If you love gravel and dreaming about adventures and gear or following along with national and international gravel races, these are some great websites to follow. Listed in a loose order of some of our favorites, these sites will cover a very wide spectrum of everything in the gravel world. In compiling these gravel websites, I thought pretty hard about what attracts me to these sites and what makes the best sites stand out. Here's what I love about any online publication and what makes many of these websites shine. Beautiful designs: An attractive design and an intuitively organized interface make these sites come alive in a really interactive way. Seasonally relevant, and timely news: Seasonal adventures change fast and race season unfolds rapidly. So we love sites that deliver high quality stories and gear updates right in the middle of all the excitement of the season. No affiliate links: Honestly, I don't know that there is a single website on this list that doesn't use affiliate links (besides The Nxrth 😉. We don't publish affiliate links so our recommendations are what we love, not what we get paid for you to click on). It's hard to find genuinely helpful recommendations from websites that use affiliate links but some sites use them less than others. Gorgeous original photography: Beautiful shots from places I want to visit and gear I'm interested in are what inspire a lot of my adventures. Regular, high-frequency content, with an in-depth, and thoughtful POV. Yeah, that's a no brainer. There is a lot of junk on the internet, and these are the websites that stand out. Here are some of our favorite gravel sites, loosely in order of the ones we visit the most often: Bikepacking.com The original bikepacking website and almost exclusively responsible for the original global growth of the activity. Bikepacking.com was founded in 2012 and since then has been a gold mine of global routes, gorgeous trip photography, captivating stories, and community of adventure seekers on winding unpaved paths. Bikepacking.com . Bike Gear Database Boutique design with hyper in-depth reviews and resources. Bike Gear Database is a site to be bookmarked and explored. It covers gravel, bikepacking, and mountain biking with an emphasis on gear reviews. It also has occasional stories and planning resources. Bike Gear Database . Velo News - Gravel Collection Probably the most mainstream outdoor news outlet on the ole web. Velo News covers the biggest and most popular gravel races. It closely follows the Life Time Grand Prix and Belgian Waffle series and has regular coverage and speculation of the highest profile athletes. Velo News is 100% paywalled behind an Outside+ membership but easily bypassed by accessing your browser's "Reader" version of any page. Velo News . The Radavist What can be said about The Radavist? Full of beautiful bicycles, alternative bike culture, fixies, gnarly gravel creations, and a diverse community, The Radavist news cycle is a pretty fun place to cruise around. If you're looking for a unique take on the people, places, and gear that make up the gravel community, head on over to The Radavist and look around. The Radavist . The Nxrth We can't leave The Nxrth off this list ;-). If you live in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Minnesota, or the Upper Peninsula, this is the go-to spot for gravel news, events, stories, community, and resources. Rolling around since 2022, our goal is to connect gravel bikers with incredible experiences and deeper community. The Nxrth . GRVL Magazine Originally a Substack called GRVL Troopers, it became GRVL MGZN in 2024 and has regular information, tips, advice, tech updates, and more from the realm of gravel racing. Expect interviews and news from high profile gravel athletes on an independent site. GRVL MGZIN . Gravel Union Want to follow the European gravel scene? This is a good place to start. It has a lot of stories and event recaps from the European gravel community. They don't chase the big stories and celebrity gravel racers but focus on covering small events and everyday storytellers. Gravel Union . Gravelstoke This one is really a grab bag. I've been following it for some time and enjoy the variety. It focuses especially around California gravel but also covers gear reviews and occasional industry news, updates, and culture. Gravelstoke . Cycling News - Gravel Collection A pretty even mix of gear roundups and pro cycling news and event updates. The gravel section is a sub-section of the main site with good dives into the world of pro gravel behind the scenes. You can get free access to 5 articles per month or open any article on your browser's "Reader" to bypass the pay wall. Cycling News . Gravel Cyclist If you're doing a Google search of reviews for a specific gravel bike that you're considering, the chances are good that you'll end up on Gravel Cyclist. Lots of reviews and product announcements on a basic blog format website. Gravel Cyclist . Bike Radar & Bike Rumor Competitor websites, these two operate in nearly identical ways providing early gear announcement and in depth reviews. Both websites are almost exclusively filled with paid affiliate links in all of their 'Best Of' gear roundups which gives low credibility in favor of them being compensated if you buy a product they recommend. Affiliate links aside, these are the places to go for gear lovers and early industry announcements. Bike Radar & Bike Rumor . Off-Road.cc A partner website to Road.cc, Off-Road.cc is a gear focused site that covers mountain biking, bikepacking, and gravel. It is based in the UK and definitely has a focus on the European scene but covers news from all over. Expect a heavy emphasis on gear roundups and reviews. Off-Road.cc . CX Magazine - Gravel Collection As the name suggests, Gravel isn't the primary focus but it is the secondary focus of the site. Alongside a whole bunch of cyclocross content, they keep close coverage on gravel news and gear. Focused primarily on gear, you can also find coverage of events, adventures, and destinations here. CX Magazine .

Pictured: The "Seeley Hills Chalet", a friend's new cabin and Airbnb in the Seeley/Cable area. Do you ever lay awake during the dead of winter and dream of owning a cabin in a place where crunchy gravel, endless MTB trails, and the buzz of lovely killer mosquitos are around every corner? Here we discuss some of the best places to own a cabin in bike country as well as getting an insider's look at the Cuyuna area and Marquette/Ishpmeming area. Whether you're looking for a vacation escape, a rental investment, or a permanent retreat near the trails you love, this guide is your starting point. From the serene beauty of Minnesota's Cuyuna Lakes Area to the rugged charm of Michigan's Marquette County, we’ll explore the unique vibes, trail access, and cabin-buying tips in some of the best biking destinations in the Northwoods. Let’s dive into the possibilities of owning your own slice of bike country paradise! Jump to Section Cuyuna Marquette & Ishpeming Cabins in Places You Already Love Visiting With Bikes We're all drawn to different types of trails, towns that fit our vibes, and being surrounded by land and water that we connect to at a deeper level. The Northwoods is lucky to have a lot of variety in the land, trails, towns, and waterways that make up the areas many of us spend time biking. Some are looking for a vacation home to regularly escape to while others are attracted to owning a place that they can Airbnb for additional income while also have a place to personally visit in bike country. Here are just a few popular bike destinations that might included in your short list of dream cabin destinations. The Cable, Seeley, & Telemark area is a quickly growing bike destination with the development of Trek Trails and Mt. Telemark village. The area has an enormous network of sprawling MTB trails, gravel roads, secluded lakes, and bike and ski events all year long. Marquette County, Michigan with Marquette & Ishpeming have incredible MTB trails, a beautiful downtown in Marquette, Lake Superior's breathtaking coastline, and is a popular area for adventures of epic scales. Cuyuna Lakes Area is "Adventure Town USA" with world class flow trails and pristine deep mine lakes. The area continues to develop with 70+ miles of trail wrapping around 25 miles of natural shoreline. The North Shore is famous for adventures and vacations of all kinds and has a rich supply of MTB trail destinations and a vast network of winding gravel and double track roads to explore. "Trapper Lake Cabin", a friend's new place in the Cable, WI area Get to Know the Cabin Scene in Cuyuna Lakes Area, Minnesota By Amanda Lumley, Realtor Amanda Lumley's Website amanda.lumley@sir.com I think the best way for potential buyers to start the process of buying a home/cabin in the Cuyuna area is to drive around….take it all in! There are so many beautiful areas, within the area, and by taking the time to “tour” the local towns and neighborhoods it will guide you naturally in the direction of your preferences. I have clients that want to be in the heart of Crosby, close to the parks and lake, and within walking distance to all of the new restaurants and shops. I have other clients that want acreage, but close to the trails with easy access. The searches range from large properties that can be family owned, to one bedroom studio style, to weekly rental home ownership. Once you have a good feel for the town, then you need to take the day and jump on the trails! This area is incredibly unique in the scenery that it offers unparalleled views with the mine pits, and the overall up north feel as you ride. The area offers the most breathtaking views, rural areas that overlook water and have wildlife everywhere. There is a trail for every level biker. Must sees are Yawkey Mine Lake or Miner’s Mountain Rally Center. The town has Friendly people, great food, and small town love. The relaxed, tranquil environment that people are in search. An escape for the daily grind, but all of the accustomed amenities at your fingertips. The trails are so majestic, they speak for themselves…there are 20 lakes within 3 miles of Crosby, downtown provides coffee shops, breweries, shopping, rentals, restaurants, antique stores and more! Its an excellent