The Arrowhead 135 is known as one of the 50 hardest races on earth. The physical and mental strength needed to ride one of the coldest trails during the coldest time of year is massive. Today we talk with Jill Martindale, Leah Gruhn, Kate Coward, and Race Director Ken Krueger about what it takes to finish the Arrowhead 135. Combined, they have completed the event 30 times... Jump to section About Arrowhead 135 What Does It Take to Finish? Kate Coward Leah Gruhn Jill Martindale Ken Krueger | Race Director About the Arrowhead 135 The Arrowhead 135 is an ultra-endurance race that takes place in International Falls, Minnesota. It's a non-stop, self-supported race, where participants have to carry all their equipment and supplies for the duration of the race, including food, water, and shelter. The race follows the Arrowhead State Trail from International Falls, Minnesota to Tower, Minnesota, a distance of approximately 135 miles. It takes place in the dead of winter when temperatures can drop to well below zero degrees and blizzard conditions are not uncommon. Participants can choose to compete on foot, on a bike, or on skis, and they have up to 60 hours to complete the race. The race is known for being one of the toughest winter ultras in the world From the Experts: What does it take to finish the Arrowhead 135 on bike? Racing through the night in the dead of winter with a slow heavy bike for 135 in the snow is incredibly challenging. If you've ever considered trying this event, you'll have a lot of obstacles to figure out before and during the race. Not only do you have to have a qualifying race to enter (for bikers, they require at least a 200 mile road bike race or 100 mile off road race, preferably in winter) but you have need to figure out how to stay warm, carry your gear, fix your bike in below zero temperatures, maintain nourishment, and stay mentally strong despite being pushed the limits of human endurance. We reached out to several seasoned winter fat bike ultra endurance athletes to learn what it takes to finish such a long and challenging event. Here are their stories. Kate Coward → Completed 8 of 8 Attempts → Completed All 3 Disciplines of Bike, Foot, & Ski → 2021-2023: First Female ('21 was unofficial COVID year) By Kate Coward @kate_coward_athlete As winter approaches every year, our winter ultra stoke lights up social media. Questions and advice cover a range of topics from sweat management, sled choice, gear requirements, footwear, logistics, fear and more. There is so much to think about. So many variables. Arrowhead 135 is HARD! Layers, nutrition strategy, sleep plan are all important for this race held the coldest week of the year in one of the coldest places. But, when I think about what I consider the super power to finish the race, it’s having a strong mind. If you want to finish, you have to show up surrendering to the experience ahead of you, which means being ready to expect and accept some hardships. It could be extremely cold. You might feel lonely or even fearful in those remote stretches after Melgeorges. What are you going to tell yourself when you need a boost? How will you steer yourself away from your own destructive thoughts? Can you tell when you are making up excuses? Have you practiced being your own cheerleader? It takes a lot of physical and mental strength to finish this event. You should expect the low moments. You should expect it will not be easy. Things happen that can be impossible to overcome: your hub or derailleur breaks, you develop plantar fasciitis, you have an old injury that flares up, or you get sick vomiting. But, there are things we perceive as race-enders, with clear paths to finish. Sometimes, we just need to drag our own heads through those tough moments. Our bodies are truly amazing. We can do hard things —yes, we really can! We can physically do more than we can consciously comprehend. But our mind unlocks that full potential. We all show up with some level of fitness, preparation, knowledge of our gear, and challenges we are about to face. When truly faced with boredom, fatigue, cold, pain … how do we handle it? Do we look for excuses or do we take those moments on as challenges to overcome? Are you spiraling into your negative thoughts? Or, are you fighting to lift yourself back up? Since my first Arrowhead I have experimented with various techniques to master my mind using the power of positivity, mantras, or trickery to manage hardship. And you can, too! I have various strategies including smiling, reciting positive affirmations, dividing the course into tiny chunks for tiny wins. My friend Nick Quinn taught me the phrase “you live here now” in reference to his bike seat being his couch, so settle in. Once you figure out what works for you, COMMIT to deploying all your strategies. You don’t have to believe what you are saying, but just the practice will change your emotions. It will change your state of mind. I promise. Try it. Your mental game can become your superpower. Leah Gruhn → Finished 10 of 12 Attempts → 2019 - First Female → 2022 - First Unsupported Female By Leah Gruhn @leahgruhn Desire – Many people think that completing