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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tucked at the northern tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, the Rough Stuff Rally is a weekend of serious singletrack, community vibes, and Copper Harbor magic. From shuttle laps and blufftop sunsets to rugged all-day rides and farm-to-table dinners, it’s a mountain bike gathering built around place and people. To learn more or get registered to ride, visit Rough Stuff Rally . Now in its third year, the Rough Stuff Rally returns August 1–3 to Copper Harbor, Michigan, perched at the very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula and surrounded on all sides by Lake Superior. With just a handful of year-round residents and minmal cell service, Copper Harbor isn’t just remote; it feels like its own little island at the end of the road. We chatted with Jeff Frane, the event’s founder, about why he chose this place. “It feels like the end of the world,” he told me. “Civilization and responsibilities feel a million miles away.” For Jeff, the rally is partly a personal excuse to spend more time in Copper Harbor, but it’s also a way to share a place that many riders have heard about but never visited. “Once you go, you’ll come back,” he said. “It’s special.” Copper Harbor’s appeal isn’t just its remoteness. The trails here are carved into ridgelines with lake views, thick forests, and rugged rock. The town itself is tiny, just a few restaurants and bars, but in the summer it hums with life. It’s singular, scenic, and a little surreal, unlike any other mountain bike destination in the Midwest. The rally is built around two days of riding and gathering. Friday kicks off with Keeweenaw Adventure Company providing shuttle laps to Brockway and Mountain Lodge trail systems, followed by a blufftop sunset happy hour. Saturday is the main ride: a 22- or 43-mile loop on a mix of machine-built flow trails, classic rocky singletrack, and doubletrack. Around 90% of the longer route is singletrack, and riders are encouraged to take it at their own pace, though it's recommended for experienced mountain bikers and is a pretty big day on the bike. After the ride, everyone regroups for a post-ride family dinner prepared by Chef Adam Blake, featuring produce from the Trails End farm and options for both omnivores and vegans. There's music, a bonfire, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels more like a summer gathering than a formal festival. While the event leans more toward experienced mountain bikers than casual riders, it’s not competitive. It’s about sharing a good time on bikes in a place that’s hard to get to and hard to forget. Camping is centralized at Trails End Campground, where a section is reserved for attendees, and cabins are also available. For those seeking other accommodations, the town has a few motels and another campground at East Bluff. With two days of riding, community meals, and an awesome vibe, Rough Stuff Rally offers a distinct take on the summer MTB weekend. If you’ve been meaning to ride Copper Harbor, or just want a reason to go back, this might be the weekend to do it. To learn more or get registered to ride, visit Rough Stuff Rally .

What happens when you feed an AI too much chain lube, sarcasm, and Strava data? You get a brutally honest (and oddly accurate?) roast of some of the Northwoods' most legendary riders. From frostbitten endurance monsters to spreadsheet-loving aero nerds, no one is safe. These are the riders who push limits, crush gravel, and somehow still make us laugh even while we're crying mid-ride. We asked AI to roast them. The results? Painfully glorious. Todd Poquette Todd Poquette is the kind of guy who looks at a perfectly good gravel road and says, “You know what this needs? Suffering. And mosquitoes.” He builds routes like he’s trying to summon a vengeful god. And somehow convinces other people to pay to ride them. Genius or evil mastermind? Unclear. His idea of community-building is dropping you 40 miles from civilization, in a hailstorm, with a note that says “Prove it.” Todd doesn’t train. He just glares at a bike until it’s scared to go slow. At this point, we’re not sure if 906 is a race series or a secret endurance cult with better branding than Peloton. And let’s be honest—if you’ve ever done one of his events, you probably still have chafing, emotional trauma, and… weirdly, a desire to sign up again. Chase Wark He rides like he's being chased by a bear but dresses like he's sponsored by a flannel startup. He wears an aero helmet to the Kwik Trip checkout line and calls it “marginal gains.” And let’s be honest—if they sold aero gels at Kwik Trip, he’d have a loyalty punch card. You haven’t seen true chaos until Chase tries to optimize his CdA while holding a Glazer and a slice of pizza. He’s got more carbon than body fat and more spreadsheets than friends. If it’s not on Strava with power data, it didn’t happen. And if you pass him on a descent? Don't worry—he'll DM you with a critique of your position and a 6-part breakdown of his wind drag savings. Chase created The Hotdish gravel race so he could finally justify eating 4,000 calories of tater tot casserole mid-ride—but don’t worry, it’s still “aero-friendly” if you blend it. Jill Martindale If you’ve ever felt good about your endurance, don't look at her Ultra resumes. You’ll cry. Then freeze to death trying to copy her. Jill’s “easy spin” lasts 8 hours, crosses 3 counties, and ends with frost forming on her eyelashes—and that’s indoors on the trainer. She once biked through a blizzard for 300 miles and called it “a fun little thing I tried.” Jill doesn’t taper for races—she just pedals until the trail gives up first. Most people see minus 30 and cancel plans. Jill sees minus 30 and packs an extra thermos . Dave Schlabowske Dave Schlabowske has ridden more Wisconsin backroads than Google Maps has heard of — and somehow still acts surprised every time a bar only takes cash. He’s the only guy who can write 3,000 words about a gravel ride and still not mention if he actually enjoyed it. Dave doesn't ride bikes — he documents them into submission. The gravel doesn’t know whether it’s being pedaled or profiled. He’s been “retired” for years, but somehow publishes more ride reports than full-time journalists. The man’s done so many solo bikepacking trips, even bears leave him alone out of professional courtesy.

