A MIDWEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PUBLICATION
NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES FEBRUARY 2021
MOORE EXPO PROFILE ICE CLIMBING, SNOWSHOEING & FAT TIRE BIKING IN THE MIDWEST ENDLESS ADVENTURE WHY WE DO WINTER
SPECIAL PRE-EXPO COVERAGE INSIDE
contents
04 The Gear Bunker
32 Midwest Fat Tire Biking
08 Getting Comfortable
30 MOORE Expo Business Profile
16 Don't Fear the Drop 22 Disconnect to Reconnect
48 Zero Bearing Adventures 50 Winter Comfort
24 Endless Adventure
54 Why We Do Winter
CINDY POPE Publisher
Thank goodness for Chris Holloway. The Midwest needed an expo for the overlandy types and last year he delivered in spades with the MOORE Expo. This year the Expo has doubled in size and promises to bring you the best brands, the latest gear, the leading experts in the industry and the top names in overlanding. I am so happy to not only be at MOORE this year again, (thank you TC for sharing your space!) but I was honored to have been asked by Chris to put the expo show guide together. It was a privilege to work with the folks who contributed articles and those who supported the publication with ads.
Please take a look at the show guide linked above, you will recognize many of the sponsors and contributors. You will find more MOORE related content on pages 30, 43 & 44. Do yourself a favor and make it to the Midwest's largest adventure consumer travel show if you can, you will not regret it!
Northology Adventures Magazine has made all efforts to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor. All content is published in a good faith. Northology Adventures does not guarantee or accept liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by this magazine or errors in the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.All rights reserved and nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written consent. By using links in this magazine, you acknowledge that and agree that Northology cannot be held responsible and shall not be liable for content of other websites and advertisements.
WINTER CAMPING WITH A DIESEL HEATER As Old Man Winter casts his freezing breath upon the US, most of us don’t consider camping a viable activity. Only foolhardy souls would consider sleeping in a tent when the temperatures are in the teens, right? For the most part, yes, you’d be correct. Living in northern Michigan, I typically don’t consider driving through snowy trails and sleeping in a roof top tent this time of year. Until recently. As more people embrace vehicle based adventure, solutions to problems get creatively solved. Read the full story on The Gear Bunker website
keweenaw overland adventure retreat 9/16-19/2021 Ticket go on sale 3/1/2021 sponsor/exhibitor inquiries - koar.up@gmail.com
CUSTOM ADVENTURE TRIPS & ITINERARIES / OUTDOOR EVENTS / CONTENT CREATION / ADVENTURE MAGAZINE
WELDING, AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SANDBLASTING, PAINTING
adventure calendar
a summary of midwest and national events
January 1/22-24 Northology Winter Weekend, Copper Harbor, MI
20-40% OFF GAIA PREMIUM
February 2/13-14 MOORE- Midwest Overlanding Off Road Expo, Springfield, MO 2/26-27 Northology Winter Weekend, Copper Harbor, MI
March 3/12-14 Canoecopia (virtual) 3/19-21 Northology Winter Weekend, Copper Harbor, MI
submit your event at info.northologyadventures@gmail.com
GETTING COMFORTAB LE WI TH
overlanding It can be uncomfortable to dive into something completely new.
BY JASON FLETCHER ALLTHINGSOVERLANDING.COM
IF YOU VIEW LEARNING AND IMPROVING AS PART OF THE FUN OF OVERLANDING, THEN IT BECOMES A MUCH MORE FUN PROCESS AND REDUCES STRESS.
For a lot of people, overlanding can seem daunting. Like anything you haven’t done before or haven’t done a lot, it can be uncomfortable to dive into something completely new. Figuring out where to go can be a challenge. Deciding what GPS app you want to use for planning and then learning how to become a pro or even just competent, is tough. Looking at your gear and deciding what to prioritize for upgrades can be stressful. There are a ton of things that will be new or require some thought to get over the hump of what I call “analysis paralysis.” If you’re like me and you got into overlanding because you happened to like 4x4’s and stumbled upon some articles, Facebook groups, or YouTube videos, then you probably have a lot of ideas in your mind for goals and gear you want to purchase. Before that becomes stressful or pushes you away from overlanding, let me share an analogy that came to mind when I started overlanding. Think back to when you were a kid and you saw a professional basketball player or musician. They are amazing at what they do and you want to be just like them. However, that first time you picked up a basketball or instrument, you probably weren’t very good. Even six months later, you might be improving, but you’re not exactly getting calls from recruiters or agents.
THIS TRIP WAS HONESTLY KIND OF A CATASTROPHE AND COULD HAVE EASILY STOPPED ME FROM EVER WANTING TO OVERLAND AGAIN.
