200-mile race, it has expanded to offer five distance options: 25, 50, 100, 200, and 350 miles. The event takes place on challenging gravel roads known for their rough terrain and steep hills. UNBOUND Gravel has grown from 34 participants in its first year to nearly 4,000 riders from across the U.S. and around the world. It plays a significant role in the local Emporia community, with a portion of the event proceeds benefiting local charitable causes. The event emphasizes its grassroots origins while offering a range of experiences for cyclists of different skill levels. UNBOUND Gravel is held the first weekend after Memorial Day each year. Learn more at UNBOUND Gravel Life Time Lutsen 99er Month : June The Lutsen 99er is a mountain bike race set in Minnesota's North Shore region, featuring a 99-mile course with additional distance options of 69, 45, and 29 miles. The race begins at Superior National Golf Course in the Sawtooth Mountains, with a Category 3 climb offering views of Lake Superior. Riders traverse glacially shaped terrain, rolling hills, and areas rich in lakes and streams, passing through sections of road and trail that are frequented by both wildlife and people. The event also includes Little Niner races for kids, making it a family-friendly experience. Learn more at Lutsen 99er Life Time Leadville Silver Rush 50 Mile MTB Month: July The Silver Rush 50 MTB is a 50-mile mountain bike race in Leadville, Colorado, featuring 8,000 feet of elevation gain. The course, known for its technical climbs and fast descents, offers a challenging ride through the historic mining district on the east side of Leadville. The route is primarily on dirt roads originally used by miners, starting at the Cloud City Ski Hut near Colorado Mountain College. Riders will pass by historic gold and silver mines under the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, including views of 14,000-foot peaks. The race also serves as a qualifying event for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. Learn more at Leadville Silver Rush 50 Life Time Crusher in the Tushar Month: July This 69.9-mile race takes riders from historic downtown Beaver, Utah, to the Eagle Point ski and summer resort. The course, with a 60/40 mix of gravel and tarmac, travels through Utah's Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest. Riders will experience over 10,000 feet of elevation gain while navigating the backcountry of this lesser-known region. The race offers a challenging ride and scenic exploration of the area. Learn more at Crusher in the Tushar Life Time Tahoe Trail Month:  July The Tahoe Trail 100 is a 50-kilometer, two-loop mountain bike course set in Northstar California, offering scenic views of Lake Tahoe, rocky summits, and pine forests. Riders navigate Northstar's ski area trails, including singletrack, mountain Jeep roads, and descents through the Northstar Bike Park. With over 6,000 feet of elevation gain, the course ends at the Overlook area in Northstar Village, where food and entertainment are available for participants and spectators. Learn more at Tahoe Trail Life Time Leadville Stage Race Month:  July The Life Time Leadville Stage Race is a multi-day event covering the iconic Leadville Trail 100 MTB course over three days. Riders tackle high-altitude terrain, ranging from 9,209 feet at Twin Lakes Dam to 12,497 feet at Columbine Mine. The course primarily consists of two-track fire roads, with a total distance of 100 miles split into three stages. A sub 11-hour finish time is required to be considered an official finisher. The race is part of the Leadville Race Series, which has a history spanning over 40 years. Leadville, originally a mining boomtown, retains its historical character, with landmarks such as the Tabor Opera House and the National Mining Hall of Fame. Today, the town is known for outdoor activities like skiing, fat biking, and hiking, in addition to its endurance racing events. Learn More at Leadville Stage Race Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Month:  August The Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB is a challenging 100-mile mountain bike race, first held in 1994. Riders navigate steep climbs and technical descents, gaining approximately 12,000 feet in elevation and reaching a peak of 12,600 feet at the Columbine Mine summit. The course features a variety of terrains, including the rocky Powerline section and scenic mountain views. The race is known for testing both endurance and skill, with participants pushing through high-altitude conditions to complete one of the most demanding mountain bike events in the world. Successful finishers can earn a silver or gold belt buckle, a coveted symbol of achievement in the Leadville race. Learn More at Leadville Trail 100 Life Time Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival presented by TREK Month:  September The Chequamegon 40 is a 40-mile mountain bike race through Wisconsin’s Northwoods, starting in downtown Hayward and finishing at the Great Hall in Cable. The course follows the American Birkebeiner Ski Trail, forest roads, and snowmobile routes, offering a mix of terrains. Established in 1983 with just 27 riders, the event has grown into one of the most well-known off-road mountain bike races in the U.S. The race weekend features a festival atmosphere with live music, craft beer, and food from local vendors. Learn More at Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival Life Time Rad Dirt Fest Month:  September The Rad Dirt Fest, taking place in Trinidad, Colorado, offers three off-road cycling courses of 110, 70, and 40 miles. Riders traverse gravel roads through the rugged landscape of the Spanish Peaks and expansive mesas in southern Colorado. The courses are primarily on maintained gravel roads, with scenic views and rolling terrain. However, the elevation and climbs present a significant challenge, particularly on the longer routes. Trinidad, located in the Purgatoire River valley near the New Mexico border, is known for its rich history, vibrant architecture, and thriving outdoor culture. The area provides a unique setting for cyclists, with diverse wildlife and scenic surroundings making it a popular outdoor destination. Learn More at Rad Dirt Fest Life Time Little Sugar MTB presented by Mazda Month:  October Little Sugar MTB takes riders through Bentonville and Bella Vista, Arkansas, along the hollers and ravines of the Little Sugar and Back 40 trail systems. The course features scenic bluff lines, caves, waterfalls, and the well-known Ledges in the Ozarks. Riders will face challenging climbs balanced by fast descents, as well as technical rock features in the Slaughter Pen trail system near Bentonville. Participants can choose from three course options: 100K: A demanding course with steep climbs, rolling descents, and technical features. 50K: A mid-distance option covering the rugged terrain of Bentonville and Bella Vista. 20K: A shorter, fast course suitable for cyclists of all ages. Learn More at Little Sugar MTB Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Mazda Month:  October Big Sugar Gravel, takes place in Bentonville, Arkansas and brings cyclists through canopy-covered gravel roads in the remote Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas and Southern Missouri. The routes follow Sugar Creek and pass through bluffs and hollers, offering scenic fall foliage. The course features loose, rocky gravel, occasional pavement sections, water crossings, and bridges, making it a challenging ride. The event is part of a week-long celebration in Northwest Arkansas, which also includes the Life Time Little Sugar MTB race the weekend before. Riders can enjoy both mountain biking and gravel riding in one of the top cycling destinations in the U.S. Learn More at Big Sugar Gravel Life Time Austin Rattler MTB Month:  November The Austin Rattler MTB takes place at Reveille Peak Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, offering a mix of singletrack and fire roads over a 20-mile loop. Riders can choose to complete one, two, or three loops, depending on their endurance level. The course is designed to challenge cyclists with varied terrain, while still providing room for passing and minimizing choke points. The event also features live music, camping, kids' races, and Texas BBQ, creating a celebratory atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Learn More at Austin Rattler