the Arrowhead 135 as a great accomplishment. Paradoxically, in order to compete, the desire to finish must be greater than the effort and sacrifice required. Are you willing to spend the time, money, and effort? Head Space – Prioritizing the Arrowhead 135 requires a unique discipline and focus. The head space I dedicate to training and preparation stems from streamlining my otherwise day-to-day concerns. Home, career, family life, relationships, care for my parents – all life needs to be simplified and streamlined to prioritize adventures at this scale. It may still be possible to train with any one of those challenges, but that would come down to an individual’s time management, ability to manage priorities, and support from family/friends. Planning – Do your research and get all the information that you can: talk to race veterans, read race reports, research equipment reviews, and pour through online forums. Start small and manageable by focusing on races like the St. Croix 40, Tuscobia 80, or longer winter bike-camping trips. For every critical system on your bike, think through different worst-case scenarios and practice using your gear! Commitment / Priorities – Heading into the race, define your priorities. Primarily, I avoid permanent damage. Frostbite is both a winter-bike-racing career-ender, and immensely painful. Secondarily, I do this for fun. Thirdly, I want to finish. In the middle of the night in the coldest temperatures, I sometimes consider dropping. Then I remember that the most interesting stories focus on overcoming obstacles and not just dropping when the first big thing goes wrong. If you must drop, it’s fine. Don’t beat yourself up about it but you absolutely must to learn as much from it as you can. If everything else is going well, I want to go as fast as possible. Note that I prioritize safety and then finishing over placing high in the field. I take my time and carry equipment that I can use to get myself out of a variety of situations, rather than being a weight weenie and taking an all-or-nothing approach. Luck – Even if you do everything right, if you do enough of these events, something happens. Maybe it’s the foot plus of fresh snow, and you decide that you don’t want to push a bike in that much snow for 65 miles. … or maybe your best friend’s pet iguana passes away the day before you need to start the race and just don’t have the heart to leave your friend. Stuff happens and sometimes you need to give yourself some grace. Jill Martindale → Completed 3 of 5 Attempts → 2017 - Course Record → 2023 - First Unsupported Female By Jill Marindale @billfartindale I tackle winter ultras with a healthy combination of preparedness, optimism, and opportunism. I practice with gear so I’m comfortable in different scenarios. I practice fixing flats, repairing a chain, or turning my bike into a single-speed. One thing we do differently for the cold-weather is that we strip the factory grease from my hubs and bottom bracket and replace it with a mixture that works better in sub-zero temperatures. We swap the hydraulic brakes for cable brakes and I love the Paul Love Levers, which fit snugly with my warm 45NRTH gloves inside of my pogies. We wrap the metal lever in silicone so the cold metal isn’t cold on my gloved hand. Carbon bars won’t conduct the cold like aluminum handlebars will. If you’re rolling tubeless, make sure it’s set up well before Arrowhead weekend. Going into the event with confidence that my bike is going to roll smoothly keeps me level-headed in the deep cold that we experience out on the Arrowhead trail. Photos: Evan Simula (and rumor has it, the fashion police have been called and are on their way) I head into the event without expectations, because there can be so many variables out there. You’re spending hours riding - so much can happen! Staying out of a negative headspace because things aren’t going to plan is important. Take the trail one mile at a time. Stay calm and be patient, because when you start to rush you can make mistakes. Carry dry layers, go as fast as you can while still keeping yourself in check, and be okay with going slower if conditions require it. Pump yourself up by talking yourself through scenarios, envisioning getting to the end, and cheering yourself on. I like to remind myself that Ken Krueger made it to the finish on his 26” Trek well before all of this fancy winter fat biking gear existed, and that if he can finish Arrowhead by pushing a regular bike through the snow like that, then it’s possible for me to finish on my fat bike, too. Photos: Dan Martinek As for being opportunistic? If there’s a paceline at the start, which is relatively flat until the first checkpoint, grab on to someone’s wheel and hang on! Save your energy for hills surrounding Melgeorge’s by working with others. When you get to a checkpoint, if someone is offering food, eat it. Use the bathroom. Fill up your water, because there’s no guarantee how quickly you’ll get to the next spot. Take the opportunity to put on dry layers, swap out socks, and to take care of yourself. If you’re racing unsupported and you’re allowed to warm up next to a fire, do it. Cruise