Gravel stage races have grown in popularity around the world as they intersect racing, endurance, and a deep exploration of beautiful destinations. Check out some of these incredible gravel stage races all over the world and maybe even start dreaming about adding one of them to you travel and training plans. Gravel stage races combine the endurance of long-distance gravel biking with the strategy and resilience required to tackle multiple days of racing. These events typically span two to seven stages, each with its own unique challenges, from grueling climbs to unpredictable terrain. Unlike single-day gravel races, stage races emphasize not just speed but consistency and recovery over the course of the event. Here we share some stage races that traverse stunning and remote landscapes, offering riders a chance to immerse themselves in regions they might not otherwise explore. From the semi-arid expanses of the Karoo in South Africa to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, each event showcases the natural beauty of its location while pushing participants to their physical and mental limits. Riders must prepare not only for the demanding courses but also for the logistics of camping, meal planning, and maintaining their bikes between stages. What sets gravel stage races apart is the camaraderie they foster. Riders bond over shared challenges, whether it's navigating remote backcountry trails, enduring inclement weather, or celebrating a hard-earned finish. These events attract everyone from elite racers chasing podiums to amateur adventurers seeking to test their limits, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that defines the gravel cycling community. Rebecca's Private Idaho - 3 Stage Location: Sun Valley, Idaho Average Cost: $519 - no meals or lodging Experience the smashing climbs, stunning views, and hometown hospitality of Rebecca’s Private Idaho in the best way possible: up and down 186 miles of epic riding. In three timed stages over the course of four days, you’ll fall in love with the raw and varied terrain. Rebecca's Private Idaho . Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder - 5 Stages Location: Bend, Oregon Average Cost: $1,400 - Includes meals & tent Oregon Trail is one of the most complex and challenging gravel events in North America to produce, covering 350 miles of Oregon’s scenic and wild backcountry gravel roads. It is their mission to make the logistics for each and every rider easy so that they can focus on nothing more than pedaling some of the most amazing gravel roads in North America for 5 days straight! Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder . Migration Gravel Race Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya Average Cost: $1,785 - includes food & tent The Migration Gravel Race (MGR) is hailed as the hardest and wildest gravel race in the world, offering a high-tempo, adventure that pushes riders to their physical and mental limits across four stages. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the untamed Maasai Mara, participants traverse rugged gravel roads, cattle tracks, and wildlife trails, demanding both endurance and grit. The MGR offers two routes: the Leopard, a full-length, high-tempo race, and the Zebra, a shorter, more accessible option. While the Zebra cuts some corners, it still delivers the iconic and breathtaking sections that define the race, ensuring every rider experiences the raw beauty and difficulty of the Maasai Mara. Migration Gravel Race . Gravel Burn - 7 Stages Location: South Africa Average Cost: $3,290 - Includes meals and tent Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 850km full-service gravel stage race through South Africa’s diverse landscapes. Starting in coastal forests, the route heads into the breathtaking Great Karoo – a famously vast, semi-desert region. Riders rest each night in remote camps under star-filled skies and, on the final day, greeted by Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife. Gravel Burn . The Ride Gravel - 5 Stages Location: Germany, Luxembourg, Netherland, & Belgium Average Cost: $1,130 - Includes meals and tent The Ride Gravel is a fully supported gravel adventure with five epic stages on the most beautiful paved and unpaved roads in Europe. Ride a standard stage (100 km) or XL stage (up to 125 km), both at least 60% off road. Perfect from intermediate to expert level! The Ride Gravel . Sahara Gravel Stage Race - 4 Stages Location: Morocco Average Cost: $1,040 - includes food & tent Breathtaking valleys, high mountains & the mighty Sahara desert! Being in the Sahara Desert is an experience like no other, but reaching it by bike elevates the journey to unforgettable heights. Spanning a total distance of 445 kilometers over four stages, with an elevation gain of over 4500 meters, the route takes you through a variety of terrains, with 90% of the journey on gravel roads or easy single trails. Sahara Gravel Stage Race . The Fox - 2 Stages Location: Finland, MN Average Cost: $175 - no