John Murphy and Joe Groshek are avid fat bikers and are dedicated to creating and maintaining fat bike trails in our area.
Joe says fat biking is very different than mountain biking. For one, the tires are more than four inches wide, compared to less than three inches on mountain bikes. You can also bike year-round and can go anywhere on snow, sand or ice on a fat bike. You can climb anywhere with gears that shift easily and smooth pedaling. One big difference with a fat bike is its weight, which is considerably heavier than road bikes; 1 mile of fat biking is about the same as 15 miles of road biking. Fat bikes are also slower, but they give you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.
These two guys created an activity they call “fat bike safaris” as a way to educate riders in a group led by an experienced guide. Joe’s favorite adventure is biking on Lake Superior ice but warns that you must know what you’re doing since conditions can change rapidly on Lake Superior.
John has fascinating stories about wolves and tracking them in the forest. Wolves often separate into smaller groups and when they return to their pack, they re-greet each other just like domestic dogs, wagging their tails and rolling on their backs. And if you are fearful about running into wolves, don’t be. They are very cautious and will keep their distance from humans.

Episode 34: Winter Fat Biking with John Murphy and Joe Groshek

October is the perfect time for family fun and corn mazes. Bayfield County has two very popular corn mazes: one in Oulu and the other at White River Ag in Mason, Wis. The Oulu Corn Maze has been around many years. Each year, the owners come up with a new design to make it more interesting for repeat visitors. Everyone gets a punch card that is stamped every time they get to a different station within the maze and then the card is turned in at the end for prizes, hot cider and treats. The weekend before Halloween, the maze is turned into a haunted experience for those who love to get spooked. At White River Ag, there are different activities for the kids, including a hay pyramid they can climb.

Episode 33: A-MAZE-ING FUN

With travel restrictions in place to help stop the spread of the COVID 19 virus, Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, Director of Bayfield County Tourism, are doing their part to keep their distance. This is a slightly edited version of a previous episode. They talked with Jennifer Maziasz, the Recreation Manager for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest about all the ways to explore and enjoy the nearly 1.5 million acres of public lands and waterways in Bayfield County.

Episode 32: Exploring the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

No matter what time of year, Bayfield County is a great place to
relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. On this episode, 
Mary Motiff talks about what makes Bayfield County a great place to get away from it all. Half a million acres of public land offer an abundance of ways to recreate outdoors in some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the state.

Episode 31: Relaxation and Spa Serenity

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, we talk to the area’s foremost authority on ice fishing and why Bayfield County is ideal for this popular pastime. Plus, will there be access to the famous ice caves on frozen Lake Superior this year? Our guest from the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore fills us in on the details and why these magnificent ice formations draw thousands to the Northwoods.

Episode 30: Ice Fishing and Ice Caves

If you love snow, this is a great time to be in Bayfield County! With more than 30-inches of the white stuff falling overnight in December followed by numerous other storms, the Nordic ski trail systems are packed and groomed for outstanding skiing and snowshoeing.  We chat with the new operations manager at Mt. Ashwabay about their plans for an entire season of family fun.

Episode 29: Winter Trails and Sled Dog Racing

We are having “snow” much fun this episode as Director of Tourism Mary Motiff gets us ready for our favorite winter activities in Bayfield County. Owner and Brew master Bo Belanger shares what he calls his “living room” vibe at the South Shore Brewery, and Mary reveals some of Santa’s hang outs, the best bazaars to shop and lots of other events to get you in the holiday spirit.

Episode 28: Hit the Trails, then Relax with a Local Brew

You can learn a lot about a community’s local culture at its eateries. On this episode, Director of Tourism, Mary Motiff, shares some of the food experiences to savor in Bayfield County and takes us to the Old Rittenhouse Inn to find out about a local, holiday tradition that has been bringing the community together for more than 50 years. Plus, a film festival, wine weekend and other events to discover this November.

Episode 27: Culinary Experiences to Savor in Bayfield County

Pumpkin farms and cornfields are the perfect backdrop for the ever-more popular corn mazes. Director of Tourism Mary Motiff tells us about two in Bayfield County, plus takes us to the Delta Diner. Located almost literally in the middle of nowhere, the perfectly restored diner has not only earned a national reputation for its unique menu, but it has become a destination for experiential diners. Plus, a preview of the County’s signature October event and other things to do this October!

