LIFE BEHIND (HANDLE) BARS. Josh Rizzo starts The Nxrth to share his love of biking with the local biking community. (Submitted image)

Whether you're an avid cyclist or just starting out, one new biking blog – The Nxrth – aims to give insights into all things biking in the Northwoods of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, thanks to one Eau Claire resident. 

“I want to build a community that is 100% focused on our backyard adventures,” said creator Josh Rizzo. “There are zillions of websites that cover biking, but they all cover the whole country. Occasionally they’ll cover a big event in Wisconsin or Minnesota, but there’s so much going on here. There are so many beautiful places; there are incredible gravel bike events; we have world-class trails and wilderness areas. There is so much just to tell about the Northwoods." 

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I want to build a community that is 100% focused on our backyard adventures.

Josh Rizzo

The Nxrth

The Nxrth’s main focus will be on gravel biking, fat tire biking, and bikepacking, which Rizzo feels are the most important elements of the adventure-cycling family. The blog notably features upcoming events and Ride Reports, including drone footage from recent routes. 

“I like the freedom that bikes offer,” Rizzo said. “I bike all over the place so I don’t have to plan for exercise. I don’t go to the gym. It’s just built into my life.”

Rizzo will be sharing stories and photos from the many trips he has planned this year, such as the Fat Bike Birkie in March, an annual summer bikepacking trip, and a 100-mile gravel race in October. 

“Head out off the beaten trail, grab a friend,” Rizzo suggests. “Once you get off the main road in the Northwoods, all three of our states have tons of beautiful gravel roads that are perfect for bike adventures.”

To learn more about Rizzo's cycling adventures, or to connect with the local cycling community, visit thenxrth.com  or  facebook.com/thenxrth.