getaway in the winter with miles of single track trails, many of them groomed all winter. There’s snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing ,ice skating, skiing and tubing. There is no storage of gorgeous AIRBNB cabins if you just want to read a book in front of the fireplace all weekend… Overall the community is very active. The medical facilities top notch. Property values have continued to increase and the infrastructure is growing with the population. Truly the area is something out of a Hallmark movie. Get to Know Marquette & Ishpeming Cabin Living By Melanie Oliver & Jason Pabian, Realtors Melanie : Melanie@nexthomesl.com  | 906-236-3346  | Website Jason : Jason@nexthomesl.com | 906-362-6865  | Website Trails! Trails! Trails! The Marquette and Ishpeming area are full of year round outdoor activities! Marquette boasts miles of pristine Lake Superior Shoreline, natural beauty, vast wooded areas and forests, punchy hills, inland lakes, all of which make for some amazing riding. In Marquette County, Marquette, Negaunee and Ishpeming are primary locations for bike enthusiasts. But there are also those who prefer to live a little further outside of these cities and townships. The Marquette market can be quite competitive and properties are generally more costly compared to the Ishpeming market. But both locations have some great properties. What About Buying a Cabin for a Vacation Home or Airbnb Around Marquette? There are a number of regulations in place for each city and township in Marquette county. Owning a vacation rental may not be a timely option in areas like Marquette with a lengthy wait list. The neighboring city of Negaunee currently requires owners to live on property (primary residence) if they intend to rent out a unit or room. Regulations can change at any time. Knowledge is key to making an appropriate purchase. You Had a Cabin Before Launching Into Various Other Vacation Rental Projects. What Was That Like? Jason and I would park on the snow and ice covered dirt road, strap on our snow shoes and start unloading the vehicle, packed full of items we will need for the weekend. The air is so cold it hits your lungs with a punch at first. A smack of cold on our exposed cheeks is invigorating. We comically climb the 6 foot tall snow/ice mound the plows have created and start breaking trail into our camp in the woods. The moon and stars are so incredibly bright we don’t use our headlamps. We are lured into camp by the shadows of the moonlit trees on the snow. We pull our sled behind us filled with food, water, supplies and warm clothing. We finally arrive and begin shoveling feet deep snow in front of the entry door to access our camp. Once we are inside, our immediate attention is to start a fire in the wood burning stove, our only source of heat. Once the fire is stoked, we return to shoveling the deep snow and breaking off ice dams which have formed on the roof, which also helps warm us up. We return indoors and begin cooking our dinner on the wood stove. No food has ever tasted better than the meals we made on our camp stove. Camp is remote and quiet. Very quiet. No highway or road noise, no hum of electronics, without phone service there are no phone notifications alerting us of the outside world. We have entered our own world now. We have to rely on ourselves and each other for the next few days. We have friends in a camp a few miles away, down the snow and ice covered dirt road. They have traveled from Wisconsin for a weekend at their camp as well. We ride our fat bikes to our friends camp. It's so cozy and familiar. Always welcoming. A true Yooper camp. What Kind of Project Did You Turn Your Cabin Into? Our camp is a one room cabin, hand built in the 1920’s. We transformed the one room cabin from its former Deer camp status into, what our friends would call, Pier Camp (Pier One) status. We furnished our camp with our delightfully chosen antiques with modern luxuries, like a new mattress and bedding and even hand soap! When this camp was purchased the realtor showing the property, now our broker and dear friend, would not set foot inside the dingy, overcrowded cabin much less walk the overgrown property in his new suede shoes. What Other Home, Rental, and Real Estate Projects Have You Gotten Into? We sold our camp about three years ago. We got busy designing, rehabbing, renovating, renting, buying and selling various properties. Our camp may have been a catalyst in helping us recognize our talents and ambitions. The Crusher bike event passes through about a quarter mile from our former camp. The nearby roads make for a gravel rider’s dream. Hundreds of miles of camp roads surrounded by woods, passing waterfalls, ponds, inland lakes, beaver dams, rocky outcroppings, deer and other wildlife. Prior to selling the camp, we discussed making tree house type small cabins throughout the property for use as short term rentals. Logistically, without electricity, a steady heat source, running water, flush toilets, laundry, etc the concept never came to fruition. We focused our sites on properties in town. The UP and all it has to offer comes in many forms. In town as well as in the seemingly remote wilderness this area offers. As realtors, as well as when we are not realtoring, Jason and I love the opportunity to explore and see new things. Being realtors allow us the opportunity to show and walk properties. We thoroughly enjoy the outdoors. Jason and I enjoy XC and enduro biking, trail running, hiking, flying, snowshoeing, exploring, traveling and adventuring.

Ride With GPS and Komoot are two mapping tools used to discover, plan, organize, and share bike adventures. In this story we compare them head to head and share our thoughts on which one may be a better option for each type of riding and planning. Jump to Section 1. Overview 2. Pricing 3. Route Editing 4. POIs & Highlights 5. Social Sharing & Adventure Discovery 6. Unique Features: Ride With GPS 7. Unique Features: Komoot 8. Ride With GPS Wins if you... 9. Komoot Wins if you... OVERVIEW: Ride With GPS vs Komoot White both tools target the same overall goal of planning adventures using a map, the focus of Ride With GPS and Komoot are pretty distinct. Let's break down the focus and audience of each platform which will translate into the unique features they offer. Ride With GPS Ride With GPS is for map creators who want more advanced tools to create and organize highly detailed rides and routes. It's an incredibly powerful too for those who spend hours drawing lines, cataloging POIs, analyzing rides, and take pride in architecting detailed routes using many different routing tools at the same time. You simply won't find this level of detailed organization and customization in Komoot. Komoot Komoot is focused on crowd-sourced adventuring, deep social sharing, and photo-centric story telling around the globe. For those looking to follow the stories and adventure highlights of explorers all over the world and then plan the adventure yourself using the community's favorite highlights as your guide, Komoot is your best friend. NOTE: Many of the strengths of Komoot are heavily dependent on user volume. Komoot currently has a massive presence in Europe but has a significantly smaller base in the USA which makes the benefit of user generated content less significant in many places. Pricing Ride With GPS has 3 monthly tiers: Free, Basic, & Premium. The Basic plan is $7.99/mo and gives you advanced route planning on the mobile app. The Premium plan is $9.99/mo and gives you the full suite of web-based tools. The Free version allows for basic route planning and ride recording. Komoot has two pricing models: Komoot Maps and Komoot Premium. Maps are all one-time payments and give you permanent access to voice navigation and offline maps for the geographies that you pay for ($3.99 for one region, $8.99 for a region bundle, or $29.99 to permanently unlock the entire world). Komoot Premium is $5.99/month and includes World Map access, personal collections, live-tracking, multi-day planner, on-tour weather, safety contacts, and more. Route Editing We'll get deeper into this section with each platform's "Unique Features" but for now I'll just say that this is an area where Ride With GPS dominates. Both the desktop and mobile route planner are extremely easy to use and are packed with high powered advanced tools unmatched by Komoot. Komoot's route editor is much more tedious and and has a significantly simpler toolbox to use when trying to meticulously plan perfect routes. It's a slower process with fewer options to customize. Points of Interest (POIs) & Route Highlights Ride With GPS's Points of Interest (POIs) are created for each individual Ride With GPS account. You can add POIs to any of your maps for any reason to mark anything you want. They are uniquely built into the maps that you choose (or dynamically available in a POI library if you use a Club account) and they won't show up in the map building tool for the general public unless they're viewing your unique route. Komoot calls these "Highlights" and they're 100% crowd sourced and built on community generated content for everyone to use. The downside is that you can't add private POIs such as "Camping in my uncle's backyard" or temporary POIs like "Race day headquarters" but the upside is that the entire globe is covered in the adventuring community's best route highlights, photos, and tips for anyone to go exploring. Every Highlight and photo is rated by the community which makes planning incredible adventures significantly easier. Social Sharing & Adventure Discovery Komoot owns this category. The entire platform is built around photo-first adventure discovery, community generated map highlights, and ready-to-ride collections of the world's best places to explore. The social feed is deeply inspirational and the biggest names in gravel biking and bikepacking are constantly sharing their ride galleries, map libraries, and tips to take their adventures and do them yourself. While Ride With GPS is a really powerful planing tool, its strength is less in discovering new adventures through community sourced mapping highlights. Ride With GPS's tools like "Inspect" and "Heatmaps" are really great for finding new places to ride, but they end at drawing great lines on