Episode 26: Experiential Dining in Delta and Amazing Corn Mazes

September is a wonderful time to be in Bayfield County. The farmers are getting ready for what is expected to be a great apple harvest. New in the County are the hard cideries that can be found in the hills surrounding Bayfield. Director of Tourism Mary Motiff talks about the different types of cidery experiences and farm stores and takes us to Sunset Valley Orchards to hear about the best cider in Bayfield County.

Episode 25: Cideries & Orchards

From the farm or the lake to your home or restaurant, Bayfield County serves up some of the best fresh, locally sourced food in the state. In this episode, we talk about the area’s farm-fresh goodness, what’s in season right now, the best fish to catch on Lake Superior, and some of local specialties and delicacies you just have to try. Plus, get ready for the 125th anniversary of the Bayfield County Fair!

Episode 24: Local Fare and the Bayfield County Fair

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Bayfield County. Mary Motiff, Director of Bayfield County Tourism talks about why hiking is so popular here and tells us about the new hiking brochure to help plan your hiking adventures. Plus, our guests Marvin Defoe and Richard LeFernier give us a preview of what to expect at the 41st Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow featuring the Grammy-nominated Young Spirit Singers.

Episode 23: Hiking and the Red Cliff Pow Wow

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Director of Tourism Mary Motiff talks about the things people can see sailing around the Apostle Islands and the many ways you can charter a sailing adventure of your own, regardless of your experience. Then, Co-host Nancy Christopher chats with Tim Landgreen, owner of Northern Pines, about how his family turned their family farm into a premier golf course and event center in Iron River.

Episode 22: Sailing and Golfing in Bayfield County

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Tourism Director Mary Motiff talks about the rich history that’s been preserved in Bayfield County with more museums per capita than most of the country and 22 sites on the National Registry of Historic Places. Co-host Nancy Christopher learns what a naturalist does from Cable Natural History Museum Education Director, Emily Stone. Plus, we highlight some great events in May.

Episode 21: Bayfield County Wild Talks Natural History with Emily Stone

Director of Bayfield County Tourism Mary Motiff describes the tallest and most picturesque waterfalls and introduces the new brochure that includes maps and
descriptions of the waterfalls. Plus, Co-host Nancy Christopher talks with Ryan Brady, a conservation biologist, about birding and why it’s so popular in Bayfield County.

Episode 20: Waterfalls and Warblers

Wineries, craft brew and distilleries are becoming so popular in our county, we’ve created a whole new category in our Visitor Guide. Join us on this episode for a look at some of the unique tours and tastings you can experience at the Top of Wisconsin. We’ll also chat with Carey Edwards from the Iron River National Fish Hatchery to see what she and her crew are doing to conserve trout and coastal brook trout in our Great Lakes.

Episode 19: Brews and Broods in Bayfield County

If you plan to camp in Bayfield County this summer, now is the time to start your research. On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Director of Bayfield County Tourism, Mary Motiff, gives listeners all the tools to start researching Bayfield County’s 30-plus campgrounds. Co-host Nancy Christopher talks with Dede Eckels about her family’s legacy in the Bayfield Peninsula Arts movement and Mary ends the episode with a round-up of great events in February and a preview of what to expect in March.

Episode 18: Bayfield County Wild Talks with Dede Eckels of Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery

Welcome to the New Year! On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Director of Bayfield County Tourism Mary Motiff shares her recommendations for getting fit…the Bayfield County way… with her Co-host Nancy Christopher. John Murphy and Joe Groshek, two avid fat bikers and silent sports advocates, talk about fat biking and its rising popularity in Bayfield County. Plus, Mary has some great events to get you off the couch and excited to be outdoors.

Episode 17: Bayfield County Wild Talks with Fat Bike Enthusiasts John Murphy and Joe Groshek

On this episode of Bayfield County Wild, Nancy Christopher talks with co-host and Director of Bayfield County Tourism, Mary Motiff, about holiday shopping and where to go for unique gift ideas. Our special guest Sue Vojacek, owns a family-run business called Oulu Glass Gallery and is inviting everyone to the family’s Finnish enclave to watch the art of glass blowing and to sign up for classes over the holidays.

Episode 16: Bayfield County Wild Talks with Sue Vojacek of Oulu Glass

Co-hosts Nancy Christopher and Mary Motiff, Director of Bayfield County Tourism, talk with Jennifer Mazias of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest about all the ways to explore and enjoy the ½ million acres of public lands and waterways in Bayfield County.  Jen highlights top recreation areas in the forest and some of its unique ecosystems. Plus, the holidays are almost here! Mary tells us about the shopping opportunities and special events for November in Bayfield County.

Bayfield County Wild

Bayfield County Wild

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