The Heywood Ride is coming up on its senior year of grassroots gravel this May 17, 2025 in Northfield, Minnesota. The largest gravel ride in The Nxrth's coverage area has no sponsors, no podium, is not a race, and has a unique focus on being a welcoming space for all people. Learn more about how it all came to be and what the future has in store for the Heywood Ride. To learn more and register for the ride, visit The Heywood Ride . Photos by @jarrod_from_hope In the landscape of increasingly commercialized gravel events, the Heywood Ride in Northfield, Minnesota stands apart for its focus on accessibility and community. The event has grown from 800 riders in 2022 to nearly 1,200 registered in 2024. The Birth of The Heywood Ride Let's back up. Where did Heywood originate and is it a continuation of The Almanzo ride? Kind of but kind of not. The Almanzo was started by Chris Skogen in the early 2010s and ran for many years primarily out of Spring Valley, Minnesota. One of the first of its kind, Almanzo set the template for free, grassroots gravel events in the upper Midwest. Near the end of its time, the Almanzo ride ended up moving away from Spring Valley and Skogen briefly relocated the event to Northfield in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. After the pandemic pause in 2020 and 2021, Skogen officially passed the torch to the Heywood organizers Marty Larson, Ben Witt, and Mike Lehmkhul to start something new, The Heywood Ride, in a similar spirit as Almanzo in Northfield, Minnesota. Gravel for Everyone With Minimal Barriers to Entry The Heywood team has maintained key elements of the Almanzo's spirit while creating their own identity. Most notably, they've kept the event extremely affordable. Initially it started as a pay-what-you-want event and now continues with just a $25 entry fee, dramatically lower than many gravel events that are priced much higher. They've also instituted a "pay for another rider" program that has proven surprisingly popular, with around 100 riders typically contributing to help others participate. If you could use some financial support to cover your entry fee, this community fund has your back, no questions asked. "We offer something that a lot of gravel rides don't," explains Marty. "It's that space for people of any flavor to come down and be amongst familiars and amongst people that are going to treat them with respect." Camaraderie Over Competition Obviously not everyone is out to race at all race events. But Heywood specifically creates a space that not a race and doesn't try to be. Did you finish first in your event or first in your age class? Cool! There is no podium. Riders can choose between 30, 60, or 110, 165, and 390-mile routes – with the flexibility to change their distance on ride day based on how they're feeling. Forget the cumbersome transfer process, Heywood just wants you to go out and ride the ride the feels right for you when you show up. The 30 and 60-mile options frequently attract first-time gravel riders, while the event also offers more challenging options including a 165-mile route as well as a 390-mile ultra-distance challenge that begins on Thursday night. Yikes. Side note , I asked Marty if he, Ben and Mike have done the 390-mile route. While he said they'd like to do it as a multi-day tour at some point, he laughed it off, noting that they are far from fit or fast enough to do it in one go. Ben, Marty, Mike, & No Sponsors The organizers, Ben, Mike, and Marty, have deliberately kept the event simple and grassroots. It is run by just the 3 core team members plus their spouses and a handful of volunteers. They've avoided corporate sponsorships and maintained a focus on the riding experience. This approach has resonated in the gravel community. At a time when many events have trended toward higher entry fees and more competitive formats, the Heywood has found success by moving in the opposite direction. The guys believe they could eventually grow to 2,000 participants while maintaining their grassroots approach, though they're cautious about expanding beyond what their small team can manage. The 2025 Heywood Ride and Beyond 2025 will see the addition of music and food trucks at the finish line in Northfield's tree-covered park. But the emphasis will remain on creating a welcoming environment where riders can set up tents, enjoy a fun party and cheer on finishers. "This is just a bike ride," Marty emphasized. "We're doing this to provide a space for people to come and ride their bikes. It's not an expo. It's not a trade show." By prioritizing accessibility and community over competition and commercialization, the Heywood has carved out a unique environment in the gravel scene – one that suggests there's still plenty of appetite for events that stay true to the grassroots spirit that helped launch gravel cycling's popularity. To learn more and register for the ride, visit The Heywood Ride .

