Today's Reader's Route comes from Valentin Bitsin in Juneau County, Wisconsin. The route is about half gravel on quiet rolling hills where you're hardly see anyone else. Submission from Valentin Bitsin This is a 50 mile route (about 25 of which are gravel) of peaceful roads roaming around farmlands and a state natural area. Chances to see wildlife are pretty high. You can hardly see anyone, which in my opinion is a good thing. The gravel surface varies from smooth gravel to some chunky parts on steeper roads so I'd recommend tires that are 40mm or wider. One could be up for a surprise on Pekala Rd between Clark Rd and Plaff Rd especially after rainfall as the road is uneven and lowest points turn into pretty deep puddles. Add Your Name to the Map SUBMIT YOUR READER'S ROUTE All Reader's Routes So Far

After a long hiatus, the Northwoods Ramble is back. This episode opens with an update on Life Above 8 that includes a discussion of the 40th running of the Chequamegon MTB Festival, including the new route for the long course the joins the end of the Short and Fat. The intro also includes some photos of current flora/fauna, and a couple of photos from Seeley professional nature photographer Paul Ostrum. After the Update on Life Above 8, Dave interviews a couple from Florida who wanted to meet him after bikepacking the Wisconsin Waterfall Loop he developed. Michelle and Dwayne Allgire also have their own Youtube Channel called Pedal Power Adventures, which has nice videos of their many bikepacking adventures. As soon as they finish the video from the Waterfall Loop, Dave will share it here. Listen in here:

Today we're sharing a brand new planning tool, the Fat Bike Winter Ultra Global Race Calendar. We're including every fat bike winter ultra race in the world (that we know of) along with a searchable map and event listing. If you're new to fat bike winter ultras or are curious about taking on this kind of challenge, we're also including a 101 learning series on this page. To start exploring the global map and going down the rabbit hole, head to the new page HERE.

The Itasca Lakenights is a new yet-to-be-published bikepacking route in Minnesota. The Nxrth scouted it with some friends this summer and will be publishing it exclusively for Patrons soon. Here we're highlighting Josh Kowaleski's bike and gear setup to highlight some awesome gear that worked well on this forthcoming route. Josh Kowaleski's Lux-Packed Dingle Speed Salsa Bike: 2015 Salsa Blackborow DS set up with 29X3.0 WTB Rangers Gearing: 30x16 High Range and 26X20 Low Range Rack: Salsa Alternator Rack for Fat-Bike Packs: Cedaero Frame Pack, Tank Top LD, and Custom Panniers I feel like I had the perfect bike for this loop! I'm a huge fan of singlespeeds with big tires. The 29x3.0 Rangers roll fast on the gravel and floated extremely well in the very loose sand that we encountered. The simplified drivetrain left me worry-free as we rolled through some of the tall grass on the ATV trails. I packed a luxurious, vacation-minded setup for this scouting loop and brought all of the creature comforts. With that in mind, I feel like this loop should be rolled that way! Pack the fun stuff and relax by the lake! Some of those luxuries are, a cribbage board and cards, a fly rod and flies, a full cutting board, and a variety of snacks. Perhaps next time I'd add in a frisbee or maybe even split up a slackline set up with someone. I typically bring more down to add into a layering system, with the temps we had this trip I'd lighten the load and cut the bulk a bit by leaving some of those pieces that I didn't use at home. Itasca Lakenights Available Exclusively to Patrons Oct 2023 Join Patreon to Get Access

The Winston County Gravel Cup is coming up in one week on Sept 23. This full-flavor race is a great fall Driftless adventure and today we're sharing some of the ride highlights. We caught up race coordinators Paul Reardon and Jake Ellefsen and they share some reasons to join the adventure. To learn more, or get registered visit Winston County Gravel Cup. 1. Driftless Charm Visit the Driftless region for incredible gravel and amazing scenery. This area has amazing hero gravel and from the hill tops you have incredible 360-degree views of south eastern Minnesota for miles! 2. Race it or Take Your Time: Everyone Gets Beer & Tacos We offer something for every rider! Official timing for those that want to race or set a PR. Fun and laid back culture for those that prefer a more casual approach to their rides. At the finish, beer and tacos for everyone. 3. Prizes We have incredible prizes for registered riders and for those who will and have bought a raffle tickets. From sick shades, tires, and multi-tools to the possibility of a full custom bike for the 2024 Winston! 4. New 25-Miler Option Not everyone wants to ride 100, 60, or even 40 miles. For 2023 we are offering a shorter, beginner friendly 25-mile route. We are offering this route with complete signage and a couple support stations to make sure you enjoy every mile. 5. Awesome Causes Every rider can take pride knowing that they are raising money for two worthy Houston area causes. Our rotating beneficiary for 2023 is assisting to paying off the student lunch debt for the Houston area school district. The current deficit for families sits at $14,000 and remains after the approval of free meals for Minnesota schools. Additionally, the Houston Nature Center is a local cornerstone that sits at the beginning of the Root River Trail and offer incredible amenities for cyclists. The Nature Center is the hub for the Winston County Gravel Cup. The center receives no state funding and is completely dependent on donations.

