Video: REVER crew charts the Great Northern Adventure Route

You haven't heard of the Great Northern Adventure Route (somewhat ironically nicknamed the GNAR) not just because it isn't one of those famously challenging destinations, but also because it's new. Without REVER, CFMOTO, and a guy named Stephen Wisner (who you also likely haven't heard of), it might just be a sketch on a napkin. So we made a video to let more people know about the GNAR, because it's also an example of the value of REVER's Community Curated routes, which are rides submitted by REVER users.

The fun of sharing our favorite rides

If you live in the Midwest and ride a dual-sport or adventure bike, you've probably ridden something like the GNAR. Exploring the Boundary Waters in the Superior National Forest, vacationing in the harbor towns around Lake Superior, or venturing to the Upper Peninsula in search of the best pasty in Michigan may sound familiar. That's the basis of the route Stephen created. He's not a famous actor or a professional motorcycle guide — he's a retired teacher, fly-fishing guide, and an avid rider with some impressive trips under his belt. As an avid rider, myself, I would describe Stephen as a regular yet passionate rider who happens to use REVER. And maybe that’s what makes Stephen and his route noteworthy.

When Stephen created the GNAR and reached out to have it featured in REVER, we had just launched Community Curated Routes. These are routes submitted by REVER users that are featured in the app after we review them. They can be discovered by anyone with an account, free or pro.

The GNAR was exciting to us because there aren't many well known routes in the Midwest, despite how much great country there is for exploring. The GNAR provides plenty of options. It's broken down into six sections, each with various stopping points so you can customize the ride to your own preferences. We decided to promote the GNAR and show off the value of Community Curated Routes with a feature-length video. Figuring out the logistics was our next challenge.

The making of the GNAR video

Seven riders from the Midwest, Colorado, and Idaho would scout the route while starring in the video. As one of the riders, I was also in charge of filming and capturing the audio for our grassroots project. Though our budget was small, our resolve was strong, but we were going to need motorcycles to complete it.

Our friends at CFMOTO, who we met at Get On! ADV Fest in Sturgis, had recently opened their U.S. headquarters in Minnesota. We asked if they would be interested and sure enough our mutual goal of inspiring more people to ride adventure motorcycles was the golden ticket to our partnership. They provided us with three Ibex 800s and four pre-production Ibex 450s along with various luggage options. They also agreed to deliver the bikes to our meeting spot in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and pick up the bikes in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Armed with a drone, a DSLR camera, and a few POV cameras, my weapon of choice was my phone. Around 90 percent of the moving shots, B-roll, and landscape footage was captured by my iPhone 14 pro. Thanks to my Peak Design mount, my phone was always accessible and charging, allowing me to capture moments on the fly with minimal planning. This method allowed me to experience the adventure alongside the crew, shaping the story in real-time. Also, the drone crashed more than once, the DSLR filter got scratched in the pannier on a bumpy section and even my phone flew out of my hand at one point, but my Peak Design case saved my phone from damage. Hey, nobody ever accused me of being easy on equipment.

As you'll see if you watch the video, the themes that emerged included strangers becoming friends, explorers discovering new territory, locals sharing the hidden gems of their regions, and riders — ranging in experience — overcoming challenges to uncover the essence of adventure. That, in a nutshell, is what REVER represents: a platform for all of the above and more.

Ultimately, the GNAR came to life through a collective effort and a shared curiosity to explore what lies beyond the next hill, along with a desire to inspire others to do the same. When we faced obstacles, our rallying cry became, "Give it gas and find out." It's a powerful motto in a group setting.

Staying in one place means missing out on new experiences. Life is about movement, and a motorcycle is the perfect tool to propel you forward. At REVER, we know these experiences are even richer when shared with others.

I'm not saying the GNAR wouldn't exist without REVER or CFMOTO, but Stephen will tell you that it would've likely remained a series of highlighted lines on maps, tucked away in a drawer or a tank bag. That would've been a shame.