The 4th year of the Hodag Country Ramble was recently announced and includes camping, family dinners, music, bonfire, and more over 3 days. Taking place in Rhinelander, Wisconsin and hosted by Jeff Frane, this fall bike camping weekend is a popular and intimate gravel weekend with the cycling community. To learn more, visit The Hodag Country Ramble . The Hodag Country Ramble is a three-day gravel cycling and camping weekend happening September 5-7, 2025, just outside Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Hosted on private family property, the event offers a welcoming community atmosphere where participants can enjoy riding, camping, swimming, and connecting with like-minded cyclists. Now in its fourth year, the Hodag Country Ramble features three route options—26, 50, and 80 miles—designed to showcase the area’s scenic beauty, with a mix of gravel, two-track, and quiet pavement winding through national forest land and private logging roads. In addition to riding, the weekend includes 2-3 nights of camping (limited to 175 people), a Saturday night family dinner, live music, a bonfire, and plenty of opportunities to relax by the nearby lake. Registered riders receive camping access, a t-shirt, a sticker, a patch, and dinner and refreshments on Saturday. While some rest stops and convenience stores are available along the routes, participants are encouraged to be largely self-sufficient and respectful of the land. The Hodag Country Ramble emphasizes a low-key, inclusive vibe that encourages riders of all speeds and experience levels. Whether you’re normally hitting mach 3 speeds, or taking a leisurely roll through the woods, the event invites participants to slow down and enjoy the Northwoods landscape. Organizers request care for the land and its natural beauty, adding to the unique, community-focused feel of the weekend. More details and registration information can be found at Hodag Country Ramble .

5-10 inches of perfect snow just fell on Cable, Wisconsin just in time for the Northwoods' premier fat bike race, the Fat Bike Birkie. Join the ride for one last winter adventure on the iconic rolling wooded lanes of the Birkie trail. Need convincing? Here are the top 6 reasons to join. To learn more, visit Fat Bike Birkie or go straight to registration . Words by the Birkie team. After tens of thousands of skiers have left the Birkie Trail, it's rider's turn! The Fat Bike Birkie is a winter adventure on one of the world's most famous trails. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting into fat biking, this race is an unforgettable experience. Here are 6 reasons why we think you should sign up: 1. Stunning Scenery on Perfect Winter Condition You’ll be riding through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Northern Wisconsin. Rolling hills cruising through snow-covered forests and along winding trails—the perfect winter backdrop for your ride. The winter weather in Cable is just about as perfect as it gets. With several inches falling on Wednesday, the trail has great coverage for fat biking. With crisp, cold air and fresh snow underfoot, you’ll get to experience fat biking at its very best. 2. It’s for Everyone No matter your skill level, the Fat Bike Birkie welcomes everyone with three race distances: The Big Fat (47K), The Half Fat (21K) and The Fun Fat (10K). Riders will be placed in one of these gates based on their best finish time from the previous 3 Big Fat or Half Fat (21K) races. Riders without a result in the past 3 Big Fat or Half Fat races will be assigned to Gate 4. Whether you want a nice supported ride on the trail or want to compete with the lead pack, there's a race for you! 3. The Swag! Are you jealous of all those sweet racing t-shirts you see other riders wearing at the trailheads? Well now you can be the one with the sweet athletic t-shirt! 4. Community Vibes One of the best things about the Fat Bike Birkie is the sense of community. You'll meet so many awesome people who share your love for fat biking. There’s a lot of cheering, camaraderie, and high-fives all around! 5. The Afterparty Once you cross that finish line, it’s time to celebrate! Grab some delicious food, enjoy a warm drink, and chat with fellow riders. The post-race party is all about having a good time and making memories. And did we mention Earth Rider beer? 6. The Accomplishment.... and Hardware All that training and competitive performance deserves recognition! Overall Trophies will be presented to the first three male & female finishers of the Big Fat and Half Fat races. Age Class Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place riders, male and female, in each age class for the Fat Bike Races. Big Fat – 16-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+ Half Fat – 12-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+ We can't wait to see your wheels hitting the snow! To learn more, visit Fat Bike Birkie  or go straight to registration .

