The Small River Town of Lanesboro, Minnesota The small river town of Lanesboro, Minnesota has been known for its bike culture for years as well as its placement in the middle of miles of paved rail trail that can take riders up and down the mighty Root River. In addition to the paved trails, the town is also known for its cute bed n’ breakfasts, historic hotels, an ice cream shop, the perfect bike themed cafe, pastry shop, a five star wine bar, and the best craft brewery around. One thing that it hasn’t been known for (until recently) are its ancient limestone gravel roads. Gravel Guide Created by Trenton Raygor @trigunw0lf Jump to Section Map Overview Gravel Routes Paved Trail System Where to Eat Where to Stay Where to Drink Bike Shops The Filthy 50 moved to Lanesboro in 2019 and has since introduced thousands of people to the area. The area features some of the best gravel roads in North America. Combine the thousands of miles of primo gravel roads with the accommodations, cuisine, and culture that Lanesboro provides makes this the ideal gravel adventure destination. We will give you a few routes to get you started, however, you’re going to want to explore. There are so many amazing gravel roads that the routes we share below don’t highlight. Where to Bike Gravel From Lanesboro, Minnesota The area of the Driftless Region that surrounds Lanesboro is colloquially referred to as “bluff country”. Yes, you guessed it, that means elevation! Bring your climbing legs. When you’re in Lanesboro, stop, stand in one place, and look around in all directions. The only way out (that doesn’t directly follow the river) involves going up. Note: there are purposefully very few miles of pavement included in our routes both for enjoyment and safety. Here are several of our favorites. Gravel Bike Routes The Pretty Filthy 25 [23.6 miles] This route takes you south out of downtown Lanesboro. You will follow the creek as you climb Grosbeak and Gentle eventually descending on Easy Street and then will turn south, following Gribben Creek out of the valley. It’s a bit of up and down before an epic return featuring Grit Road and hitting the finish line in the middle of downtown Lanesboro. This route features minimum maintenance roads, 1900+ feet of climbing, no towns to refuel, but some of the prettiest scenery you ever did see. LINK TO MAP . The Filthy 50 [50.9 miles] This takes you south out of downtown Lanesboro. You will follow the creek as you climb Grosbeak and Gentle eventually descending on Easy Street. You will then climb the infamous Dew Drop and turn south towards “The Big Woods” and Amish country. Riders will want to keep their wits about them when they hit the Amish maintained MMR just west of Henrytown. After making your way down Grit Road, crossing the finish line in downtown Lanesboro is gonna feel good. This route features several minimum maintenance roads (MMRs) and 3200+ feet of climbing. There are no towns for refueling. It ain’t easy, folks. LINK TO MAP . The North 50 [49.5 miles] The North 50 takes you east out of downtown Lanesboro. You immediately get into some heavy climbing, but then get to enjoy a swift descent into the small river town of Whalen. From there you grind scenic Deep River Road until you’re shot north up the 105 along Big Springs Creek. You’ll get far enough north to hear the sounds of Interstate 90, but then jog west and begin your trek south toward Pilot Mound. After that, soak in the vibes of Harrow Rd and get your last bit of climbing done before you bomb Gaelic and roll some smooth pavement back into Lanesboro. This route features some eagle nests along the Root River, a pie shop, and 3200+ feet of climbing. LINK TO MAP . The Extra Filthy 100 [100.6 miles] This takes you north out of downtown Lanesboro, then west and north toward Pilot Mound, then north and east toward The Village of Rushford. Riders will then adventure south through the small river town of Peterson (mile 50 and your only refueling stop) and will meet up with the 50 mile route further south in Amish country. This route features several MMRs and 7000+ feet of climbing. It’s packed with valleys and vistas, and is as tough as it is beautiful. This beast is bound to push your limits. Plan accordingly. LINK TO MAP . Lanesboro Paved Trail System The Root River State Trail provides a paved option that starts in Fountain and takes you 42.3 miles to Houston, with Lanesboro, Whalen, Peterson, and Rushford as towns along the way. A fun and short one to do with the kids is the 4.6 miles from Lanesboro to Whalen, eat a piece of pie, and ride the 4.6 miles back. The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail provides a 17.8 mile paved option between Harmony and where it connects with The Root River State Trail just several miles west of Lanesboro. Preston is your only town along the way. You might want your climbing legs for this stretch, especially if you’re planning on venturing all the way to Harmony. Take a look at the Root River & Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails Map if you’re looking to take advantage of these scenic paved options. Video: A Love Letter to the Driftless Region by Filthy Founder, Trenton Raygor Where to Eat Another Time Ice Cream Parlor If a post ride ice cream treat is your thing (it’s definitely mine), here is your goto. These folks are super kind and located at the Filthy start and finish lines. Pst…they also serve up a mean espresso. Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe This is a favorite of ours for that pre-ride breakfast or mid-ride cinnamon roll. The chef will literally make you anything you ask for on or off the menu. Bring cash. Pedal Pushers Cafe This is probably our favorite restaurant anywhere. Hands down. Scott and Angie make the best post-ride meals and if you’re riding a Filthy route, they are conveniently located quite literally at the finish line. Where to Stay Camping City of Lanesboro Sylvan Park Campground: is an economical option and a convenient place for tent camping. Sites are limited to 35. A bathhouse is available with coin operated showers, which are handy after a long ride. Highway 250 Campground: is the closest option to downtown Lanesboro for parking your camper overnight. It’s also on our 100 mile route making your start and finish super convenient. Hotels We are big fans of Stone Mill Hotel and Suites, Cottage House Inn, Iron Horse, and Root River Inn and Suites due to their proximity to downtown. Check the Lanesboro website for more options and availability. There are some historic bed and breakfasts in town that we’ve been meaning to try out as well. Where to Drink Coffee Parkway Market & CoffeeHouse: the perfect quick stop to load up on provisions and get caffeinated before your ride. Beer Sylvan Brewing : Andy and Karen make the best beer around and even make a special Filthy beer each year for the finishers. Ask them about it. A great post-ride destination. Wine Root River 102: where you need to be for that post ride cocktail or glass of wine. They have an incredible bar and also serve really good food. Bike Shop Your Lanesboro option: Little River General Store

