Time for a digital gravel game. How many of these regional gravel races can you guess just from their brand colors? There are 10 races plus 1 tiebreaker round. Don't scroll to the bottom and spoil it until you've guessed all 11 races. Ready to test your knowledge of our region's gravel racing scene? Check out these 10 gravel race brand colors and see how many you can accurately guess. Official Rules: Scroll through these 10 gravel race brand color palettes Guess which race goes with each brand color palette When you've guessed all 10, scroll to the bottom to see how many you got right. Share with your friends to see if you're smarter than them After the 10 options, there's 1 final tie breaker. 1. Guess Which Race This Is: 2. Guess Which Race This Is: 3. Guess Which Race This Is: 4. Guess Which Race This Is: 5. Guess Which Race This Is: 6. Guess Which Race This Is: 7. Guess Which Race This Is: 8. Guess Which Race This Is: 9. Guess Which Race This Is: 10. Guess Which Race This Is: TIE BREAKER: Guess Which Race This Is: Answers Answer 1: Answer 2: Answer 3: Answer 4: Answer 5: Answer 6: Answer 7: Answer 8: Answer 9: Answer 10: Tiebreaker Answer: Looking for 2024 Gravel Races?

This year we launched a new series called "Gravel Goals" to help you train for your 100 mile gravel races. Today Coach Paul Warloski discusses how your training, nutrition, and recovery should change as you're riding past age 50. Words by Paul Warloski of Simple Endurance Coaching. To learn more, visit our Introduction to the Gravel Goals series. Gravel Race Success As A Cyclist Over 50: A Guide to Training, Nutrition, and Recovery Changes Cyclists over 50 are putting in some of their best performances at long gravel races. While we may not be able to compete with the 20-year-olds at the pointy end, older men and women can complete and excel at gravel races of all lengths. Whether training for improved health, competition, or personal growth, gravel racing is a great sport for those of us who are older than 50. For older cyclists, though, there are some key differences in training, strength training, and nutrition that we need to understand to adapt. This is the seventh in a series of articles about gravel racing. Using the 80/20 model to schedule workouts. Learn More. Building a base for gravel racing performance. Learn More. Five keys to training for gravel racing. Learn More. Why you should do intervals and how to do them right. Learn More. Strength training for endurance, power, and comfort. Learn More. Optimizing Hydration & Nutrition on Longer Rides. Learn More. Maintain endurance miles We have discussed the importance of base building to improve aerobic capacity and fitness. Start with an endurance phase, gradually increasing your mileage each week to build endurance without overtraining. If you haven’t been riding long, it’s critical to be consistent in your training and do most of your riding at zone 2 endurance pace. This means building up long endurance days. You don’t need to ride a century to get ready for a century, though. You can do fifty-mile rides back to back on a weekend, for example. But get the long rides in to practice your nutrition and get your butt used to long hours in the saddle. Make sure you include rest and recovery Incorporate rest weeks to allow your body to recover and adapt. As a master cyclist, the key to endurance training over 50 lies in listening to your body and allowing for adequate recovery. Recovery time is longer as we age, so incorporating more rest days into your training plan is essential. We must take the time to properly recover since it takes longer to repair the muscular damage we do. On the rest days, do some active recovery like taking a walk, doing yoga, or swimming. Intervals are more important than ever Intervals are even more important for gravel cyclists over 50. As we age, we lose muscle mass and strength. So we need to do the kind of high-intensity intervals that stimulate a variety of muscle fibers. VO2 work and intervals done above the second threshold will recruit and strengthen fast-twitch fibers that tend to weaken and disappear with age. We talked about intervals in a previous part of this series. Get in the gym and lift weights Along with the challenging intervals, cyclists over 50 need to be in the gym lifting weights. We need full-body strength training to prepare our body to be ready for the challenges of gravel racing. This means two to three sessions a week in the gym. Heavy weights also appear to stimulate hormone production, especially testosterone which helps to build and maintain muscle mass. Focus on core strength, leg power, and balance to improve bike handling, power output, and injury resistance. Strength training also helps to prevent injuries by correcting imbalances. Cyclists tend to have strong quad muscles, but less activated and strong glute muscles, so doing deadlifts and single-leg Romanian deadlifts will strengthen glute muscles. Also, upper body push and pull and core exercises need to be included. Nutritional needs change Cyclists over 50 have different nutritional requirements when preparing for and participating in endurance events like a 100-mile ride, compared to their younger counterparts. These differences are primarily due to changes in metabolism, body composition, nutritional needs, and recovery times associated with aging. Here are key nutritional considerations for cyclists over 50: 1. Increased need for protein Muscle maintenance: Older adults experience a natural decline in muscle mass and strength, a condition known as sarcopenia. To combat this, a higher intake of protein is recommended to support muscle repair, maintenance, and growth. Consuming protein-rich foods or supplements before and after long rides can aid in muscle recovery and adaptation. Protein distribution: It's also beneficial for older cyclists to distribute their protein intake evenly throughout the day, aiming for about 20-30 grams of high-quality protein per meal to maximize muscle protein synthesis. 