Episode 10 of The Northwoods Ramble podcast dives into an update from TJ on the new gravity trails at Telemark. He goes into detail on what was built this year, what construction is planned for 2024 and why you should not be riding on the trails at all this winter, even if the ground is frozen and there is little snow. Dave Schlabowske also discusses his search for mirror-smooth frozen lake fat biking .

True North Basecamp is a mining-inspired trailside adventure hub with lakeside cabins and campsites in Cuyuna Lakes. Today we talk with founder Dan Jurek about the roots and vision of True North Basecamp and how the adventure came to be. Learn more at True North Basecamp . How True North Came to Be The adage "innovation arises from necessity" is a fitting testament to the origins of True North Basecamp. Born from a family's desire for a more comfortable camping experience, True North Basecamp has transformed outdoor enthusiasts' enjoyment of the Cuyuna region. In September 2013, founder Dan Jurek embarked on a camping and biking trip with his son, Aiden, and some friends. Their first night was far from ideal – harsh and cold, leaving Dan seeking a solution for a more enjoyable outdoor adventure. Driven by this experience, Dan embarked on a quest for the perfect location to establish custom lodging in the Cuyuna area. His perseverance paid off when he stumbled upon a pristine forty-acre plot boasting scenic mine lakes and seamless access to the trail system. This discovery marked the genesis of True North Basecamp. With a vision of providing a unique and comfortable outdoor experience, Dan set out to create a haven for families and adventurers alike. Checking in with Dan Jurek: I love the mine-inspired cabins; what role has historic mining played in today's enjoyment of the area's recreation and True North? The "Northwoods Industrial Design" of our cabins is intended to honor and uphold the importance of Cuyuna Mining. Taconite mining was critical in developing mountain bike trails and lakes for paddling in Cuyuna, Minnesota. The area was historically a mining region for iron ore, characterized by pits and mining activity. As mining operations ceased, these pits filled with water, creating the picturesque mine lakes that now attract paddlers. Moreover, the land scarred by mining became the foundation for the mountain bike trails. The rugged terrain left behind by mining operations was repurposed and transformed into a network of trails, utilizing the unique landscape to create an exceptional mountain biking destination. In essence, the legacy of taconite mining shaped the physical landscape of Cuyuna, providing the foundation for developing its renowned mountain bike trails and scenic lakes for paddling. What do you want people to feel and experience when they stay at True North? I want them to feel a sense of accomplishment from conquering a trail or paddling a lake combined with a sense of calmness and relaxation, feeling at peace amidst natural surroundings. As well as a sense of community by connecting with like-minded fellow guests and visitors who enjoy Cuyuna. What has it been like seeing Cuyuna Lakes grow as a biking destination and what are you looking forward to about the future? It's rewarding seeing all the business growth happening among independent business owners with restaurants, bars, gift shops, and outfitters that were absent a few years ago and that they can sustain year-round. The most significant shift we witnessed this past summer was the growth of guests paddling, boarding, and kayaking. What about the gravel scene? Cuyuna is such a MTB hotspot, do you get many gravellers out that way? Gravel bikes have become nearly as ubiquitous as mountain bikes, thanks to the numerous routes that cater to gravel biking enthusiasts. You can find an excellent summary of these trails at www.cuyuna.com/gravelgrinderroutes/

This Friday, December 15th, we're closing our long sleeve jersey store for the final time of 2023. These come in standard and thermal versions and are made by Borah Teamwear in Coon Valley, Wisconsin to keep you warm (and looking GREAT!) while fat biking this winter. Shop Long Sleeves & Thermals .