Getting started in overlanding was the same for me. I was so excited and started to buy stuff because I wanted to be an overlander like the ones I saw on YouTube. When it finally came time to take a trip, I suddenly clammed up and was like “What am I doing?” I didn’t have much gear and the stuff the 500K subscriber YouTuber said I had to have turned out not to be so useful. But, I took the trip and met some cool folks and had a great time despite all of my forgotten gear and poor planning and it hooked me. So, in this article, I’m going to talk a bit about some tips for how you can slowly work your way into overlanding to see if it’s right for you. It may not be for everyone, but I think if you give it a shot, you’ll discover something that not many people understand: that overlanding is a hidden gem among other travel options.
START SMALL On my first overlanding trip, I was a mess. I forgot important things like buns for my hot dogs. I had never used the new tent I bought so it took forever to get it set up and it happened to be pouring rain when we went. Since it was raining and my “cooking setup” was to use a fire to cook my hot dogs, I had to struggle
to get a small fire going with wet wood and literal junk mail that I had brought as my “fire starting” material so that made eating tough. Despite those challenges, the best part of that trip was driving trails and exploring. This trip was honestly kind of a catastrophe and could have easily stopped me from ever wanting to Overland again. I had camped a lot in my life and experienced stuff like this so, for me, it was more like a fun challenge to overcome, but that may not be the case for everyone. How can you avoid or reduce these types of failures as you get into Overlanding? Start by focusing not on all the issues or challenges at the same time, but rather focus on your top one or two issues so that you can achieve incremental improvements. In my example, getting comfortable with my gear and improving my cooking setup would be my two biggest focuses. As you start to solve issues one by one, new issues will emerge and you can resolve those to continually improve your setup. Now, let’s dive into prioritizing those upgrades and learnings.
PRIORITIZE UPGRADES AND NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE
You have to eat the elephant one bite at a time and not get bogged down in all the minutiae. The best way to do this is to prioritize what needs upgrading. This could apply to gear or knowledge.Think through all of the issues you faced once you got out there and took your first trip. I make a list on a sheet of paper after a trip and start with a header at the top with what the issue was. Then under that, I list out how that impacted the trip. Then, you can prioritize those issues and start solving the most pressing ones. Using my previous example, my lack of knowledge for how to set up and tear down my tent started off the trip on a pretty bad note. It also resulted in me and my gear getting soaked which negatively impacted the whole trip. I forgot an essential part of my dinner which was inconvenient but not a deal breaker. My cooking setup was very dependent on the environment and weather, so it could have left me without food.
As a result of that trip, I prioritized the cooking setup as my first priority because I didn’t ever want to have to worry about whether I’d be able to eat again. Once I did some research and picked up some new cookware and a portable stove, that fixed that issue. Next, I started watching videos for how to easily set up and tear down my tent. Then I practiced doing that a few times in the back yard so I’d be ready for my next trip. Lastly, I created a checklist to make sure that I planned for everything I would need (like hotdog buns) and wouldn’t forget anything on future trips. Once you’ve prioritized and started slowly solving any issues, your trips will continuously improve!
ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE
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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT We’ve got a plan for prioritizing and breaking out upgrades so now the last piece of the puzzle is the simplest. Just get out and do it. Go on trips. Test your rig, your gear, and your overall setup. You’ll learn every time you leave the house. How was packing? Was it a pain to get all the right gear in the right place or did you set up some Plano Crates where you store your gear in between trips so that it makes leaving quicker and more efficient? Again, I’ve been doing this for a few years and I wouldn’t say that I was very comfortable with all my gear or my setup until the last six to eight months. If I had to put a number on it, I believe I’ve been on probably fifty plus trips over the last few years with three or four of them being around five days in length and about 6-700 miles away. I finally now feel pretty comfortable with everything I use and where everything is stored so packing has gotten easier. I don’t say this to try to scare you away, but rather to prepare you that this process takes some time, but it’s also part of the fun as you grow within Overlanding. I’ve really enjoyed learning my gear and optimizing my setup to make it my own.
If you view learning and improving as part of the fun of Overlanding, then it becomes a much more fun process and reduces stress. I spend a lot of time thinking about and planning for trips and upgrades and it’s essentially made Overlanding a part of my lifestyle. If I go on a winter camping trip and freeze to death, then I’m thinking about that from then on and how to solve for it. As a result, I’ve gotten to a point where I’m super comfortable with Overlanding, with my rig, with my gear, with my navigational abilities (which still need a lot of work), and trips are more enjoyable. I can spend more time enjoying that rare chance to get out into nature and away from the daily grind. Now that I’m more comfortable, Overlanding is almost a spiritual experience that soothes my soul and I will never stop doing it. If you enjoyed this article, feel free to come hang out on my social media channels. I’d love to chat with you!