Photo: Gray Duck Grit

Photo by Josh Kowaleski of Pointed North Photo Inspired by some recent wishful thinking, I decided to jot down some wish list rides from deep down in my cycling heart that I'd love to do some day. Some are long, some are short. Some are stateside and some are in Central America, Africa, and Europe. Will I ever do any of these? Well, one can always hope. MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Norhtwoods Gravel Day is coming in a few days on Wed March 5 and we've got a few prize drawings we're excited to give away. Join us at this free virtual gravel community event with Jenna Rinehart, Trenton Raygor, and Chase Wark to kick off the gravel season together. Prizes: 2 x One Year of The Nxrth+ ($60 Value) 2x Gravel Bear Tshirt or Ladies Tank. The Nxrth+ is our new membership that gives you unlimiteed access to everything on The Nxrth including: Regular adventure resources Maps of the entire Gravel calendar and MTB calendar Exclusive bikepacking routes Founder's Blog Check out everything members have access to HERE . We'll talk about: Favorite gear picks  for 2025 Best gravel bike races Incredible gravel destinations  in the Northwoods and beyond Q&A with your  questions  about racing, adventures, and gear Join us on Wednesday, March 5 at 7PM CST for this live gravel event. Register for FREE below.

Todd Poquette just published the first episode of a new podcast project about living in the U.P. and turning your life into an adventure. Known for his leadership with 906 Adventure Team, this podcast isn't specifically a 906 project though it'll likely cover that as well. In his first episode, he sat down with Dr. Ryan Brang to discuss the impact of doing hard things in life as well experiences with Polar Roll, The Crusher, and Marji Gesick. Follow along on the Made U.P. YouTube channel and catch Episode 1 below.