Today's Reader's Route comes from reader Jack Durand. The Sunshine Summerhouse Beauty Lake Road route is near the Brainerd, Minnesota area and rolls through the Pillsbury State Forest with a mid-ride food and drink stop. Submission from Jack Durand: This is probably one of our best Thursday night group rides. It’s just the right amount of challenge for a beginner or an experience rider. At the end, you can head into the Sunshine Summerhouse for some carnitas tacos and a good craft beer. Add Your Name to The Map SUBMIT YOUR READER'S ROUTE All Reader's Routes So Far

The Itasca Lakenights is a new yet-to-be-published bikepacking route in Itasca County, Minnesota. The Nxrth scouted it with some friends this summer and will be publishing it exclusively for Patrons soon. Here we're highlighting Josh Rizzo's bike and gear setup to highlight some awesome gear that worked well on this forthcoming route. Photos by Josh Kowaleski @pointed_north Josh Rizzo's Kona Rove ST Bike: 2019 Steel Kona Rove ST with Wren Sports Perseverance Adventure Dropbars Gearing: 1x11 Sram Rival 1 Rack: Tailfin Aeropack Packs: Cedaero Tank Top filled with Embark Maple Syrup and Cedaero Devil's Draw. Homemade half frame bag. Oveja Negra Chuckbucket. I told our group this is a scouting trip. The route was made almost entirely via Google satellite imagery and Ride With GPS heatmaps and zero reports from actual humans who rode here. I wanted to be prepared for possible major reroutes, surprise flooded sections, and sandy hikeabikes if the satellite images that looked like gravel turned out to be sand. That being said, I wanted to pack lightly. I utilized Dave Schlabowke's bikepacking lending library in Seeley, WI so that I could use much lighter gear than I have in my own gear bin. I got an awesome Enlightened Equipment quilt, Big Agnes bikepacking tent, and Exped mummy air mattress. Bike My Kona Rove ST was my first gravel/bikepacking bike and still the only one I've owned. It's everything I need in a Northwoods explorer: steel frame, generous mounting options, 1x Sram Rival drivetrain, and wide tire clearance. I added some Teravail Washburn tires and a Wren Perseverance Dropbar to the mix which felt perfect on 90% of the ride. There were a few sandy roads and ATV rocky sections where beefier tires would be nice but most of the route was hero gravel. Bags & Rack For bags I brought a homemade half frame bag using my favorite Xpac X11 cotton duck fabric. In my cockpit, I stuffed a Cedaero Tank Top bag with Embark Maple as well as a Cedaero Devil's Draw full of beef jerky and gummy bears. My handlebar roll was another home sewn stuff sack that held my sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Lastly, this ride was the maiden voyage on my new Tailfin Aeropack which was an amazing system with the cargo cages and cage packs. Gear Highlights I love love love my Wren Perseverance Adventure Dropbar. I was never an aerobar guy nor did I ever use wide bars. But on long loaded gravel rides, this bar is killer. I spend so much time in the aero position and have so much confidence in the hoods with the added width, I'd have a hard time ever going back to 'normal' drops. Another non-negotiable is my Big Agnes Skyline UL chair. It isn't the absolute lightest on the market but the butt bucket is just perfect and it's nearly as light as the Helinox Chair Zero. I don't think I'll go bikepacking without a camp chair again. Lastly, I gotta give a shoutout to my dangle Crocs. I try to always bring a more comfortable camp footwear option after riding and it's tough to beat a pair of Crocs. They're impossibly light and more comfortable than clouds.