2. Calcium and vitamin D Bone health: With age, the risk of osteoporosis increases, making calcium and vitamin D crucial for bone health. Dairy products, fortified foods, leafy greens, and fish are excellent sources. Vitamin D is also synthesized through sun exposure, so outdoor training can contribute to this need. 3. Antioxidant-rich foods Reducing oxidative stress: Endurance cycling can increase oxidative stress, which may impact older adults more significantly. A diet rich in antioxidants (found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds) can help mitigate these effects, supporting overall health and recovery. 4. Heart health Fats in the diet: Attention should be given to the type of fats consumed, focusing on heart-healthy unsaturated fats found in fish, nuts, avocados, and olive oil. 5. Digestive health Fiber and gut health: A diet high in fiber from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits supports digestive health, which can be a concern for some older adults. However, I recommend easily digestible foods like gels during long rides to prevent gastrointestinal distress. 6. Joint h Anti-inflammatory Foods: Incorporating foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric, ginger, berries, and omega-3 fatty acids (from fish or flaxseeds), can help manage inflammation and joint pain, which may be more prevalent in older cyclists. 7. Stay on top of your hydration Effective hydration strategies for endurance cycling are critical, especially for older cyclists who might have a diminished thirst response. Develop a hydration plan that includes drinking small amounts of water or electrolyte beverages regularly throughout your ride. Avoid waiting until you're thirsty to drink, as this can be a late indicator of dehydration. Cycling injury prevention for older cyclists Doing yoga for mobility is a great way to maintain a range of motion and reduce stiffness, particularly in the hips, back, and shoulders. I typically have my athletes do yoga two to three times a week, more if they can. A good bike fit is also going to go a long way to enhance comfort and efficiency while minimizing the risk of strain injuries. Check in with your doctor It’s also important that we check in with our healthcare providers as well. Getting regular blood work and physicals helps keep aging cyclists on track with their training progress as well as find potential issues before they become serious. Focusing on good health will lead to good fitness. Mental preparation for gravel events One of the advantages we have as older cyclists is that we are wiser (allegedly!). Sometimes, though, we can trick ourselves into thinking we can train and race like a 20-year-old, then find ourselves in a tough situation. It’s a good thing to set realistic goals, know what you’re capable of, and build a positive mindset for training and racing. We are far more ready to know our limitations and have fun, rather than worry about the competition. For cyclists over 50, preparing for a 100-mile gravel race is as much about smart training and recovery as it is about endurance and strength. By adapting your training plan to include adequate rest, focusing on nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention, and ensuring your bike is properly fitted to your needs, you're setting the stage for a successful and enjoyable race. About Coach Paul Warloski Paul Warloski is a Level 2 USA-Cycling Coach, a certified yoga instructor, and a certified personal trainer. He supports everyday endurance athletes at Simple Endurance Coaching, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He's been racing gravel, road, mountain bike, and cyclocross for decades, so he brings both experience and training knowledge to help you to your best gravel race performances in 2024. He'll be racing the Big Rivers Gravel Series in Illinois, the Hungry Bear in Cable, likely the Coon Fork 40 in Eau Claire, and other gravel races this year. To learn more, or for a free 30-minute Virtual Coffee to talk about your training and your goals, visit Simple Endurance Coaching.

The Lil' Drifty is a bike and canoe adventure in the Driftless region of Wisconsin taking place Aug 2- 4. It's about freedom and exploration, with participants mapping their own route or just going with the flow, all while enjoying a start and finish line party and lifelong memories. Just 2.5 days and 100-ish miles, The Lil' Drifty takes place in the beautiful Driftless Region of Southern Wisconsin. Live music at the start and finish, the adventure includes camaraderie, kayaking, camping, and bikepacking. The Lil' Drifty offers a taste of the legendary Driftless area, known for its rugged landscape, cold water streams, and rolling wooded hills. Participants begin near Madison, biking to the Wisconsin River where they embark on a 21 mile canoe journey. The second day, you'll spend spend the day riding through the beautiful landscape back to the starting point, covering around 50 miles, with all logistics taken care of by the event organizers. With options for solo or team participation,The Lil' Drifty promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Wisconsin's Driftless region. To learn more or get registered, visit The Lil' Drifty.