The Coon Fork Overnighter was designed to be a Northwoods treat for brand new bikepackers looking for their first adventure as well as seasoned adventure cyclists needing a snappy gravel S240. Created By: Josh Rizzo ROUTE OVERVIEW ​ Distance 65 Miles​ Days 2 Days % Unpaved 87% Elevation 2,576 Ft The Coon Fork Overnighter winds through tangled waterways and just rolls its way through lively forests. This route straddles the Eau Claire County and Clark County Forests which both allow dispersed camping with permits. With ample options for wild camping spots among the mixed vegetation, along waterways, or at one of several established campgrounds, you can stay somewhere new on every trip. The route is almost 90% unpaved and includes several different types of wooded gravel roads, snakey ATV routes, and short paved sections through Wisconsin farm country. Having numerous options for camping, parking, and stopping for food or drinks, it can easily be customized for longer or shorter route versions. After (or during) a day of great riding, sometimes the best parts are what happen off the bike. My recommendations? Grab a drink and sit on the deck at Boondock’s Bar & Grill, go swimming at Hamilton Falls or Rock Dam, or grab some bomb cheese curds with an ice cream cone chaser at Vojtik’s Stockyard. ​Route Difficulty: This route was intended to be accessible to riders new to bikepacking. The mileage is reasonable, there are no technical sections, and the total elevation isn’t too high. Most of the surrounding area is gravel roads which means it can be lengthened or shortened and still mostly avoid pavement. There are several sandy sections where you might have to walk, but they aren’t very long. Join The Nxrth+ For Unlimited Access to Full Route Details: Route map with full Points of Interest Route highlights Camping Details Must-know Info Food & Water Resupply If You Go, Here's What You Need to Know: Route Highlights 1. Hamilton Falls is right on the ATV route and is a great place to dip your feet. 2. Coon Fork has nice private campsites, hiking trails, and twin beaches. 3. Boondock’s Bar & Grill is the authentic Wisconsin country bar. Number of beers on tap? Zero. Number of locals who love Boondocks’ burgers and Busch Light? All of them. 4. Whitetail deer are everywhere and are especially active right before dark. 5. The dam at Rock Dam is beautiful for a swim or lunch stop. 6. Cheese curds and ice cream are a must have at Vojtik’s Stockyard 7. Wedges Creek for camping and pizza is a hidden gem. You'll have to build-your-own-detour to add this to your route and you'll be glad you did. Must Know 1. When to ride: May - early October. Go early or late if you want to avoid mosquitoes. Fall colors are in late Sept-Oct. Wisconsin’s 9-day deer gun hunting season begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving. You may want to avoid the area during that period or wear blaze orange. 2. Prepare for bugs. In the summer, you’ll definitely experience mosquitoes and ticks but in the cooler months, they’ll leave you alone. 3. There are several parking options around this route. We usually start and end at Coon Fork County Park Campground where there are full amenities and secure parking. Overnight parking is $5 there. 4. This route can realistically be ridden on any bike. No suspension is needed. There are some sandy sections where you may have to push your bike for a little bit but they aren’t very long. 5. Beware of hunting season. Most of this route is in and around County Forests that fill up with deer hunters during the fall. Be sure to take note of any active hunting seasons as it would be a good idea to avoid dispersed camping during gun hunting season. Camping There are several campgrounds right on the route. For dispersed camping in the Eau Claire County forest, get a permit HERE For Clark County Forest dispersed camping, get a permit HERE Several options to camp on or near the water if you choose dispersed camping. For something extra special and off the beaten path, I recommend checking out Wedges Creek . You'll have to crank a few extra miles, but the scenery (and wood fired pizza on Saturdays in the summer) is well worth it. Food & Water Plenty of river and creek crossings. There is water all over the place for filtering and there are also several campgrounds on the route. Several country bars. For food, beverages, or refilling water bottles you’ll find a handful of bars/restaurants on the route. Vojtik’s Stockyard Foods is a great food stop in the middle of nowhere. They have some light groceries, hot food, and an ice cream cone bar. Trail Notes 1. To shorten this route, the two best options are to either cut off the northwest loop or just stay on Camp Globe Road when heading west out of Rock Dam then take H and Goat Ranch Rd back to Coon Fork County Park. 2. Watch out for ATVs. This route includes several ATV routes in both Eau Claire and Clark County. Bicycles can legally be ridden on 100% of the route but you’ll want to look out for speeding ATVs around tight corners. Coon Fork Overnighter Bikepacking Route Map: Josh Rizzo is the founder of The Nxrth. He loves bike adventures with his family and friends and knows that it's not about the destination. Heck it's not even about the journey. It's about the snacks that get you from point A to point B. 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.