a map. Trail level photo content is sparse and community sourced tips are non existent outside of individually created maps. Similarities We don't dig into every feature in this article. Several features exist in both platforms and are at least comparable. "Surface Types" is a feature of both platforms and I haven't found it to have any accuracy in the region that I live in either platform. Both platforms have Safety Tracking and Privacy Zones which are an important part of staying staying safe on and off the bike. There are many other features they both share. Now let's break down their unique features they each have. Ride With GPS Unique Features Ride With GPS has an extensive toolset for advanced route editing, adventure planning, and deep organization. Let's break down the main features are exclusive to Ride With GPS. Global & Personal Heatmaps Heatmaps are indispensable for finding out where everyone else rides (Global Heatmap) and seeing a live log of where you've ridden (Personal Heatmap). If you're exploring a new area, there's no better way to find some of the most popular routes than seeing where the community is doing the most riding via Heatmaps. Inspect Tool Touch a point on a map and see the most popular routes going through that spot. Without the context of community generated photos and tips, I don't find it very useful as it only shows personally created routes that get a lot of engagement but this doesn't actually aggregate any crowd sourced information about that route. Ride Metrics If you like analyzing post-ride data, you're going to love Ride With GPS's deep stack of metrics. There are over 26 metrics that are fully customizable during your ride and their post-ride metrics are going to give you a lot of data to pour over when you're done. Bike Maintenance Log A fun way to keep track of maintenance, repairs, and upgrades for each of your bikes. Custom Cues Create cues that say whatever you want them to. These are supported in TCX files for Garmin devices, Wahoo devices, and the mobile app will read them aloud just like a normally generated turn left turn right cue. Clubs & Organizations If you're an organization or club, this is the clear winner for organizing, customizing, and embedding various route libraries and POIs that can dynamically be pulled into maps of your choosing. Colors, layers, images, categories, routes, links, and POIs can all be fully customized to your needs and the ability to give free navigation and offline use for your members/customers. Plus a Lot More Both the deskop and mobile applications have a lot more tools and custom configurations at every point of your process from planning, to riding, to organizing and they're regularly adding more. I don't expect them to slow down adding new tools and features in the future as they're hyper focused on helping map lovers and organizers plan using as much data and efficiency as possible. Komoot Unique Features Komoot's strength is less in mapping tools, metrics, and organization and more in social and community tools. Tools that inspire users to explore the world and have the most fun getting from point A to point B. Trail View This is the "Google Streetview" of off-grid trails. If you've ever studied satellite images trying to guess what the surface is like and if the trail is actually passable , Trail View is going to be a life saver. Komoot uses artificial intelligence to pull all public photos of trails and pin them to where they were taken on the map for everyone to use. The result is trail-level photos of any place any Komoot user has taken a public photo of a trail on a route. No more guessing whether that obscure line on a map is a hidden gem or a total bust. Pioneer & Expert Gamification Base on community cues and up-votes on Highlights, photos, and tips, Komoot gives points for all the activities and regions that you've recorded activity. This is a fun way to build your expertise and social influence within the app as well as finding the best adventurers to follow Sport-Based Route & Highlight Searching Use the Discovery tool to select routes and highlights based on the sport you're interested in such as road cycling, gravel riding, and bikepacking On Tour Weather Plan daylong or multi-day adventures and see temperature, precipitation, wind direction, and sunshine for any point in time on the map. Crowd-Sourced Highlights This is mentioned earlier in the article but i's worth repeating here because Komoot Highlights isn't just a similarity to Ride With GPS's Points of Interest, it's a it's really a unique feature that makes Komoot stand alone. Highlights is a rich user generated global library of the best places to ride, stop, and explore. They're all filterable by sport type, voted on by the community at large, and logged with rider tips so that you have the easiest time having the best experience from point A to point B. Personal Collections This is another feature that does exist in Ride With GPS but I think Komoot does it much better. Personal collections are a way to show off your rides, routes, highlights, story, and photos all in one beautiful place for the world to see in their Komoot social feed (or embed on your website). For other users, these are an incredible way to discover new places to explore and be inspired by brilliant photography and gorgeous bikescapes. So Which is Better, Komoot or Ride Withg GPS? Cut to the chase...you want to know which is better right? Well of course it depends. Their features and tools are built for similar but different audiences and the best platform is going to be the one that meets your planning and riding goals. Ride With GPS Wins If... You want to build a library of personal (or organizational) mapping assets that you can customize and organize however you want You care about advanced planning and analyzing using the most data available You prefer customization, tweaking, and analyzing over social sharing You are a club or organization who needs advanced organizational and embedding tools for your members. Komoot Wins If... You want to use the community's favorite crowd-sourced highlights, tips, and photos to plan your routes. You're looking for ready-to-ride collections of routes, highlights, and photos from other users' libraries Sharing the best parts of your ride and discovering the best parts of others' rides is more important than personal customization tools and metrics You only need offline maps and voice navigation and don't want to be locked into a paid subscription

Cuyuna is a midwest singletrack paradise for mountain biking in the summer and fat biking in the winter. If you're looking to book a trip there, why not stay in a beautiful and unique cabin close to all the action? Here are 6 beautiful Cuyuna cabins surrounded by adventure to check out for your next trip. Time to start planning bike weekend getaways? Nestled in the heart of Minnesota’s Cuyuna Range, a bike paradise awaits those seeking adventure on two wheels. For those wanting to immerse themselves in this magical setting, these six impossibly beautiful cabins offer the perfect basecamp. Whether you’re looking for cozy retreats or luxurious lodges, each cabin promises a memorable experience in one of Minnesota’s most breathtaking destinations. Eco-Luxe Shipping Container This shipping container cabin features two bedrooms with queen beds, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, a small kitchenette, and a living area with large windows offering views of the surrounding forest. Amenities include a hot tub, fire pit, covered patio, and a Mississippi River overlook. The cabin also has a multifunctional office and laundry space. LEARN MORE . The Iron Owl This newly built 600 sq ft cabin, located 1 mile from the Cuyuna Lakes Trail and Crosby's historic downtown, offers views of 20+ acres of wetlands and wildlife. The cabin, designed by a husband and wife, features a queen bedroom on the main floor, a loft with a queen bed, a bathroom, kitchen, and a living area with a wood stove. Outside, guests can enjoy a pondside patio. The cabin is secluded and surrounded by white pines, offering privacy with occasional distant town sounds. It sleeps up to 4 people and shares the property with a second cabin. LEARN MORE . The Hilhaus Aframe This newly built A-frame cabin, located near downtown Crosby, offers a cozy retreat with a lower-level master bedroom, a loft bedroom, a kitchen, a dining room, and a living room with a fireplace. Outside, guests can enjoy a back deck, a fire pit area, a picnic table, and a bike shed. The cabin comes equipped with essentials like coffee, tea, board games, and books, along with upgraded Starlink Wi-Fi. It's well-suited for couples, families, or those looking for a fat biking getaway. Firewood and lawn games are also provided. LEARN MORE . Tiny House Luxury Getaway Another new addition to the Cuyuna area! This cozy 280 square foot, one-bedroom tiny house is a perfect getaway in Cuyuna Country. The location is incredible with the Sagamore Unit mountain bike trails and Hwy 128 trailhead only two miles away. With over two acres of privacy on a ridge that has frontage on Little Rabbit Lake. From inside the cabin you will have views of the woods. LEARN MORE . Cuyuna Cove Cuyuna Cove, located on the edge of Crosby, MN, offers vacation rental cabins with direct access to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. This area features over 70 miles of mountain bike trails, gravel routes, and scenic lakes. The property, opened in 2020, provides a redwood sauna and encourages guests to disconnect, relax, and enjoy outdoor activities. The cabins are popular for romantic getaways and are situated near the historic mining town, offering a unique destination for year-round adventures. LEARN MORE . Tiny Pine-A The tiny 500 sq ft A-frame cabin, part of the Cuyuna Matata Cabins, is set on 8.5 acres overlooking the Pine River. Located 10 minutes from the Cuyuna State Recreation Area biking trails, it provides a peaceful nature getaway. The cabin, built in 2022, features a minimalist Scandinavian design with bright pine interiors. It sleeps up to 4 people, with a queen bed in the loft and a fold-down couch on the main floor. Guests can enjoy a cedar wood barrel sauna and use complimentary snowshoes in winter and kayaks in summer. LEARN MORE .