ALLTHINGS OVERLANDING.COM
DON'T FEAR
ASHLEY HARTMAN ON OTTAWA CANYON, STARVED ROCK STATE PARK, IL
THE
DROP FALLING IN LOVE WITH ICE CLIMBING WILL NELSON Many people dread the winter and dropping temperatures, but I can’t get enough of it! It’s the only time I get to actually enjoy one of my biggest pleasures: ice climbing. Due to the nature of the sport, it can only take place in the dead of winter. I always get funny looks when I cheer on the dropping temps. A few years ago, on my first day of work at a new job, I brought my lunch in an REI paper bag. Another one of the new employees, Jason, took notice and struck up a conversation with me about outdoors sports. After a while, he was able to move onto my shift, and that was the start of a life-long friendship. He rekindled my interest in climbing, which eventually led into going climbing in the winter!
I fell in love with ice climbing the first time he took me out. There’s just something about being 70 feet off the ground, getting views only a handful of other people will be able to see. The areas you can climb in are absolutely beautiful: frozen canyons, towering icefalls, serene winter forests, and majestic mountain faces. The biggest barrier for entry into climbing is the cost of gear. Ice tools, mountaineering boots, and crampons can easily cost over $1000. I am lucky, I have a partner who is outfitted, so I am able to borrow his older gear. Another way to get past the barrier is to find climbers who are looking to upgrade their equipment and buy their used gear. The Mountain Project Forums are a great resource for this.
WILL NELSON ON WILDCAT CANYON, STARVED ROCK STATE PARK, IL
In my opinion, the easiest way to get into ice climbing and see if it is for you is to visit a climbing area, rent gear, and hire a guide. This way you don’t need to know anyone or make any contacts. Trying on the different gear when renting is essential to finding the gear that fits the best for a comfortable day climbing. The biggest problem I have encountered with trying on gear, is that most brickand-mortar stores in the midwest don’t carry the ice and mountaineering gear in stock. You can order online, test fit, and then return if it doesn’t fit right, but that takes a lot of time between shipping and returning. The only store I know of that stocks ice gear is Down Wind Sports in Munising, MI.
Ice climbing festivals are often held in or near destinations for ice climbing. Bozeman, MT; Ouray, CO; and Munising, MI are just a few of the areas in the US that host festivals. Festivals usually have gear rentals, established routes, and sometimes even guides on the ropes. When I went to Michigan Ice Fest 2020 in Munising, MI, there were 7 or 8 ropes set up on The Curtains that had belayers. Down Wind Sports’ Munising location rents out different ice tools, mountaineering boots, and crampons to use and test out. Munising, and more specifically the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is probably the largest ice climbing area in the Midwest. In Illinois there is Starved Rock State Park. Michigan has several other areas to ice climb, but none have nearly as many climbs as the Munising area. Minnesota is the king of Midwest farmed ice. Casket Quarry in Duluth, Winona Ice Park, and Robinson Park in Sandstone all have water sprayed over the cliff edge to form man made ice falls. In Wisconsin, the Driftless Area holds the most climbs. There is Governor Dodge State Park, Wyalusing State Park, and even a few roadcuts and former quarries that seep water. Keep in mind that this list is not allinclusive, other areas do exist. JASON HARTMAN ON OTTAWA CANYON, STARVED ROCK STATE PARK, IL
Many people who know me know that I always try to include my family in anything I do, but ice climbing was the main outdoor activity that I didn’t include the family on (for good reason). With sub-freezing temperatures, lots of time with no activity, and the amount of danger, I just didn’t think that including the family was the best idea. That is, until this year! Jason and his wife met us at Governor Dodge State Park. It was a balmy January day at 34 degrees F, and the ice was fairly soft. Jason had brought his wife’s mountaineering boots that happened to fit both of my older daughters. He had also brought his pair of strap-on mountaineering crampons. We were able to use this combination of gear to allow the kids to try ice climbing for the first time! They were both stoked to try ice climbing after hearing me rant about it for the past few winters. G went first, followed quickly by L. They both topped out the 25 foot section, which made me a proud dad! L hasn’t climbed over 6 feet in a gym, but had no problem climbing the entire fall and getting lowered back down on top rope.
VINCE ON AN UNNAMED SEEP, PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE, MUNISING, MI
I can’t wait for my next chance to get on ice at my local area, Starved Rock. I am working with a group of climbers to secure and broaden access for ice climbers in the park. Hopefully, mother nature will cooperate with us this year.