Chasing the train is a north to south route from Saint Paul to Winona, Minnesota. The route leads riders out of the metro area and its suburban sprawl and into the river towns of Cannon Falls and Redwing. It then climbs back out of the river valley and traverses the top of the bluffs before descending back down into Winona. Upon arriving in Winona you board the Amtrak and ride the rails back to Saint Paul. Route & Photos by Scott Haraldson Chasing the train is a route for those wishing to escape the city, to ever so slowly remove yourself from the noise & visual pollution that you encounter at every intersection. This is a chance to ride directly out of a metropolitan downtown, past the strip malls of suburbia and into the countryside, breathing fresh country air the further you go. Instead of looping back to the start the route travels 190 miles south where you’ll need to arrive in the river town of Winona in time to catch the Amtrak Empire Builder train for your trip back to the start. The route is roughly 60% unpaved and also includes a large section of the heavily wooded paved Cannon Valley River trail. For those with a sense of extra adventure there is a small section of singletrack as you pop out onto the bluffs overlooking Winona and Mississippi river. Designed as a three day route it could be adjusted to accommodate an extra night and shorter days in the saddle. Join The Nxrth+ For Unlimited Access to Full Route Details: Route map with full Points of Interest Route highlights Camping Details Must-know Info Food & Water Resupply Riding Back on Amtrak Route Map If You Go, Here's What You Need to Know Route Highlights The River Bottoms The Minnesota River Trail located within the floodplain of the Minnesota River is one of the more natural and picturesque trails in the Twin Cities. Commonly called the "River Bottoms” it takes but minutes for one to forget how close to the city they are as you immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. The trail meanders alongside the river, ever-changing depending on the flooding, before going under the 494 bridge, complete with its own ever changing graffiti. Watt Munisotaram 30 miles outside the cities you'll catch a glimpse of something that doesn't look like anything else for hundreds of miles around. The Watt Munisotaram is the largest Cambodian temple in North America. The temple was constructed in 2007, but their presence on the site dates to 1988 when the Minnesota Cambodian Buddhist Society bought the 40-acre plot of land and built a modest shrine and dormitory to house its handful of monks.⁣⁣ Monks and priests now live year-round at the temple. Cannon Falls The city of Cannon Falls was named for the falls located along the Cannon River. The city is the westernmost trailhead of the Cannon Valley Trail. Lake Byllesby, which sits on the west side of town, was created when the river was dammed in 1910 by the Henry Byllesby Company. Constructed using mostly hand labor, a crew of 500 individuals completed the work in nine months. Rails Turned Trails Leaving Cannon Falls you hop onto the Cannon Valley Trail. The trail occupies the route of a former Chicago Great Western railroad line that connected Red Wing and Mankato in 1882. Over 100 years later, in 1983, when the railroad announced its intention to abandon the railway, citizens realized the recreational potential of the line. The rail to trail was dedicated in 1986, and the asphalt pavement was completed in 1992. A $5 one day wheel pass can be purchased online, at self pay box or from an attendant if riding on the weekend. Winona Overlook The route places you directly on top of the bluffs overlooking the city. This section of the route has singletrack that can be accomplished on a gravel bike but some hike-a-bike may be necessary depending on your skill set. Be mindful of your abilities as you will be riding close to the edge of the bluff. Must Know When to Ride May - early October. Go early or late if you want to avoid mosquitoes. Fall colors are in late Sept-Oct. Zumbro Bottoms hosts a motorcycle club in September and will have a lot of traffic on the gravel roads. Cannon Valley Trail requires a $5 one day wheel pass which can be purchased online, at a self pay box or from an attendant on the trail if riding on the weekend. Beware of Hunting Season The Zumbro Bottoms Unit is used heavily for deer and grouse hunting in the fall and for turkey hunting in the spring. Wear bright colors and camp spots may be filled. Camping The route can be easily accomplished in three days if you are comfortable pushing 60-70 miles per day. If you are looking more for a party-pace look to add an additional camp spot. Just remember that you’ll need to chase the train and make it to Winona in time to depart on your reservation date. Lake Byllesby Campground Nestled along the shores of Lake Byllesby Reservoir, Lake Byllesby Campground offers many lakeside campsites but caters towards RV users. Zumbro Bottoms Zumbro Bottoms offers a handful of camping options, all considered primitive, with the basics, fire ring, table, vault toilet, and a hand-pumped well. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food & Water Resupply Water & Convenience Stores Options dot the early portions of the route but be ready for a lengthy section between Red Wing and Zumbro Bottoms where there won’t be any food options and not many spots to fill water bottles. Mill Street Tavern Brick walls line this classic narrow, old-school restaurant. You’ll find burgers, steaks, seafood & beer. Pop over next door to Tillion Brewing for a post meal drink. Red Wing Red Wing has everything you’ll need including groceries, restaurants, full service bike shop and brewery. Elba Elba has a number of restaurants and a convenience store. The historic Elba House, now called the Whisky Hill Grill is great for a burger and a cold beer. Winona Grab yourself a sandwich at Erberts and Gerberts and a crowler of beer from Island City brewing to take with you on the train ride back. Riding Back on Amtrak AMTRAK’S EMPIRE BUILDER runs daily between St. Paul (Union Depot) and Winona. At the time of this writing a train runs North to South in the morning and South to North in the evening (Depart 7:30 arrival 10:30 PM). RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED at an additional cost of $20. Look for the option to add a bike when booking your one way ticket online. CARRY-ON BIKE SERVICE is just like carry-on luggage in that you carry your bike on and off the train yourself. No boxes are needed. Don’t expect to have anyone staffing the Winona station, it may very well be empty. Upon arriving at the station train staff knew to expect us and were quick to assist us getting our trains onboard. The Winona stop is a longer stop so you’ll have time to get situated. BIKE REQUIREMENTS Amtrak states their bike racks accept a maximum tire width of 2 inches and they don’t accept tandems or other non-standard bikes. It is also advised to remove any excessive bags from your bike and bring them to your seat. We wanted to be prepared for departure so we removed our fork, seat and handlebar bags but it was not necessary as we were instructed to lay our bikes down inside a baggage car and there was ample room. I rode with 29x2.2 inch tires and it was not an issue. If you are using a fat tire bike you may want to inquire ahead of time with Amtrak. TRAVELING AT NIGHT while not as scenic as a day trip along the Mississippi River riding the train at night can be its own fun. Grab a snack at the dining car, sit up in the upper level and watch the city lights of towns zip by as the train car jostles you off to a nap. PICKUP/DROPOFF we started our route at Saint Paul Brewing. We coordinated with a family member to both drop us off and then later pick us up at the station. There are numerous parking lots near Union Depot if you wish to leave a vehicle. 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.