As we conclude the 2024 gravel race season and look to 2025, we're reflecting on where the gravel racing scene is at. Some favorite races didn't take place and some new ones popped up and several other themes have been growing in the community. Check out reflections on the state of up-north gravel racing here.  MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Words by Josh from The Nxrth My first gravel race ever was Heck of the North. I had just started The Nxrth and was a regular bikepacker and sought out gravel rides but never participated in an event. I remember the energy and ruggedness of my first Heck as I took at least 25 miles just to figure out what pace group to ride with.

The Founder of Cape Epic recently announced a brand new South African gravel stage race making it's deput in 2025. The 7-day event takes place in the Eastern Cape and all entries include a full service all-inclusive experience. We chatted with race coordinators to get a closer look at what this adventure will look like. To learn more, visit Gravel Burn . Gravel Burn is an upcoming 7-day, 850-kilometer (528-mile) full-service gravel stage race scheduled for October 26 to November 1, 2025, in South Africa. The event traverses the Great Karoo—a vast semi-desert region—and concludes at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. As a full-service race, Gravel Burn offers comprehensive support to riders, encompassing tent setup, meal preparation, bike cleaning, and more, allowing participants to concentrate on the ride and the experience. Each night, riders will stay in "Burn Camps," providing opportunities to relax, recover, and engage with fellow cyclists. Q&A with event organizers: What is the land and elevation like and what should people expect from October weather in South Africa? Gravel Burn explores South Africa’s Eastern Cape, a region chosen to showcase the country’s most dramatic, remote, and under-explored landscapes. Starting in the popular seaside town of Knysna, the route winds through lush coastal forests and rolling hills before climbing into the semi-arid Great Karoo, renowned for its expansive plains, rugged passes, and breathtaking vistas. As riders approach the finish at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the scenery shifts once more into African bushveld—the home of the iconic Big 5 wildlife. Spanning 850 km, the course offers a stunning variety of scenery and road surfaces—from wide, open “Champagne Gravel” to remote and narrow paths—with an elevation gain of approximately 11,000 m. October marks late spring in South Africa, bringing mild and warm conditions. In Knysna and its surroundings, daytime temperatures typically range between 68-77°F, with cooler evenings. As the route transitions into the Karoo, riders can expect more extreme conditions: daytime highs can reach 95°F, while temperatures drop sharply after sunset, creating pleasantly cool evenings. Riders should prepare for these fluctuations with sun protection, hydration strategies, and warmer clothing for nights in the Burn Camps. Who is This For and Will Non-Racers Feel Out of Place? Gravel Burn welcomes both competitive cyclists and those drawn to gravel riding for the adventure, experience, and scenery rather than the podium. Elite athletes and seasoned gravel racers will relish the challenge of the course and the competitive field, while fit adventure enthusiasts will discover their own rhythm and joy in the landscapes, camaraderie, and immersive journey. The Gravel Burn experience strikes a unique balance: demanding 'Karoo Days' of endeavour—tackling a challenging route and competitive field—followed by magical 'Karoo Nights' under pristine starry skies, with legendary local hospitality and fireside festivities as the antidote. With full-service luxury camps, excellent locally sourced food and beverages, and engaging evening activities, riders of all paces and focus will feel at home. Generous time limits for completing each stage ensure participants can soak up the scenery and fully immerse themselves in the region, both on and off the bike. What Role Does the Local South African Community and Cultural Play into Gravel Burn Local South African communities play a central role in making Gravel Burn a truly authentic experience. The route passes through towns such as Knysna, Avontuur, Willowmore, and Graaff-Reinet, each offering rich cultural encounters. Riders will have opportunities to interact with local artisans, sample traditional South African cuisine, and explore the region’s history, heritage, geology, archaeology, and biodiversity. At each overnight Burn Camp, participants enjoy true local hospitality—from live music and storytelling to dishes inspired by and sourced from the surrounding region. Gravel Burn partners with local businesses, farms, communities, and outreach programmes to deliver a memorable rider experience while promoting sustainable tourism and economic opportunities in these often-overlooked rural areas. By staying in these communities, riders directly contribute to the local economy, while the event’s media initiatives shine a spotlight on the cultural richness of the region. What Will Karoo Nights in the Burn Camps Be Like? The Burn Camps are more than just overnight recovery stops—they are the heart of what makes Gravel Burn unique. Designed to balance comfort, relaxation, connection, and camaraderie, the camps provide a welcoming refuge after a demanding day in the saddle. Riders retreat to spacious, tented accommodations, where chef-prepared meals and the warmth of communal campfires await. The camps cater to all: there’s space for racers who want to prepare optimally for the next stage, but the prevailing atmosphere is one of camaraderie, storytelling, and shared adventure. With massage services, bike technicians, and other essential amenities on hand, riders can choose how to spend their time—whether relaxing, connecting with others, or gearing up for the challenges of the day ahead.