BLACK DIAMOND COBRA ICE TOOLS, WILDCAT CANYON, STARVED ROCK STATE PARK, IL
JASON HARTMAN ON DRYER HOSE, PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE, MUNISING, MI
JOSH ROTAN
Adventure. Adventure. What calls us What calls us to to push push ourselves? ourselves? To get out of our comfort zones, to seek out To get out of our comfort zones, to seek out what what isis out out of of the the realm realm of of norm? One answer could be curiosity. We as human beings are naturally norm? One answer could be curiosity. We as human beings are naturally curious. curious. Look Look at at children, children, their their shaping shaping minds minds are are always always curious. curious. As As we we grow grow we we feel feel as as though though we we have have learned learned all all we we need need and and settle settle for for thinking thinking that that at at aa certain certain age age we we know know all all we we need. need. But But then, then, after after aa while, while, our our minds minds return return to to being being curious. curious. We We all all seek seek out out different different things things to to satisfy satisfy our our need need to to learn learn more. more. We We as as adventurers adventurers fill fill the the need need with with the the outdoors, outdoors, and connecting to and learning from what's around us and those who and connecting to and learning from what's around us and those who share share the interest. Another answer could also be the escape. A lot of us are the interest. Another answer could also be the escape. A lot of us are searching searching for for an an escape, escape, not not always always in in aa negative negative way, way, just just that that it's it's aa release release from from the the every every day, day, the the 99 to to 5, 5, the the societal societal machine. machine. AA way way to to reconnect reconnect and and keep keep ourselves ourselves grounded grounded and and level level headed, headed, keep keep our our bearings bearings so so to to speak speak -- the the disconnect disconnect to to reconnect. reconnect. The The wonder. wonder. The The ability ability to to seek seek out out the the things things that that make make our our jaws jaws drop, drop, the the beauty beauty of of nature nature and and the the breath breath taking taking views views and and scenery. scenery. Knowing Knowing that that somewhere somewhere along along the the journey there will be sights that the mind can't comprehend, that leave journey there will be sights that the mind can't comprehend, that leave us us wondering how and why, and seeking the next thing that shakes our core wondering how and why, and seeking the next thing that shakes our core with with one one simple simple view. view. The The limits. limits. To To some some just just using using the the escape escape as as aa way way to to push push one's one's self self to to the the edge edge of of our our limits, limits, both both physically physically and and mentally. mentally. Taking Taking on on challenges challenges for for the the benefit benefit of of learning learning and and building building ourselves ourselves beyond beyond day day to to day day life. life. The The people. people. One One cannot cannot write write about about what what motivates motivates them them to to adventure adventure and and explore explore without without acknowledging acknowledging the the people people and and the the relationships relationships built built from from being being around around the the people people that that share share the the same same passions. I know I sure have. The closest people to me I have gained passions. I know I sure have. The closest people to me I have gained from from my love of 4x4s and the outdoors. The people we meet often times become my love of 4x4s and the outdoors. The people we meet often times become more more than than just just friends, friends, we we consider consider them them family family aa lot lot of of times. times. These These are are surely surely not not all all of of the the answers. answers. Everyone Everyone isis different, different, but but everyone everyone isis the the same. same. We We all all share share aa passion passion for for the the outdoors, outdoors, travel, travel, beauty. beauty. What What drives drives us us isis innately innately different different for for each each individual individual person, person, but but brings brings us us to to aa common common past past time. time. What What drives drives you? you? Stay Stay adventurous, adventurous, friends. friends.
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ENDLESS ADVENTURE
THINGS I’VE LEARNED ON THE ROAD WRITTEN BY DELIA MO PHOTOS BY ENOCH LEISURE
SO AFTER ONE YEAR ON THE ROAD, HAVE WE LEARNED ANYTHING?
1) Minimizing my life Before: I lived in a studio apartment by myself in
I can’t speak for Enoch but growing up as a
the Bay Area of California. I had a lot of stuff!
city girl in Brooklyn, NY to living in a car, I was
Now: I started the trip with 2 large plastic
definitely shell shocked in the beginning. Let
totes filled with clothes and “necessities.” I
me tell y'all about my personal experience,
now have all of my clothes in a hiking
before and after I entered this lifestyle.
backpack, an electronics bag and a duffle
Here we go:
bag with my adventure gear.
2) Camping every night Before: I had never camped before this trip. Whenever I traveled, I always stayed in houses or hotels. If I was cold, I could always go back to wherever I was staying to be warm.
Now: We camp almost every night. We’ve had a few times where we stayed at friends/family’s houses or hotels. I now
appreciate the indoors a lot more! If I’m cold I have to bundle up and go straight into the sleeping bag (the only warm place we have besides the car during our drives). This goes along with sleeping and waking up in different types of weather. We’ve experienced high winds, rain, snow, below
freezing temperatures and hot desert temperatures. I’m a bit surprised but glad that the tent has withheld all of this and has a great shelter for us in all of these conditions.
3) Access to bathrooms Before: I always had access to a bathroom/shower at home, a hotel or friends/family’s houses. Because I was always in a building with facilities, I never had to worry about holding anything in or if the facilities are clean. I could take a hot shower anytime I wanted.
Now: Because we are camping every night, if I need to use the bathroom, I have to bundle up, climb out of the tent and pop a squat. Things get a bit more TMI during a time of the month (#femaleproblems). I’ve gotten used to waiting until we can drive to an actual bathroom or a pit toilet, or just popping a squat wherever we are.Showers are a rare thing now, especially post quarantine. We’ve stayed in some RV parks/ campgrounds to use their shower facilities (my first time doing both.) Since quarantine, a lot of the campground showers have been closed which has made showering even more difficult. If you require a shower everyday, this is not the lifestyle for you. We shower about every 3-5 days on the road. It’s not pretty but I’ve become used to it.