Created by Chris Stindt Gravel is a La Crosse area specialty - the region is part of the driftless; we have some amazing views, bluffs to climb, a great river, oh, and quality crushed limestone roads, plus the benefit of a mid-sized town to offer breweries, distilleries, great food and places to stay. Jump to Section Map Overview Gravel Routes Rail-Trail Routes Bonus ATB Route Where to Eat Where to Stay Where to Drink Bike Shops This guide will help you figure out where you want to ride, where to stay, eat and drink, plus some great local bike shops. The area offers everything from pancake flat rails-to-trails to hilly rides with over 10,000 feet of climbing. You can stay on the cheap at a campsite, or at a 5-star hotel overlooking the Mississippi River. Taco trucks to steak houses, dine in your kit or throw on some fancy duds, the choice is yours. Oh, and we don’t recommend trying to drink out of the world’s largest 6-pack, we have multiple other better options. Where to Ride Gravel From La Crosse The little secret is that most of the gravel routes we have are actually over the Mississippi River, in Minnesota. Yes, you can get to gravel in Wisconsin, but it's consideralby farther away than the gravel in Minnesota. Gravel Biking Routes Each route can be modified; if you’re the hardy type to ride from your hotel, but want to be in the city, then you have 5-10 miles of road riding at the beginning and end of each route. Alternatively you can stay in La Crescent or simply drive to the start of the gravel. Based on experience, there is something magical about crossing one of the biggest rivers in the world to start an epic adventure. But generally, if you’ve done it right, the hardest climb of the day is coming back over the blue bridge at the end of the day. Some days I start in town, other days I drive over; choose your own adventure. The Appetizer [30 miles] This route starts in La Crescent and heads west. What little traffic you see on County Road 6 is quickly left behind, as you turn on to Pine Creek Road. Pavement gives way to gravel and almost immediate views. A climb takes you to Nodine, and then a gravel descent brings you to the prettiest swale in the country, between east and westbound traffic on I90. A challenging climb up an (in)famous MMR brings you back to the ridge top. Enjoy this great taste of driftless gravel! LINK TO MAP . Deceptive Distance [35 miles] Multiple times I’ve mapped this route and left my house, thinking I’d just be out for a couple of hours. Alas, as my wife will tell you, I’ve never done it in less than 3 hours. Partially because it’s closer to 50 miles if you leave from La Crosse, but also because it features 4 full bluff climbs. But damn, this is a great route close to the city. If you want to get the full experience of driftless gravel, but don’t have time to commit to a full day of riding, this is your best option. LINK TO MAP . The Skullsplitter [56 miles] This is a former race route I used to coordinate. If you want all gravel and still want over 50 miles, this is a bruiser of a route. No services, again, except Little Miami. LINK TO MAP . Metric Century [65 miles] Notes on this route…make sure you have plenty of fuel and liquids. More than you think you’ll need. I’ve been picked up at least twice trying to finish this one on two bottles and not enough snackies. There is a soda machine at Little Miami in Freeburg, and to be honest, you might want to just plan on stopping there so you can say you did. Otherwise start with a lot, or hit the KT in Hokah. Grab a snack at Free Range Exchange on the way back. Other fun bits: Country Road 5 is one of my favorite roads…period. Cut into rock, running downhill and along a little river valley, it’s really special. LINK TO MAP . Gravel Monster [105 miles] This route was created by a couple of local gravel aficionados, who had created a ‘monster’ road route with 10 climbs, and wanted to do the same for gravel. I was one of, if not the first, to test it out, and it was definitely a challenging ride. If you want to make sure you hit triple digits on the odo, start in La Crosse. Refuel in Houston. If you time it right, stop in Hokah for baked goods to fuel the last bit to home. What else…oh 7200 feet of climbing. Brace yourselves, gravel is coming. LINK TO MAP . Big Dumb Dirt [127 miles] This route combines some of the above south and west options into one dumb massive ride. You’ll need to be a) strong b) masochistic and c) have a LOT of time to complete this. LINK TO MAP . BONUS : ATB Route [55 miles] [ATB = All Terrain Bike]: Do you have a road bike and don’t mind underbiking? A gravel bike that is fine on the road? Enjoy a bit of hike-a-bike on singletrack with amazing views? Do you crave only the best coffee, food and baked goods on offer (see Wonderstate)? Try this bonus route out. LINK TO MAP . Rail Trail Routes We are fortunate to be at the intersection of a couple of great rails to trails conversion options. Westward goes to Trempealeau and Eastward goes…to Milwaukee, if you’re adventurous enough. You can really choose your own adventure, do an out and back to Tremp and then head east to Sparta or try the tunnels of Elroy Sparta. Go as far or as short as you want, these are your best chances to ‘recover’ on gravel, while enjoying sites and sounds (Mississippi River and more). *You need a state trail pass. All local shops sell them, but Coulee Bike Co. is located right near the trailhead at Great River Landing on Onalaska. Westward Route [41 miles] This route goes through town, if you’re staying downtown, on mostly bike paths. Or start in Onalaska at Great River Landing and you’ll be all on trail. It’s an out and back to Trempealeau, which has a nice little cafe for a coffee and snack. LINK TO MAP . Eastward Route [69 miles] This route goes all the way to Norwak. Black Squirrel Capital of the World? Sure why not. If you haven’t seen it before, this goes through 3 tunnels, carved through the bluffs, to keep things flat. Bring a light and a sense of adventure. LINK TO MAP . Where to Eat Freighthouse Supperclub, La Crosse Freighthouse is a really nice place, down near the river. Dress up and dine inside or chill on the back patio. Great