The 2025 Coon Fork 40 date has just been set. The 3rd annual beach-to-beach gravel adventure will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Registration and camping open on Jan 1. Text your friends and add all the best beach, pine, gravel, and burger vibes to your summer gravel adventure plans. To learn more and get registered, visit Coon Fork 40 . Photo by Megan Zabel Holmes. Video by Volume One. 2024 Coon Fork 40 Recap Video

When the Northwoods chills you into hibernation during late fall or early spring, Bentonville, Arkansas, offers a warm escape for up-north cyclists at about ~10 hours away. This rapidly growing town has become a mecca for mountain biking and gravel, offering hundreds of miles of trails, warmer weather, and plenty of off-bike activities. Words by Chris Stindt Jump to Section When to Visit Bentonville Lay of the Land Why Visit Bentonville Places to Stay in Bentonville Things to Do Off the Bike Gravel Mountain Biking Bringing Kids to Bentonville  MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Fat bike season is more than a winter activity. It’s a celebration of the cold, a test of grit, and a showcase of the vibrant community that thrives on groomed trails and snowy landscapes. Here we share a month-by-month overview of the season alongside a guide to enjoying the best experiences of the winter. From December to March, fat bike enthusiasts take to the trails for a mix of races, group rides, and chilly experiences, making it a beautiful way to enjoy our magical (and sometimes miserable) winter. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the 2025 fat bike season, from iconic races and must-ride destinations to the unpredictable weather challenges that make this sport frustratingly unique. Whether you're a seasoned rider or gearing up for your first winter on fat tires, this guide will prepare you for a season filled with camaraderie, fun, and icy thrills.  MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

The Nxrth+ is our new website membership that gives you unlimited access to member-exclusive resources, maps, and guides all over The Nxrth. We're excited to share a new benefit that members get at GO PHYSIO . Members of The Nxrth+ can now get $50 off of a professional bike fitting . Paulie Glatt from GO PHYSIO is a certified Physical Therapist and professional bike fitter. Become a member of The Nxrth+ and enjoy a discount on your next bike fitting. For $50 Off a Professional Fitting, Join The Nxrth+.

Earlier this year, Andrea Larson became the first ever female finisher of the Marji Gesick 200 which only takes place every 5 years. She had previously completed the MG-100, running it on foot in 2019. Hear her story, in 2 parts, of planning and completing this grueling race. Words by Andrea Larson I had only talked to one person ever in the MG200 bike, so when we funneled into the West End Ski & Trail bike shop beforehand, I sat nervously by myself for what seemed like an eternity. As others chatted with friends recounting past experiences, I had imposter syndrome. This event wasn’t open to anyone, you needed to provide a resume before you were granted registration. I had only competed in one other bike race in my life, a local lapped event that I dress rehearsed many times with about half the course weaving on ski trails to allow for passing lanes, so just a tad different than what I was able to face head on. But with 60 bikers, surely I could keep up with someone? Imposter syndrome in full swing as I stuffed my face waiting for the start. At 7:59 am, we were informed that as soon as they opened the door we were on the clock. So although it wasn’t an official Le Mans start, a few people had to run to their car as none of us expected to be holed up in the bike shop for so long. I had already pulled up the route on my Garmin, so all I had to do was find my bike and go. Although I hadn’t noted where I ditched my bike with my crew, where’s Waldo” was very brief and I found myself one of the first people to depart. (In hindsight, this ended up being right where I belonged, not in the back where I intended to line up.) I started slow to allow the field to fly by me, but I was surprised at the lack of chaos, even for the out-and-back up Jasper Knob, just a mile into the race. I pre-meditated being last, hike-a-biking to the top while others flew down the hill, but I was in the majority! I stopped to give the woman that hooked her handlebar on the fence during the descent back something that flew off her bike, a small thank you for committing the error I most likely would have. Surviving the Early Miles As we hit the trails, racers didn’t seem at all jockeying for position. I found myself in the mix and tried to hang with others. After nearly 1.5 hours into the race, we popped out to Cliff Drive for the first time and I knew I needed to eat before I dug myself into a calorie deficit. Unfortunately, I slowed just enough to lose the pack and instantly discovered I would not catch anyone once I lost sight. This was only compounded since now I needed to slow at every unmarked intersection to ensure I didn’t make a wrong turn. I quickly became paranoid that I had inadvertently cut off a section of the course and would be DQ’d, especially with the frequent chirping of my Garmin indicating I was “off course”. How could I possibly not see another rider with all the switchbacks unless I jumped ahead on the course? Having my Garmin on with the map loaded eliminated chaos with the improvised Le Mans start. I breathed a sigh of relief as I entered Jackson Park and my mileage matched up. Now I could celebrate being 45 minutes under my time estimate. I also had confidence after navigating a portion of the course I was least familiar with on my own I’d be fine the rest of the race. I saw my crew for the first time and stopped only long enough to down some canned soup, replace my bottlesPart 1 and grab some more food. As I prepared to depart after my brief stop, a pack of riders departing was in sight. Then it got better, a spectator informed me I was 21st. I was elated. The race was unfolding better than I could have imagined. I was able to make contact quickly with the pack where I happily sat in the back. I hoped I’d be able to stick with the pack up Cheese Grater and found I my pace was compatible with the group. I witnessed my biggest crash of the race, the leader of our pack falling and losing a shoe…uphill…while hike-a-biking Sissy Pants. Only in Marji! Losing the Pack We were blazing compared to my scouting times. I found myself moving up in the pack as the first rider or two would occasionally bobble a turn on the unmarked course. I felt out of place when I found myself in the front as we made the climb up Deer Shit, then a photographer popped out of nowhere to capture the moment. I figured I’d slow the entire paceline down as I fumbled. I felt anxiety as I tried to quickly dismount to hike-a-bike the punchy climb, sneaking peaks behind me to make sure riders weren’t ready to storm past. I knew the descent was super technical so I offered a pass multiple times to the rider behind me but he said he didn’t need to since he wasn’t a strong descender either. When I finally got a good look behind me, I couldn’t believe what I saw – there was just the two of us. I managed to get down the hill unscathed and rolled through Ispheming wondering how I possibly gapped the other riders. Surely, they must have had a calamity such as a massive pileup following a wrong turn. Soon after, my lone companion abandoned me (read the full story in Part 1). Trying to hike-a-bike hastily up to not slow down the phantom pack behind me. Knowing I was in a solid position (15th place) and feeling strong, I felt the cloud of tension lift. With having to navigate the course solo, I figured the pack would swallow me up going up Last Bluff, but they never came, further bolstering my confidence. I relaxed and I rolled my own pace all the way to Jackson Park. I cranked through the mindless miles on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail which seemed so monotonous that I opted to hike-a-bike any ascent on the subsequent snowmobile trail (I was on my bike for a whopping ½ hour and needed a stretch)! Someone jogging down the trail mentioned something about something in the middle of the trail but I didn’t catch the details. I didn’t recall any hazards during my preride. After awhile I figured I missed the hazard, only to come across a rider lying in the middle of the trail with another rider waiting with him. They said they didn’t need anything and as I passed I realized this was what I was warned of. Of all the trails at Marji to break a collarbone, this snowmobile trail was at the bottom of the list. Speaking of lists, I figured my own medical or mechanical would likely end my day, but I never considered having to assist with someone else’s…the ways your day at Marji could end with #quitter just got longer. Drenched I was surprised how dark the woods had become. I knew days were getting short, but night couldn’t be approaching yet. My watch read 3:30 pm so that meant the spotty showers were coming after all. Figures since I remembered for the first time in the race to put on sunscreen as I left Jackson Park AND was charging my Garmin and phone for the first time. But at least I forgot my sunglasses (again) which would now be a liability. As soon as the first drops fell moments before connecting to the South Marquette singletrack, I pulled over to pull the cords and put my phone in a Ziplock knowing I could be sopping wet