There are many options for dangle mugs for bikepacking including capacity, material, handles, and insulation. There has always been a debate about the actual practicality of these and whether they're more utilitarian or more decoration. Take a look at some of the characteristics of a good dangle mug here. In the world of bikepacking, where every inch of storage space is precious and bouncy terrain is the norm, the choice of your camp mug can make a significant difference in your total outdoor enjoyability factor. Enter the beloved dangle mug. Dangle mugs have a free spirit and just bounce around whatever they bump over. Here we look what makes a truly good dangle mug, why on earth you would use one, an 11 of the best ones every made. What Makes a Good Dangle Mug for Bikepacking? Not all camp mugs make good dangle mugs. Dangle mugs have a tough job to do and they play a role different than an average camp mug. Here are a few characteristics of a great dangler. A Good Dangle Mug Has No Cap (Or Has a Locking Cap) A good dangle mug should feature a cap-free design or a locking cap. If the cap is held on by pinching pressure alone, chances are it's going to come loose and you're not going to realize it until 20 miles later when you show up to camp ready to mix up some cherry kool-aid. A Good Dangle Mug Is Unbreakable Durability is key, and a dependable dangle mug should be crafted from materials that can withstand the rigors of bikepacking. Look for options made from tough, shatterproof materials to ensure it can endure bumps, drops, and the occasional rough handling. A Good Dangle Mug Has An Attractive Appearance While functionality is paramount, aesthetics matter too. A good dangle mug should combine form with function, boasting an appealing design that complements your bikepacking gear and adds a touch of style to your journey. Bonus - You Can Cook In a Good Dangle Mug An exceptional dangle mug goes beyond the ordinary by doubling as a cookware piece. This bonus feature allows adventurous bikepackers to use their mug for both drinking and cooking, expanding its utility and making it a versatile companion for outdoor cooking adventures. Why Would You Use a Dangle Mug? Using a dangle mug on a bikepacking trip offers a unique and practical solution to the age-old challenge of enjoying a beverage on the go. Unlike water bottles, dangle mugs hang securely from the handlebars or saddle of your bike and frees up valuable space within your bikepacking setup. They also eliminate the need to stop and rummage through your gear for a quick sip. Apart from that, they're just...kind of fun. They bounce around. Some people also think they're absurd so they provide the added benefit of kindly annoying those friends. In no particular order, here's a list of tried and true dangle mugs. You have plenty of options from single wall to double wall, titanium vs aluminum, as well as capacity choices. Single Wall Dangle Mugs Single walled dangle mugs are simple, light, less expensive, and get the job done just fine. They're generally not insulated and won't keep your drink as hot or as cold for as long but hey...this is camping, not the Ritz Carlton. Toaks Ti-Single - 450ML The 450ml is among our customers' favorite titanium camping gear. Its folding handles and silky-smooth texture complement your morning beverage, making for a pleasant experience that's easy to pack. Any of our 650ml or larger pots easily contain this cup. LEARN MORE. Snow Peak Ti-Single - 450ML The Ti-Single 450 Cup is made of ultralight Japanese titanium. Designed for everyday use and backcountry excursions, the Ti-Single 450 Cup can be placed directly over a heat source for cooking or warming. The mug features foldable handles for compact storage and is built to last. Olicamp