4) Cleaning/ I can’t be lazy Before: If anyone knows me, they know that I’m not keen on cleaning. I never made my bed, my clothes were usually scattered all over my couch and after cooking I usually left the dishes in the sink or used a dishwasher to clean them.
Now: We have to set up the tent every night and pack up the tent every morning. No longer can I just collapse into bed at the end of a long day or leave my bed unmade in the morning.
Whenever we make any food, we have to clean our dishes right after we finish eating so that we can put everything away and go to sleep. Can’t leave any remnants of food out as we don’t know what kind of animals may be around. So now, I really have no way of being lazy and I’ve become pretty efficient with the tent and our kitchen area. #liveandlearn
5) Learning how to make/cook on a fire Before: I’ve never had to make a fire since I had never camped before. I’ve hung around fire pits but was never the one to start the fire. Generally most of the fires I’ve cooked on were started with lighter fluid.
Now: I’ve learned how to build a fire ring with large rocks I find lying around. I’ve learned how to gather different types of wood/sticks to burn. I’ve also learned that after the wood finishes burning is the best time to start cooking on top of the glowing embers. You can call me a woman of nature now.
6) Time to myself Before: I lived in a studio by myself. If I didn’t feel like being social I just stayed home. I always had my own space to go and relax and do whatever I wanted.
Now: Enoch and I live out of a Nissan Xterra and an adventure trailer with a roof top tent. We spend 24/7 together. There’s nowhere for me to go if I want to really be by myself. The closest thing we have to separate rooms is: when we have the tent set up, that is the upstairs area and the car is the downstairs area. We can be in separate areas to chill but at the end of the day we both fall asleep together, wake up together and travel in a car together. So far we haven’t gotten sick of each other yet. =P
7) Beautiful sunsets Before: I’ve always loved seeing sunsets.
8) Learning to overland Before: I had no idea what the word overland
Anytime I had the chance to photograph one
meant. I didn’t even know it was a word.
I would try to capture it. Because I regularly
Now: I’ve learned that overlanding is a
worked a day job, I rarely got to sit outside
lifestyle that’s all about the journey to a
and watch a sunset from start to finish. I
destination and not just the destination itself.
would see glimpses of the sunset on my
We take all of the roads less traveled to see
commute home but by the time I got home it
as much of each area as we can. We camp
was usually already dark.
on BLM land and in National Forests because
Now: I’ve seen every sunset every day since
they are primitive campsites that provide us
we started the trip. It’s beautiful how the sky
with an undisturbed connection to nature.
changes colors and depending on where we
to its beauty. I get excited to see the sunset
9) Meeting like-minded people Before: When I first mentioned this trip to
everyday as it’s always different and once the
friends/family everyone was very supportive
sun sets, I can start stargazing (something I
of it. Everyone spoke about how they wish
was never able to do in the city). I really get
they had the courage to do a trip like this, but
to experience nature’s beauty from start to
at the end of the day there is always
finish everyday.
something that prevents us from taking the
are, the backdrops to the sunsets add more
risky leap or we say “one day.” I decided to change this thought process for myself. “If not now, then when?” is the motto I started living by after moving from New York to California. Enoch gave me the chance to live out my “one day” dream.
Now: It’s been one year since we embarked on the trip. We’ve met a few people along the way that are living a similar lifestyle. Each person had a different mode of transportation (a converted van, bus and trailer), but every one of them are living their life on the road and loving it. We’ve also interacted with other overlanders and Xterra owners on Instagram. We share our trips, ideas, rigs and support for one another. It’s amazing to find such a large community for this lifestyle that I had just recently learned about. I’m so happy I decided to take this trip and am excited for the future.
10) Endless adventures Before: Any time I traveled or took a trip, it was planned. I picked a location, the dates of travel, my accommodations, excursions etc. All of the trips had a beginning and an end.
Now: We only really preplan our days when it comes to visiting certain national parks. We usually live each day as it comes. Without an end date, we don’t have to pack multiple activities into a select number of days. We can casually choose what we want to do and just do it. If we don’t have time to do something we can just do it the next day. There’s no rush to complete things which allows us to just be.
We’ve visited 46 out of now 63 National Parks (they just added a new one in West Virginia), so far. Who knows when I would’ve been able to visit all of these places had I not started this trip. To conclude, it’s been a hell of a ride, a huge life change and learning process but there are no regrets. I look forward to continuing this trip, reaching our goal, and seeing what will come next. Follow along on Instagram @moleisurexventures.