To kick off the fat bike season, we're asking a few friends to share their top 5 fat bike race picks, plus one deathbed fat bike adventure. Here we're sharing Laura Hrubes's list which takes us all over Wisconsin, Minnesota, the U.P., Idaho, and Iceland. Enjoy. Laura Hrubes is a year round gravel, MTB, bikepacking, and fat biker from Wisconsin with deep roots in the U.P. She loves winter and really really really hard bike events. We caugh up with her to check in on her favorite fat bike events around our region as well as events she'd love to do some day. She also works for Embark Maple where they support endurace cylists of all kinds with maple energy. Follow Laura on Instagram . Laura Hrubes's Top 5 Fat Bike Race Picks 1. Arrowhead 135 | Jan 29 - International Falls, WI This has been on my dream list for a long time, and has taken me literally years to feel like I’m ready and experienced enough to try it. It’s considered to be one of the toughest races on the planet, in large part because of the extreme cold and super remote location…northern Minnesota at the end of January is often one of the coldest places on the planet, and you will probably be alone out there and have to be ready and able to keep yourself alive. There’s a pretty low success rate overall, particularly with first-timers, but I’m going to give it my very best shot this winter and hope like heck that the weather gods favor us with good conditions in 2024! LEARN MORE . 2. Snow Crown Series | Green Bay, WI There’s something for everyone at this incredible race series, and they are SO much fun! You can do different distances from beginner to elite, and theres a 50 and 100 mile ultra too! I won’t be able to make it for the full series this year (but you should!), but I’ll definitely do the ultra, which connects all the groomed mountain bike trail systems in the Green Bay Area into one incredible fat bike adventure. The snowcrown series is a guaranteed amazing good time and an incredible community. The same goes for the Hugh Jass series ; I’ve never raced these, but they are put on by amazing people and are such a fun vibe. Highly recommend both series! LEARN MORE . 3. Fat Pursuit | Island Park, ID Fat Pursuit in Idaho, just outside Yellowstone National Park. I’ve never done it, but this is super high on my list. A great big wilderness bikepacky adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the country in the winter, I definitely want in on that…Maybe 2025! 4. Actif Epica | Feb 16 - Manitoba, Canada I’ve never done this one before, but if all miraculously somehow goes well at Tuscobia and Arrowhead, I’ll head north and give this a go in 2024 as it’s the final race to gain entry into the Order of the Hrimthurs (a Norse word for an old tribe of frost giants!)…basically a winter triple crown, and all three races have to be completed in the same year. It’s almost impossible to do and an extremely short list of legendary women have accomplished this, so it feels like a crazy huge goal. Manitoba is pretty flat, but super cold (real temps of -58 have happened during the race) and wide open and windy, so that’s the big surprise mystery challenge up there. I adore Canada and can’t wait for this experience! LEARN MORE . 5. Polar Roll | Feb 17 - Ishpeming, MI I did the first-ever polar roll ultra earlier this year, and wow, was that ever hard! And also one of the best adventures I’ve ever had. This remains one of my favorite events, in my favorite place in the world, the UP of Michigan. There’s a mass start race day, with all kinds of events (snowshoeing too, if that’s your thing!), a window to do events on your own schedule, and the ultra. 10/10. LEARN MORE . Bonus Death Bed Fat Bike Adventure: Fat Biking Iceland If money and time were not part of the adventure equation, I would pack my bags and my bike and my favorite people and head to Iceland for the winter! In 2021, a tiny group (including Rebecca Rusch!) did the first-ever north to south crossing of Iceland by bike in the winter, totally self-supported, crossing mountains and lakes and glaciers, and it’s one of the most beautiful, remote places on the planet. I would absolutely love to plan an adventure like that! Also, it’s one of the best places on the planet to see the northern lights, which is one of my absolute favorite things. If I could dream that big, it’s playing fat bikes under the northern lights in the winter in Iceland!