Katrina Hase and her friend Ashley recently jumped into an early spring bikepacking trip on The Nxrth's Driftless Loop by Nicolette Reker. Check out the ins and outs of this route along with a great video, photos, and a story. Words by Katrina Hase. To learn more, visit her YouTube channel or follow along on Instagram. Photos by Ashley Busack and Katrina Hase Eager to get back to bikepacking after a long winter, I enlisted my friend Ashley to head to La Crosse, Wisconsin for an overnight bikepacking excursion. We hoped to find signs of spring—ephemeral wildflowers, migratory birds, budding trees and greening hillsides. We weren’t disappointed, but we did get a reminder of how fickle spring in Minnesota can be. We chose to ride The Driftless Loop—a route created by Nicolette Reker and published on The Nxrth. The 168-miles route, intended to be toured over 3–4 days, includes over 9,000 feet of elevation, as it climbs and descends many of the driftless region’s bluffs. Limited by time, we’d condense the route into two long days of riding, then drive back to Minneapolis on the completion of the second day. Our first day was chilly—we carried on in a pattern of warming up on manageable climbs, getting pelted with a headwind over the farmland and prairie bluff tops, then shivering through a descent into the safety of the softly rolling and scenic valleys. Deer, Barred Owl, Belted Kingfisher, and Bald Eagle sightings delighted us along the way. We regretted not stopping to photograph Virginia Bluebells and blood root that we spotted along our bluff climbs. At the end of our first day, we enjoyed a warm meal at the Ivy Grove Café in Spring Grove, Minnesota. Chilled to the bone, we decided to forgo our plans to camp at the Vinegar Ridge campground and managed to book a really nice AirBnB right in town for the night. Faced with an unmanageable distance to ride our second day, I rerouted and shaved some miles off the original route, meeting up with the main route about 15 miles from Winona, Minnesota. Our second day was markedly different: sunny, warmer and fewer climbs. We were in Winona by lunchtime (we ate at the Acoustic Café), and then it was back to the Wisconsin side of the loop. Nicolette Reker, the route designer, clearly knows the area well, as she deftly routed us from one bike-friendly trail to another, offering up a variety of surfaces and views. We enjoyed river views, backwater bridges, railroad activity, a steep quarry climb, ripping two-track descents, a golf course trail, and singletrack before returning to the streets of La Crosse. Ashley and I both thoroughly enjoyed the route, although at times we regretted pushing the season a bit! We discovered some great new trails and experienced the region’s warm hospitality. And while completing the route in a weekend is possible, you might enjoy taking your time to breathe in all that this beautiful area has to offer. To learn more about this route, visit The Driftless Loop.

This spring, I visited Paulie at GO PHYSIO for my very first bike fitting. We took measurements, did exercises, and made bike modifications to improve the connection between me and my bike. Here I discuss what I came away with a several new things that I learned. To learn more about getting a bike fitting with Paulie at GO PHYSIO, head to GO PHYSIO. I've been cycling my whole life but have never been fitted for a bike. I've always just thrown a leg of a bike and rolled away with the one that just seemed right. Now that I'm in my upper 30s and have a fews kids at home, I have an even stronger desire to make sure I have good physical fitness and that I take care of the muscles, ligaments, and joints that enable me to do what I love. I've been following Dr. Paulie at GO PHYSIO for the last couple years and he has even done some guest writing on The Nxrth to help people move better on their bike and maintain a healthy bike lifestyle. This spring we connected again to schedule a fitting. Without knowing what to expect, I jumped into the fitting eager to learn and came away with several on and off the bike lessons. Getting a Fitting with Paulie, a Physical Therapist and Bike Fit Pro. When it comes to bike health and general fitness, I've always thought that being an expert on bike measurements, angles, and fit formulas isn't enough. Getting the right angles on a bike is great, but I want someone who doesn't just know bikes, but is also an expert at the human body. Paulie is a cycling Physical Therapist and certified bike fit expert. He used to suffer from severe back pain on the bike and is now passionate about making people move better, regardless of their limitations, past injuries, or level of fitness. As both a Physical Therapist and a bike fitter, he aims to give people the tools they need to meet their goals What I Learned With My First Bike Fitting 1. A few simple exercises helped my neck and shoulder pain For several years, I've had some shoulder tightness as well as some neck pain on longer rides. It can make 100-mile rides pretty uncomfortable so I've tended to stay around 50-miles and under. After making several bike adjustments, Paulie sent me home with a few simple exercises and strength training ideas. They don't take long, but I've already noticed that my neck and shoulders feel better on and off the bike. 2. Bike fit is more about body physics and health than a bike fit formula Every body is unique. Each person's height, wingspan, range of motion, and center of gravity are different. The formula for a perfect fit for one person might be completely different for someone else, even if they're the same height and weight. Paulie spent a lot of time evaluating how my body moves and how different muscles compensate for each other. His adjustments and recommendations were 100% tailored to what my body needs and it gave me a lot of confidence knowing he doesn't force people into one formula but gets to know each person's habits and physics. 