The Nxrth's long sleeve jersey sales and "Flannel Beard on Great Lakes Blue" t-shirt sales end tonight, Monday Sept 4th. SHOP LONG SLEEVE JERSEYS SHOP "FLANNEL BEARD ON GREAT LAKES BLUE" T-SHIRTS

The inaugural Coon Fork 40 recently took place on Aug 26. The beach-to-beach gravel adventure saw perfect weather and a huge turnout of 275 people for our first year. Check out a behind the scenes recap and gallery of photos here. Learn more at The Coon Fork 40 . Photos by: Branden Nall: Website and Instagram . Michael Lundebrek: Website and Instagram . Taking a Risk On a Unique Style of Gravel Event The Nxrth got to collaborate on the recent Coon Fork 40 with CORBA Trails and Volume One . We've never had a gravel race and didn't know what to expect plus Eau Claire area gravel isn't widely known as a hotspot. Nick Meyer, founder of Volume One and a CORBA board member, pitched the idea in early summer and the energy in the Eau Claire cycling community started to accelerate. Nick's vision for a full-northwoods gravel event that was more party than race started to take shape and the idea of a beach-to-beach adventure with two lakeside parties seemed too fun to pass on. I was personally really attracted to it because of Nick's goal to bring everyone out whether or not you have a gravel bike and whether or not racing is your style. He wanted it to be an accessible environment where family and friends could join the fun even if they didn't ride the race. When I saw the website, photos, and the story he was creating around the event, I knew it was going to be really special. As race day got closer, the forecast for a normally hot August was looking like low 70s with a perfectly light breeze; amazing! Registrations quickly flew past 100 and it started to look like race day might even see nearly 200 people. During the week leading up to the event, people kept flooding in and with onsite registration, they event saw 275 total people show up en masse putting their trust in this new event ready to cross the hidden waterfall bridge together and join us for the adventure. CORBA, the local trails organization, was incredible. An army of volunteers came together for several days assembling tents, putting together signs, coordinating food, managing parking, getting the word out, and a whole bunch more. It was amazing to see how much heart our local cycling community put into the event. Without them, the event wouldn't have become what it was. Enjoy the photos and a little recap of the first year and then add The Coon Fork 40 into your 2024 gravel plan. The Hidden Waterfall Bridge Rollout All three distances of 29, 45, and 88 rolled out from the hidden waterfall bridge at their separate times. The weather was just about the best imaginable riding conditions. The highs for the day were in the low 70s with a light breeze throughout the race. The old wooden bridge greeted all riders with the waterfall on the right side as we approached the start line. After rolling off the bridge with the other Short Course riders, we carved through a grassy path in the woods until we reached the gravel roads and began the 5-mile warmup section along Horse Creek Rd. Riding Together on 3 Intersecting Courses My wife and I rode the short course, 29 miles. What I love about riding this area is how much the trees and gravel types change every few miles no matter where you are. We spent 5 miles on Horse Creek road that snakes through towering pines without any major climbs. After connecting on the paved County H, we landed on one of my favorite sections of punch ATV track. It passes through dark, tight forests and log piles before spitting you out on Butler Forest Road. At that point, you're on 2 lanes of gravel with 7 fun rolling hills. We synced up with some new faces from La Crosse and chatted for a while knowing we were closing in on the Halfway Hang pretty soon in Rock Dam. Beach 1: The Halfway Hang It was a blast getting to intersect with all 3 race courses at the Halfway Hang. The start times were staggered so that the beach in Rock Dam was roughly halfway through everybody's course and you got to check in with friends doing other distances. Eric the Fox from Embark Maple was shoveling their incredible maple syrup out to everyone who needed some good energy. They also had elderberry maple syrup mixed with water on tap where you could use it like an energy drink. Good friends from SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar were also on site with cold press and waffles. It was a good thing I wasn't racing because I didn't want to leave the Halfway Hang. Friends kept coming and going and it was a beautiful spot to share stories. Beach 2: The Finish Line Party After the second leg of the ride, we rolled back through the grassy chute to the hidden waterfall bridge where we started and crossed the finish line. My wife and I hugged it out, cheered on a few other finishers, ran into our friends Kate and Erik and then we slowly rolled together to the finish line party at the second beach. CORBA rolled out the red carpet at the finish line party. There was a huge tent with tons of food and drinks. There were standing tables to banter with friends, bean bags, merch, and music. Riders hung out for several hours. Non-riding friends and families came to hang out and it was just a perfect picture of the gravel community. We were all at the lake. Bikes were everywhere. There was unlimited food and drinks. It was a GREAT time. Keep an eye out for The 2024 Coon Fork 40 With a successful year behind us, we'll be looking to make plans for a 2024 event. Keep an eye on the Coon Fork 40 website and follow CORBA on Facebook to stay updated and join us next year.