There are many options for dangle mugs for bikepacking including capacity, material, handles, and insulation. There has always been a debate about the actual practicality of these and whether they're more utilitarian or more decoration. Take a look at some of the characteristics of a good dangle mug here. In the world of bikepacking, where every inch of storage space is precious and bouncy terrain is the norm, the choice of your camp mug can make a significant difference in your total outdoor enjoyability factor. Enter the beloved dangle mug. Dangle mugs have a free spirit and just bounce around whatever they bump over. Here we look what makes a truly good dangle mug, why on earth you would use one, an 11 of the best ones every made. What Makes a Good Dangle Mug for Bikepacking? Not all camp mugs make good dangle mugs. Dangle mugs have a tough job to do and they play a role different than an average camp mug. Here are a few characteristics of a great dangler. A Good Dangle Mug Has No Cap (Or Has a Locking Cap) A good dangle mug should feature a cap-free design or a locking cap. If the cap is held on by pinching pressure alone, chances are it's going to come loose and you're not going to realize it until 20 miles later when you show up to camp ready to mix up some cherry kool-aid. A Good Dangle Mug Is Unbreakable Durability is key, and a dependable dangle mug should be crafted from materials that can withstand the rigors of bikepacking. Look for options made from tough, shatterproof materials to ensure it can endure bumps, drops, and the occasional rough handling. A Good Dangle Mug Has An Attractive Appearance While functionality is paramount, aesthetics matter too. A good dangle mug should combine form with function, boasting an appealing design that complements your bikepacking gear and adds a touch of style to your journey. Bonus - You Can Cook In a Good Dangle Mug An exceptional dangle mug goes beyond the ordinary by doubling as a cookware piece. This bonus feature allows adventurous bikepackers to use their mug for both drinking and cooking, expanding its utility and making it a versatile companion for outdoor cooking adventures. Why Would You Use a Dangle Mug? Using a dangle mug on a bikepacking trip offers a unique and practical solution to the age-old challenge of enjoying a beverage on the go. Unlike water bottles, dangle mugs hang securely from the handlebars or saddle of your bike and frees up valuable space within your bikepacking setup. They also eliminate the need to stop and rummage through your gear for a quick sip. Apart from that, they're just...kind of fun. They bounce around. Some people also think they're absurd so they provide the added benefit of kindly annoying those friends. In no particular order, here's a list of tried and true dangle mugs. You have plenty of options from single wall to double wall, titanium vs aluminum, as well as capacity choices. Single Wall Dangle Mugs Single walled dangle mugs are simple, light, less expensive, and get the job done just fine. They're generally not insulated and won't keep your drink as hot or as cold for as long but hey...this is camping, not the Ritz Carlton. Toaks Ti-Single - 450ML The 450ml is among our customers' favorite titanium camping gear. Its folding handles and silky-smooth texture complement your morning beverage, making for a pleasant experience that's easy to pack. Any of our 650ml or larger pots easily contain this cup. LEARN MORE . Snow Peak Ti-Single - 450ML The Ti-Single 450 Cup is made of ultralight Japanese titanium. Designed for everyday use and backcountry excursions, the Ti-Single 450 Cup can be placed directly over a heat source for cooking or warming. The mug features foldable handles for compact storage and is built to last. Olicamp Space Saver - 700ML Lighter than our traditional Space Saver Mug,The Space Saver Mug with Grip fits snuggly over the bottom of a 1 quart, round Nalgene bottle and the Klean Kanteen 40 oz saving valuable space in your pack. Hard anodized surface makes this nearly scratch proof, easy to clean, and it looks great too. Large enough to boil water for freeze dried meals. The new innovative handle design keeps the handle cooler when used for boiling water or cooking. This will be your go-to pot for fast and light trips. Graduations on the side for measuring just the right amount of water. Holds 24 oz to the brim or 20 oz to the top graduation. LEARN MORE . The Nxrth Gravel Bear Dangle Mug- 350ML The Nxrth's own enamel mug with the lovable angry black bear shredding gravel in the woods. Give this mug a home on your bike and look like a champion. LEARN MORE . Dangle Supply Ti Cup - 420ML The classic camp look includes an incredibly lightweight thin-wall Titanium construction and an elegant tubular handle which isolates your delicate fingers from whatever temperature you've got going on in that cup. LEARN MORE . No longer do you need to fuss with foldable handles that give way when you need them most. This