Borah Teamwear just announced a partnership with local pro gravel racer Chase Wark . They released a limited edition driftless flannel themed jersey that can be purchased directly from Chase's Borah store HERE .

The Snow Crown fat bike series is back for 2025 with 3 events in January and February. Dates and locations have just been set. Last year the US Fat Bike Open was move to the Ariens Nordic Center for the first time and will taking place there this year as well. Here are all 3 events. Fatty Shack January 11, 2025 De Pere, WI Fat Camp January 25, 2025 De Pere, WI U.S. Fat Bike Open February 8, 2025 Ariens Nordic Center Brillion, WI More info at Snow Crown series .

Inspired by cool summer and fall nights biking by the lake, we're sharing our new custom mobile wallpaper artwork. Designed by our friend Barry Lachapelle from Bike Gear Database, members of The Nxrth+ can now download this artwork for your mobile phones via the link below.

The Itasca Lakenights is a deep-northwoods bikepacking adventure surrounded by scattered lakes, forgotten forests, and long nights around the fire. It starts and ends at a tiny oasis in the forest with a general store and motel rooms to kick off your trip as well as a hunter's paradise bar and grill for story telling and post ride burger and beverages when you complete your last mile. Photos by Josh Kowaleski & Josh Rizzo Join The Nxrth+ to Get Access Over the winter we dreamed up the idea of making new memories discovering a bikepacking route up north in an area not known as a popular gravel and adventure destination. We studied satellite imagery and global heatmaps that kept making Itasca County look like a dreamy place to spend long days biking with friends and cool evenings talking around the lake. For those new to the area, Itasca County is enormous. It is Minnesota's 3rd biggest county and has over 1,400 lakes. It's far outside of the popular north shore regions and beyond the Iron Range. Grand Rapids in the south is the biggest city but northern Itasca County is vast with very low population density, and very high lake density. State and county forests make a huge percentage of land ownership which both allow dispersed camping. This route is full of boat landings to stop for lake lunches and campgrounds for lake nights. The majority of the route is winding gravel roads through wooded rolling hills. It eastern section also includes some rugged ATV trails and unmaintained barely used cutting paths through the woods (both noted on the map). Some would say the real gems of this route are the few and far between off-grid food and drink spots. We highly recommend getting breakfast at the Pine Cone Soup & Sandwich Cafe in Marcell as well as a burger and beer at the Antler Lodge upon completing the route and returning to your car. Talmoon also Hayslips Corner which boasts being the self declared oldest bar in Minnesota and is right across the street from a convenience store. Route Map Preview [ Full Route With POIs Available Members of The Nxrth+ ] Join The Nxrth+ to Get Access Sneak Peek Inside the Guide [ Join The Nxrth+ for Full Access ] Join The Nxrth+ to Get Access Scenes From The Itasca Lakenights Join The Nxrth+ to Get Access 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.

Traditional paved bike touring has had a decline in the last decade while bikepacking is still accelerating. What's causing the shift and how do we even know that this IS a trend? Here we break down some of these trends and offer a few guesses as to what might be contributing to it.  MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Words and photos by Josh Rizzo

If you're looking to explore new forests, ride the most beautiful remote gravel roads, and meet other bikepackers, we've rounded up a list of 8 beautiful bikepacking events up north. From the farthest corners of northern Minnesota to way up in the Upper Peninsula, there's tons of variety and event formats to discover something new this year.  MEMBER EXCLUSIVE