downhill without grabbing your brakes to use your momentum to get you further up the next hill. If the trail is riding really firm, put air in your tires for less rolling resistance. (Or let air out if you need more traction to go uphill.) Do everything you can to save your energy to get to the finish – you’ll need it on the final miles after Wakemup Hill! Ken Krueger | Race Director → Completed 9 of 9 Attempts → Completed All 3 disciplines of Bike, Foot, & Ski By Ken Krueger Over 1000 racers have finished Arrowhead (~70%) in the history of the race. The finish rate largely depends on weather and trail conditions. Very cold weather gives a fast trail but increases mechanical issues (mostly hubs and flat tires) and many racers struggle to deal with extreme cold. Sweating, frozen water bladders, frostbite, cold, and fatigue are some of the main issues in cold years. Warm weather softens the trail and makes biking much more difficult even with low tire pressures. -10 to 15 Deg F seems to be the sweet spot for bikers. There are many factors a racer can control that will help get them to the finish line. In my opinion, mindset is the most critical. There are most likely going to be issues during your race, how you deal with them is key to making it to Fortune Bay. The checkpoints are warm and cozy, it is a mind game to leave the comfort of a checkpoint and head out into a long, cold night. Racing to me is largely executing your training, I am fortunate to live in International Falls and can train in varied conditions. I've gotten up at 2 am before work to train in -40 deg F just to check out gear and my bike, I also used to keep notes on what works and what did not work. Biking also requires clothing, nutrition, and gear. I struggle with cold feet and wear -100 deg F boots and toe warmers if needed. I still have to push my bike to keep my feet warm. I use KT tape or Dermatone to protect the little bit of skin I have exposed. In very cold weather, I have to wear contacts because I have yet to find a way to prevent my glasses or goggles from fogging. It is critical to find clothes that breath. If you are soaking wet, it can be very dangerous if you have to stop. All racers must have a qualifying race to get accepted into Arrowhead, and all racers are capable of finishing. Arrowhead can be finished by most people if they train hard, have the right gear, and the right mindset. To learn more about the Arrowhead 135, visit their website .

The Nxrth gravel jersey pre-orders are ending on Thursday, Feb 16. These jerseys and bibs come in both men's and women's cuts and are designed and stitched in Coon Valley, Wisconsin by Borah Teamwear. The store closes on Thursday, Feb 16th. Shop Jerseys .

We recently published a brand new top-to-bottom bikepacking route by Frank Hassler covering the entire length of Wisconsin with photography from Scott Haraldson. The route is ~70% unpaved and snakes through farmland in the south, deep forest in the north, and hits on everything we love about Wisconsin bikepacking in this epic adventure. Patrons on our 'Adventure Team' tier get early access to this bikepacking route now and it will get published publicly later on. Join us to get early access and support more routes like this. Join to get access now . What the route guide includes: 617 miles (~70% unpaved) 35+ camping ideas A butt-ton of cafes, restaurants, breweries, and bike shops Overview of recommended gear & adventure highlights Gorgeous photography from Scott Haraldson Get early access to this route now Patrons on our 'Adventure Team' tier get early access to this bikepacking route now. Join us to get early access and support more routes like this.

For 11 days, we've opened up an online shop for The Nxrth gravel jersey orders. These jerseys and bibs come in both men's and women's cuts and are designed and stitched in Coon Valley, Wisconsin by Borah Teamwear. The store closes on Thursday, Feb 16th. Shop Jerseys .

The Hodag Country Ramble took place for the first time last September at Jeff Frane's parents' land near Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Now the sophomore year was recently announced and event tickets and camping reservations are onsale. Learn about what made year one spectacular and what's shaking up for year 2. This year's Hodag Country Ramble takes place September 8-10, 2023 . To learn more, visit the Hodag Country Ramble event page or follow Bike Jerks on Instagram . Interview with Jeff Frane. This is HQ’d on your family’s land, right? Tell me about the lay of the land there and what’s good about it? Yes, the Ramble is based on my family's land, 80 acres in the middle of the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods fifteen minutes from my parents house and fifteen minutes from downtown Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The land itself is pretty ideal for this sort of event as there are few neighbors and my Father takes immaculate care of it. Working that land is his passion. Two big mowed fields with lots of nice flat spaces to camp. We ask that the riders bring in everything they need, but there is a well and we bring in hand washing stations