quickly. And I was. Ironically, I had a conversation with my crew that for this event I wouldn’t need to worry about wet feet (in ultra marathons wet feet often wreak havoc). Wrong. I wondered what the soil type was since the water was pooling on the singletrack and it felt like I was winding down a waterslide. How long would it take to drain? I almost stopped to take a photo of the river I was riding through since it was crazy. My feet were quickly soaked from the constant water spray off my wheels as I spun through the Pioneer Loop. Turns out neither Negaunee nor Forestville received a drop of rain. Despite skimming across constant puddles, I felt like I was maintaining a solid pace. I was glad to be climbing up Pipe Dreams rather than descending off the slick pipe for a nightmare. Off Grade was off-putting as I was especially cautious my first time ever descending the trail with potentially slippery rocks and wet brakes. I survived the descent and welcomed the stranger that offered to clean my chain at Marquette Mountain (thank you!) while I swapped bottles. I didn’t have much to restock for food since I was now several hours ahead of my time estimate. I hadn’t scouted Easy Ride since it required a downhill trail pass, so it was nice to scout on the uphill in preparation for the descent the next day. I was grateful that while scouting we were forced to turn around and ride down Zueg’s. Now I knew exactly were the technical ledges were and even enjoyed the final switchbacks before crossing the Carp River (as well the subsequent climb up Baby Blue). I descended keeping in mind that I needed to be alert for runners and I was surprised that I hadn’t met a single runner. During my 2019 MG100 run, I had met the first 200 mile rider at South Marquette Trailhead and continued to meet riders on the other side of South McClellan Avenue. I finally began meeting runners, and I gave every single one encouragement since I had been in their shoes five years ago. Thanks to my crew Candy for doing all the thankless tasks behind the scenes! I couldn’t believe the time discrepancy of the climb up Scary Trail versus the descent on Mount Marquette Road. Despite my cautious descent, it took maybe two minutes after climbing for eons. To no surprise, Gurly was also much easier descending mid-race than ascending during my first scouting ride. I looked forward to getting out of my wet grit-laden clothes as soon as the trails drained, so I took the opportunity of a full wardrobe change in the outhouse at South Marquette Trailhead. I figured the mud had packed into my cleats, causing issues clipping in. Luckily the next stretch didn’t have as much hike-a-bike, so I instructed my crew to clean my cleats and have my shoes dry at Lowes. When asked how they should accomplish it, I gave them the creative liberty to figure it out. Crews do a ton of thankless things on race day and blow drying someone’s stinky, muddy shoes is just another task on that long list. Thanks to my crew Candy for doing all the thankless tasks behind the scenes! Going with the flow After several (almost too easy) miles of fast & flowy singletrack, I was back to reality on the doubletrack north of Hwy 41. Since the trail uses private property, we can’t scout this trail. What appeared on paper to be “easy” turned out to be energy-sucking. As I had done earlier on the snowmobile trail between Negaunee and South Marquette, I took what the trail gave me when I hit the sandy portions. Rather than expending extra energy spinning through the sand, I kept a methodical pace until I couldn’t and then dismounted for the thousandth time for yet another hike-a-bike. I couldn’t believe I was still meeting runners all the way to here. Lowes Trail was such a treat since there were essentially trail markers in the backwards direction. Since no trail markers were allowed on trees, I could easily spot trail markers on stakes intended for the forward direction. The final 100 miles would be so luxurious with trail markers! After passing the first riders I’ve seen since mile 27, I was thrilled to connect with a small pack of riders after a brief stop. I was nearly hypnotized on Silver Lead as we constantly wove back and forth on the downhill like an amusement park ride. I struggled to maintain the downhill pace. With a slight bobble, I had not only lost contact with the pack, but I couldn’t even see a headlamp. I couldn’t believe it; I hadn’t even tapped down…how could they be gone that quick? Now with hesitating at intersections, especially since I hadn’t ridden this trail in the dark nor in this direction, there was no hope I’d catch them. Company was short-lived, and I continued on my solitude journey into the darkness as I circumnavigated the reservoir. Lost in the woods I had deemed Pine Knob unrideable for my skill level and planned to not even attempt to ride the trail. As expected, the route finding in the dark also was a factor and I’m incredibly thankful for my Garmin. Despite all the nuisance “off route” alarms, this was the one time I was truly off route. In the darkness, I had somehow circled back on myself and had begun backtracking! This would have been demoralizing since I was almost done with the nearly mile hike-a-bike and I would have most certainly not realized my error until reaching the trail intersection, resulting in almost three miles of continuous hike-a-bike! Thankfully, disaster averted. For the first time since the opening section, I became out-of-touch with where I was and suddenly found myself at Forestville Trailhead. The plan to place a slow moving vehicle sign (which I almost ditched at home) near the trail worked marvelously to find my crew in the dark. I’d be meeting every single out-and-back rider on this section. Once again, I cheered each rider on. I was surprised that nearly every rider was solo ahead of me. Perhaps I wasn’t riding at a disadvantage as a Lone Ranger after all. Despite being confident in my navigation on this section, I had enough hesitation at intersections that I couldn’t wait to have trail marking for the rest of the way! I was also thankful that I was well enough ahead of cutoff that I wouldn’t end up being forced to wait on the climb up Beagle Club Road as hundreds of 100 milers flew down. Around and Around The old railway line near Harlow Lake seemed much easier in this direction than the forward direction and the climb up Beagle Club Road was very manageable. However, lugging up my bike to the Top of the World was not…especially when I lost the trail, got cliffed out, and had to carry my bike down the boulders I had just struggled hoisting my bike up. All so fitting for Marji. I arrived at the halfway point at the Forestville Trailhead ready to tackle the forward direction…with trail markings! I managed to not puncture a tire on the old railroad spikes protruding on old railway line. I did however manage my second hardest fall as I jumped on the trail. The highlight of my second lap around Harlow Lake was meeting Jenny Acker and Jill Martindale still on pace to finish. Soon after leaving Forestville, I kicked myself for accidentally beginning my Pine Knob hike-a-bike too early. I accidentally hike-a-biked Mildcat, no wonder it looked rideable! The prelude resulted in extending my continuous hike-a-bike to almost 1 ½ miles. Day 2 I progressed to Lowes Trail and couldn’t believe I was hearing heavy metal before daylight for the 100 mile racers. As I neared the South Marquette trailhead I was hoping the 50 mile riders wouldn’t be riding up Flow as I was trying to descend. I had glimpsed a Marji 2-way trail sign there on the way out and fretted this was part of the 50 mile course. I’d be the only SOL that would need to negotiate past a conga line. I kept checking my watch and trying to figure out where I might meet them. What time did they start? How many miles of road did they have before connecting to the trails? And where did they jump onto the 100 mile course? After fretting for hours, I was relieved to make it down Flow without seeing a single person. I didn’t pre-ride Flow since it was a last minute addition to the 2024 course and boy, its name was a paradox. As I ascended Gurly, I could see the 50 mile riders flying down Mount Marquette Road. I was thinking my crossing to Doctor Trail may get dicey but I got the perfect break in riders and my crossing was uneventful. My climb up Mount Marquette Road took a bit (*heavy sacarsm*) longer than my earlier stint down. After descending Scary Trail, the first sign for a token was at (of course) an opportune place to lose momentum. The first of several empty jack-o’-lanterns, I imagined the smirk on Todd’s face and continued on to Marquette Mountain. Issues My cleats were becoming very problematic to clip in. I figured out that if I went very pigeon-toed, I could get them in slightly easier. So when I met up with my crew, I asked to have them inspected. Although a missing screw explained why one shoe was problematic, why was the other shoe equally bad? Turns out I unclipped so often, that I wore out the brand new cleats I broke in just in time for the race. The climb up Off Grade was far less stressful than the descent in the opposite direction. I enjoyed the dry trails as I buzzed on the Pioneer Loop which were now completely dry before connecting with the snowmobile trail. I caught up to the first runner near the Wurst Aid Station. The Iron Ore Heritage Trail buzzed by this time since I had to call my crew to figure out a game plan since she was crewing her husband in the 100 and shuttling another rider’s car. I didn’t