Space Saver - 700ML Lighter than our traditional Space Saver Mug,The Space Saver Mug with Grip fits snuggly over the bottom of a 1 quart, round Nalgene bottle and the Klean Kanteen 40 oz saving valuable space in your pack. Hard anodized surface makes this nearly scratch proof, easy to clean, and it looks great too. Large enough to boil water for freeze dried meals. The new innovative handle design keeps the handle cooler when used for boiling water or cooking. This will be your go-to pot for fast and light trips. Graduations on the side for measuring just the right amount of water. Holds 24 oz to the brim or 20 oz to the top graduation. LEARN MORE. The Nxrth Gravel Bear Dangle Mug- 350ML The Nxrth's own enamel mug with the lovable angry black bear shredding gravel in the woods. Give this mug a home on your bike and look like a champion. LEARN MORE. Dangle Supply Ti Cup - 420ML The classic camp look includes an incredibly lightweight thin-wall Titanium construction and an elegant tubular handle which isolates your delicate fingers from whatever temperature you've got going on in that cup. LEARN MORE. No longer do you need to fuss with foldable handles that give way when you need them most. This beautiful Titanium cup is perfect for tea at home, coffee around the campfire, whiskey while summiting, or for proudly displaying on the open shelving in your Scandinavian-modern inspired home. LEARN MORE. Vargo Titanium Travel Mug - 450ML The 450 ml Vargo Titanium Travel Mug is a great companion both on and off the trail! Whether your journey includes sweeping mountain vistas, chatting with friends at the local coffee shop, or reading the paper at your kitchen table, its folding handles, titanium construction, and 450 ml capacity make it large and small enough to go where you do. And its stay cool rim won’t burn your lips while drinking your coffee or tea. Single walled construction means it’s ready to go for cooking, too. LEARN MORE. MSR Titan Cup - 400ML The ultralight MSR Titan™ titanium cup is perfect for long treks when every ounce of weight makes a difference. LEARN MORE. Double-Walled Dangle Mugs Double-walled dangle mugs are for those looking to live more deeply. Cold drinks stay colder and warm drinks stay warmer. These insulated mugs also keep your finger temperature regulated and your heart happy. Snow Peak Ti-Double - 450ML The Ti-Double 450 Mug is a durable and ultralight camping cup. The mug is eco-manufactured with advanced welding techniques and is made of Japanese titanium. With a slimmer design, the Ti-Double 300 Mug can nest within the Ti-Double 450 Mug for simple storage for daily use and camping sets. The mug’s double-wall insulation keeps beverages warm or cool. Snow Peak Ti-Single. Toaks Ti-Double - 370ML The TOAKS Titanium 370ml cup is corrosion-resistant and lasts for years. Rounded bottom edges make cleaning easy and improves heating efficiency. It is much sturdier than the average cup and it comes with a mesh storage sack. LEARN MORE. GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Camp Cup - 450ML Your new favorite, no-slosh, double wall cup. When hanging out around the campfire with friends, you need a simple, durable camp cup to keep your favorite beverage close at hand. The double-wall insulated design holds in hot or cold while the clear Sip-through lid ensures that you won't spill a drop. GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Double Walled Espresso Cup - 33ML Unique, double-walled, stainless steel design delivers a piping hot shot of espresso coffee while not burning your lips. BONUS: The Dangler Pro - Dangle Mug Specific Bike Bag No one likes drinking dirt. So why not keep that ole mug clean and bike glamp in luxury with the Dangler Pro. Less jangle more Dangle. LEARN MORE.