The Nxrth's webstore through Borah Teamwear is now accepting Long Sleeve Jersey orders for 10 days until Monday, Sept 4. These jerseys are designed and stitched in Coon Valley, Wisconsin. Stay warm and be seen like blaze orange during hunting season. Jerseys are available in Team style or with additional Thermal warmth. Get Your Long Sleeve Jersey Example Photos From Our Short Sleeve Borah Jerseys

To celebrate the end of Northwoods Fall Gravel Kickoff Week, we're dropping an original t-shirt design for one week. "Gravel Beard on Great Lakes Blue" is on an ultra-soft tri-blend t-shirt and feels like a crisp fall flannel bike ride near the lake during peak colors with an old friend. T-shirt sales end on Monday, Sept 4. SHOP THE SHIRT . *Patrons save $6.00 and get early access plus discount on all new merch drops. Join us on Patreon .

The Gravel Pizza Overnighter is coming up on September 23-24. This community bikepacking event rides to a woodsy pizza farm in the pines with 50+ riders. Check out this recommended packing list and then visit the Gravel Pizza event to get registered. To learn more and get registered, visit Gravel Pizza Overnighter . Recommended packing list. Have questions? Email info@thenxrth.com Clothing Long sleeve shirt Pants Rain jacket (if it's looking wet) Insulated jacket (if it's looking chilly) Extra socks Extra undies Hat (camp hat or winter hat) Crocs (dangle Crocs! Use a carabiner and clip them somewhere fun) Camping Tent Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Pillow (or rolled up clothes) Headlamp Dangle mug! Bike & Bags Tires: Tires over 40mm are idea. The entire route will be on a mix of gravel surfaces. Nearly any tires will work, but you'll have a more comfortable ride on something a little wider. Bags: Any assortment of bags should work! When I started bikepacking I lashed my sleeping pad and sleeping bag to my handlebars with Voile straps and my tent was Voile strapped under my saddle. Full or half frame bags also work great as well as a top tube bags and fork bags. GPS: You'll want a nice easy way to access your map while riding. This could be a dedicated GPS unit like a Wahoo or Garmin or an easy place to grab your phone that has the Ride With GPS or Strava app. Snacks I bring gummy bears and beef jerky Embark Maple (included in ticket price!) Energy drink mixes (if you're into that sort of thing) Larabars Leftover pizza from Saturday's Wedges Creek supper Cheese cake (Lael Wilcox does it) French fries (Lael Wilcox does it) Other Stuff Money for pizza at Wedges Creek and other bike stops. AKA Lakeside bar is cash-only Multi-tool Spare tube Pump Patch kit Spare straps Tire levers Water bottles Join the Gravel Pizza Overnighter