and porta potty's. There's a lake nearby for swimming or fishing and we do Friday nights Bandit Cross right there on the property. What was year 1 like and are there any changes for year 2? Year one went as well as it possibly could, the only bummer was the weather, it was raining pretty hard the morning of the big ride so most folks opted out of the longer route and dropped into the fifty miler. The course is mostly double track with a bit of gravel and some pavement sections so even fifty miles is a great work out, especially in those conditions. For most, the weather just made it more memorable and I think it's safe to say that everyone had a great time. Luckily the skies cleared up in the afternoon so we were able to have family dinner and our post ride celebration comfortably. We picked the date based on the best chances of no bugs and swimming weather which is a combination you don't often get over there. At least we got the no bugs first year, hopefully we'll get both in '23. The changes for year two came from rider feedback. One, we need to have more hot vegan options at dinner and bigger portions for all, and two, we need to change the check out time on Sunday. I asked people to be out by noon and we'll be extending that well into the afternoon so that folks who want to ride on Sunday can do so without feeling stressed about packing up. I'm also working hard on route development. Part of the reason for doing this is so that I can have projects to accomplish in Rhinelander and thus spend more time with my family. I've been combing the woods and maps all Winter. I've made some major tweaks to the fifty mile course to make it even better and will have a new long route as well. I want to make sure that repeat riders don't get bored. What kind of experience do you hope people have during the Hodag Country Ramble? Hodag Country Ramble is the prototype for what I hope is a new type of event that spread far and wide, the Ramble. I want events that prioritize community and grass roots. It's not only my version of the most fun bike weekend, but it's also a great counterpoint to the big corporate events that have come to dominate the formerly alternative space of gravel. "I think the most important thing is that it's not a race, so no rider's experience is prioritized over others. All experiences are equally valued and encouraged. Ride fast, ride slow, set a personal best, blow off the ride to go swimming and take photos, or stop a bunch to eat a million snacks." We don't care, we just want you to be there with all of us and to have the experience you want to have. What’s your favorite part about all of this? My favorite part of this was getting to share it with my family. While they follow my Instagram and Facebook, you can't understand the bonds of the cycling world without experiencing it yourself. That weekend they got to see this thing that I have dedicated my life to, and the best part of it too. Everyone who came was there with the best of attitudes and intentions. And then I also got the joy of getting to share my family and this place that means so much to me with all the riders. People from all over the country showed up to a little town in the Northwoods that otherwise they'd never ever visit. The route went through my old neighborhood and there was a rest stop at the house I grew up in. My Sister and Mother were so stoked to chat with all the riders at the aid station, and having attendees come up to my Dad to thank him for letting us be there and tell him that this property that he so lovingly cares for is beautiful. "Well those interactions were a highlight of my year and a real highlight of my life to be honest." I was on cloud nine the whole weekend, surrounded by friends old and new. A buddy of mine brought his teenage son to the Ramble and when asked what he was most excited about in 2023 he reportedly said that going to the Hodag and this year doing the fifty miler was the thing he was most looking forward to. This is real stuff. I get to be the facilitator of a great experience, I get to share my people with my family and my family with my people. What could possibly be better than that?

The Nxrth's January Fatbike & Coffee challenge just wrapped up a few days ago. We have loved following along with your trail coffee adventures on Instagram. Here we share the final installment of your Fatbike & Coffee adventures as well as this year's prize winners. #FatbikeandCoffee Supported By: Fatbike & Coffee Prize Winners All prize winners were randomly selected from those who entered the contest and shared their Fatbike & Coffee photos. First Prize Winner: Pratik Prajapati Wren Perseverance Adventure Bars Ruby Roasters Creamery Blend Ruby Roasters Cycling Water Bottle Second Prize Winner: Nikki Schmidt Winner: Donavon Schumacher Winner: Dan Cruikshank Winner: Dustin Marsh Ruby Roasters Creamery Blend Ruby Roasters Cycling Water Bottle

In January, The Nxrth community turned 1 year old and is celebrating with an Adventure-versary tee for the month of January. Ending tonight, these shirts are tri-blend, ultra soft, and are guaranteed to make you look like a gravel superstar. Shop Now .