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PHOTO BY CHAD BERGER
THE ART OF FATBIKING BY CINDY POPE PHOTOS BY CHAD BERGER, BEN WICKLUND, JOE KRELLE. DERICK ANGARA AND CINDY POPE
According to Wikipedia, "a fatbike (also called fat bike, fat tire, fat-tire bike, or snow bike) is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires... designed for low ground pressure to allow riding on soft, unstable terrain, such as snow, sand, bogs and mud. Fatbikes are built around frames with wide forks and stays to accommodate the wide rims required to fit these tires. The wide tires can be used with inflation pressures as low as 340 hPa; 0.34 bar (5 psi) to allow for a smooth ride over rough obstacles. Fatbikes were invented for use in snow and sand, but are capable of traversing diverse terrain types including snow, sand, desert, bogs, mud, pavement, or traditional mountain biking trails.
Winter wonderland at Sidie Hollow County Park
PHOTO BY CHAD BERGER
"Sometimes the journey to the bike ride is the fun part." -Chad Berger
PHOTO BY CHAD BERGER
PHOTO BY CHAD BERGER
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PHOTO BYDERICK ANGARA
PHOTO BYDERICK ANGARA
PHOTO BYDERICK ANGARA
"Fat Bikes definitely help extend the biking season. Especially with the pandemic, it’s a great way to have fun and hang out with friends who enjoy the outdoors." -Derick Angara
PHOTO BYDERICK ANGARA
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I have hated winter most of my life. For me it has always meant that there was no camping, no biking, no 4x4, and being stuck inside. Most winters I have struggled with Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome (SADS). The combination of being cooped up inside, and not doing the things I love made getting through winter difficult. Then in 2014 I got my first fat bike and it changed my winter life. It was a learning curve for sure. How do you dress, how you ride, and where you ride. How you keep your water from freezing and yourself. I found that the worse the weather, the more I enjoyed getting out and testing my limits. It was a challenge unlike anything I had done before and it was just what I needed to make winter interesting again. I started looking at maps in new ways, because now there was new places to explore and see. Any place that was popular for cross country skiing is a paradise on one of these machines! -Joe Krelle PHOTO BY JOE KRELLE
PHOTO BY JOE KRELLE
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PHOTO BY JOE KRELLE
PHOTO BY JOE KRELLE
"I found that the worse the weather, the more I enjoyed getting out and testing my limits." -Joe Krelle
PHOTO BY JOE KRELLE
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PHOTO BY BEN WICKLUND
"I love the oddity of winter cycling. No one expects to see a guy purposely on a bike in a snow storm." -Ben Wicklund
PHOTO BY BEN WICKLUND
PHOTO BY BEN WICKLUND
"Winter biking is great, often people forget how scenic the winter season can be. I often say it's the best time to ride if you're riding for views. Take all those areas that are too boring to ride during the summer and ride them. The snow adds enough challenge to keep things exciting. Come summer the usual areas are all new to you and your fitness level is still at a level high enough to conquer them. The snow adds a unique character to the riding environment. The trees no longer block your view, likewise the insects and other trail users also no longer block up the trails. It's like the purest form of solo riding. When the snow hits and you're the first person making tracks though the virgin environment it doesn't matter where it is, on a city bike path or a in some desolate woods. It just feels so good to paint those first tire marks, it remains in your mind as one of the greatest cycling moments." -Ben Wicklund
Places to ride Noquemanon Trail Network, Marquette, MI Dickinson Trail Network, Norway, MI Munising Bay Trail Network, Munising, MI Winman Trails, Vilas County, WI Sidie Hollow, Vernon County, WI Atwood Park, Rockford, IL Palos Trail System, Cook County, IL
Don't leave ruts!
Make sure you are riding at least a 3.8" tire and if you are leaving a rut, adjust your tire pressure or try again when conditions are better.
Tire pressure
Central Wisconsin Offroad Cycling Coaltion (CWOCC) recommends "1-4 psi for a “soft groomed surface,” and 6-8 psi for “hard surface and base.” You may have to adjust depending on weight."
Groomed trails Make sure the trail is open to fatbikes. Check the info & signage at the trailhead, not all nordic, snowshoe or snowmobile trails are open to fabikes.
Have fun!
PHOTO BY CINDY POPE
"I love getting outside whenever I can and I don't mind if people think I'm crazy." -Cindy Pope PHOTO BY CINDY POPE
PHOTO BY CHAD BERGER
Welcome to the monthly business profile feature where we ask our supporters to tell us about their business and their outdoor passions & pursuits. In this edition, Chris Holloway talks about the upcoming MOORE Expo.
MOORE EXPO
FEBRUARY 13-14 2021
OZARK EMPIRE FAIRGROUNDS SPRINGFIELD, MO Founder- Chris Holloway MooreExpo.com "The Midwest’s #1 Adventure Travel Consumer Show"
After several years of unsuccessfully trying to coordinate a family trip to Expo East or West, Chris Holloway decided that the midwest needed to have their own place for this community to gather and the Midwest Overlanding and Off Road Expo was born.