3. The body rarely functions symmetrically (and your bike should account for this) Muscle strength and flexibility are usually different between the left and right side of your body. I had never noticed, for example, that my right knee always bends outward just a little bit when pedaling whereas my left knee stays in a vertical plane. Cleat adjustments can be made left/right, forward/backward, and even rotationally. This locks in the perfect placement to reduce knee pain and make sure your body physics is correct. 4. Off-the-bike adjustments can also help with on-the-bike comfort Biking is a pretty big part of my life but there are tons of other factors that influence my physical health, alignment, strength, and comfort. It was great talking with Paulie about off-the-bike fitness, my work station at home, and adding strength training activities into my lifestyle. All of these things can impact my enjoyment on the bike a well as overall quality of life. 5. You can use a Health Savings or Flex Savings Accounts to pay for a fitting We've always had an HSA (Health Savings Account) to use for health related things that come up. It had never occurred to me that you can use an HSA/FSA to cover a bike fitting with a medical professional like Paulie. That almost makes it feel like it's not an expense, at least not one that you haven't already been saving up for, tax-free. 6. It comes with a free check-in for adjustments. The only way to make sure you've got your fit dialed in is to try your new configuration and hammer out some miles. A bike fit comes with a free check-in to follow up on how the bike fit is playing out and make minor adjustments. If anything was close but not perfect, this is where you fine tune the adjustments to make sure it's right Schedule a Bike Fitting This Spring Dr. Paulie does bike fittings and physical therapy from his St Paul, Minnesota office. Paulie is is certified Physical Therapist whose bike fittings include a physical assessment, on-the-bike analysis, and a series of modifications to improve your bike <> body connection. To learn more about Paulie and to schedule a bike fitting, head to his website at GO PHYSIO.

Looking to add Gray Duck Grit III to your 2024 gravel list? For their 3rd year, they're doubling down on the race experience and making a ton of improvements to welcome an even bigger gravel community gathering this labor day weekend For more info visit Grady Duck Grit. Words by Gray Duck Grit Co-Founder & Co-Race Director Mark Jesse Gray Duck Grit is back for year three of good times, gnarly challenges, and driftless adventure. It’s safe to say more has changed about Gray Duck Grit (GDG) III than has remained the same. One item, however, that hasn’t changed is our core value to do more and give back. GDG organizers are thrilled, once again, to be donating a portion of our proceeds to Fraser of MN who continues to make a major impact in the lives of those with autism and others battling mental health issues. With the help of our cyclists and partners, we donated $3,100.00 to Fraser last year. We would love nothing more than to double it in 2024. Check out Fraser.org for more info. Also returning in 2024 is GDG’s mantra: RIDE YOUR RIDE. This ethos is as simple as it sounds and speaks for itself, but it shines through in every decision made and conversation had regarding GDG since day one. It’s a pick YOUR ride (distance) and ride it the way YOU want-approach our participants sincerely appreciate. 8 New Features for Gray Duck Grit III: 1. New Community: Cannon Falls Cannon Falls is home to some established MN landmarks such as Cannon Valley Trail, Cannon River Winery, Pachyderm Recording Studios, John Burch ballpark, and Cannon Valley Fairgrounds. At about 4,200 residents, it’s the epitome of small town Minnesota. Full disclosure, Cannon Falls was one of our original considerations on our short list of towns since day one of GDG, but after two successful years in Northfield, we saw much more long term potential in Cannon Falls. This also meant we’d be even closer in proximity to driftless gravel region while still being just minutes away from the Twin Cities straight south on MN-Highway 52. 2. A New Nest at the Fairgounds Cannon Valley Fairgrounds (CVF) is a much larger footprint for GDG with acres of space allowing for plenty of growth for years to come. It’s essentially a cyclist’s playground already equipped with permanent structures like restrooms and barns for our volunteers and cyclists to use throughout the weekend. What's more, it comes with a half-mile dirt track and grandstands that’ll be incorporated into the start and finish of all distances. Greg Kurts, CVF President, and the Cannon Falls community has welcomed us with open arms and is thrilled to have an event that is much different than what people typically see held at the fairgrounds. Diversity is a good. 3. New Weekend In 2024, GDG III will be held over Labor Day weekend, more than a month earlier. Most of us love a challenge and many of us thrive on being pushed to our absolute mental and physical limits. That said, a theoretical warming up of GDG III a few degrees by holding it earlier in the season removes an obstacle for those considering signing up and will help to get a few more cyclists across the finish line safely. Safety is priority number one. We never want to see any of our cyclists going home any other way than with a smile on their faces or sense of accomplishment in their hearts. 