We recently announced a 3-part series on an introduction to winter fatbike ultras. Here we're kicking off Part 1 where we discuss the races in our area, risks to consider, and resources to help you get started. Winter fatbike ultras aren't for everyone. They require critical planning, training, and mitigation of serious risks. The Nxrth is partnering with Jamison Swift, Co-Founder of the St. Croix 40 to present a 3-part series on winter fatbike ultras. We'll walk through: Who should consider winter fatbike ultras What risks you need to be aware of How to pack your gear How to stay warm and dry Food and water planning Much more Read the introduction feature Here or learn more in Part 2 (Food, Water, Gear, & Staying Warm) or Part 3 (Tips from Seasoned Fatbike Ultra Veterans) . PART 1 OF 3: RACES, RISKS, & RESOURCES Words and photos by Jamison Swift , Co-Founder of the St. Croix 40 . Who should consider winter fatbike ultras? Deciding if winter ultras are for you requires you to think about the types of adventures you like to have and if you’re comfortable with doing those adventures in the freezing cold. Here are some key questions to consider: Can you be comfortable in the cold for long periods of time? Do you like spending dozens of hours alone outside? Are you willing to learn - and practice - surviving in extreme conditions? Can you take on the monetary investment in equipment? These are just a few of the questions that await you in the winer ultra world. Biking for days at a time is slow and relentless. You need to be prepared to pedal continuously as even the flats won’t give you much glide. Practice being patient, practice walking your bike, and be ready to enjoy a journey of highs and lows, over and over again. What are the races in our area and beyond? Being in a snowy climate means that we have a lot of options right here in the upper midwest for winter ultras. St. Croix 40 This is an entry-level winter ultra that requires all the mandatory gear of the bigger races. You will also have to use the gear in a couple of tests as you race overnight for 40 miles, learning if this is really for you. Tuscobia 80/160 Flat and straight, the Tuscobia winter ultra takes you through beautiful northern Wisconsin pine forests and through numerous small towns as you travel between Rice Lake and Park Falls, Wisconsin. The simplicity of the course makes navigation simple, and the abundance of towns along the route means that you’re never very far from safety in either distance. Arrowhead 135 The coldest and most remote winter ultra adventure you’ll find in the upper midwest. This race spans multiple days for many participants, and it has limited aid. The course is diverse, with many hills and some of the best chances to hear wolf calls of any event. This is the big one, and pretty much a prerequisite for any longer adventures up in Alaska. Some other events to consider: The Drift: 13, 28, and 100 mile options in the rugged mountains of Wyoming. Fat Pursuit: Held in Idaho, this course challenges you at either the 60K or 200K distance. Actif Epica: A great event from our friends in Winnipeg, Canada with multiple distances. Finally, all these lead to the biggest events up in Alaska: White Mountains 100: A challenging trip around the White Mountain range north of Fairbanks, AK. Iditarod Invitational: This is the granddaddy of them all. 350 mile or 1000 mile distances available. Limited support, remote checkpoints only accessible by plane, and thousands of square miles of Alaskan wilderness. Risks to be aware of before you consider this At St Criox 40, we talk about the three biggest challenges you’ll face at these events: Frostbite Hypothermia Trenchfoot It’s important to understand how to avoid becoming a victim to each of these three issues, and we spend a lot of time every year talking to participants about how to be safe on the trail. Bikers have unique challenges with keeping toes warm while pedaling, and so this is an area where practice is of utmost importance. Learning what works for you and your body is key to success. What resources and opportunities are available to learn more? There are lots of great blogs and race reports out there to learn about how people handled various events. We also try to provide as much insight and information to beginners over at the St. Croix 40 website . Our Winter Journal has a variety of great articles and interviews that offer information about how to be successful. Additionally, one of the best community groups available is the Arrowhead Dream Team Facebook group . This is a fantastic place to ask questions and review all types of gear suggestions from dozens of successful participants. Know before you go Knowing if these events are right for you is key to being successful. Events like St Croix 40 exist to give you a safer place to test yourself before getting in too deep. However, you still should think hard about how much you enjoy the cold, being alone, and learning to take care of yourself in harsh winter conditions. Winter ultras are actually incredible, despite the struggles, and maybe they’re for you?