"Logistically it has been near impossible to dedicate the amount of time and money involved in such a trip," says Holloway. MOORE Expo solves that problem with a Midwest expo that delivers the latest in adventure travel innovations, offroad aftermarket parts, and the best overall experience you would expect from an event like this, where likeminded adventure travelers can come together. What is the one thing you want people to know about MOORE? "I would want people to know that this event was created and made for them, for all of us. The Midwest has needed an event like this for as long as off-roading and camping have been combined and we are so thankful that it has come to fruition. The MOORE Expo is unlike any other vehicle based adventure travel show in the US. I would also like to bring attention to and thank everyone who has supported us, without our community, we could not do what we do." What is different and new about this year's event? "This year MOORE Expo will double in size. We will have over 100 exhibitors, in over 85,000 square feet of indoor floor space. We have
exciting vendors that will be bringing in industry experts and high profile influencers. You will have the opportunity to meet your favorite YouTube, IG, or video personality and see the rigs behind their channels. This year you will be able to drive a RAM Truck over an obstacle the size of a small house, or discuss South American travel routes with adventurers who have "been there, done that". What is the future of MOORE? "In 2021 you can expect to see much more MOORE, we have lots of plans in store for our Midwest Community. Our goal for the year is to offer two other exciting events. We plan to get more involved with the active sports lifestyle enthusiasts and find more ways to bring adventure to our community. We have plans to support the Midwest in as many ways as possible, and we are excited for the years to come.
MOORE EXPO 2021 DAILY SCHEDULE AND ADMISSION: Saturday, February 13: Expo Hall Gates Open 9am to 6pm Sunday, February 14: Expo Hall Gates Open 9am to 3pm Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield, MO www.MOOREExpo.com
TRAILS END CAMPGROUND
RUSTIC CABINS & CAMPING 14203 M26 Copper Harbor, Michigan
TELL YOUR STORY
NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES DIGITAL MAGAZINE A FREE MONTHLY PUBLICATION FOCUSED ON THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURIST WE BRING THE SILENT SPORTS & MOTOR SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS OF THE UPPER MIDWEST TOGETHER AT THE OVERLAND CAMPFIRE EMAIL US AT INFO.NORTHOLOGYADVENTURES @GMAIL.COM FOR DETAILS ON CONTENT SUBMISSION OR TO INQUIRE ABOUT AD RATES SUBSCRIBE AT NORTHOLOGYADVENTURES.COM
Adventure Awaits
Johnny Gladstone, a well known artist had an unexpected medical emergency. He has a small business and fiance with three kids to care for and needs our inspiration along with some financial assistance. A few dollars from each one of us can go a long way. You could also help with his recovery by visiting his website and purchasing one of his unique framed art creations or a beautiful piece of jewelry.
Introducing ZERO BEARING ADVENTURES. We thought this was a cool addition, if you do too, please let us know. Better yet, send an encouraging email to Mike at wilcophotoadvn@gmail.com to let him know you want to see more of this in future issues of the mag!
Happy Trails. I'm Mike Tobin and I run Zero Bearing Adventures, an adventure page on Instagram where I focus on trips that are not planned. I am based out of Washington State. What you are about to read is the first installment of my Ultimate Survival Comic. Using pictures from my trips and others that have donated I am able to make a compelling story about a group of Overlanders caught in the unknown after MT. Rainer has erupted cutting them off from the rest of the state. I hope you enjoy it. Very Respectfully, Mike Tobin
Southern Wisconsin's Leading Jeep & Truck Accessory / Fabrication Shop
performanceoffroadwi.com 262-372-3173 waukesha, wi
Custom off road trailers, accessories & gear
g3fabrication.com
to be continued...
WINTER COMFORT
FOOD, COFFEE AND ROAD TRIP TUNES ELWOOD TOAST
@CoffeeToastRunner
February. Comfort food (with some nutrition too), coffee and music. What better time than smack dab in the middle of winter to write about such tasty fare and tunes? These items have all found their way into my 'favorites' category and yes, my coffee cupboard has a great aroma these days. Peet's Signature Blend Big Bang Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee. I chose Big Bang (pictured above) on a whim simply because the name caught my attention. I prefer dark roast and their Mrs. Dickason's dark roast was my first taste of Peet's. Big Bang is a very flavorrich, full-bodied medium roast. I purchased their 10.5 oz bag of whole bean and a week later it was gone. Like most whole beans, Big Bang is best when consumed shortly after grinding and brewing. A great tasting robust coffee for those long winter road trips.