4. New Distance: 50 Miles This 3rd edition of GDG has a brand new 50 mile route in its quiver of options for cyclists. We’re keeping our 69, 111, 222, & 333 mile options, but now you can expect new versions of these already beautiful routes. This means they’ll also be closer in proximity to the driftless region of MN. We’ll be cementing these routes for future years with only minor changes to make room for occasional surprises and, of course, necessary construction or weather-related detours. Unlike before, we’ll also be releasing route navigation files ahead of time beginning this spring and summer so people have more time to plan their adventure. Note: Timing chips will still be used and all cyclists will need to finish by 7:00pm on Sunday. 5. New Start & Finish Line Experience At the Cannon Valley Fairgrounds, cyclists will experience a start and finish like no one has ever before experienced. (We don’t want to spoil all the surprises in advance, so don’t expect to see many of the details prior to race day) the organizers are going to be keeping this hush-hush until the cyclists return to the grounds where they’ll be in for some adventure and a lot of fun. It’ll be a legit one-of-a-kind journey from the start all the way through the “last mile” and that’s all we can say for now. 6. We're Adding a Cyclocross Event Moving forward, we want cyclists and spectators to come and celebrate various disciplines of cycling. Cyclocross experienced a boon last year in MN and this year GDG III will be an early event on the local CX calendar to help kick off the season to match this momentum. Working with some local CX experts and the Minnesota Cycling Federation, we are thrilled to be able to use the CVF space to create a unique playground for newbies and advanced CX’ers alike. 7. Free Camping With all the challenges GDG III presents, we hope lodging isn’t one of them, especially for those traveling from out of town. With the space available at CVF we’re able to offer camping spots at no cost at all. In order to reserve a free spot, simply go to BikeReg.com during registration and the spot is all yours (100 spots max). Bring your tent, RV, or van, and save some dough in lodging. Then all you need to do is ride your ride and enjoy the good times all weekend long. 8. Fairground Vibes In an effort to continuously improve GDG, we poll our cyclists after each year’s event and truly value their feedback. What we hear repeated most is how our passion for our cyclists and what they’re attempting to do shines through with every aspect and detail of GDG. We want to expand these vibes and create a festival-themed cycling experience with music, refreshments, bonfires, smores, weenie roasts, cornhole bags, and more. We expect to improve upon the post-ride atmosphere cyclists enjoyed during our first two years. Join the Fun: Labor Day Weekend 2024 At the end of the day, our group of volunteers love all types of cycling and all types of cyclists. The group takes on the “more the merrier” mentality because…why the heck not? We pride ourselves on building and expanding our GDG family by celebrating everything and everyone involved with bikes. None of us are strangers if we like the same band. THIS is what we’re all about! Don’t wait, register today & come see yourself this Labor Day weekend! For more info visit Grady Duck Grit.

Year 2 of the The Lone Wolf gravel race recently took place in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Hosted by James Morrow, it was a beautiful, fully-colored day in the U.P. Here James talks about how the race went and why year two called for some rerouting and a new start/finish point. Event recap by James Morrow. Photos by Dylan Juchemich @jukendorf (View full race gallery HERE) Year two of The Lone Wolf wasn’t looking as easy to plan as the first. With Fumee Lake area not allowing their gates to be opened for our event this year we had to do some serious recon and planning to figure out how we could bypass the area while still making the route as great as it was the first year. While also needing a new start/finish line too. We turned to the DNR for support and usage and they delivered. We were able to reroute the course while adding 10 miles of amazing U.P. Gravel, a few miles of which are brand new thanks to the DNR, and host the start/ finish at the gravel pit just around the corner from Carney Lake. All these changes became a silver lining through the clouds. We offered a short course (36 mile) this year that I believe was a nice option for beginners. Long course ended up being about 52 miles. Conditions were pretty dry and loose for gravel biking in the Iron Mountain area. We had one aid station on course hosted by Embark Maple with Laura the fox and her rad Dad dishing out all the maple goodness. Laura selflessly left her Bearclaw on the sidelines to help support the racers. And every single racer who stopped definitely appreciated that. Only downfall of the race is that we had some disconnects with the manual timing and weren’t able to log everyone’s times. This will be our main focus to correct for next years race. Next year we are thinking about having the 36, 52 and combining the two for an 88 mile option. With the proceeds from the race we were able to purchase a rescue device for the fire department that will help with single track rescues in the Iron Mountain area. Lone Wolf 2022 by the Numbers Just over 100 registered Just under 70 showed up. 27* in the morning 55* in the afternoon Partly sunny. Peak color change. A perfect fall day in dah U.P.

