Planning to do the Arrowhead if I can get a start spot.   Anybody in Ohio/Northern Kentucky done this race before?  I am originally from Northern Wisconsin on Lake Superior, so the extreme cold is not new to me, but I won't have much chance to train in it before the race.  I'll be looking for some rides/races a little closer to home that I can test myself and gear on a bit before going up there. 

I'm no stranger to riding in snow... I did it daily for years, though it has been awhile.  Basically I have all of the elements that make the Arrowhead hard... the cold, snow, and distance/time.  I seldom, if ever get to put them all together though, so I'm looking for a prep plan beyond "ride lots" which is how I have approached other types of racing

I actually have been considering something similar to what you are suggesting.  I'll try to string together trails I know with unmapped areas I suspect are rideable.  I know I can do it with heavy doses of pavement.  The challenge will be in keeping it in the dirt as much as possible.   I guess adventure is where you find it, right?

Very Cool.  I'll be doing something similar very soon on a bike as old as OPs.  I'm still getting my kit together.  Rather than buy a bunch of new stuff, I am going with what I have, and only buying where necessary.  I have a Banjo Brothers pannier that I used for commuting, and will be complimenting it with one of their frame packs.   My sleeping bag and bug bivy/tarp will go on top of the rack in yet to be decided upon bag, with self-inflating ground pad under the bars.  I may need a bit more stowage, but I'm getting close.

You have a pretty nice setup for getting started I'd say.

It looks like the Caesar's Creek section offers the most offroad miles close to the city, and could be good for an overnighter.   I'll just have to go check it out I guess.

Hello!  I'm looking for some beta on Cincinnati area options.  Obviously the Buckeye trail is accessible from here. I've ridden some of the close-in sections on day trips.  I'm looking for some mostly dirt options for quick 1 nighters that are close by with wild/renegade camping.  I've lived here awhile, but just getting back into riding more after a break with little kiddos.  I've tons of experience racing on and off-road, as well as some loaded touring and backpacking experience.  I'm just dipping my toe in the bike packing waters this year. Thanks!  This seems like the right place to find great info.