This Is Our Life Now: Bikepacking the Driftless RegionLeigh Foster’s latest video, “Bikepacking the Driftless Area,” offers an immersive exploration of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region—a landscape renowned for its rugged terrain, dense forests, and picturesque river valleys. This 260-mile journey, undertaken in August, showcases the area’s unique topography and the charm of its small, welcoming communities.
Embarking on the Driftless Adventure
In August, Foster embarked on a 260-mile bikepacking journey through Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. This region, which also spans parts of Minnesota and Iowa, is characterized by its steep hills, forested ridges, and deeply carved river valleys—features that set it apart from the surrounding plains. Foster’s video provides a cinematic look at this ride, offering insights into local history and culture, featuring a guest appearance by the Bike Farmer, and immersing viewers in the pastoral countryside.
Discovering the Driftless Region
The Driftless Area is a region that escaped the flattening effects of glaciers during the last ice age, resulting in a landscape of steep hills, deep valleys, and unique geological formations. This area offers a diverse range of terrains, from challenging climbs to serene river valleys, making it a haven for bikepacking enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Planning Your Own Driftless Bikepacking Journey
For those inspired to explore the Driftless Area, several bikepacking routes offer a taste of its diverse landscapes:
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MinneIoWisco Loop: A 273-mile route traversing Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, featuring a mix of gravel roads, bike paths, and singletrack. Highlights include the Kickapoo Valley and the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. (bikepacking.com)
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Old Stone House Loop: A 170-mile route in Southeast Minnesota, offering a balance of challenge and reward with limestone bluffs, steep gravel climbs, and shaded valley roads. (bikepacking.com)
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Little Switzerland Loop: An overnight route in rural Iowa, centered around a primitive camping area, ideal for those seeking a quick escape into the Driftless terrain. (bikepacking.com)
Conclusion
Leigh Foster’s “Bikepacking the Driftless Area” video serves as both an inspiration and a guide for cyclists eager to experience the unique beauty of this region. Whether you’re a seasoned bikepacker or a newcomer, the Driftless Area offers a compelling backdrop for your next adventure.
For a visual glimpse into this journey, you can watch the 20-minute video below:
Driftless Loop: A Spring Bikepacking Story