When it comes to the heart of a gravel bike, the frame is the epicenter of discussion. The choice between carbon and aluminum gravel bike frames is not only a matter of personal preference but a deliberation of ride quality, durability, and cost. Through a thorough examination of the inherent characteristics of these materials, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding, guiding cyclists toward making an informed decision for their next gravel bike frame. Material Composition: The Building Blocks Carbon and aluminum, though vastly different, are the pillars of modern gravel bike frame construction. Their distinct molecular structures contribute to the varied ride experiences they offer. Carbon Fiber: The High-tech Contender Carbon fiber is a material revered for its high strength-to-weight ratio, courtesy of its microscopic crystal alignment. This alignment facilitates an exemplary level of stiffness, making carbon frames incredibly responsive to rider input. Moreover, the manufacturing process of carbon frames allows for a higher degree of engineering precision, enabling design freedom to optimize aerodynamics and ride comfort. Aluminum: The Workhorse Metal Aluminum, on the other hand, is a metal known for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. Despite being heavier than carbon, it still holds a significant weight advantage over steel. The modern aluminum frames have come a long way, with hydroforming technology allowing for complex tube shapes that enhance stiffness and absorb road vibrations. Ride Quality: The Real-World Implications The ride quality, often defined by the level of comfort and responsiveness, can significantly vary between carbon and aluminum frames due to their inherent material properties. The Carbon Comfort Carbon frames are known for their ability to dampen road vibrations, providing a smoother ride over rough terrains. The material's natural damping properties coupled with the potential for engineered compliance make carbon a go-to choice for those seeking comfort without compromising performance. The Aluminum Response Aluminum frames, in contrast, are often praised for their lively and snappy ride quality. The inherent rigidity of aluminum provides a more direct transfer of power, making these frames feel exceptionally responsive, especially during accelerations. Durability and Maintenance: A Long-term Commitment Both carbon and aluminum frames demand a different level of care and have unique longevity implications. Carbon's Longevity Carbon frames are susceptible to impact damage, which may not always be visible to the naked eye. Therefore, they require a meticulous inspection routine to ensure structural integrity over time. Aluminum's Endurance Aluminum frames are more forgiving when it comes to handling the rough and tumble of daily use. While they may develop fatigue cracks over an extended period, these are often visible, allowing for early detection and repair. Cost Implication: Weighing the Investment The investment in a gravel bike frame is a consideration of not only the upfront cost but the long-term value. Carbon's Premium The manufacturing intricacies and the material cost drive the price of carbon frames higher. However, for enthusiasts and competitive riders, the performance advantages often justify the premium. Aluminum's Affordability Aluminum frames offer a more budget-friendly alternative without a significant sacrifice in performance. The cost savings can be substantial, especially for those new to the gravel biking realm or for whom cost is a significant factor. Through a thorough exploration of the material composition, ride quality, durability, and cost implications, this exposition elucidates the core differences between carbon and aluminum as materials of choice for gravel bike frames. The choice between the two extends beyond mere personal preference, into the realm of ride experience and long-term value. As riders traverse the path of gravel biking, an informed decision on the frame material can significantly impact the joy and fulfillment derived from the sport.

Today's Reader's Route comes from Daniel Iverson. This Iron County loop takes notes from the Wisconsin Waterfalls Bikepacking loop, modifies the route and makes stops at several beautiful waterfalls. The route includes trail notes and POIs to help you make a great day of gravel and waterfalls. Submission from Daniel Iverson: This is for the adventurous folks as a few miles of these logging tracks are being reclaimed by nature. It's a mix of ATV trails, gravel roads, and logging tracks and is a modified section of Dave Schlabowske's Wisconsin Waterfalls bikepacking loop. It's 42 miles but make a day of it as all the falls deserve exploration or swimming. Submit Your Reader's Route All Reader's Routes So Far

Photo by Josh Kowaleski @pointed_north of Pointed North Photo . Since the middle of last winter, we've been dreaming up a new Minnesota bikepacking route. A lot of gravel and bikepacking adventures take people to the popular and beautiful Driftless area and the rugged North Shore and we were hoping to add a brand new bikepacking route that strayed from both of those. Looking at Ride With GPS heat maps, Google satellite maps, and Gaia GPS land ownership layers, I was intrigued by northeast Itasca county. Satellite imagery showed a meandering grid of beautiful golden gravel roads. Ride With GPS heat maps had a fair amount of activity but much less than most of other known gravel gems. And land ownership layers showed massive public forests with 1,400+ lakes, perfect for nights around the fire by the lake. During our trip, we spent one night right on the lake (Arrowhead Lake) at a dispersed site and a second night at a lakeside campground (Bear Lake County Park) where our site was further up in the woods. All four of us packed ultralight camp chairs and we spent long nights just talking by the lake as the sky darkened. While riding on our last day, the name of the route came to me: "The Itasca Lakenights". Spending nights by the fire and waking up to sunrises on the water is so precious. It fills the previous day's ride with satisfaction and gives the new day's ride more purpose. To thank the Patrons who support the creation of new adventures, this Patron-specific route will be shared in September/October. Become a Member. Support More Routes. Get Exclusive Access to The Itasca Lakenights Bikepacking Route This Sept/Oct