Home Base trailside lodging in Cable just opened this fall at Telemark Village in Cable. With 10 brand new rooms tucked around a community plaza and a unique slate of bike-specific amenities, it's an incredible location for bike-out-your-front-door adventures with friends and family. To learn more or book a stay, visit Home Base at Telemark Village and follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Photos by Josh Rizzo and Dave Schlabowske. This story is part of a paid partnership with Home Base. Home Base recently opened in Cable right at the epicenter of a whole bunch of bike energy and community at Telemark Village in Cable. I recently spent a weekend at Home Base with my son to see the Mt. Telemark Village development first hand and experience Home Base's trailside lodging experience and community. While we were there, we checked out the trails surrounding Home Base and enjoyed the weekend around Cable. Home Base: At the Epicenter of Trail Development & Community Home Base is located right at Telemark Village and the confluence of a ton of trails. It's as close as you can get to the trails which makes it an awesome place to ride out your front door to ride singletrack or take part in one of the dozens of races taking place throughout the year. Bike/Ski Out Your Door to CAMBA, Birkie, Trek Trails, Cable, & More The Telemark Village area is the host to a very long list of great bike events, is a launchpad for gravel and singletrack, and is in the middle of an accelerating project that's transforming the Telemark and Cable area with new trails, plazas, a nordic/bike community center, and a bunch more. Trek Trails are literally in Home Base's backyard and are an AMAZING new network of professionally designed flow trails and downhill runs. The Birkie also developed a beautiful paved trail system for roller skis, biking, and walking for all ability levels. And ALL of this connected to the massive CAMBA Trails and Birkie Trail. Amenities Designed For Bikers When I talked with Dave Tworek (founder/owner of Home Base with his wife Ronda) at Home Base, he was pretty passionate about the entire vision being about getting people excited about what's outside of your room at Home Base rather than what's inside. "There are already plenty of hotel rooms. What we want is for trailside lodging to bring people together outside". Here's how they designed their trailside lodging to build outdoor connections. 1. Penman Plaza All 10 rooms face the central plaza to gather after races or meet other traveling weekend cyclists around the campfire. Families, friends, and teammates, have a central place to spend more time together outside. 2. Three On Demand Campfire Rings I love how thoughtfully designed this concept is.The main gas fire pit is right in the center of the Penman Plaza and is a great family friendly environment. Then there are two more gas fire pits outside of the plaza where friends can stay up a little later at night or have a little more space away from the central plaza if they want. 3. Two Park Tool Bike Stands Under the Pavilion If you're spending the weekend exploring trails and beating up your bike, you'll love the Park Tool work stations that are built right into the pavilion in the Penman Plaza. They're covered from the elements and give you a place to change a tire or fix that annoying sound coming from your derailleur. 4. Bike Wash Station With Park Tool Stand Right next to the bike maintenance station is a bike wash station with Park Tool stand. Sure, a bike stand and post is a pretty simple amenity but it's another way they've built the whole place around spending more time outside and having everything you need for a great bike weekend right there. If you're ripping around the trails, you're going to get messy and this is a really convenient and thorough way to wash your bike off. 5. Shared Community Screen Porch Can you hear the mosquitoes? Let's face it, mosquitoes are a part of spending time up north. Home Base has a sweet shared screened patio. If the mosquitoes are bad or it's raining, you have a great place to still spend time together outside while having a little buffer from some of the less pleasant elements of nature. Inside the Rooms There’s a reason this section is last. As mentioned earlier, Dave and Ronda Tworek want to emphasize that everything is designed to bring people together outside. There are other hotels, but this is a place for the outdoor community to come together outdoors in the best location possible. That being said, the rooms are pretty awesome. Step inside and the very first thing is a bike storage area with drainage built into the floor. You can stay here in the winter, get caked with snow, and have a place to store your bike indoors where the ice buildup can thaw and go down the drain. After that, it’s a nice simple place to bring the family or teammates. Rooms have a table, kitchenette, really nice bathrooms, and two bunks that sleep up to five people total. Rooms have high-speed internet, Air Conditioning, and heat. Heading to Cable? Book a Stay at Home Base Between all the events, tons of gravel biking around Cable, and MTB trails, bikepacking trips, and just loving the area in general, we keep finding ourselves back around Cable. When you see the location of Home Base, you’ll love how centrally planned it all is. Everything you love about biking and events in this area is accessible right from your front door. And when you’ve had your last flat tire or are just ready to call it quits for the day, Home Base is really well designed for you, your bike, and your bike crew. All reservations can be booked right on the Home Bas website so head to Home Base Lodging to book your bike and ski weekends.

