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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 2022 Freedhem 76 took place on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Claire O'Leary raced along with a strong field of women. In this story, she shares about her own race along with the push and pull of the gravel community. Story by Claire O'Leary All photos of this Minnesota grave bike race by Markman Outdoor Photography (see the full race gallery here). I slipped out of the family cabin at dawn for the drive south down Highway 371. It was the opposite journey of most of the field, but we were all coming to this tiny crossroads town on July 4 weekend to celebrate the community and competition popping up around Freedhem 76. I put Freedhem 76 on my race calendar because I’d heard great things about the course and the community. But taking a peek at the “Who’s registered” tab on bikereg.com, I was excited to see so many strong riders signed up–and so many women. At the start line, I overheard someone else say they were excited so many women signed up. I’ve been in more than a few races that only had a handful of women, and I couldn’t agree more. It speaks volumes to the team behind Freedhem 76 that so many people on different types of bikes and with different goals felt welcomed and included and made the trek on a holiday weekend. The Race At 9am, race director Don Griggs thanked everyone for coming, and then we were speeding down the pavement for the neutral rollout. We made the first turn onto the gravel and the overcast skies and blowing sand brought visibility to near zero. Tail lights of riders up the road were barely visible. The race was on. About a third of the way through I’m pulling my group of eight when I see another rider standing next to his bike on the opposite side of the road. “You good?” “I need air.” Instinct to look out for other riders took over and I veered off the paceline and dug out an air cartridge. I had just signed myself up for a few miles of chasing in the headwinds to catch up to my group. I made it back to the group and got a few “nice bridge” remarks from other riders. A minute later, Michael, the rider I’d just helped, joined me in the caboose. He said his day was over and told me how he had tried and failed to plug a puncture a few times. He finally put a tube in but didn’t have any air cartridges left. “I owe you one.” I laughed and was still a little winded from making up the gap. “Help me get to the next group?” “You got it.” Michael took the front and set a pace that would help us close the gap or blow up trying. We went through the Oxcart Road MMR fast, and I was grateful I’d just spent a few days riding the rocky ATV trails on the North Shore. The middle miles were a blur, but there was tough gravel and good company. Riders stopped to help an injured rider, and when help had arrived, powered back through the course. People called out cars and obstacles and photographers waiting in the ditches to catch your pain face. We were all trying to accomplish what we’d set out to do that day–and look out for each other in the process. My favorite part of the course was Koering Climb, or rather, the family that took it upon themselves to wear their best stars-and-stripes apparel and hand out cold water and other goodies to riders. What I (and a lot of other people) didn’t realize is that they decided to do that after receiving a flier about the race only the day prior. I dropped my first attempt at grabbing a bottle but they were so nice about it. After a successful second attempt I stuck it in my jersey pocket like a little ice pack. It would come in handy when I hit the sandtrap MMR. I’ve raced cyclocross so I have experience riding sand on skinny tires. I also have experience absolutely nailing it and eating sand. I plowed my way through with a couple other riders, and we cheered for each other when someone found a line and managed to stay on their bike. After a sandpit I started to die a slow death in the sun and wind. Out of nowhere, Michael came up behind me once again. He had made a wrong turn. The guy had a rough day, but his kindness made my day that much better. We rolled through the final miles together and fatigue mixed with thoughts of “this course is definitely longer than 76 miles.” I sprinted out of the final corner, not realizing there was the better part of a mile to go. Ouch. When it was all over, our small group high fived and hugged and I slumped over my bars. The After Party Enough about the race. The best part of any gravel race is watching friends finish, cracking open a beer, and telling stories about the challenges and triumphs of the day. Freedhem 76 took that up a notch with live music and catered food from a local restaurant. I didn’t realize I’d made the wide angle podium with 4th place so I missed the podium shot in front of the Freedhem General Store. The women’s race winner graciously gathered everyone she could find (we couldn’t find the 5th place finisher again) so that I could have a podium photo, too. As riders came in, they gathered in the shade on the lawn next to the general store. Dusty bikes leaned up against the landmark’s white clapboard siding. Riders told stories about their days: who went OTB, who flatted, and who had a lucky break. I’m not sure what the “spirit of gravel” really is, but this was dang close.