beautiful Titanium cup is perfect for tea at home, coffee around the campfire, whiskey while summiting, or for proudly displaying on the open shelving in your Scandinavian-modern inspired home. LEARN MORE. Vargo Titanium Travel Mug - 450ML The 450 ml Vargo Titanium Travel Mug is a great companion both on and off the trail! Whether your journey includes sweeping mountain vistas, chatting with friends at the local coffee shop, or reading the paper at your kitchen table, its folding handles, titanium construction, and 450 ml capacity make it large and small enough to go where you do. And its stay cool rim won’t burn your lips while drinking your coffee or tea. Single walled construction means it’s ready to go for cooking, too. LEARN MORE . MSR Titan Cup - 400ML The ultralight MSR Titan™ titanium cup is perfect for long treks when every ounce of weight makes a difference. LEARN MORE . Double-Walled Dangle Mugs Double-walled dangle mugs are for those looking to live more deeply. Cold drinks stay colder and warm drinks stay warmer. These insulated mugs also keep your finger temperature regulated and your heart happy. Snow Peak Ti-Double - 450ML The Ti-Double 450 Mug is a durable and ultralight camping cup. The mug is eco-manufactured with advanced welding techniques and is made of Japanese titanium. With a slimmer design, the Ti-Double 300 Mug can nest within the Ti-Double 450 Mug for simple storage for daily use and camping sets. The mug’s double-wall insulation keeps beverages warm or cool. Snow Peak Ti-Single. Toaks Ti-Double - 370ML The TOAKS Titanium 370ml cup is corrosion-resistant and lasts for years. Rounded bottom edges make cleaning easy and improves heating efficiency. It is much sturdier than the average cup and it comes with a mesh storage sack. LEARN MORE . GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Camp Cup - 450ML Your new favorite, no-slosh, double wall cup. When hanging out around the campfire with friends, you need a simple, durable camp cup to keep your favorite beverage close at hand. The double-wall insulated design holds in hot or cold while the clear Sip-through lid ensures that you won't spill a drop. GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Double Walled Espresso Cup - 33ML Unique, double-walled, stainless steel design delivers a piping hot shot of espresso coffee while not burning your lips. BONUS: The Dangler Pro - Dangle Mug Specific Bike Bag No one likes drinking dirt. So why not keep that ole mug clean and bike glamp in luxury with the Dangler Pro. Less jangle more Dangle. LEARN MORE .

Day Across Minnesota just announced that DAMn is back for 2024 after announcing the very last DAMn in 2021. The event will take place on Aug 10th with registration opening on Jan 6. Here Chris Stindt shares reflections on racing two DAMn's and what went through his mind when his wife told him yesterday morning that DAMn was back for 2024. Words by Chris Stindt. Learn more about The Day Across Minnesota . Sometime in 2011 I did my first triathlon, on a hybrid bike. I convinced my sister-in-law to join me, and her husband signed up on a borrowed old road bike. The rest, as they say, is history. My brother-in-law, Chris Stevens, is one of the most prolific endurance cyclists in the midwest, and really the entire country. He recently set the American record for miles ridden in 24 hours (510, for the record). Anyway, it's safe to say we really like riding bikes. Stevens got a bit more 'in' than I did, and in 2018(?) joined a relatively new event called the Day Across Minnesota. I thought he was nuts. The basics: riders start in a podunk town just across the border into South Dakota and leave at midnight, under fireworks, riding gravel roads all the way to Wisconsin, for a total of 240 miles. Riders have 24 hours to complete the event, although I think Chris was much closer to 12 hours. Did I mention I thought he was nuts? But then I started thinking about it, and getting inspired, and what the heck, on a cold January morning in early 2019 I sat at my parent's kitchen table during a visit, consumed one too many cups of coffee, and signed myself up for the 2019 edition of DAMn. It seemed like a good idea, at the time. I spent the summer training, trying to log some DAMn miles. I sold my aero road bike, and basically quit road racing. I mounted TT bars to my Trek Boone cyclocross bike, and tried bike bags, and backpacks, and nutrition and also worked to develop some mental fortitude. Side note: spend more time developing mental fortitude. Everything else is just ...schematics, except maybe tires.The longest training ride I did was 107 miles, but who was really counting? (Oh wait, me, I was. Oops.) Ok, so I go to South Dakota and prepare to ride my bike back to Wisconsin. I tried to nap before the start, but really, who can fall easily into a restful sleep 3 hours before attempting the craziest thing they've ever done. I won't go into all the details, but it was a hot day. The early