We recently announced a 3-part series on an introduction to winter fatbike ultras. Part 2 will dig deep into the logistics of packing what you need as well as staying warm and dry during the long, cold, dark hours of a winter fatbike ultra race. Winter fatbike ultras aren't for everyone. They require critical planning, training, and mitigation of serious risks. The Nxrth is partnering with Jamison Swift, Co-Founder of the St. Croix 40 to present a 3-part series on winter fatbike ultras. We'll walk through: Who should consider winter fatbike ultras What risks you need to be aware of How to pack your gear How to stay warm and dry Food and water planning Much more Read the introduction Here or learn more in Part 1 (Races, Risks, & Resources) or Part 3 (Tips from Experienced Ultra Athletes) . Words and photos by Jamison Swift , Co-Founder of the St. Croix 40 . PART 2 OF 3: LOGISTICS Once you’ve decided that winter ultras are something you want to take on, the logistical challenges begin. Gear prep can be daunting, but take advantage of groups like the Arrowhead Dream Team and other blogs, to learn from what others have done, and then start using your gear on training rides. Spending a night in your bivy sack, in your backyard, is a pretty standard rite of passage for folks in this arena. How to Pack & Carry Your Gear There are a couple key things to remember when planning out how to pack your gear. First, you need to decide the best method for loading up your bike. Some people prefer a full rack and pannier system, whereas others go with the more traditional bikepacking seat bag. This is completely personal preference, and dependent on the equipment and connection points you have on your bike. There is no right or wrong choice, it’s about what you’re the most comfortable with. Either way you choose (or some variation in-between), there are some key things to remember when planning to pack your gear. Don’t pack things too tight. Remember that your hands will be cold and tired and won’t be functioning at 100% capacity. If your sleeping bag and bivy sack are compressed too tightly, you may find yourself in a dangerous situation of being unable to remove your gear from your bags because you can’t use your hands well. Put the most important gear where you can get to it quickly. Weather conditions can change, and you need to be able to adapt. Know where your emergency layers are and make sure you can get to them within seconds. Balance your weight. You’re going to be pedaling for a long time, sometimes in challenging snow conditions. Don’t make life rougher than it needs to be by putting too much weight on the back or on one side. Think about food. You will need to eat quite a bit during these events. Figure out the best way to get calories stored in an easily accessible spot on your rig. Remember that your body is a furnace, and that furnace needs fuel. If you get behind on calories you’re going to get colder quicker. How to Stay Warm and Dry Biking presents unique challenges for staying warm and dry during an ultra. Unlike being on foot, you’re not getting nearly as much circulation to your extremities when pedaling, and this can lead to fingers and toes getting a lot colder than the rest of your body. It’s important to spend a lot of time practicing in the cold with different layers of socks, gloves, and chemical warmers to figure out what’s the best solution for you. Additionally, pogies and over-boots can be great options to help manage heat in the extremities. Stuffing a chemical warmer into an overboot or a pogie can be a great way to get additional warmth to these areas. Sometimes you will need to walk your bike. Either because of hills or pedaling fatigue, walking your bike is sometimes the only option to keep forward momentum going. But it can also be a great way to get blood flowing to areas like your toes that might not have moved or flexed in hours. Walking your bike can also get your heart rate up which pushes more blood throughout the body as a whole. However, it’s important to be careful to not sweat too much or you can end up spending time being wet in the freezing cold. Moisture is a huge enemy in winter ultras. Sweating can lead to hypothermia as the moisture on your body freezes and doesn’t evaporate. Learning how to layer appropriately and how to vent your layers to allow sweat to evaporate is a key skill. There’s no set formula for how to do this, as every single person sweats differently. Coming up with a good layering technique requires trial and error, and many participants will pack a dry layer to change into as needed. How to Pace Yourself Winter ultra events have winners, but 99% of the people there aren’t trying to ‘compete’ in the traditional sense. It’s about overcoming the challenge and being self-sufficient. Keep in mind the length of the race and be realistic about what speed will be sustainable for you. One of the worst things that you can do is burn yourself out too quickly and then find yourself in the middle of the woods with no energy, dozens of miles from help. Having a realistic pacing plan will help you pedal longer, and it’ll keep you moving more consistently throughout the event. You’ll feel stronger in the later stages of the race, and you’ll be less likely to face the dreaded bonk. Remember that winter ultras are in remote areas. Don’t take risks just to shave a few minutes off your overall time How to Plan Your Food and Water Fuel is key for endurance sports, and winter ultras are no different. However, there are a couple key differences with eating in winter that you need to be aware of. First, remember that food will freeze, and so you need to make sure you have types of food that won’t turn rock hard in the cold. Some foods, like chocolate candies, thaw quickly as soon as you put them in your mouth. Others, like sandwiches, can be more challenging unless they’re cut into small pieces ahead of time so they can be popped in your mouth to thaw over time. Everyone’s diet is different, so pick some foods you think you might enjoy on the trail and then set them out in the snow for a while. Then go outside and see what worked and what didn’t. Second, remember that you have access to a stove and water in your equipment. There’s nothing stopping you from pulling over on the side of the trail and cooking a warm camp meal. This is a great option if you’re planning to bivy for a few hours to get some sleep. You can tuck into your shelter while your water boils and the meal cooks, and then fill your belly with food before getting some rest. Practice, Practice, Practice Everyone will experience things differently, so as with all advice, practice, practice, practice. Go out and see what works for you BEFORE you need to rely on your skills. Sleeping in your backyard, boiling water for a camp meal, testing your foods - these are all things that you should master before attempting a winter ultra. The organizers of these events expect people to show up prepared and ready for the challenge. Don’t disappoint them by getting yourself into a situation that you could have avoided by being prepared. And of course, remember you’re out there to challenge yourself, and hopefully have fun. Winter is a beautiful time of year and learning to enjoy it will unlock incredible beauty that you might never have known existed.