Seeley Dave gives a quick spring update on the state of gravel biking in the Cable area. Spring has sprung and Dave shares more about the roads and the Hungry Bear race weekend. Learn about Life Above 8 and the Hungry Bear.

The 2024 "Best of Gravel" Nxrth reader poll recently concluded as our readers voted on their favorite gravel things from the last year. What are the best events? Where are the best destinations? Find the community's favorites as well as the runners up in our Winner's roundup here. Results are in! Earlier this spring we launched the first ever Best of Gravel reader poll where you got to pick your favorite gravel races and destinations. We wanted to hear your top picks for gravel experiences in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula and these are what you voted on. The best gravel races in our region cover everything from Southern Minnesota all the way to Marquette, Michigan and everything in between. Do you agree/disagree with the results? Let us know or chime in on social media and share YOUR picks. Here are this year's winners: Best Gravel Event for Racing 1. Heck of the North (TIE) A fall North Shore classic, The Heck of the North is rugged and beautiful. Several distances and a thriving community that comes back to race year after year to race October gravel make this a top pick in our region. Learn More. 1. The Filthy 50 (TIE) In 2023, The Filthy 50 celebrated 10 years and is now taking the year off in 2024. Exceptionally beautiful driftless scenery and an after party in the charming town of Lanesboro, Minnesota bring 1,000 people onto Parkway Ave. For one October Saturday of the year, it feels like the midwest capital of gravel. Learn More. 3. Red Granite Grinder Known for their unique routes and memorable climbs, the Red Granite Grinder is part of a whole suite of adventures and races from IRONBULL. Centrally located and with events for all types of riders, keep an eye on this growing event. Learn More. Runner Up: Freedhem 76 Celebrate independence day on some of North Central Minnesota's finest gravel and MMR roads. Taking place in the unincorporated town of Freedhem, Minnesota, the gravel community comes together to celebrate the love of gravel and camaraderie. Learn More. Runner Up: The Day Across Minnesota Back for 2024 after taking some time off, The Day Across Minnesota is a 240-mile border to border event created for average humans to discover something within themselves. Learn More. Best Gravel Event for Community Vibes 1. The Filthy 50 Showing up as the number one favorite event for gravel community, The Filthy 50 has been turned into an annual must-ride event. Between the massive group rollout in downtown Lanesboro, the amish school house halfway stop, and the the afterparty at Sylvan Brewing, it's a wonderful event to gather with the gravel community. Learn More. 2. Heck of the North One of the longest standing gravel events in the region, the 2023 Heck of the North marked 15 years of gravel. This sellout event brings people back each year for an annual fall adventure pilgrimage. Two Harbors is a great town and home to the much loved Cedaero, SpokeNGear, and Cedar Coffee trilogy. Learn More. 3. The Heywood Ride Turning into one the biggest gravel gatherings in our regions, nearly 1,000 riders showed up in Northfield, Minnesota for a true grassroots, community gravel event. They've lowered the barrier to entry as the Heywood is a nearly free event in order to be welcoming and inclusive to all. Learn More. Runner Up: Dairy Roubaix This is a classic spring gravel event near Viroqua, Wisconsin. They rent out the entire Sugar Creek Bible Camp for camping, cabins, and gravel riding the beautiful driftless region to kick off the spring gravel season. Learn More. Runner Up: Day Across Minnesota A 240 mile midnight-to-midnight event, this year's 500-limit roster sold out in just 4 hours. Beauty, challenge, and a great community of people all make up this incredible event. Learn More. Most Beautiful Gravel Event 1. The Filthy 50 Already mentioned in each of the categories above, the driftless bluffs, river valleys and amish farms make this course the reader's choice for most beautiful route. Learn More. 2. The Heywood Ride Taking place in Northfield, Minnesota, this favorite event draws the whole gravel family for a giant celebration of hills, woods, and gravel in the spring. Learn More. 3. Heck of the North The Heck of the North routes are all carefully and beautifully designed. They're full of variety with winding atv trails, deep woods gravel, and north shore fall colors. Learn More. Runner Up: The Crusher A hard-as-heck Upper Peninsula adventure, the routes are always challenging and the community is always thriving. The Crusher is non-traditional in every way and it just doesn't care. Whether you come for The Crusher's unpredictability or just love suffering, it's an unforgettable experience you might not be able to stop coming back for. Learn More. Runner Up: Le Grand du Nord