DAMn's (pre-Covid) had 3 required rest stops. At mile 180 it was like, I don't know, 85 degrees, which felt like 105, and I was [redacted]. Let's say, I was in bad shape. I'm pretty sure I didn't hallucinate this, but I think my wife made me get a selfie with a giant inflatable unicorn because she thought my friend Erik would like it. Mind you, I'd been awake for 30 hours and ridden 180 miles and was sufficiently overheated. She then sent the picture to Erik, and he called to pep talk me. I'm not sure it worked, but it didn't hurt either. I sat in our minivan with the AC blasting, drinking cold drinks, until I no longer felt like dying (like I sat for 45 minutes, during a race). And then I got back on and kept riding. About 10 miles down the road I again felt like dying again, but who goes 190 miles and quits with 50 miles to go? Not me, that's who. I did stop in the shade and take a nap. I somehow rode a series of never ending gravel rollers in full afternoon sun. I cursed, a lot. I couldn't pedal in the aero bars, so I basically laid down on them when coasting, and then sat up to pedal. Ok, enough whining, I eventually made it to the finish line and promptly said I was never doing that again. But WOW it's fair to say it changed my life. I was a DAMn Champion! (That's what they call finishers. And hooey to you if you think participation medals are garbage, because everyone who rides 240 miles of gravel...is a DAMn Champion.) The sheer grit you develop...it's hard to compare. My dad asked me, after, if it was worth it and I said I don't know, ask me again after I eat and sleep some more. When he died in 2020 prior to the pandemic, setting off one of the hardest periods of my life, I often thought back to DAMn and what I knew I was capable of enduring. I thanked Trent, and tried to carry on with my life. In 2020 I signed up, but couldn't mentally commit. I knew you had to be ready, and I was far from ready. In 2021 I signed up and trained for it again. Another set of midnight fireworks, and ... a cold night. I don't believe I've ever been as cold as I was just before the sunrise. I debated knocking on a farmhouse door for a cup of hot coffee. I mentally quit, and decided to just ride to the next checkpoint and pack it in. Instead, I kept going. There were a lot of ups and down, much more cursing (sorry Anna!), and another finish. It was supposed to be the Last DAMn, and regretfully, I thanked Trent for quitting hosting the event because at the finish line I told him I would never do it again, it just wrecked me so bad. I say regretfully because crap, this event changed my life. Trent Raygor is a special human. You might recognize the name from his other event, Filthy 50. He needed a break from running two major events, and understandably stopped the DAMn. I am an event organizer, and I know what a major commitment it is. Sort of like riding DAMn, you can't be half-hearted. You have to mentally commit and he needed the time for his family. He didn't give the event name away though, and said, never say never. Despite teasing my wife that I was going to force her to ride the route with me someday, I didn't really consider riding it again anytime soon. And then this morning I walked in the door and she looked and me and said, DAMn's back, with a big smile. See the thing about DAMn is, you need a crew. Ultra runners get this, but cyclists don't often appreciate how important a crew can be to overnight, long distance events. And Anna is my crew chief. She swore she'd never do it again! But just like me, she's fully in. My facebook memories told me today that Trent and I have been friends for 4 years. Trent isn't someone I'm regularly texting with or even calling up to chat, but the bond you forge, when you understand something on a different level, is really strong. I don't know that I'd say we are 'typical' friends, but I'm honored to know Trent and to experience what he gives to the cycling community. So...DAMn 2024. It's happening. Do you want to change your life? Sign up. You probably need a gravel bike, and some other equipment isn't going to hurt, but realistically you need some motivation. This isn't a joke. You will want to quit more than almost anything else in the world, at some point during this event. Figure out what that thing is that will get you to the finish line. Is it your kids waiting at the finish line? Beating cancer? Doing it for a friend who didn't beat cancer? This year I'm hopeful to ride with and get my wife to the finish line on a bike. We'll see! If anyone has questions or wants to talk, please reach out to me, christopherstindt@gmail.com