bother stopping in Jackson Park and began catching 50 mile riders. The frequency was so often that I soon realized the energy expenditure to offer encouragement was beyond my reserves. Although every rider offered me encouragement, I was now mute. I couldn’t believe when a rider passed me. I was in denial that with my 35 mile head start I had already been caught by 100 milers. Luckily with that big of a speed disparity it took a blink for the rider to pass me. I was assessing and I had less than the ideal amount of fluid, electrolytes, and fuel. I worried that if I misjudged the time to meet my crew I might start digging myself into a hole. I rationed, but determined I’d stop at the next road crossing if anyone was willing to give me fluids just in case I had misunderstood where my crew was waiting for me. When I heard a chainsaw revving, it took a bit to place myself on the course since the heat was getting to me. Was the heat getting to me? Or my sleep deprivation, electrolyte depletion, calorie deficit, or simply overexertion? I didn’t know, but all I could do was manage each of these elements the best I could so nothing got out of control. I finally realized I was at Stoned Hinge and I needed to hike-a-bike the descent. Even if I was good enough to ride down it, the crazy turn at the bottom through the rocks has to be impossible for any rider to negotiate, right? My crew was exactly where I expected her and I got everything replenished. With all the makeshift aid stations set up at road crossings, I found that shouting “Candy, Candy” as I did earlier in the race misled generous spectators to think I wanted to consume candy. I was so far gone that it never occurred to me after it happened the first time to shout “Candance”! so I had a reoccurance at my next pit stop. The remaining miles to Jackson Park was a borderline death march. I realized I hadn’t peed in several hours and I wouldn’t be able to make it to Jackson Park. With riders crawling over the course like ants, I had to figure out how to go without offending anyone. I devised I’d wait until there was a decent gap and then get really close to catching the next person and then stop. On my first attempt the rider heard me coming and was all too eager to let me pass so I had to wait for another opportunity. When the opportunity came, my bladder was quite full so it seemed like I’d never finish in time, but I managed to squeeze it all out before anybody rounded the corner, whew. With the mercury topping out near record highs, I was dreaming of ice at Jackson Park. I could tell I was on the edge. Plus my cleats were nearly impossible to clip in. More often than not, my feet were sitting atop the eggbeater pedals as I tried to get up the punchy hills and I’d finally get clipped in just in time to unclip. I rolled into Jackson Park which was an absolute zoo. I struggled to find my crew and when I did it was pretty hectic. I couldn’t go any longer in these cleats and waited for my crew to run back to the car to get my backup shoes (again). Ironically, I had ruled out these shoes for the home stretch with expecting to be worn out and hike-a-biking a ton. I didn’t care if I’d be tapdancing on rocks, I was so relieved to have shoes I could instantly clip in! I was so thankful two strangers offered me unlimited ice when they overheard my request. I had plenty of experience on my FKTs to know that I had survived the heat of the day and that it would be cooling off now. I had just one leg left. As I left Jackson Park I was quite queasy and was burping profusely. Luckily, the first mile of singletrack was flowy downhill (at least by Marji standards) and it got me feeling pretty zippy and hopeful there was still a chance I could finish before dark. I had a couple women riders give me quite the cheers as I passed them on a switchback. I felt like I was letting them down since I was running on fumes and couldn’t even acknowledge them. Home Stretch By the time I hit the halfway point of this section at Lake Minnie, it was clear I’d be needing my lighting. I was in awe of the women that began passing me, the first women to do so since I had begun 36 hours earlier. I decided to ride a feature that was very doable during my scouting trip, but in my state, I drifted too far to the right and miraculously survived as visions of me flipping over my handlebars rattled between my ears. I was inching ever so close but as the darkness fell I got more risk adverse. I finally made it to a feature that I had predetermined I’d hike-a-bike (and further cemented after my near crash moments before) despite riding it during my scouting ride. After passing this feature, I finally allowed myself to believe I’d be finishing. Even with a major mechanical, I would be able to carry my defunct bike to the finish. Moments later I had both wheels locked up as I began skidding down a hill, narrowly missing a tree. Correction, I would not be finishing if I’d need a hospital ride. Surely I was home free now. Wrong, as Déjà vu occurred and I was once again skidding uncontrollably down the next hill hoping I would not hit a person or tree. The stress radiating through my body wasn’t worth the risk, but all that mattered was I was still upright. Just one more climb up Jasper Knob where a pile of Dum-Dums awaited us knuckleheads. I picked up the pace to finish strong and I’m glad I did since I unknowingly snuck in just under 37 hours. Presenting my tokens to Todd and now the first ever woman to finish the 200 mile bike! I presented my tokens to Todd who promised me a $2 bill at a later date. I razzed him that he didn’t have one for me since he didn’t think I’d finish. He simply told me, “I never doubted you’d finish.” I thanked him for allowing me to enter the race despite my lack of biking credentials. After 37 hours of complete presence metering my effort: managing my nutrition & hydration, spotting trail markers (or following my Garmin when there was none), and identifying my line, I soon found myself in a daze as my mind & body shut down after completing the goal of reaching the finish line. In the end, my finish time was 8.8% off a buckle. This year’s top 100 mile female rider was 7.9% off a buckle with the next female 9.8% off a buckle. So my result wasn’t too shabby considering most of my summer riding was with my 6 year old son! Over the 37 hours on course, my moving time was 35 1/2 hours. So I’ll don’t have a ton of stoppage time to trim other than my full wardrobe change after getting soaked the first afternoon. I hemorrhaged some time due to worn out cleats, but I am extremely thankful I didn’t have any bike mechanicals. Shaving off three hours is within reach. So with some real training, I’d love to be back in 2029 with confidence at the start line, chasing a buckle! Two Marji finishes with 200 miles this time.

Earlier this year, Andrea Larson became the first ever female finisher of the Marji Gesick 200 which only takes place every 5 years. She had previously completed the MG-100, running it on foot in 2019. Hear her story, in 2 parts, of planning and completing this grueling race. Words by Andrea Larson Find your limits. Destroy them. That’s one of the defining mottos for 906 Adventure Team and notorious Marji Gesick. The epiphany I had mid-race was that my fear was the biggest challenge of completing the Marji Gesick 200. Jeremiah Bishop has stated that the Marji Gesick 100 is the single day hardest bike race in North America. I wondered by doubling the distance with the out-and-back course of the 200 and having two days to finish the event, does that make the 200 harder or easier? The only way to find the answer is to show up on the starting line. Since 2019, I’ve pushed to expand my limits, largely due to the event I have done for the past three years on the same day as Marji, the Baby Barkley, aka the Barkley Fall Classic. Both Laz and Todd have a desire to push the edge of human potential. Because of Todd, I got back into ultras. Because of Laz, I have gone farther distances and into the unknown – learning to navigate and setting multi-day Fastest Known Times (FKTs). Although I knew I’d miss the Barkley Family, I had to return to the Marji when I had the opportunity for expanding my limits in the 200. And the cherry on top is that by bumping up to the 200, I’d double my prize purse from 2019 (or at least I so thought)! Mindset With the expectation I’d be riding solo (since I’d be so far behind the field - see my pre-race blog post for details), I was prepared and didn’t mind riding by myself. In fact, it eased my anxiety not worrying if my lack of technical bike handling would slow someone’s momentum and force them off their bike on a rideable feature. I could feel the anxiety riding in a group. In addition, there were several early descents where I had both wheels locked up skidding hoping I’d regain control before I rammed into a rock, root, or tree. The intensity of each descent would not be sustainable. Since scouting over Labor Day weekend on the trails, it had been dry; however, if this was the culprit, I feared how loose it would be on my return trip after several hundred riders ripped up the trail. Luckily as I relaxed, I didn’t have this problem later on. I ended up riding most of the race solo under the most bizarre circumstances. Even after leaving Jackson Park just three hours into the race, I somehow lost the pack, that is I accidentally dropped them on Deer Shit. Then, the unimaginable happened: the lone remaining rider rolled behind me to announce he’d be leaving me to stop for a coffee. I couldn’t believe