food and nice ambiance. Pearl Ice Cream, La Crosse (the President came, ok, it’s not political, it’s just that good) Homemade ice cream! Candy! I’ve definitely eaten ice cream on the sidewalk in a kit at mile 85 of a century. Free Range Exchange, Hokah MN & La Crosse WI Hokah is a nice little town that is a jumping off point for a lot of the gravel. Stop mid ride or after for a baked good and hot coffee. You won’t regret it! La Crosse also has a downtown Free Range Exchange location with a patio. Barista’s Coffee, Houston Toward the western end of our usual gravel routes, Houston has a couple of gas stations, but if you have time, stop at Barista’s for a coffee, snack or quick lunch. Meringue Bakery, La Crosse [ yeah, you’re gonna wanna stop here ] A bakery from 3-time Food Network Champion, Jen Barney. I’ll leave it at that. Where to Stay Camping Perot State Park : A bit out of the area, but great for bikepackers or those who prefer to be off the beaten path. Pettibone Resort : Camping right on the Mississippi between Wisconsin and Minnesota. Great for starting rides but still being close to town. Goose Island : South of the city, this county owned campground is gorgeous and also right on the river. If you are ok riding a bit longer to gravel, or driving, this option is very nice. 5 Star 5-Star Luxury Charmant : This converted candy factory is a block from the Mississippi River. Gorgeous views and very nice rooms, they also have a restaurant and cafe. If you want the best, this is it. Hotels Downtown: Most chain hotels have options in downtown. If you want nightlife or city access, you have options here. Onalaska: Picture any busy interstate stop you’ve ever been to, and this is it. Hotels, restaurants, a mall, etc. Lots of options to stay here. La Crescent The new Best Western is a great option if you want to stay in a smaller town, closer to the gravel. Airbnbs: Lots of options. If you want close access to gravel, find something in Minnesota. If you prefer city amenities, try downtown La Crosse. Where to Drink Coffee Wonderstate Coffee, Viroqua : Great roasted coffee, incredible food, ambiance. Grounded Coffee Patio, La Crosse : A really nice downtown cafe with outdoor seating, if you want to sit by your bike. Breweries & Distilleries Turtle Stack Brewery or 608 Brewing : We like beer in La Crosse, and have two small microbreweries in/near downtown. Can’t go wrong. La Crosse Distillery :This newer option is a great place to grab dinner or a drink, and to take some local distilled spirits home with you. [food and drinks] Bike Shop Picks Downtown La Crosse: Smith’s Bike Shop Onalaska: Coulee Bike Co [near the Great River Landing] Onalaska: River Trail Cycles

The Nxrth just formed a Strava Club for sharing rides, routes, ideas, and bike things. Join the club to connect with more cyclists, catch what's happening, and share your rides. The Nxrth Strava Club .

The Day Across Minnesota returned in 2024 after taking 2 years off. The conditions for the event were perfect and several records were set. One of those records was Claire O'Leary who was the first woman finisher. Here she shares about a serendipitous run in with Trenton Raygor as well as a recap from race day. To learn more, visit The Day Across Minnesota . Story by Claire O'Leary @allcontent_nocontext . Cover photo by Mateo Fischer. Three weeks ago, I was rolling south on West River Parkway in Minneapolis on my way from work to pick up new tires from Angry Catfish (tire of choice: Continental TerraSpeed 40s). I see a rider in a Day Across Minnesota kit and one cog in the back jump onto the path ahead of me. I think that’s Trenton. I put a little dig in and roll up next to Trenton Raygor, founder and race director of The Day Across Minnesota . We chat for a few miles about how our respective summers are going and the upcoming DAMn race. “I hope it’s a headwind day,” he said. “I really want to see what the human spirit is made of.” Trenton didn’t get his wish. Instead, the 2024 Day Across Minnesota will go down as “The best DAMn ever.” After a two-year hiatus, the ride was back with a bang. The temps were crisp. The gravel was smooth. The tailwinds were ripping. The fields were stacked. And oh yeah, those finish line hugs in Hager City were so, so sweet. Let’s take a look at how 240 miles of gravel from South Dakota to Wisconsin played out. Miles, Moments, and Memories Across Minnesota The beautiful thing about the DAMn is that it means something a little different to every rider and everyone has favorite moments. For some, it’s climbing out of the Minnesota River valley at sunrise. Or it’s the melee of the start, with fireworks shooting off from the roadside while the firetruck leads the field out of Gary. Photo by Mateo Fischer One of my favorite moments was one of the final climbs outside of White Rock at mile 220, where the course rolls by Belle Creek Cattle farm, owned by Kaleb and Angie Anderson. According to Jared Anderson, a multi-time DAMn finisher and Kaleb’s cousin, the Andersons were just as excited the DAMn was back as riders were. The family celebrated roadside all day – honking, cheering and offering riders cold beverages. Photos by Angie and Kaleb Anderson, Belle Creek Cattle A Year for the Record Books A Redwing local rolled up next to me on one of the last paved downhills into town. “I’m not in the race, but I’ll be at the finish line later!” he said. I thank him and say I’m the women’s race leader. “Wow, you’re crushing it.” I tear up a little. A few miles later, I finished in a new Women’s Open course record of 13:39. Trenton gives me a giant hug before I can pause my Wahoo and tell me he’s proud of me. Co-director Chase Wark is next in line to do the same. I first talked with Chase about coaching when he was lounging in Gary before the 2021 start. I was a new runner-turned-cyclist trying to figure things out, and he was just starting Wark’s Cycling Services . Three years later it felt like a full circle moment. Claire O'Leary setting a new course record. Photos by Julie Fromelt, Wark’s Cycling Services Amber Searer of Wisconsin and fellow Minneapolis rider Sophie St-Jacques joined me in earning giant KwikTrip donuts for our