Black Thunder Whole Bean Medium Roast Coffee from Meg's Daily Grind. Fair Trade and Organic Coffees Available.Meg's is a local coffee shop in Rockford, IL. They offer many different coffees, drinks and pastries. Their Black Thunder Whole Bean (pictured above) has been a personal favorite for years. A full bodied medium that for years I thought was a dark roast! If you are driving through Rockford on your way up north be sure to stop in one of their locations and pick up a bag to go. Remember, grind, brew, drink for best flavor. Also available ground. Natural Brew Basket Style Coffee Filters Coffee filters make a difference when brewing your own coffee. Natural Brew (pictured above), manufactured by Rockline Industries in Sheboygan, WI these brown, natural filters are not bleached white thus avoiding the bleach and chemicals associated with the white versions. A side convenience is brown filter is easier to separate, important on those camping trips or bleary-eyed mornings at home. Hint: your sandwiches will stay fresher longer if wrapped in these same brown Natural Brew filters.
Brownberry Country Style Oatmeal Bread Brownberry has returned to their roots and is making some very good flavorable, healthy and fresh breads. The Country Style Oatmeal is lightly brown and makes for a great tasting slice of toast or sandwich. HINT: Toast this and top it off with honey from Running Bee Apiary All Natural Honey. Country Style is a good partner with a smooth tasting honey. Also recommended: Brownberry's 100% Whole Wheat bread. The Whole Wheat is best with heartier toppings, even peanut butter.
Running Bee Apiary All Natural Honey
MATCH Gender Specific Nutrition Bar Not Just Another Glorified Candy BarMinneapolis, MN based MATCH Nutrition offers gender optimized nutrition bars in two great tasting flavors, almond/dark chocolate and blueberry almond. As there specification sheet describes there is "no artificial anything" and they are clean, no GMO and gluten free. You can order them via the company website at mymatchbar.com Use code northology20 to receive 20% off of your order. HINT: They go great with coffee.
Running Bee Apiary is located in Pecatonica, Illinois. Local Terri Lundberg raises 'her girls' (bees) and makes honey on their farm. All locally raised and made honey. No additives or bad stuff. Terri is a fellow trail runner who enjoys keeping her family and friends up to date on Facebook. If you are passing through on a road trip be sure to call her at 815-4823610 ahead of time, place an order and set a pickup appointment. She can also ship for an additional charge. Made in small batches from Terri's bee family, each 'season' tastes slightly different. This natural honey tastes mellow and smooth and not overly sweet. Wonderful stuff.
February Recommended Music To Drink Coffee and Eat Toast By
Herbie Hancock - Takin' Off > Jazz keyboard legend's first album. A classic.
Over The Rhine - Films For Radio > Smart rock with a message from this Ohio based duo
GoGo Penguin - V2.0 (Deluxe Edition) > High energy piano jazz trio.
WHY WE DO W I N T E R COPPER HARBOR WINTER WEEKENDS
If you were to walk a mile or two with us as the snow softly fell in the woods and the waves lapped the icy shore at the gap, you too might fall in love.
"Hunter's Point is the name of a nonhilly point, running out from the west into Lake Superior. It was named for an early settler of the area named Mr. Hunter who owned a tract of land on what is now Hunter's Point. He is buried in the Fort Wilkins Cemetery. Today Hunter's Island is a Grant Township park, hosting a wide variety of both flora and fauna alike. It is also a wellknown stop for migratory birds." -Wikipedia The hot coca was flowing and the marshmallows were roasting as the kids made a luge slide in the snow between the cabins and the adults chatted at the fireside. The rustic cabins at Trails End are a perfect way to feel like you are roughing it yet still be able to keep warm and sheltered. The solar lighting and 12 volt and USB charging ports are a nice convenience.
Surprise! We had some fun giveawaysPhil won a backpack with a first aid kit and Sarah was thrilled to win a set of MidlandUSA X-Talker radios. On Saturday and Sunday mornings we were treated to coffee and the most amazing wild bilberry and blueberry muffins made by our host, Donica. She led us on a snowshoe hike to Hunter's Point Park on Saturday. The coolest thing about staying at Trails End is that you can hike right from your doorstep! Rocktown Adventures supplied snowshoes for those who did not have them and after a few minutes we were off, hiking towards the park through the softly falling snow. Donica promised a fairy tale path and weaving through the cedars and pines along the shore around the harbor was truly magical . Standing at Hunter's Point and looking across the gap to Porters Island, some of us vowed to return in warmer weather to paddle around the harbor.
After the snowshoe hike, we rested, cleaned up and then went to visit the historic Keweenaw Mountain Lodge for hot cocoa and a bonfire. The lodge has been grooming trails for snowshoeing, skiing and fat tire biking, we might have to check that out on a future visit. We then returned to the cabins at Trails End and after eating dinner we again gathered around the bonfire for more conversation and possibly a cup of cheer. Did you know that whiskey is pretty delicious in hot chocolate? Our next Copper Harbor Winter Weekends are February 26-28 and March 19-21. Join us and see why Copper Harbor is the perfect winter getaway.
Trails End Campground http://www.copperharbor.org/ https://keweenawmountainlodge.com/ https://rocktownadventures.com/
For more information about these events, visit NORTHOLOGYADVENTURES.COM
photo by UP Jeeping