The furthest north gravel race (that we know of), Le Grand Du North starts in the beautiful downtown of Grand Marais, Minnesota on Lake Superior and winds through gravel roads into the Sawtooth Range. A great way to start your gravel cycling season, it's well worth the trip up the north shore. Learn More. Best Gravel Destinations 1. Cable/Seeley, Wisconsin The home to a ton of amazing off road events all year long and hundreds of miles of gravel and singletrack, the Cable area is only going to continue to grow as an adventure cycling destination. With the development around Mt. Telemark Village and the Birkie's continued investment in the trails and events, expect this area to grow as a crowd favorite across several cycling disciplines and seasons. Cable & Seeley Gravel Guide. 2. Northfield, Minnesota Surrounded by a network of gravel roads, woods, and farmland, Northfield is where gravel community thrives. Catch weekly group rides, great events like the Heywood and Tour de Save, or stop in at Heath Creek Cycles. Northfield Gravel Guide Coming Soon. 3. Lanesboro, Minnesota A beautiful town to visit and spend an entire weekend (or more), Lanesboro has great food, lodging, and a brewery to enjoy before and after your gavel rides. Lanesboro Gravel Guide. Best Bikepacking/Bike Camping Event Tour de Chequamegon The longest running bikepacking event in our region, the Tour de Chequamegon takes it's name from Wisconsin's very first official published bikepacking route. Created by Dave Schlabowske, this adventure is full great gravel, amazing meals, and strong community. Learn More. The Fox A 2-day bikepacking race around the Finland and Grand Marais, Minnesota area, this is a great introduction to bikepacking racing. The field of riders is capped at 75 riders which keeps it an intimate event. Learn More. Hodag Country Ramble The newest and largest event on this list, Hodag Country Ramble has become a gravel homecoming near Rhinelander, Wisconsin at Jeff Frane's parent's property. FInd late summer rides, swimming, giant picnics, and bonfires in the beautiful northwoods of Wisconsin. Learn More.

Inspired by Aldo Leopold’s "The Sand County Almanac," The Sand County Caress (TSCC) is an overnighter route that delves into Wisconsin's Leopold country, taking in the many wildlife natural areas, savanna, marshes, lakes, and rivers via a mix of sandy tracks and backcountry roads. Created By: Nick Karwoski Originally published on Bikepacking.com and featured here with their permission. From BIKEPACKING.COM: The Sand County Caress (TSCC) was inspired by naturalist Aldo Leopold’s seminal work The Sand County Almanac and is a deep dive into Aldo Leopold country. Savanna, marshes, lakes, rivers, farms, and wildlife areas abound. Bald eagles soar, deer bound, sandhill cranes squawk, and whooping cranes (one of the rarest birds in North America) are all on display on this journey. Sand County Caress Bikepacking Route Map: BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. They inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. They believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. More here. Disclaimer: If you choose to ride this route, you do so at your own risk. You are 100% responsible for being prepared for all conditions and making sure that biking these routes is legal. Before riding, check local weather, road conditions, closures, and property ownership. Obey all traffic laws and follow land use restrictions. Do not ride these routes without proper safety equipment and navigational tools. The accuracy of these routes cannot be guaranteed neither can we guarantee that these routes are on public property. TheNxrth.com and its contributors are in no way liable for the personal injury or damage to property that may result from cycling this route or any other routes on this website.

Iron Mountain MIchigan straddles the WI/MI border and has some nice towns right in a generous network of wild gravel routes. Check out this lakeside cabin 25 minutes from Iron Mountain and close to several routes on the Iron Mountain Gravel Guide. View this cabin on Airbnb. Details Entire Cabin 12 guests 5 bedrooms 10 beds 3 baths This lakeside retreat offers a serene environment to hang out by the lake after long gravel biking days. You and your riding crew can relax by the fire pit overlooking the lake or on the porch with a scenic view. Enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of nature. The property features a living room with a wood stove and TV, a well-equipped kitchen, multiple bedrooms accommodating various group sizes, and recreational amenities such as air hockey and a bar. With its tranquil setting and array of activities, this retreat provides the perfect escape for relaxation and adventure. Gravel Routes Near This Cabin This cabin is right in the heart of the Iron Mountain gravel biking routes. Check out several handpicked gravel routes plus some stops for food, drink, and other fun. Plan a Gravel Getaway Near Iron Mountain