rides. All of us were under the old course record. Innokenty Zavyalov won the Men’s Open race in a new course record of 11:16:01, riding solo from Henderson to Hager City. Ryan Hafner and Nick Nygaard rounded out the podium, all under the old course record as well. The brave souls on one gear also had record rides on that tailwind day with Anders Hopkins setting a new record of 13:15:04. After sundown, Pallav Kumar crossed the finish line as the winner of the inaugural Non-Binary category in 22:37:44. Eamonn Casey was lantern rouge in 23:24:49. Eamonn Casey, Lantern Rouge. Photo by Abigail Wark, Wark's Cycling Services. I think it’s also important to note that some of the former course record holders were also in Gary at midnight. Kate Coward set the Women’s Open course record of 15:00 in 2020. This year, she rode her fat bike to win that category in a new course record of 17:07:45. (Chris Nelson also set a new Men’s Fat Bike course record of 16:47:33.) Chase Wark set the Men’s Open course record of 11:43 in 2020. He took another stab at it in 2021 on a Specialized Venge with a disc wheel ( IYKYK ). Although he missed the record, he proposed at the finish line – a moment documented in The Last DAMn. This year, Chase joined the DAMn Fools on the other side of the finish line as a co-race director. His wife, Abigail, was taking photos out on course . And don’t forget about those folks crazy enough to cross the state twice over 480 miles. The second edition saw 18 starters and 4 finishers. They are: Cory Rood 35:04 Corey Kronser 39:13 (Single Speed) Nick Elliot 41:11 (Two-time Double DAMn finisher) Joe Clark 45:23 The Day Across Minnesota by the Numbers It’s hard to quantify the power of community, the stars, and a sunrise – but these numbers are a good start. 240 Starters: 390 240 Finishers: 320 Youngest rider: 11 Oldest rider:85 81% Finish Rate 480 Starters:18 480 Finishers: 4 22% Finish Rate

The Seeley Big Fat Race is a Wisconsin Fatbike Race coming up on January 21, 2023. This year's race sees a new location at the Hatchery Creek Trails due to logging around the Seeley Hills. Check out the history of the event and how it supports trail grooming in the beautiful Chequamegon area. To learn more about the Seeley Big Fat Race or register, visit their race website . Interview with Jerry Wright How long has the Seeley Big Fat Race been around and how did it get started? The Seeley Big Fat was first run on January 29, 2017. The name is a play on an old Seeley Big Foot spoof. From the beginning, the goal was to put all of the entry fees collected into winter fat bike trail grooming , and I am happy to report that we have made that goal each year thanks to our generous sponsors. This is a fundraiser for CAMBA. How many miles of singletrack do you groom and how much work does it take to keep the Cheq area a fatbike heaven? We typically groom 50 to 70 miles of trail each year. The trails being groomed change from time to time due to logging and other activities. Groomed trails include some singletrack as well as some winter only sections that are not good for summer riding. In fact, this year our race course is impacted by logging and we have a change in venue. The Seeley Big Fat Race will be held on the Hatchery Creek Trails for 2023 only and then back to Seeley Hills. CAMBA owns 3 snowmobiles and one Rokon motorcycle for grooming, plus about a dozen drags for various snow and trail conditions. We also employ one private contractor who uses his own equipment for the Seeley Hills trail system, and Mt. AshWaBay provides the equipment for that trail system. We typically keep one sled in Hayward for the two trail systems there; one sled at Hwy OO for those trails, and one at Cable for the Cable area trails. The Rokon gets used mostly on technical single track during low snow conditions that make snowmobile operation unsafe for the machine, the trail and the operator. In addition to the private contractor, we typically have 2 or 3 paid staff and a number of volunteers to run the machines. Our operators logged 300 hours grooming last season. Each hour of machine operation typically is accompanied by another hour or so of prep work and equipment maintenance, which brings the total time investment up to 600 or more hours each season. Each mile of trail costs between $11/mile and $120 mile for the season, excluding equipment costs. The big range is explained by the mix of volunteers to paid staff, the experience level of the operator, and the level of difficulty the trail presents of the operator. Our annual budget is typically between $10,000 and $12,000, which the Seeley Big Fat contributes to. Winter riding conditions can vary a lot, so we keep our Trails Conditions page updated at least once daily to help users decide which trail offers the best riding on any given day. I usually spend an hour or so each morning sifting through user reports and weather forecasts to keep this page accurate. Maps and signage are significant costs. Keeping them up to date as trails change is an ongoing process. Who should do the Seeley Big Fat Race? The race course is designed to keep all levels of user happy. This year's event will take place at the Hatchery Creek Trails but during a typical year at Seeley Hills, all riders do the first lap, which typically is mostly wide ski trails that any rider can handle. The long race then does a second, more difficult lap, that is mostly narrow, technical single track. And if you don’t want to race, there are lots of volunteer opportunities that you can learn more about by emailing info@cambatrails.org What's the party like at the Sawmill Saloon afterwards? There are awards, a silent auction, this year with a bike frame and wheels, as well as a drawing for other merch. The party afterwards is always great fun! Things are a little different this year, however, due to the logging impact and the course change. With our 2023 venue of Hatchery, we are presenting awards and holding our silent auction and giveaways at Hatchery after the race. We will still have a party at Sawmill later in the day with music and celebrating! You can find more information about the event at the CAMBA Seeley Big Fat webpage .