To kick off the fat bike season, we're asking a few friends to share their top 5 fat bike race picks, plus one deathbed fat bike adventure. Here we're sharing Brian Davis' list which takes us all over Wisconsin and then ends up in Maine. Enjoy. Brian Davis is a Wisconsin-based YouTuber who wants to bring down the learning curve for bike races. He documents his races with videos that bring a lot of fun and positive race vibes. Check out his YouTube channel or some of his other projects including Hollow Socks , Fix It Sticks , and the Back Bottle . Brian Davis Races on YouTube and Instagram . Brian Davis' Top 5 Fat Bike Race Picks 1. Fat Camp | Feb 3 Suamico, WI [Snow Crown Series] A fatbike race at night on a wide open cx ski track under the lights sounds like an amazing experience AND IT IS! I love racing fast and in large packs, it's extremely fun, exhilarating, a little dangerous and very, very, very fast. Most of the race is on a wide course, but about 1/3 of each lap dives off into single track, tight riding with trees surrounding the racers and a little bit less light in those areas and it makes each lap a battle for position as we head into the tight section, then it opens up again and it's game on - full gas repeat, repeat. After the racing the chalet provides a really nice place to talk smack, warm up and enjoy a beverage. Lovely race in a lovely place. Learn More . 2. Rip, Zip, & Sip | Minocqua, WI This race does things a little differently and that can be a great way to change up the program. Nearly the entire race is on tight single track through the gorgeous northwoods. The rolling elevation changes starts to take its toll on your legs after the first lap and then it's a battle with yourself to stay on the gas as you are constantly distracted by the insane beauty of the landscape. Lots of tight turns and a few ripping downhills keep you on your toes. FInishing the race with a sled finish is a perfect reminder that no one should be taking fat biking too seriously; it's just so fun. Following the race, all participants get access to the zipline and then of course a whole bunch of beer and food is available afterwards as well. Always a good time! Learn More . 3. Shelltrack at Silver Creek | Dec 16 Manitowoc, WI [Snow Crown Series] This was my first fat bike race ever and it still holds a special place in my heart. The course is used during cyclocross season too and it gives a really nice mix of tight single track and open field areas making passing possible. It's a quick lap so you get to see the adoring fans every 8 or 9 minutes. My biggest challenge at this race is keeping track of my own laps (I’m terrible with numbers anyway and even worse when my lungs are exploding). The views along lake Michigan give you a little something to look at while you are exploding your heart. The finish party at this race is always fun and the Le Mans style start is funny to watch, so much scrambling to find your own bike its hilarious! Learn More . 4. Fat Bike Worlds | Jan 26-28 Leadville, CO This was my first road trip for a fat bike race and it did not disappoint. The organization behind FB worlds chose the group out in New Richmond, WI as hosts and I headed out to see how FB worlds works. I found out it works great. Really passionate local hosts put on an incredible race with multiple days of events, a welcome party, a finish party and a whole lotta fast riding. While I usually don’t love golf course races, this one mixes up a lot of terrain changes to provide an exciting race dynamic. I enjoyed the fellow racers and having such large fields allowed you to always be chasing someone down and that keeps things pretty fun even if you are in the back of the results page. Learn More . 5. US Fat Bike Open | Feb 10 Green Bay, WI [Snow Crown Series] As a part of the amazing Snow Crown series as well, this race is so well organized it just makes you feel like you are a world-class racer. US Open jerseys with stars & stripes are on the line and there is most certainly a lot of talented racers toeing the line to bring that jersey home. I am not in the running for those things, but I sure give it everything I have and the course pushes my limits. The hills are short and steep and just enough to kick you into cardiac arrest as you try to navigate the fast downhills. Ups and downs punctuate this course but the real star of the show is the after party in the golf course club house. Dancing, drinks and a very generous raffle provides a lot of off bike entertainment. Bonus - I won the major raffle and walked out with a brand new fat bike last year! Learn More . Bonus Death Bed Fat Bike Adventure: Hut-to-Hut in Main I have no real knowledge of how this trip would work, but oh man I would love to find out. I think packing up for a hut-to-hut trip in Maine would be the cats pajamas. I would especially look forward to not racing and just enjoying the scenery along the way. I can imagine having access to some support if needed would be a major stress-reducer for that type of adventure. I think I would pick one friend to ride with in similar fitness but more importantly a similar mindset to just go enjoy the moment with no rush to acheive anything in particular. I spent a vacation in Maine last year and really enjoyed the people and the vibe of Maine. I’d be up for this one! Learn More .