my ears. It was noon, are there really coffee addicts that must stop for a coffee in the middle of the day in a race? I ended up riding until dark by myself with the only time I saw any other riders was a rider lying in the middle of the non-technical snowmobile trail with a broken collarbone and someone waiting with him (more details in the following blog post). At dark, I finally caught up to two riders. Literally seconds after making contact, they both randomly stopped. I can’t make this up! (I’d later learn out one rider was having problems turning his headlamp on.) So then my conspiracy theory continued to build…did the guy with the broken collarbone feel me catching up and since there weren’t any coffee shops nearby, he orchestrated a way to break your collarbone instead of riding with me? Risk management Risk management was my motto of the day(s). In fact, I expressed it out loud dozens of times during the race and silently even more frequently as I justified dismounting time and time again. I likely dismounted hundreds of times, and to prove it I wore out my brand new cleats that I broke in just for the event…well before the finish line. But I managed finishing Marji without a drop of blood! I found the limits of my bike shoes…and I destroyed them! Most of my falls were embarrassingly during the hike-a-bike. After my second near fall on an uphill where I tried to save myself by grabbing a tree, I decided it would probably just be safer and expend less energy to fall. Each time I ended up with road rash as I wrapped myself around a tree…if only the trees could talk! Setup modifications The dropper post was invaluable but between fearing the grit from the rain would seize it up and worrying my thumb may get too sore to activate it later in the race, I didn’t use it as much mid-race as I could have. Regardless, I was far less fatigued than when I scouted the trails a few weeks earlier without a dropper post. Changing the handlebar grips last minute was helpful and I only had a slight tingling in my right pinky for a few days. This is much better than my 2012 Wausau24 experience of having two numb fingers for months on an old hardtail. So after that experience, I was conscientious about changing my hand position, especially when I was hike-a-biking and shaking my hands when possible. Fueling strategy Despite a lot of ultra running experience under my belt, I knew that I may gravitate towards different fuel on this effort. On my unsupported running FKTs, I chose the most calorie dense foods. During long runs and adventure races when I don’t navigate I often eat foods to stave off boredom, such as individual M&Ms, peanuts, or gummies. Since I don’t have good balance on a bike and don’t trust myself to ride without hands, granola bars and cookies in pre-opened packages that I could slide a mouthful in at a time was the way to go. During my pre-race scouting, I noted stretches that had non-technical double track and roads where I could quickly refuel. I usually consume about half my calories as liquids for ultra runs, so I planned to consume 500 liquid calories contained in two bottles on my bike frame every few hours. My goal was to have my bottles empty each time I met my crew. Staging my food takes up a large portion of my bedroom the week of races. Protein has become my silver bullet in recent years for long efforts. Therefore, I consumed a boatload of protein during the event. I estimated that I took a bottle with 60 grams of protein 12 times in a day-and-a-half. Yes, that math says I drank nearly ten times the recommended daily dose of protein. And my legs (and arms) felt no fatigue over that time. Caffeine has been shown to improve reaction time by 10%, endurance by 2-5%, and power by 3-8%, with the ideal dose about 300-500mg. I simply took caffeine during night sections to proactively stay alert and gain an edge. Since I normally don’t consume any caffeine, I tend to err on the side of caution, so I usually don’t take caffeine more than I think is necessary. I intentionally chose not to wear a pack. Even though there was potential of bottles rattling out of the cages (which never did), I saw several advantages of no pack which proved useful during the event: 1) less back fatigue, since I used to get a sore back on long rides and especially since I hadn’t conditioned my body for long rides 2) heat dissipation, which was vital for day 2 when temperatures approached record highs in the mid-80s, and 3) less opportunity for getting clammy and cold overnight. Unique considerations As I dove into preparations for the event, I made considerations for things unique to this event. First, I needed to find shoes suitable for hike-a-biking. Folks on the Marji Gesick Talk Facebook group estimated they hiked upwards of ten miles and even recommended running shoes. I considered using my running shoes and Power Grips I use for all adventure races, but opted to dig up my first pair of bike shoes out of the attic. After sitting for 12 years, I dumped out mouse poop and squeezed them on like one of Cinderella’s stepsisters. Over this time, my feet had splayed with my running shoes going up 2 sizes. In the same box was the receipt from the shoes that I bought in 2012 that replaced them and quickly decided not to spend a boatload on a pair of shoes and figured I could make these work. Diligently reviewing my pre-race checklist at the hotel the night before the race. The high degree of technicality gave me an advantage over most bikers with my strength being on foot for all the hike-a-bike sections. Unfortunately, as I rode with Kristy McBride, I was brought back to the reality that a good rider is capable of riding almost all the features and I was not one of them. But Kristy is in a class of her own, even when you throw her into the entire mix with the men. Listening to every podcast I could find on Marji, many riders noticed fatigue in their upper body limiting them more than their legs. I noticed slight soreness in my triceps and am thankful for my double poling workouts on rollerskis and biweekly strength sessions. I was pleasantly surprised that my husband’s old Timex watch that is too big for my wrist (this is my only watch for the past year since I’ve been procrastinating investing into a smartwatch) took until about 30 hours before it had rattled so much that it was bruising my wrist. I made a Labor Day weekend trip to pre-ride the course where I learned how to use my Garmin. My previously longest ride of the summer had only been 4 ½ hours, so I built up my confidence with about 26 hours in the saddle over four days. (Well, not quite, since I did a ton of hike-a-bike, where I came to the sobering conclusion that I didn’t have any speed advantage on foot since I was barely moving as I lugged my bike up punchy climbs or clutched my brake levers so my bike wouldn’t become a runaway train on the descents). Despite pre-riding the entire course in the forward direction (except the private properties) and plus a bit of the course backwards, I had only covered a little over half the distance I’d be covering in a single go! That means rather than breaking up rides, I would be on course almost a full day longer during the event, without any sleep, a sobering conclusion! To boost my confidence, I studied my 2019 MG100 run splits to ensure I could cover the course within the cutoff time. As I scouted, I often noted the lack of free trail. Upon returning to the “hard” trails back home, I amused myself at how easy they were as I danced up hills and rode seamlessly over rocks and roots. Weeks later, I couldn’t believe how little I had to brake while riding technical sections…a stark contrast to the constant white knuckling at Marji. Marji definitely grew me as a rider…after the Marji I had no problems riding a local black diamond trail that I concluded earlier in the summer I wouldn’t bother going on again after struggling and walking most of the trail. After scouting, I wondered if I should just hike-a-bike the entire Scary Trail rather than bother get on and off my bike. Ironically, during the Marji I intentionally stayed off my bike to avoid crashing on a wooden bridge on Scary Trail, (forgetting I was in my backup pair of bike shoes not suitable for hiking) I slipped on the wooden bridge and had my hardest fall of the event. Immediately, I heard someone asking if I was ok. I told the 3rd place 100 mile runner I was ok and he had a front row seat to a great show. Race mode My husband calls me “putt-putt” because I only have one speed mountain biking, slow whether I’m going for an hour or all day. And this summer a lot of my mountain biking was with the kids, so I didn’t get any faster. However, I was pleasantly surprised that despite starting a two day race, I had speed. Since my last (and only) bike races were in 2012 and 2018, I didn’t have any relevant data points. I’ve raced very little in the past couple of years. In fact, I was blown away at my foot speed in my last running race, exactly a year ago, the Barkley Fall Classic. Since this event falls on the same day as the Marji Gesick, I’ve had to pick one or the other each year. This year with the Marji Gesick offering the 200, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity which was amazing in every way. For a detailed breakdown of the race, check out my following blog post. Thank you to Todd and the entire 906 Adventure Team for what you do inside and outside of the 906 area code. You have changed my trajectory, empowering me to take on new challenges. I look forward to chasing a buckle in 2029.