Today's Reader's Route comes from Jeff Frane. The Country Style 50 Mile takes you on a tour through the River Bottoms area in the Twin Cities. For a rowdy mixed surface adventure, check out this reader submitted route. Submission from Jeff Frane: Come tour the fabulous River Bottoms. Gravel, pavement, bike path, two track and single track. Any off road bike will work great, and none are a bad choice, gravel bike, mountain bike, or fat bike will all work great for this course. I'd recommend at least a 38c tire with a 42c being about optimal. This is also a great chance to put some big miles on a vintage MTB if you're into that sort of thing. Expect to be out there about five hours and there is a gas station at mile 30 and several bars / restaurants at mile 40 in Mendota. Bring snacks! Add Your Name to The Map SUBMIT YOUR READER'S ROUTE All Reader's Routes So Far

The Nxrth's long sleeve jersey sales and "Flannel Beard on Great Lakes Blue" t-shirt sales end tonight, Monday Sept 4th. SHOP LONG SLEEVE JERSEYS SHOP "FLANNEL BEARD ON GREAT LAKES BLUE" T-SHIRTS

The Gravel Pizza Overnighter is coming up on September 23-24. This community bikepacking event rides to a woodsy pizza farm in the pines with 50+ riders. Check out this recommended packing list and then visit the Gravel Pizza event to get registered. To learn more and get registered, visit Gravel Pizza Overnighter. Recommended packing list. Have questions? Email info@thenxrth.com Clothing Long sleeve shirt Pants Rain jacket (if it's looking wet) Insulated jacket (if it's looking chilly) Extra socks Extra undies Hat (camp hat or winter hat) Crocs (dangle Crocs! Use a carabiner and clip them somewhere fun) Camping Tent Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Pillow (or rolled up clothes) Headlamp Dangle mug! Bike & Bags Tires: Tires over 40mm are idea. The entire route will be on a mix of gravel surfaces. Nearly any tires will work, but you'll have a more comfortable ride on something a little wider. Bags: Any assortment of bags should work! When I started bikepacking I lashed my sleeping pad and sleeping bag to my handlebars with Voile straps and my tent was Voile strapped under my saddle. Full or half frame bags also work great as well as a top tube bags and fork bags. GPS: You'll want a nice easy way to access your map while riding. This could be a dedicated GPS unit like a Wahoo or Garmin or an easy place to grab your phone that has the Ride With GPS or Strava app. Snacks I bring gummy bears and beef jerky Embark Maple (included in ticket price!) Energy drink mixes (if you're into that sort of thing) Larabars Leftover pizza from Saturday's Wedges Creek supper Cheese cake (Lael Wilcox does it) French fries (Lael Wilcox does it) Other Stuff Money for pizza at Wedges Creek and other bike stops. AKA Lakeside bar is cash-only Multi-tool Spare tube Pump Patch kit Spare straps Tire levers Water bottles Join the Gravel Pizza Overnighter

When it comes to the heart of a gravel bike, the frame is the epicenter of discussion. The choice between carbon and aluminum gravel bike frames is not only a matter of personal preference but a deliberation of ride quality, durability, and cost. Through a thorough examination of the inherent characteristics of these materials, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding, guiding cyclists toward making an informed decision for their next gravel bike frame. Material Composition: The Building Blocks Carbon and aluminum, though vastly different, are the pillars of modern gravel bike frame construction. Their distinct molecular structures contribute to the varied ride experiences they offer. Carbon Fiber: The High-tech Contender Carbon fiber is a material revered for its high strength-to-weight ratio, courtesy of its microscopic crystal alignment. This alignment facilitates an exemplary level of stiffness, making carbon frames incredibly responsive to rider input. Moreover, the manufacturing process of carbon frames allows for a higher degree of engineering precision, enabling design freedom to optimize aerodynamics and ride comfort. Aluminum: The Workhorse Metal Aluminum, on the other hand, is a metal known for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. Despite being heavier than carbon, it still holds a significant weight advantage over steel. The modern aluminum frames have come a long way, with hydroforming technology allowing for complex tube shapes that enhance stiffness and absorb road vibrations. Ride Quality: The Real-World Implications The ride quality, often defined by the level of comfort and responsiveness, can significantly vary between carbon and aluminum frames due to their inherent material properties. The Carbon Comfort Carbon frames are known for their ability to dampen road vibrations, providing a smoother ride over rough terrains. The material's natural damping properties coupled with the potential for engineered compliance make carbon a go-to choice for those seeking comfort without compromising performance. The Aluminum Response Aluminum frames, in contrast, are often praised for their lively and snappy ride quality. The inherent rigidity of aluminum provides a more direct transfer of power, making these frames feel exceptionally responsive, especially during accelerations. Durability and Maintenance: A Long-term Commitment Both carbon and aluminum frames demand a different level of care and have unique longevity implications. Carbon's Longevity Carbon frames are susceptible to impact damage, which may not always be visible to the naked eye. Therefore, they require a meticulous inspection routine to ensure structural integrity over time. Aluminum's Endurance Aluminum frames are more forgiving when it comes to handling the rough and tumble of daily use. While they may develop fatigue cracks over an extended period, these are often visible, allowing for early detection and repair. Cost Implication: Weighing the Investment The investment in a gravel bike frame is a consideration of not only the upfront cost but the long-term value. Carbon's Premium The manufacturing intricacies and the material cost drive the price of carbon frames higher. However, for enthusiasts and competitive riders, the performance advantages often justify the premium. Aluminum's Affordability Aluminum frames offer a more budget-friendly alternative without a significant sacrifice in performance. The cost savings can be substantial, especially for those new to the gravel biking realm or for whom cost is a significant factor. Through a thorough exploration of the material composition, ride quality, durability, and cost implications, this exposition elucidates the core differences between carbon and aluminum as materials of choice for gravel bike frames. The choice between the two extends beyond mere personal preference, into the realm of ride experience and long-term value. As riders traverse the path of gravel biking, an informed decision on the frame material can significantly impact the joy and fulfillment derived from the sport.