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 Timber 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 overcoming two heart procedures for ventricular tachycardia, Paul Warloski is making a comeback by racing 11 gravel events in 2025 while raising funds for pediatric heart care. His training focuses on endurance, high-intensity intervals, and strength work, aiming to push his limits while supporting the Herma Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. Words by Paul Warloski of Simple Endurance Coaching. You can donate to his fundraiser HERE . The Heart & Gravel Comeback Tour In 2025, I’m doing 11 gravel races throughout the Midwest to celebrate that my heart is beating normally again and to raise money for pediatric cardiac care. I’m calling it “The Heart and Gravel Comeback Tour 2025.” I’ve had two ablations in the past two years to fix ventricular tachycardia, and the second, done last September, seems to have fixed the problem. So I plan to ride several gravel races this year, culminating in the U.S. national championships, and raise money for pediatric heart care at the Herma Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. I’m nervous putting this article out into the world since there’s no guarantee the heart issue won’t return. But I’m trusting in the process and will keep training and working toward the goal. Back at the Dirty South Roubaix Two years ago, I wondered if I’d ever race a bike again. This weekend, I’m back at the starting line for the Dirty South Roubaix in southern Illinois, my first gravel race since heart surgery—and the first of the Heart and Gravel Comeback Tour. I’ll do the 100k race, which I did three years ago before I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia and had two ablations in the past two years. Ventricular tachycardia is a condition where rogue electrical signals cause the heart to beat dangerously fast. Surgeons did two ablations, a procedure to remove or destroy the rogue tissue, in two years to fix the problem. So I’m thrilled to be back and see how my repaired heart will function in a long, challenging race. Raising Money for Pediatric Heart Care This will also be the first race for which we’re raising money for pediatric heart care at the Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee! This race is not just a test of my endurance—it’s a chance to support the kids at the Herma Heart Institute. Here’s the story I wrote about the fundraising. Here is the link to donate. Their grit inspires me to push harder. Tentative Schedule for the Heart and Gravel Tour March 1 Dirty South Roubaix, Alto Pass, IL 60 miles March 22 Hell of the Wind, New Liberty, IL (Big River Gravel Series) 60 miles April 5 Rough Road 100, Morris, IL 64 miles April 12 Barry Roubaix, Hastings, MI 60 miles May 3 1904, Illinois City, IL (Big River Gravel Series) 80 miles May 10 Hungry Bear, Cable, WI 60 miles June 7 KKD Gravel, Farmington, MN 80 miles July 5 Riding Dirty Gravel, Viroqua, WI 63 miles July 12 Burning Quad, Erie, IL (Big River Gravel Series) 80 miles Aug 23 Coon Fork 40, Eau Claire, WI Sept U.S. Gravel Nationals, LaCrescent, MN 88 miles My Training Plan Needed More Intensity Let’s talk about training for this gravel race. I’ve been riding and racing my bike for four decades so even with the time off for the recovery from the heart issues, I still have a lot of endurance miles in my legs. I knew that in order to compete at a higher level, I would need to do more intensity in addition to the endurance miles. That meant more time in a Build phase, rather than Base, doing VO2max and threshold intervals. So my training plan focuses on a mix of endurance miles and high-intensity intervals, with two strength sessions weekly to rebuild power and resilience. Getting back into this level of training after heart surgery has been humbling, but every interval is a reminder of how far I’ve come. Athletica.AI is My Training Plan I use Athletica’s AI training platform both as an athlete and as a coach. The simplicity of Athletica’s program, the science of Dr. Paul Laursen , and the adaptability of the plan has really worked to gradually improve my FTP over the winter. My program is essentially doing 30/30s VO2max work on Tuesday, a low-cadence workout on Wednesday, endurance on Thursday, threshold intervals on Friday, long endurance on Saturday, and a long ride with tempo intervals on Sunday. However, I often turn Sunday’s tempo into another long endurance day, depending on how I feel. I use HRV4Training, so if I had the green light and I was feeling good, I’d do the tempo intervals. I also include two days a week of full-body strength training. VO2max Testing at Marquette University To fine-tune my training approach, I’ve also leaned on advanced testing protocols like VO2max and PNOE assessments. Right after the second ablation, once I was cleared to train by the doctors, I went to Marquette University to get a VO2max and lactate test done. My second lactate threshold was around 190 watts and my VO2max was 41.5. These were expected numbers but disappointing nonetheless. Prior to the heart issues, my FTP was around 290 to 310, and Garmin estimated my VO2max in the high 50s. I have no idea whether I’m going to be able to get back to where I was, but I believe I can improve with lots of specific training. PNOE Testing at the Longevity Lab I also did a test with my friend Phillip Godkin and the PNOE protocol. Godkin owns Milwaukee Bike Fit Studio and is part owner of the Longevity Lab in Mequon, where we did the PNOE tests. The PNOE test confirmed the importance of endurance riding for fat-burning, intense efforts to boost VO2max, and strength training for overall performance. So essentially, a polarized approach to training. In addition, the report recommended eating more protein, fruits, and vegetables, including greens, pumpkins, red cabbage, and adding specific supplements like turmeric, matcha, and coffee. Endurance Athletes Learn to Adapt Life throws curveballs—ventricular tachycardia was mine. But the thing about endurance athletes? We learn to adapt, rebuild, and persevere. That’s why I’m racing gravel again. As I tackle this first race of the Heart and Gravel Comeback Tour, I’m racing for more than personal goals—I’m racing to support kids with heart challenges. Join me in making a difference by donating or sharing your own story of perseverance. Three Things About Training for the Heart and Gravel Tour 1. Overcoming Setbacks & Making a Comeback Through determination, structured training, and patience, I’m back at the starting line for my first gravel race in two years. 2. Training Smart for Performance & Recovery My comeback training focuses on VO2max intervals, endurance miles, and strength work, using Athletica AI for structured coaching. 3. Racing for a Cause: Supporting Pediatric Heart Care This journey is about more than just racing. I’m raising funds for pediatric heart care at the Children’s Hospital. Get to Know Paul Warloski, Professional Coach for Everyday Athletes Unlock the secrets to mastering gravel racing with Paul's free 24-page Guide to Gravel Racing . Sign up for a free Virtual Coffee so you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and talk about making your endurance training more effective, fun, and Simple. Paul Warloski is a: USA Cycling Level 1 Advanced Certified Coach RRCA Running Coach Training Peaks Level 2 Coach RYT-200 Yoga Instructor Certified Personal Trainer