meals or lodging The Fox is a two day stage race that features 60+ mile days through the heart of the North Shore wilds in Northern Minnesota. The Fox starts in Finland, MN, on Saturday. Riders will travel to Grand Marais for their overnight camping experience. On Sunday, riders will travel a different route back to Finland for the finish. The Fox . TransRockies Gravel Royale - 3 Stages Location: British Columbia, Canada Average Cost: $1,475 - includes tent, and 2 meals/day The TransRockies Gravel Royale is 3 days of racing over 4 days based exclusively out of Nipika Mountain Resort, and is truly in a league of its own. Returning for 2025, there will be 2 distance options each day (Full Pint or Half Pint) and an overall ranking for each one! Life’s too short to add just another gravel race to your calendar, so “go all in”. TransRockies Gravel Royale . Santa Vall - 2 Stages Girona, Spain With two challenging stages designed to enjoy gravel like never before, Santa Vall attracts the world’s top athletes and teams, as Girona becomes the epicenter of cycling at the start of the season. This is where the favorites face off for the first time, setting the stage for an unforgettable year. Take on the challenge and experience Santa Vall in community. Afternoons will be filled with activities and a party you won’t want to miss. It’s your chance to ride, connect, and share your passion with a vibrant gravel community. Santa Vall . Last Grizzly Gravel - 3 Stages Utah & Idaho Average Cost: $700 - Includes Meals and DIY Camping Join the team of Breakaway Promotions for another spectacular celebration of gravel at the three-day, all-inclusive gravel stage race, the Last Grizzly Gravel! The adventure starts in Northern Utah before heading across the border into Idaho traversing the the Bear Mountain Range in Wasatch/Cache National Forest. Come witness the amazing brilliance of golds of the high aspens to the cobalt colors of Northern Utah's famous Bear Lake. Last Grizzly Gravel .

After nearly a decade of summer rides, weekend adventures, and everyday errands, we finally gave away our beloved Burley trailer. It marked the end of an era, one filled with slow miles, packed snacks, sibling squabbles, and unforgettable family memories. In this reflection, I look back at what those years meant to us, how that hitch shaped my identity as a dad, and what it feels like to let go of a season that was never meant to last forever.

Get ready for a brand-new kind of gravel adventure just south of the border in Iowa. Outland Gravel launches August 2 in rural Iowa with river crossings, raw trails, and savage MMR that’ll push your limits. And Nxrth readers get $15 off registration with code "FriendsToTheNorth". Words by Race Director Vance Fletcher. Learn more at Outland Gravel . If you’ve been digging into gravel in the Driftless or cruising around the rugged routes of Wisconsin and Minnesota, we’ve got an adventure calling your name just south in rural Iowa. On Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, the inaugural Outland Gravel rolls out from Chariton, Iowa, with a course built to challenge and reward. We’re talking deep, remote backcountry miles with river crossings, miles of minimum maintenance roads, a journey through Stephens State Forest, and even a stretch on the oldest rail-to-trail in Iowa—the historic Cinder Path. This isn’t fast gravel—it’s Outland gravel, and it’s going to test your line choices and your legs. We built Outland with one goal: to take you to the edge, literally and figuratively. The name says it all. Outland is where the map fades, where the terrain gets wild, and the adventure begins. This course ventures into the remote corners of southern Iowa, far from smooth tarmac and safe choices. Expect roads that are rugged but rideable, scenic but savage. It’s for the riders who crave the unknown...who embrace the mess, the challenge, and the unexpected. You’ll hit river crossings, raw forest trails, chunky MMR, and plenty of “did-that-just-happen?” moments. The kind of ride where the stories write themselves. Registration is open on BikeReg, and the first 100 riders to sign up will snag a limited-edition swag bag packed with local flavor and race-day essentials. Trust us, you’ll earn it. Stick around after for food trucks, music, and a raffle. To our friends up north, we want you here! We know the Upper Midwest is packed with tough riders who love a good story and an even better challenge. Come down, camp out, and join us for a weekend of community and chaos on the gravel. Whether you’re chasing the podium or the party, we’ve got a spot for you at the start line. And because we like you, we’ve got a discount code just for you: FriendsToTheNorth gets you $15 off registration (That makes it only $30!!). Follow the journey and stay updated on race-day details, previews, and more by following us on Instagram at @outlandgrvl . We’re stoked to show you what southern Iowa has to offer—raw roads, big skies, and an experience that’s anything but ordinary. Let’s ride.