The Midwest Bikepacking Summit is coming coming up Sept 7-9, 2023 in Northern Wisconsin. The inaugural event is a long weekend full of biking, camping, and community. Check out the details and route highlights here and then get registered to join the Midwest Bikepacking Summit. To learn more and get registered, visit the Midwest Bikepacking Summit . What is the Midwest Bikepacking Summit? Join experienced to first-time bikepackers for a weekend of fun in northern Wisconsin. From group rides, lakeside camping, expo, speakers, and of course bikepacking all are sure to meet a riding buddy, learn something, and immerse themselves in the Northwoods. Each registration includes registration for the group campsites (Thursday and Friday). They encourage everyone and anyone to attend the expo which will include speakers and vendors and attend the free group rides. The Jack Lake group campground has access to Jack Lake mountain bike system (trail donations encouraged), access to flush bathrooms, onsite showers (coin-operated), lake access. Schedule of Events Thursday, September 7 3 PM Jack Lake group campsite setup open 5 PM group rides in Bogus Swamp area Friday, September 8 10 AM - 12 PM EXPO (vendor register here) 12 PM Jack Lake singletrack group ride 2 PM summit with food trucks and beer (available for purchase) to follow Saturday, September 9 8 AM group roll out - rides are completed at your own pace so you must plan your own campsites and food stops 12 PM check out deadline for Jack Lake group campsite Route Options Full Tour de Nicolet: 365 Miles / 12,600 ft LINK SoNic 1.2 Long Route: 225 Miles / 8,200 ft LINK Aurora Vistas Short Route Overnighter: 73 miles / 2,400 ft. LINK *All riders have access to the Perch Lake group campsite on Saturday night as part of this route; however you are responsible for your own food stops. Route Highlights Classic northwoods towns featuring quintessential bars and supper clubs that scream Wisconsin. Grab an Old Fashioned and fish fry on a Friday night or prime rib on Saturday. The fun and flowy hills of Augustyn Springs are a blast to ride and feature some unique points of interest most locals don’t even know about such as HillBilly Hilton, an underground bunker you won’t soon forget and Crotch Vegas, a fantastic cache of soda and candy in the middle of nowhere. White Lake railroad museum is a restored depot and inside the depot you will find artifacts and displays showcasing White Lake’s rich railroad, farming, logging and lumber industry. Twelve miles of old school single track on three different organizations' trail systems, Nicolet Roche, Goodman park, and Otter springs. The route uses the most direct line through so adding more singletrack to your adventure is an option. Additionally there is 12 miles of singletrack, Jack Lake, at the starting location of the route. The 2019 derecho which impacted 130,000 acres of the National Forest. Efforts to clean up are still ongoing but you will notice the aftermath particularly starting at Humble Hill and the five miles after. The land is now clear of most trees as far as you can see, which makes unique vantage points throughout the steep rolling hills riddled with baby-head rocks. Mountain Firetower is a unique opportunity to climb an historic fire tower and view the landscape in the cab 100 feet in the air just as the firespotters did years ago. There are 14 fire towers still remaining in the national forest, this being the only one where the public is welcome to climb. Butler Rock viewpoint as well as the infamous sand roads around Butler Rock The old fish hatchery and waterfall Thunder Mountain State Natural Area with its amazing viewpoint up top of its bedrock outcrops. The red oak and white oak trees hold their color late in the fall making this a fantastic spot to see fall colors late in the year. Big Rock overlook. Very few people know about this place and fewer have taken the hike back there but it offers amazing views. Strong Falls Artesian well at Chipmunk Rapids Wisconsin's highest cul-d-sac The logging museum in Wabeno along with all the other historical buildings including a library which still operates. Wabeno has a proud history in the logging industry The abundance of wildlife. I’ve seen up to four bears in a single day. In addition to bears, some of the other animals I frequently see are whitetail deer, badgers, bobcats, wolves, and porcupines. Of the many bird species in the area the loon is the most unique with its calls in the mornings and evenings. There are two loons on each lake and you will undoubtedly hear these calls each evening especially if you camp on a lake. The loons are a special part of each trip. Must Know Park for free at Jack Lake. This is a safe place to park. The campground host lives on the property adjacent to the parking. You may park here for up to seven days as you complete your route. Everyone must be packed up from the Jack Lake group campsite by noon on Saturday, Sept 9 75% gravel with 12 miles of singletrack and rugged two track sections not to be taken lightly. Add more singletrack at each of the three trail systems if that's your thing. Gravel bike with 44’s are a fine choice but if you have 2.5’s or bigger it will decrease hike-a-bike in the sand sections There are a few sections of the route that have a good distance between nice dispersed camping POI’s so plan mileage carefully unless you don’t mind the full-on dispersed experience. These forest roads are actively logged. Expect logging at some point when doing the route and give the loggers the right of way and plenty of space. If you want to come up the day before , camp at Jack Lake but make reservations early as this is a popular campground. Another option is to camp at High Lake dispersed sites a couple miles south on the Jack Lake Firelane. These sites are generally open with few people using them even on a weekend. Hotel options in Antigo 20 minutes from Jack Lake, or if flying in, Wausau, which is close to Central Wisconsin Airport, has an abundance of hotels and dining options. Bears, wolves, and chipmunks. Black bears are pretty common in this area, chances are pretty good that you will see one. They are afraid of humans and will run as soon as they see you. Hopefully you get a chance to see one. Just hang your food at night. Wolves are also common but less likely to see. Last year I saw a white wolf on this route, which was pretty special. Chipmunks are on this list because special care needs to be taken with your food so that they don’t chew a hole in your bags when at camp.

