THE WORLD HEADQUARTERS
OF WINTER RIDING FANATICS
ARROWHEAD 135 - 10AM
Love adventure? Well, "adventure lover" meet Arrowhead 135. It's a race that could chill the hearts of any but the most courageous, as you ride, walk or ski across the treacherous wilderness of northern Minnesota in the dead of winter. Race organizer and all around tough man, David Pramann will present all the information you need on this ultra-endurance event. Dave has collected another year of epic tales to share with us. Learn the strategies, hear the stories and see the pictures of the ultimate winter challenge: the Arrowhead 135.
45NRTH - 11AM
45NRTH, the brand inspired directly by the hardy Minnesota winter rider. In a land where the “winter” riding season doesn’t start until we see 20 below, our idea of cold weather is slightly different than our counterparts from the lesser 49 states. 45NRTH's mission: produce the best products for the most critical parts of the winter ride. Head. Feet. Traction. Last year 45NRTH's debut product, the Hüsker Dü tire was a breakout success. This year the phenomenal Wölvhammer boot is expected to be the most in-demand product of winter cycling. Brand Manager David Gabrys will be discussing the technology behind the Wölvhammer boot and the Dillinger studded fat tire.
TIRE AND WHEEL SCIENCE - 12 NOON
As every bicyclist knows, not all tires are created equal. Go beyond looking at the tread to learning the effects of a tire's compounds, beads, sidewalls and casings. Discover the ideal rubber to confidently meet any road - even one covered in ice. Freewheel's in-house mad scientist Karl Stoerzinger, founder and visionary behind Freespoke, will be discussing tire and stud designs, as well as wheel theory.
WINTER BIKEPACKING - 1PM
Winter bike camping is among the most fun and challenging things you’ll every attempt on your bike. Like any activity in the freezing cold, staying safe takes knowledge and preparation. With his many years of cold weather bike camping and gear research, Don has gathered a library of information to share with fellow adventure seekers. Don has spent countless hours learning what works, what doesn’t, and what mistakes have the potential to lead to desperate situations. Don’s advice, delivered in his straight, no-nonsense manner, will save you time, money, and potentially your life.
WINTERIZE YOUR RIG - 2PM
Since 1974 Freewheel has been scraping the winter crud off the bikes of the most dedicated population of riders in the country. Nearly 4 decades of experience has made us keenly aware of what keeps bikes rolling through the harsh winter months. With the evolution of lubricant technology over the last few years, we can help you be better equipped than ever before. Shop chief, Pete Hamer will walk you through the supplies, equipment, and technical knowledge needed to face the challenge of winter riding.
WINTER COMMUTING - 3PM
Our very own Stepheno has spent the last 15 winters bicycle-commuting on the streets of Minneapolis and St Paul. From 40 below to slush-city this seminar will offer practical advice on everything a winter rider needs to know to stay safe and comfortable through even the most intimidating weather conditions. Stephen will cover safe winter riding technique, equipment essentials, and how to avoid dangerous surprises. If you are considering riding this winter, this seminar will help get you past the intimidation and make it a reality.
ADVENTURE BY BIKE - 4PM
"Adventure by bike" is a freeing expression that avoids needlessly categorizing your riding style. Instead, concisely stating that riding is fun. Salsa Cycles has driven their brand down this path of freedom.. Their line of bikepacking products is an obvious effort to seek out this state. And their films provide off the bike reminders of how much fun life can be when you start taking fun seriously. Salsa Cycles product designer Sean Mailen will be presenting a beginner's guide to bikepacking and gear essentials, and a short film made while bikepacking the famous Tour Divide route.