S6 E11: The Road Less Paved: Biking the Wild North — with Josh Rizzo

Biking in the Superior Country is more than just a way to get around—it’s a way of life. From gravel roads to rugged trails to family bike packing along Big Blue’s shoreline, the region offers two-wheeled adventure in every season. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Josh Rizzo, founder of thenxrth.com—an adventure site dedicated to unpaved cycling across three states--Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Josh shares how biking became a lifelong passion, and how he’s started bringing his kids along for multi-day trips. He tells what makes this corner of the world such a rich landscape for two-wheeled travel. Whether you’re a road, gravel, mountain or fat biker, or even just curious about the lure of riding, Josh’s stories are sure to inspire you to hop in the saddle.  

Key Takeaways + Notable Quotes:

-A Lifelong Love of Cycling Sparked by Childhood Adventures
“My earliest memories in life were on a bike.”
Josh Rizzo’s biking journey began with childhood rides along the Chippewa River State Trail with his dad and sisters—memories that shaped his passion for exploration and outdoor adventures.

-Why the Lake Superior Region Is a Cyclist’s Paradise
Josh highlights the appeal of the Lake Superior region for cyclists: scenic towns, abundant water routes, and endless opportunities for gravel biking, mountain biking, and bikepacking.

-Bikepacking as a Family Tradition—Even With a 10-Month-Old
Josh and his family embrace adventure by bike—proving that even toddlers can be part of meaningful, challenging, and memorable outdoor experiences.

-Fat Biking Brings All Cyclists Together in Winter
Regardless of their summer biking style, winter unites all cyclists—making fat biking a special part of the community and culture in the Northwoods.

-Thenxrth.com Is a Home for Off-Road Cycling Adventure
Josh created the site to help others explore the region he loves, offering route guides, event listings, and community storytelling for all kinds of cyclists.

-Which State Is Best for Biking? It Depends.
 “I think Minnesota has the best gravel biking... Wisconsin owns the crown for fat biking... the Upper Peninsula is the adventure capital.”

Resources:

TheNxrth – Gravel, Fat, Mountain & Bikepacking Routes – https://www.thenxrth.com

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/the_nxrth/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thenxrth

Connect With Us:

Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability.
 Learn more: https://cafeimports.com

National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks: https://nplsf.org/donate

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Josh Rizzo share his lifelong passion for biking, what makes the Lake Superior region a cyclist’s dream, and how families of all ages can embrace adventure on two wheels.