This Reader's Route comes from David Strachan in Northfield, Minnesota. Starting and ending right in town, this is great gravel loop for beautiful evenings with friends. Submission from David Strachan: One of our favorite evening gravel loops heads west to Union Lake. The views from Dalton Avenue are worth the trip across the freeway. The rollers on 57th are guaranteed to please as well. Last year a two mile section of this course was paved 😞 but the roads by the lakes are some of our favorites. If you run this loop counter clockwise watch the downhill on Union Lake Trail. Sometimes the surface is loose and can be a problem. ADD YOUR NAME & ROUTE TO THE READER'S ROUTES MAP Submit Your Reader's Route All Reader's Routes So Far (MANY MORE TO COME):

Our newest Gravel Guide comes from deep in the gravel forest of the Chequamegon area. It includes several routes for getting lost all day in the woods around the Cable, Seeley, and Hayward area with cameos from three iconic bikepacking routes as well as all the local picks for pizza, pie, espresso, and adventure lodging. In collaboration with Dave Schlabowske, we're excited to share a full gravel itinerary of probably-too-much-gravel in the Chequamegon area. Enjoy! The Chequamegon Gravel Guide includes: 9 gravel routes from 15 - 382 miles. 797 total gravel miles Adventure cabins Historic lodge Silent sports chalet Pizza Espresso Pie Craft cocktails 4 bike shops Join Us on Patreon To Access NOW Be a part of the leading group of cyclists who create adventures and connect the riders who love gravel.

With everybody working so hard all summer, we figured it was about time to add The Nxrth's own personal touch to your Slack theme. You can now add all the colors of the gravel rainbow to your workspace by pasting our new theme called "Gravel Rainbow" Enjoy :) Copy & Paste Code Slack > Preferences > Themes > Custom Themes > Paste Below #362D22,#3c3836,#7A450F,#FFFFFF,#6B0C00,#E0BE99,#006C87,#820E00,#4F3E2C,#FF6A00 The Nxrth Slack Theme Key #7A450F Hard packed gravel ​#362D22 ​Riding at night, headlight battery is dead #6B0C00 Hike-a-bike on wet rocks, slipped and cut my shin #E0BE99 Dry chalky gravel on steep sketchy descents #006C87 Lost a sock at that one river crossing #4F3E2C Rainy gravel, mostly mud actually #FF6A00 ​Riding on public land during hunting season