The Day Across Minnesota (DAMn) is a 240-mile border-to-border gravel race starting at midnight, Saturday, August 10th across the state of Minnesota. Follow along with the race below to trace athletes as they ride form Gary, South Dakota to Hager City, Wisconsin in under 24 hours. To learn more, visit The DAMn . Photo by Scott Rokis.

USA Cycling just announced that the 2025 and 2026 Gravel National Championships are coming to La Crosse/La Crescent in the Driftless region. This region has a uniquely rich gravel history that looks forward to welcoming a national audience of gravel cyclists and fans over the next 2 years. Story by Chris Stindt Maybe you saw the announcement, but if not, USA Cycling Gravel National Championships are heading to the La Crosse area in 2025 and 2026 . One week after Chequamegon 40 , the final stop on the Life Time Grand Prix , riders from around the country will descend on La Crosse, and La Crescent, Minnesota. The Driftless, as we call this little corner of paradise, is really centered around these river towns. Bisected by the Mississippi River, the area is home to 500 foot bluffs, endless trout streams, and some pretty neat bike riding. Use your best mental voice for Bill Nye as you read the following: the Driftless region is in the southwest section of Wisconsin, the southeastern section of Minnesota and a bit of the corners of Iowa and Illinois. Over the past several ice ages the area remained untouched, unglaciated, and was not filled in, or ‘drifted’, as all of the areas surrounding it are. This has created an outdoor paradise, which is also a cycling paradise. Where's The Beef I had a bit of a gravel beef with gravel pro pioneer Ted King this year. When he went to the northwest US, he commented about the hills and how it wasn’t "flat like the midwest". He didn’t know we had a beef, but c’mon this is Wisconsin; we got more cows per capita than anywhere else in the world. Suffice to say, it’s anything but flat here. The Driftless is truly a gem, and in fact, arguably, the birthplace of the modern gravel movement. Driftless Gravel History In 2007 a guy by the name of Chris Skogen started a little free bike race, the Almanzo 100 , on gravel roads a couple hours west of these future gravel nats. It was free, and it blew up, ending up with nearly 1500 racers before Skogen pulled the plug. I recently spent a weekend volunteering with Skogen and it was a really cool experience getting to hear his insights on how things have changed and how they could be better yet. Anyway, Skogen ended the Almanzo 100, but his legacy lived on. He was recently inducted into the gravel hall of fame. During that time, Additionally, some guys racing Almanzo from the Minneapolis area felt like their cyclocross bikes weren’t really adequate and they created the OG gravel bike - the Salsa Warbird . Were there other gravel bikes? Maybe. You could even argue all road bikes are gravel bikes, but this was the first mass produced, gravel specific bike and it came out of an idea from the Driftless. Ope, Scuse Me The region has hosted a few other gravel races over the years. Perhaps the original was the ‘skullsplitter’ which was pretty grassroots and at one point was an uphill enduro, well ahead of its time. Former race director for the La Crosse Omnium TJ Brooks shattered his elbow in an early edition, and it drew riders from around the Midwest. More recent are two very midwestern gravel races, the Hot Dish and Old Fashioned Gravel . Gravel pro, and Lifetime Grand Prix athlete, Chase Wark just held his third annual Hot Dish gravel race. Chase calls the Driftless home, and bases a lot of his training on these roads. There is a sketchy minimum maintenance road halfway through the race, which Chase calls ‘Ope Hill’. He literally serves hot dish (aka casserole) after the race, and as neat as the idea is, I wasn’t able to consume any after this year's event ended in near 90 degree and humid temps. Paul Reardon, of Blue Steel Bikes , is a world renowned mechanic. Paulie just started the ‘Old Fashioned Gravel’ race, named after one of the Midwest’s favorite beverages. (Side note, the other is probably BEER, and La Crosse is home to the world’s largest 6-pack of beer, and no this isn’t a joke, and yes, you should get a picture when you come.) Paulie is a mechanic for EF Education-ONTO, as well as USA Cycling, he also builds custom bikes, oh and just for fun he’s putting on a gravel race. It will have vibes, and you can still register for the early October event. It would be a shame not to mention the other local Driftless gravel races as well. Dairy Roubaix is currently run near Viroqua, WI, by Pete Taylor and the great folks at Blue Dog Cycles. And of course you have Trenton Raygor, who is a future entrant into the gravel hall of fame. He ran the Filthy 50 for 10 years before taking a pause this year, and it’s perhaps the most quintessential Driftless gravel race. He also is part of the crew that operates The Day Across Minnesota , 240 miles across the entire state, ending in the Wisconsin Driftless. What to Expect When You're Expecting a National Championship Ok, so enough of the history; what about the future? What can you expect when you come here to ride or race? I’m going to say bring your climbing legs and fast gravel tires. I’ve been riding and racing on gravel here for about 10 years and I’ve pretty much seen it all. Road surface: usually very fast. Occasionally fresh gravel but mostly smooth with some kitty litter over hardpack. Some folks will always be comfortable on bigger tires, but those who will be taking home national championships will be on fast rolling stock. I currently ride an allroad bike with clearance for 35c gravel tires and I’ve made it work. At the recent Hot Dish the conditions were right, and I actually won the 100k - but I sent it down Ope Hill because at heart I’m a mountain biker, so make sure you match your equipment with your ability. Twists and Turns Speaking of sending it… This is not Unbound. You won’t find many (any?) long straight flat roads on the gravel here. In fact, if the map has a straight line, it’s almost certainly 100 foot gravel rollers. Otherwise expect a lot of squiggly lines. The Bluffs Expect very hard hills (bring a low, low climbing gear) and very fast descents. I had a buddy lose traction on a decreasing radius turn halfway down