Have you been curious about winter fatbike ultras? If you're considering exploring a winter ultra, now is the time to start planning. Today we're launching a new 3-part series introducing you to the sport of winter fatbike ultra racing. In "Intro to Winter Fatbike Ultras, a 3-Part Series", Jamison Swift will walk through: Who should consider winter fatbike ultras What risks you need to be aware of How to pack your gear How to stay warm and dry Food and water planning Much more Learn more in Part 1 (Races, Risks, & Resources) , Part 2 (Food, Water, Gear, & Staying Warm) , or Part 3 (Tips from Experienced Ultra Athletes) . Words by Jamison Swift , Co-Founder of the St. Croix 40 . Winter Ultras Aren’t for Everyone. Traveling in freezing cold temps, often alone and in the dark, can be lonely and isolating in a way that other endurance events are not. People often talk about how great it must be to get some peace and quiet out on the trail, but in many cases you find yourself battling a low level of fear and anxiety. Fear that you haven’t packed the right things, or that you’ll have a mechanical issue. Worry that you could go off course if you’re not careful, or that you just might not be as tough as you thought you were and have to bail out. It takes a certain type of person to attempt these, a certain level of crazy. Winter ultras are a niche within a niche. Born out of the sled dog races in Alaska, these are not simple trail runs at the park, or bike rides through the woods. These are tests of our capabilities as humans to be self-sufficient and survive in harsh conditions. To Love Winter Ultras, You First Need to Love Winter. Growing up in Minnesota has taught me that you can do more than just survive in the cold. Before I found running in my mid-30s, I was not athletic at all, and winter was a thing to be endured. However, once I started to see how fulfilling it was to be active in the cold, I started embracing whatever our weather dished out. You also need to enjoy the challenge of learning to be self-sufficient, and embracing a survivalist ethos. When it’s just you and your equipment in the cold, you need to be prepared and confident that you can tackle whatever might come your way (including knowing when to stop). The simple act of going to the bathroom in -20°F, surrounded by snow, is just another challenge to be embraced on the trail. Yet despite these hardships and struggles, you’re rewarded with crystal clear, starry skies, and air that is crisp and clean. The simple sound of your tires crunching across the snow becomes music, intermixed with the rustling accompaniment of birds and wildlife as they make their way through the woods, taking on a journey not unlike your own, surviving without house or hearth. Just living. Deciding if This Challenge is for You Over the next couple of articles, let’s unpack the who, how, and what of winter ultras, and help you decide if this is a challenge for you.

January is winding down and so is our Fatbike & Coffee challenge. We have loved following along with your trail coffee adventures on Instagram. Check out the photos and adventures from around the community to see what everyone is up to. To join the challenge and win prizes, head to the Fatbike & Coffee page. #Fatbike&Coffee Supported By:

As many of you know, we recently turned 1 year old at The Nxrth. We kicked this off as an adventure experiment in January of 2022 not knowing what to expect. After a year full of community, stories, and adventures we now look back at some of the number and highlights. Users Who Stopped in at The Nxrth in 2023: 29,286 When I think of cycling I think of two things: adventures and community. But community always comes first in my mind. That community might be as wide as the hundreds of people you ride alongside at an event, or it might just be that one friend or family member you ride with. I like the intimacy of a small circle of friends but I'm also a sucker for the group rollout and moving through the woods in a pack like wolves. The Nxrth is a growing community and I'm happy to have you be a part of it. I hope you've been able to make new connections with great people while connecting with our beautiful outdoor creation. Number of Pages Viewed Throughout the Year: 84,306 No surprises here, your favorite pages were ones that get you closer to great adventures and community. Gravel and bikepacking are the heartbeat of The Nxrth and I hope these tools continue helping connect you to new adventures. I remember in early 2022, Dave Schlabowske and I were emailing about the fact that there weren't any comprehensive gravel race calendars on the internet. In fact, it's extremely surprising that there aren't very many large websites that even cover gravel riding on the web. Sure enough, I browsed around and the national gravel race calendars simply can't drill down deep enough to thoroughly list every single local race and most other gravel calendars cover small geographies, but not fully covering The Nxrth's readership area. So we launched the Gravel Race Calendar last spring and it has since become our most popular page after our homepage. Here were our most