Have to agree with goldfinch. MN winters are nothing to take lightly. While we had a mild winter last year, you never know what to expect and the temp can and does get below zero for stretches at a time and this can and does hurt (frostbite) or even kill people. I am all for a grand winter touring adventure, but you may want to try something like this after you have done some winter touring in less potentially extreme conditions. It really is a matter of survival. I suggest trying this route in another season - autumn would be gorgeous.