The Filthy is a sellout gravel biking event in beautiful Lanesboro, Minnesota. Today we talk with co-organizer Trenton Raygor about October snow, the move to Lanesboro, and why the heck it fills up so stinking fast. The sold-out Filthy is a Minnesota gravel race on October 8. To learn more about the event and to make sure to get a spot next year, check out their website and give 'em a follow on Insta. Interview with Trenton Raygor: You have some of the filthiest photos I've ever seen from gravel racing. What's the story behind the name and do you hope for nasty weather? For those who ride gravel, you know that we ride whatever the weather. Sure, we enjoy a fair weather day like anyone else, but those aren’t usually the days that we end up talking about for years to come. If it’s hot, hydrate and dress light. If it’s cold, put on more clothes. If it’s raining, wear some rain gear and clip a fender onto your bike…oh, and you’re gonna get some grit in yer teeth. From our first year in 2013 through 2017 we had incredibly pleasant weather. Strangely enough, our riders began to expect it…like we had control over it. Several riders jokingly thanked me for selling my soul to Mother Nature year after year. Others would take jabs at the name, suggesting a potential change to “The Dusty 50”. Then 2018 arrived. I remember dad waking me up at 5am and informing me that it was snowing. It wasn’t supposed to snow, but it was coming down. Temperatures were hovering around freezing so it was really more of a “wintery mix”. We didn’t know if anyone would show up that year, but more than 500 hearty souls toed the line. It truly was the worst possible riding weather, but it definitely earned us back our name and it gave each of our riders one hell of a story. We had a near repeat of that in 2019. Though we never hope for nasty weather, we do know that it has the potential to challenge our riders in different ways and help them find something in themselves that they never knew existed. “Mother Nature is an old lady with few suitors these days, and those who wish to make use of her charms, she rewards passionately.” - Tim Krabbe You moved the event to Lanesboro in 2019. What's the town, gravel, and landscape like there? Lanesboro, Minnesota is a fairytale-like place in the southeastern part of the state tucked away down in a valley and surrounded by bluffs. The town is filled with shops, places to eat and drink, and showcases a vibrant arts scene. The culture there is built around the bicycle and other outdoor activities, making it the perfect home for The Filthy. The gravel is all limestone based and of all of the places in the United States that I’ve had the opportunity to ride, it’s my favorite. This is a key feature of the Driftless region and I think that the ancient limestone is one of components that makes riding gravel in the Driftless so special. In addition to the gravel, the landscapes are beautiful and dramatic. There are a lot of fresh water streams, waterfalls, cliffs, and scenic vistas. By definition, the Driftless region is not flat, so our riders get to do some climbing to earn those fall color views. This is your 9th year and you've really been doing this since before gravel exploded and everybody started doing it. What did you want this event to become? It’s hard to believe that we have been doing this for as long as we have. The Filthy was initially just supposed to be a backyard BBQ and gravel ride out of my folks place, but after 300 riders signed up, we knew we had to change those plans. Mom and dad were concerned that we might destroy their house and I’m over here thinking that ‘Risky Business’ could have been a way more interesting movie. Our first year quickly changed into learning how to logistically turn a 30 person event into a 300 person event, and also how much effort is required to pull off an event like The Filthy. The effort didn’t seem to be a problem as friends and family all stepped up. They wanted to do this. They wanted to contribute to something each felt was extremely positive. Each year after our first year we’ve continued to evolve. Foundationally, The Filthy is still the same in our ninth year as it was that first year. If it wasn’t, I don’t think we would still be doing it. Our family wanted to create a fun and inclusive space that would challenge veterans and introduce rookies to something potentially transformative. In my book, there’s no way better than a beautiful fall gravel ride in the Driftless. I still can’t believe that next year is going to be our tenth. We are going to have to celebrate big! 1,000 people signed up in one week. What's so special about The Filthy? This always blows my mind. Year after year we fill up so fast and there’s always speculation as to why. I think that there are many reasons. Many of them are reasons that we’ve already talked about, but if I were to focus on one, it would be “community”. Lanesboro and the surrounding Bluff Country Community is incredibly welcoming to all. Our volunteers and sponsors are comprised of family and friends who truly love being there and contributing in ways that make the rider experience unforgettable. Lastly, our riders are simply the best. They are kind, encouraging, accepting, and supportive of every single person they line up with. They’ve really embraced the inclusive and welcoming nature of the Filthy. No matter who you are or the reason you’re riding, you’ll find what you’re looking for. I think that makes folks want to come back. Will you have the crapper on the course again this year? For those wondering what the hell we’re talking about here, The Filthy is a gravel ride and gravel rides are classy. Often on a gravel ride, one might find discarded and out-of-place objects along the side of the road. On our gravel rides we’ve found treadmills, wheelchairs, mattresses, toilets, etc. In 2018, we put a toilet in the middle of the road and our riders posed for photos with it. It was such a memorable and silly thing, we brought it back in 2021 for a much cleaner reprise. Will it be back this year? There are always surprises on The Filthy course. You’ll have to ride it and find out.

The Winston County Gravel Cup recently had it's sophomore year of gravel on September 22nd. Year two saw nearly doubled attendance, great weather, and some stunning photos to relive the event. Here race director Jake Ellefsen shares a recap of this Minnesota gravel race and save-the-date for net year. All Photos by Baxter Cochennet of Heelclickers photography. See the full race gallery HERE. It is extremely hard for a race organizer to put into words a race recap. After a year of planning and the incredible amount of work over three days...it seems like a blink of an eye as I look back on it now. For the second year of the Winston County Gravel Cup, we had a simple goal... to ride gravel outside of Houston, Minnesota and bring people together. We were overwhelmed to have nearly doubled the number of riders from our first year and allow us to again donate $2,000 back to the Houston community. Riders got to experience greener scenery this year as we moved the event date to September. I do not think we could have hoped for better weather as the day started cool and overcast but gave way to sun as riders crossed the finish line. Mark your calendars and let you friends know that the Winston County Gravel Cup will be back next year on September 23rd. We hope to see you all next year for another fun filled weekend of Unfiltered Gravel!

We're 9 Days into our January Fatbike & Coffee challenge and have loved following along with your trail coffee adventures on Instagram. Check out the photos and adventures from around the community to see what everyone is up to. To join the challenge and win prizes, head to the Fatbike & Coffee page. Cover Photo: Josh Kowaleski @pointed_north