August 1, 2024

The Remedy for FOMO is Simple: GIGAFO
“Give It Gas and Find Out.” This becomes our mantra as we embark on the Great Northern Adventure Route (GNAR). Seven souls, united by a thirst for adventure, are set to traverse twelve hundred miles of wild landscapes in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The machines: four pre-production CFMOTO Ibex 450s and three Ibex 800Ts, each prepped and ready to take on the rugged terrain ahead.

The Riders: A Motley Crew of Adventurers
Our group is as diverse as the landscapes we ride through. Kyle, the videographer, captures every moment with his artist’s eye. Justin, our expedition leader, rides with steady throttle and quiet confidence. Stephen, the historian, narrates the land’s rich backstory, while Bjorn, our navigator, keeps us on course. Brad, the Good Vibes Officer, keeps our spirits high, especially when the trail gets tough. Bree, the storyteller, turns the journey into an unforgettable narrative. And Bill, the CFMOTO guy, tends to our machines like an expert, never missing a beat.

Riding the GNAR: The Route and the Ride
The Great Northern Adventure Route is not just a path—it’s an experience. Using the REVER app, the GNAR unfolds over 1,200 miles in six days. We begin in Minnesota’s dense forests and end at Michigan’s rugged shores, weaving through gravel roads, two-track, and pavement. Every stretch presents its own challenges, while each campsite or motel becomes a haven of camaraderie and reflection. We climb a fire tower, pass lakes that seem to stretch endlessly, and discover the vastness of Lake Superior—a first for some of us.

REVER: More Than a Navigation Tool
REVER doesn’t just get us from point A to point B. It’s a community of adventurers who believe the world is best experienced on two wheels. With over 2 million users worldwide, REVER allows riders to plan, share, and turn dreams into adventures. For us, it becomes a lifeline, guiding us through the wild beauty of the Great North.

What Is The GNAR?
The GNAR is a newly forged path, stretching from northern Minnesota’s woods to the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Crafted by REVER user and rider Stephen Wisner, it takes adventurers through some of the most remote and untouched regions of the upper Midwest. With dirt roads, serene lakes, and hidden treasures, it offers a unique blend of challenge and beauty, making it approachable for riders of all levels.

A Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Riders
Our crew, aged between 26 and 58, bonds over shared passion and the challenges of the trail. Whether crossing rivers or carving through mud, our collective rallying cry of “GIGAFO!” echoes our spirit of determination. Every obstacle faced strengthens our camaraderie, reminding us that adventure is as much about the people as it is about the road.

Neal Peart’s Wisdom on the Road
“The secret to a settled life is to keep moving. The moment I become idle is the moment atrophy sets in—physical, mental, emotional. A motorcycle idles, waiting for its human to rotate the throttle. Now you need somewhere to go. But more than that, something to accomplish.” —Neal Peart, Ghost Rider These words echo in our minds as we ride the GNAR. Adventure isn’t just about getting somewhere—it’s about the journey and the stories we collect along the way.

Moments of Pure Riding Bliss
The pavement ends, and I twist the throttle. A green tunnel of trees surrounds me as I fly through the forest. Eyes locked on the next bend, I feel an unbreakable bond with my Ibex. This sensation—the freedom, the connection—is something I’ll crave long after the ride is over.

Oh Shi-ver Moments
The North holds its secrets tight, including its unpredictable weather. A season of rains turns dry trails into muddy challenges, testing our adaptability. There are moments when the rain beats down on us, soaking us to the bone. But that’s part of the adventure—knowing that discomfort is just another challenge to push through.

Pack Light, Ride Free
We’ve all learned one thing: pack light. Less gear means more freedom. We share tools, carry minimal gear, and fuel our bodies with gas station snacks. The lighter our load, the more enjoyable the ride.

The Roadside Feast
Finding a good meal on the road isn’t always easy. When local diners let us down, we improvise: bread, salami, cheese, Doritos, and Nut Rolls—a feast for hungry riders. With grins on our faces, we realize that it’s the simplest moments, shared with good company, that often bring the most joy.

Camping vs. Motels: Where We Sleep
Some nights, we camp under the stars; other nights, we find solace in a hot shower at a motel. Each offers its own kind of comfort, and both have their place on a journey like this. State parks are our sanctuaries, though weekend crowds remind us to plan ahead.

Highlights from the Route

  • Day 1: Hayes Lake to Crane Lake — Skirting the Canadian border, we traverse forests and peatlands, ending the day with a swim in a warm lake and a good meal.
  • Day 2: Crane Lake to Grand Marais — The Ibex 450 shines on the Echo Trail. After setting up camp, we tackle the Arrowhead Loop and feast on lake-caught whitefish.
  • Day 3: Grand Marais to Silver City — Crossing into Wisconsin, the vastness of Lake Superior greets us as we reach Silver City.
  • Day 4: Silver City to L’Anse — The “Road of Bones” tests our endurance, but the scenic ride along Keweenaw Bay makes it all worthwhile.
  • Day 5: L’Anse to Munising — Bree faces a tricky sand road and turns her fear into delight, a highlight of the trip.
  • Day 6: Munising to St. Ignace — We end at the iconic Mackinac Bridge, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

Ibex 450: A Bike Built for the GNAR
CFMOTO’s Ibex 450, priced at $6,499, is built to handle everything we throw at it—pavement, dirt, mud, sand. Bree sums it up best: “This bike is so versatile for anything you want to do. Wet pavement, dry pavement, dirt, mud, sand—it handles it all.”

Final Thoughts
Adventure isn’t about the destination; it’s about the journey. The GNAR reminds us of this with every mile. Whether it’s the thrill of the Arrowhead or the quiet reflection at Lake Jeanette, this ride is about more than just covering ground—it’s about the stories we live along the way. As we reach the Straits of Mackinac, satisfaction washes over us. We’ve conquered the GNAR, discovering not only the wild beauty of the land but also a deeper connection to our bikes and each other.