You're invited to the 2025 Northwoods Gravel Day , a virtual event where we geek out about all the gravel races, adventures, and gear we're most excited for in 2025. Guests Jenna Rinehart, Trenton Raygor, and Chase Wark will be joining us on Wednesday, March 5 at 7pm CST. Learn more and register for FREE here. It's time to start planning your 2025 gravel rides and dreaming about the gear that'll help you go further and have more fun this summer. On March 5, The Nxrth is hosting a virtual event called " Northwoods Gravel Day ". We have some fun guests joining the event and we want you to be a part of it too. We'll talk about: Favorite gear picks for 2025 Best gravel bike races Incredible gravel destinations in the Northwoods and beyond Q&A with your questions about racing, adventures, and gear Join us on Wednesday, March 5 at 7PM CST for this live gravel event. Register for FREE below.

Pictured: Copper Harbor Trails If you’re looking for the ultimate Northwoods mountain bike towns, here they are. From the urban singletrack of Minneapolis to the remote tip of Copper Harbor, these towns offer some of the best trails and mtb community in the region. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a day trip, this guide will help you hit the high points of the Northwoods' best riding.

Well now that Artificial Intelligence is here, we're officially done speculating about the Northwoods gravel scene. From here on out, we'll just automate all stories and let computers make stuff up. Kidding. But seriously we asked AI to look around The Nxrth and predict what it thinks is in store for 2025 and here are some of its irreverent predictions.: The “All Downhill 100 Mile Gravel Route” is Finally Discovered Some local legend will claim to have mapped out the only 100-mile route in the Northwoods that is somehow all downhill. No one will believe it. Until they try it. All-You-Can-Eat Cheese Curd Rest Stops To refuel during long rides, rest stops will feature all-you-can-eat cheese curd stations, combining Wisconsin's favorite snack with endurance cycling. Kwik Trip Becomes a UCI Sponsor Cyclists finally get the support they deserve when Kwik Trip unveils its official “Karuba King” jersey, awarded to the racer who consumes the most gas station coffee before a ride. Bear-Safe Bike Storage Innovative bike racks will double as bear-proof containers, ensuring that riders' snacks and gear remain safe from curious wildlife during trail adventures. Fat Bikes with Built-in Saunas To combat the chilly Northwoods temperatures, cyclists will ride fat bikes equipped with mini saunas, ensuring they stay warm and relaxed during winter rides. Moose-Powered Tandems Embracing sustainable transportation, locals will develop tandem bikes powered by friendly moose, offering an eco-friendly and uniquely Northwoods commuting option. The “700C vs. 650B” Debate Finally Ends Not because one wins, but because the industry just decides to switch everything to 31.4-inch wheels. Because why not? The First Ever Ride Across Wisconsin... in Snowmobile Suits If winter fat biking gets any colder, riders will just start wearing full-on snowmobile suits. Aero? No. Warm? Definitely. Bikepacking Bingo Cyclists will play bingo during bike-packing trips, marking off squares for sightings like bald eagles, beaver dams, and fellow riders sporting retro gear. Sasquatch Spotting Challenges Cycling events will include friendly competitions to spot the elusive Sasquatch, with bonus points awarded for the best photographic evidence captured during the ride.