a descent and he ended up crashing off the road at almost 40 miles an hour. Two ambulance rides and a week in the hospital with a collapsed lung later, he went home. And at the Hot Dish I’ve hit 50 miles an hour on one of the gravel descents…which I don’t recommend. Once the race courses are finalized I’ll do a detailed course analysis. For now, if you’re curious about places to stay and eat, check out my gravel biking guide for La Crosse ! I And if you want to come out for a warm up, I can highly recommend the La Crosse Omnium as a 3-day road race the first weekend in May. The gravel pros coming in 2025 won’t be the first pro racers here. A youthful Matteo Jorgenson (yeah the guy from the Tour), won the Omnium as a junior. And look where he is now… See You in the Driftless Region? In the early days of internet memes there was a nerdy nature lover who enjoyed neature. He thought it was pretty neat and wanted you to think so too. That’s how I feel about riding gravel in the Driftless region. I hope the midwestern puns didn’t put you off too much, because you’d really be missing out. The region is going to break through to the national scene; this isn’t a place you come to once a year because of the event. It’s a place you ride and it gets in your gravel soul, and you come to pre-ride, and then to race, and then just for vacation or fun or optional suffering, and maybe you even think about buying an affordable house in a great place. Let’s start with a visit first though, eh? See ya real soon! Chris Stindt has called La Crosse and the Driftless region home for almost 15 years. He fell in love with riding a bike here, and the cycling community is like family. Chris is the parent of two young riders, the Team Director for the NICA team (one of the largest in Wisconsin), race director for the La Crosse Omnium and ORA Trails Fest WORS race. He rides all the bikes, is a Jakroo All Star and is a regular contributor to the Nxrth. He also works part time for Wisconsin Bike Fed and full time for the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Reach out with any media or gravel inquiries, he’s excited to host everyone and share his love for the Driftless.

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

The second annual Coon Fork 40 is taking place on Saturday, Aug 24, 2024. The beach-to-beach woodsy adventure has 3 routes and includes 2 lakeside parties and free food and drink. On the fence? Check out some of the best parts about the adventure. To learn more or get registered, visit the Coon Fork 40 . The Nxrth is a partner of this event. Photos by Branden Nall, Michael Lundebrek, and Nick Meyer 5 New Things for the 2024 Coon Fork 40 The first year of the Coon Fork 40 in 2023 saw nearly 300 people come out to ride and hang out. 2024 is looking forward to even more riders and some upgrades to the inaugural year. Check out what's in store. 1. Brand New Finish Line & Final Mile They've reworked the finish line to drop everybody right in the heart of the beachside afterparty after riding along the wooded backwaters of Coon Fork Lake. 2. Chip Timing New for 2024, they're adding chip timing to ensure accurate info and same-day awards 3. Halfway Hang & Finish Line Party Enhancements Even more food, music, and good vibes for the beach to beach adventure. 4. New Bathrooms & Trails at the Finish Line Party Coon Fork is getting some upgrades which will make hanging out with friends and family even more comfortable. 5. Camping! Maybe this isn't entirely new but it's fun! Coon Fork campground is BEAUTIFUL. Bring your family or friends and make it an entire weekend of community and biking. Our Favorite 7 Things About This Year's Coon Fork 40 1. Brand New Finish Line & Final Mile Already mentioned above, but this will be fun. One of the new thing for 2024 is a brand new re-worked finished line and final mile of the Coon Fork 40 routes. The final mile takes you along the wooded backwaters of Coon Fork Lake and the finish line dumps everyone right into the fun of the After Party at the beach. 2. The Hidden Waterfall Bridge This is the bridge I drove right past a whole bunch of times and never knew it was there. It's nicely hidden and is the perfect way to start a mass rollout for a deep woods adventure. 3. Hundreds of Friends Scrambling Around the Woods Sure, there are three different routes with three different distances. But the fun part is seeing friends rambling all around the woods and having the halfway hang roughly in the middle of everyone's ride so that you can intersect with friends racing different distances and different speeds. Then the everyone congregates again at the final beach at the finish line and the community fun just continues. 4. Winding Wooded Roads Let's just say that a lot of text messages have been exchanged in a group effort to put all the best segments of these woods into the best possible gravel adventures for the three distances. It's a deep woods adventure and we take a lot of pride into inviting you into some of our favorite backyard winding gravel roads. 5. Stopping at the Halfway Hang Beach Party Coon Fork 40 is more about community than speed and this is especially true with the Halfway Hang and Finish Line Party. Both parties have enhancements for 2024 and we're already looking forward to intersecting with friends from different routes at both of these spots and enjoying some lakeside food and drink. 6. Off-Grid Double Track Segments Finding a great stretch of doubletrack is the creme de la creme of exploring the woods. They're tightly treelined and are an intimate way to experience a remote ride. These segments of single lane gravel tracks are sprinkled throughout the day and are all rewarding. 7. Lakeside After Party Your registration includes a free drink, free meal, and free friends. When the races are said and done, everything keeps going long after bike are put away. We'll be hanging around enjoying some awesome people in a beautiful place. Join the Adventure! Be a part of fun and get registered at the Coon Fork 40 .

Earlier this year we launched a Gravel Routes page with a bunch of Readers’ Routes (local gravel routes submitted by readers). And we want to add your favorite local gravel ride to the Readers’ Routes map. When you submit your favorite gravel route, we’ll add your name to the map. Plus you’ll also get a free Readers’ Routes patch.