RULES

Please note that all Heck of the North Production events (Le Grand du Nord, The Wolf & The Fox, and The Heck of the North) are self-supported. This means very limited assistance from volunteers, no/very limited signage en-route.

All riders are required to sleep outside. This means using the sleeping system you carry on your bike throughout the event (tent, bivy, tarp, sleeping bag, etc.) Motels, cabins, pavilions, or other solid-roofed buildings are forbidden. Please adhere to the simple rules of this event.
All riders are responsible for carrying the gear that they need for the trip. This means clothing, sleep kit, tools, nutrition and hydration. Riders will NOT need to bring cooking gear.
There is a strict 10 mph minimum average speed requirement. If a rider is not able to make the midpoint checkpoint within the days announced time check, the rider will be asked to stop their race. We will assist in logistics for this rule. This is for rider and volunteer safety secondary to the remote nature of the routes.
Drafting (pacelines or riding directly behind another rider ) is not allowed. Aero bars are allowed.
We STRONGLY recommend that you use a GPS device for navigation. We will provide route files the week before the event. Please know how to use your GPS and make sure all route files are loaded before arriving to the race.
All riders are expected to have a GPS device on their bike. Cell coverage is spotty, unreliable/nonexistent on course. Do not rely on your cell phone for navigation.
All riders must wear a helmet. We also strongly recommend eye protection.
Have a backup plan in place. There is NO Fox sanctioned sag support if you breakdown (physically or mentally) so We will assist as we are able. We have limited volunteers at the checkpoints. In the event of an emergency CALL 911.
No E-bikes are allowed. All participants must use a self propelled bicycle (without a motor assist.)
Outside support from teams, family, friends is forbidden. Riders ARE allowed to assist other riders if they so choose (nutrition, water, tools, wrenching support, first aid, etc.). Prearranged support will mean disqualification and a public shaming TBD.
Please be civil, kind, and friendly to other riders, volunteers and the public. This is not the Tour de France- enjoy yourself, your neighbors and this beautiful part of the world!
Always Ride as Far Right as is safe. Please share the road with other cars, ATV’s and users!
Lastly- please do not litter. Thanks for being good gravel citizens!

Additional Information

Be prepared to have enough water and nutrition for 50 mile stretches. We will provide one aid station per day (see below for more info).

For this course we recommend a 29’er style mountain bike (29” diameter wheels) or gravel bike that can accommodate at least 45 mm tires. Recommended tire width is at least 2”. There are bikepacking specific rigs these days, too. The most important part is that you feel comfortable and the bike can handle gear on rough roads. See my video for some tips on what I think are important considerations for bikepacking.

FOOD and Aid Stations

Breakfasts in Two Harbors, Ely and Grand Marais are provided by our team and caterers.

We will provide a mid-day check point with water, gatorade, Coke basic snacks like bananas, Fox Wraps (tortilla, humus and pickle) Wolf Wraps (tortilla, peanut butter, bacon, maple syrup) PB&J, gummie bears and chips. We will have radio communication with our team at these locations. Be aware that there are no gas stations or other services on the routes. It is remote! Stock up with items you know you need in town.

Suppers are NOT provided. There are great options for supper in Ely and Grand Marais, walking distance from our camps.

GPX MAPS

Check back within 30 days of the event.

Note that some GPS devices prefer .fit files instead of .gpx files. Please make sure files are loaded and working on your GPS before arriving to the event. We will provide written direction cue sheets at packet pickup.