The Drifty is an 8-day, unscripted adventure that takes place in the beautiful Driftless Region of Southern Wisconsin. Including live music, bikepacking, canoeing, and a community of adventurers, it packs a lot of variety and natural beauty into one unforgetable week. Here we chat with Jake Gafner, Founder of The Drifty and Lost Travel. Learn more at The Drifty . Why the Driftless area? You're doing Sicily, Vietnam, and Wisconsin's Driftless region. How did the Drifty originate and what makes it a destination worthy adventure? Sometimes you don’t have to go far from home to find a good adventure. The Driftless region is a beautiful landscape with an interesting geological history. It’s home to hills which lead to fun (read: grueling) biking routes but it also leaves you feeling like you’re truly disconnected from the real world. The southern edge of the Driftless region features the Lower Wisconsin River which, at 92 miles, is the longest free-flowing stretch of river in the Midwest. It was on the Wisconsin river, during a Labor Day paddling trip with our dog that we first dreamt up the concept for the Drifty. We had been traveling around the world quite a bit that year and seeing our home state with fresh eyes made us want to create a local trip for others. People are on their own but it's also a coordinated community doing this together. Where does this fit on the spectrum of an unscripted, unguided adventure and community awesomeness? The Drifty is community awesomeness x10. In the words of a participant Tom Lacy, “it’s a bunch of people heading in the same direction, by different routes. Shared misery, shared satisfaction.” There is a lot of camaraderie, particularly at the kickoff, during the river section, and at the finish. Most people do the Drifty in small groups of 2-5. We provide the framework for an incredible adventure. We’ve arranged the hard stuff, coordinated some fun stuff along the way and do our best to make sure people have a rad time. Everybody comes together for a kickoff camp (food, drinks, live music, camping). The Lost Gear wagon will meet you at each of the transitions, and we finish with a party called Drifty Fest; with live music, a food truck, awards, and drinks. The unscripted nature is because every day of our lives we’re told what to do. When we’re on PTO we don’t want our hands held which is why the Drifty is unguided and not fully planned out for you. If you want to camp the entire time, you can do that. If you want to plot the least hilly route through the Driftless region… go for it. Make it your own and share your stories at the finish line. We do use a GPS tracking system to make sure people aren’t royally lost. What are your top 3-5 favorite parts of this adventure? It’s type-2 fun and for many people, the Drifty is a truly life-changing experience. Some people have quit their jobs, made the decision to go back to school, left relationships, had their perspectives change, and more… after completing the Drifty. Camping on the sandbars of the Wisconsin River is a highlight of this trip. The way that people organically come together throughout the trip makes me really happy; at Missouri Tavern, Wisconsin Riverside Resort, at random campsites, etc. This is what it’s all about. The situations that people get into can’t be predicted. People have hitchhiked with DNR agents, stayed at nudist camps, went bowling, biked into Minnesota, gotten very lost, and drank fresh milk from a cow tank. Everybody makes it their own. Some people coordinate their own SAG vehicle. Some people have friends/family camp with them during the biking portion…. Who should do this? ALL people and ALL bikes are welcome. You can do the Drifty on a tandem bike, e-bike, longboard, pennyfarthing… whatever. We’ve had people as young as 18 and as old as 77 do the Drifty. You should do the Drifty if you want a serious challenge AND you don’t take yourself too seriously. It is certainly a physical challenge; you should know how to paddle and swim as well as being capable of biking ~40 miles per day with bikepacking gear. That said, The Drifty is not a race, it’s an adventure. People fly in from around North America for the Drifty; we’ve welcome folks from over 25 states and Canada for the trip. If you sign up solo, you’ll meet friends to travel with at the kickoff camp. Groups are also welcome and we welcome bike clubs, travel groups and more to sign up. We have even had people coordinate guided trips within the Drifty… anything goes. Anything else you want to add? For Drifty 10 we’re crowdsourcing a theme. The official ballot for people to vote for a theme is HERE . Voting is open now through the end of the year. Bike rentals are available for people that are flying in. To see the itinerary and learn more, visit lost.travel/drifty.