popular pages of 2022: Gravel Race Calendar Wisconsin Bikepacking Routes Gravel Pizza Overnighter (stay tuned for a future announcement) People Who Joined Our Email Community: 812 It might sound silly, but this is my favorite part of The Nxrth. All of you in our email community are my little adventure family and I love getting to share my thoughts about adventure cycling gear, stories, and announcements with you over email. When I get a new idea for an event or resources, you're the first ones I share it with and you give me valuable feedback about what you want more of and how you like to ride. This is my direct line of communication with you all and I've gotten a mountain of email responses from so many of you. I respond to every email and 2022 has been filled with an outpouring of your adventure photos, questions, website edits, and suggestions to make things better. If you're on my email list, thank you! You have helped shape who we are and where we're going. If you're not on our list and want to join us, just head to the top of our homepage and come on in. What Kind of Riding You Do In our year-end survey, we polled our users on what kind of riding you do. This was a 'select all that apply' question and the results were interesting. Our readers skew toward non-racing and we also have a larger community of summer gravel adventurers than winter fatbike adventurers. In a few other survey questions (not listed here), our readers generally shared that they value community events more than competition and speed but there is still a big part of readership who thrives on the challenge and excitement of racing. Top 3 Bikepacking Routes When it comes to adventure cycling, bikepacking was my first love. Sure, I've always been an adventure cyclist, but bikepacking made me feel hard . I spend hours and hours in RideWithGPS and am like a kid in a candy shop when it comes to discovering new places, camping with my bike, and being with my closest friends and family. We added several new original bikepacking routes to Wisconsin and Minnesota last year and here were your favorites. I haven't personally ridden the Driftless Loop yet but was excited to add a route to Minnesota in the gorgeous Driftless region and hope to see more stories and ride reports from that route. 1. The Driftless Loop by Nicolette Reker 2. Coon Fork Overnighter by Josh Rizzo 3. Valhalla Beach Party by Dave Schlabowske Most Popular Posts: Your Reader Submitted Stories These are your top 5 stories of ripping through forested gravel lanes and pushing through frozen winters on your fatbikes. I love hearing the unique challenges we all face and the successes and failures we share at races or ultra adventures. 1. Sherry Mix Wins 2nd at Inaugural US Fat Bike Open [Finds Lost Wahoo]. Read more . 2. Caden Budd's Story: 15 Years Old, Wins First US Fat Bike Open, Beats Dad. Read more . 3. Close the Gap or Blow Up Trying: Claire O'Leary's Freedhem 76 Read more . 4. Learning From Failure on the Tuscobia Winter Ultra. Read more . 5. Recap: 100 Miles of Wide Gravel Boulevards & Narrow Winding Lanes on the Hungry Bear. Read more . Most Popular Posts: All Categories Of all ~150 stories we published in 2022, these were the ones you were most interested in from all categories. It includes the humble bikepacking strap, mapping apps, and 3 great stories about some incredible adventure cycling experiences you can have in The Nxrth's adventure region. 1. The Whole Dang State: The Trans-Wisconsin Adventure Bicycle Route Nears Completion. Read More . 2. Voile Straps vs Tailfin Cargo Straps: Which is Better for Bikepacking? Read More . 3. Arrowhead 135 is one of 50 Hardest Races on Earth. Ken Krueger Calls it Family Reunion. Read more . 4. Meet the Heywood, Your New Favorite Pay-What-You-Want Gravel Event. Read More . 5. Ride With GPS vs Komoot: Which is Better for Bike Adventures. Read More . Editor's Picks This is a mix of personal stories, event overviews, photo galleries, and how-to resources. We had such a beautiful mix of content this year and here were some of the stories, people, and events that inspired me most. 1. "The Filthy 50 Handed Me a Terrifying Challenge & I finished It: How Lisa Fell in Love With Gravel. Read more . 2. Intro to Winter Fatbike Ultras: 3-Part Series. Read more . 3. Scared & Alone for Endless Miles Through Storms in the Dark: How Kate Coward Gets Stronger with Age. Read more . 4. Arrowhead 135 is one of 50 Hardest Races on Earth. Ken Krueger Calls it Family Reunion. Read more . 5. Happy 5th Birthday, Straddle & Paddle: Remembering How the Adventure Came Together. Read more . 6. Deep Dark Portraits Under the Rain in the Woods: Josh Kowaleski's Grand Du Nord Photos. Read more . 7. Close the Gap or Blow Up Trying: Claire O'Leary's Freedhem 76. Read more . 8. Gravel Pizza Portraits: Bikepacking with 37 New Friends. Read more . Well that's a wrap 2023 is well underway and we've got a whole bunch of new projects we hope you'll love coming up later this year. If you want to get involved, we'd love to share your story, event, or bikepacking route. Drop us message at info at The Nxrth dot com and help share your adventures with others.