Today we're sharing our fourth and final holiday merch drop. We're re-opening our long sleeve jersey store for the final time of 2023. These come in standard and thermal versions and are made by Borah Teamwear in Coon Valley, Wisconsin to keep you warm (and looking GREAT!) while fat biking this winter. Shop Long Sleeves & Thermals .

Today we're sharing our third of four holiday merch drops. We're dropping a new design, new styles, and some sold out favorites this holiday season. Patrons save 20% on all merch from our Nxrth webstore for the entire holiday season. Join Patreon to save 20% . The third drop is a brand new "Coldest Known Time" tee on a cozy triblend in Men's and Women's tees for fat bike season. This shirt loves the cold snow snow and doesn't mind the dark nights. Grab a tee before our holiday store closes on Christmas Day. Coldest Known Time tees sales end on Christmas Day 2023 . Shop Men's Cut and Women's Cut .

The Wisconsin Waterfalls Loop takes in 28 waterfalls, several off-the-beaten-path eateries and taverns, and Wisconsin's beautiful Northwoods by way of gravel tracks, dirt roads, mountain bike trails, and a little bit of pavement to stitch it all together. Created By: Dave Schlabowske Originally published on Bikepacking.com and featured here with their permission. ROUTE OVERVIEW ​ Distance 382 Miles​ Elevation 18,523 Ft Unpaved 85% Days 6-8 Days From BIKEPACKING.COM: This 382-mile loop takes you past nearly 30 waterfalls, including some larger and well-known falls, some smaller ones, and others that are only known to locals and are hard to find without a POI. The majority of the route is on gravel or sandy forest roads and the remaining miles are on mountain bike trails or Davement. Davement is a term my friends coined for a connector I found that helps avoid paved roads but might be too overgrown to actually pedal. These old logging roads and rough ATV/snowmobile trails might require you to hike-a-bike, but that’s part of the fun of bikepacking. Bring a paper map to help orient yourself and find alternate routes if you want to skip some Davement. Wisconsin Waterfalls Loop 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.

Tim Kordula recently did his fiest adventure race, the St. Croix 40 Winter Ultra. Here he shares his story of riding through the night, racing a mouse, and meeting his wife at the finish line to celebrate his accomplishment. To learn more about the St. Croix 40, head to their website . Story by Tim Kordula: Last night and this morning was the St Croix 40 Winter Fat Bike Ultra and it was awesome! 40 miles in 10 hours on brutal soft conditions. It began with the required gear check at 8:30. After the gear check, I crawled in the bivy and waited for the start at 10:00 p.m. And then I was off to complete the first 20 miles. At 2:24 a.m. I hit the water boil checkpoint and then began the second 20 mile lap. This lap was brutal with all the bike, foot and ski traffic along with super soft conditions. A lot of hike-a-biking had to be done! I had a chance to race a mouse! The little fella came out of the woods and ran alongside me for about 20 feet. Then the sun came up and it was awesome!! At about 8:24 I approached the finish line and my wife was there cheering me on, of course I had a few tears in my eyes for what I had just accomplished and Laurie being there. For me this was an accomplishment I will never forget and I can't wait until next year! An adventure this long with no sleep and the brutal conditions takes a toll on the body. However, the body will almost go into a "zen" state and once it goes beyond a certain point, it keeps going. I can't say I have ever experienced the pain and fatigue as I did with this adventure! But every mile was worth it!! And I am looking forward to next year doing the St Croix 40 Winter Ultra once again!