Le Grand du Nord Thank You

One of our fearless Graveleers from Grand Marais, Jay. Photo Jeremy

We want to thank you for being part of a very special, 10th anniversary edition of Le Grand du Nord Gravel Cycling Classic. In fact, we are putting it up there as probably our second hardest event we have hosted in 18 years of Heck of the North Production events. So congratulations to those who made it to the start line and even further to the finish line.

We also want to recognize again our amazing corp of volunteers. Many are folks we have known for years and their service to our events is hugely appreciated. They are just great people sharing their time, expertise and spirit. We could not do it without you.

There is a Summer full of cycling events here in Minnesota. Our Wolf Bikepacking Race has a couple of spots still available. Make sure to join Minnesota’s premier gravel cycling series, Gravel ‘Sota, too. For those looking to blend their passion for gravel cycling with the more traditional randonneuring scene, the Minnesota Randonneurs have some great events planned that include gravel.

And as always, a few shots by me at the finish line. I was amazed at the number of smiles I saw peeking through the mud, snot and spattered “sun” glasses. Your dedication to our events and ability to take on a challenge never ceases to amaze me. We feel so lucky to be part of this gravel community. It’s a pleasure hosting these races for such incredible people. We thank you. (Of note, I was not able to get photos of some of our fastest. I’m assuming they crossed the line and went straight to a warm blanket!)

Until next time, Ride the Good Line and keep being Graveleer!

Brett Brazerol, our fastest male rider in the 54 miler. Photo Jeremy

Josephine Ryan winner of the 26 mile Le Grand du Nord. Photo Jeremy

Friends from the ER…

More friends from the ER

Caleb and Tony, long time Graveleers of Heck Production events. Photo Jeremy

Our Toughest 26 milers! Photo Jeremy

and Toughest 54 miler (and neighbor!)

Le Grand du Nord Route Scout

Photo Clint Austin

Well. Most of the time Nature wins. I (with the input from our amazing team) made the decision to cancel the 110 mile event due to weather that is just too risky for hypothermia. I think it’s a first for us at Heck of the North Productions. As Kurt V would say, so it goes. I believe that challenging conditions can be very rewarding. But I also know from first hand experience that the mix of temps in the upper 30’s/low 40’s, light rain and a stiff breeze can be darn tough if you are riding for many hours. And, we take into account our hearty volunteers and the EMS resources (limited) in the Grand Marais community. I made the call and we will put all of our energy and resources toward the 54 and 26 milers.

The 54 mile course looks very good overall. Road are generally hard-packed. Of note, there are a few diagonal wash out sections that the fast riders should be aware of. Some are marked with a “Slow” sign uphill of the ruts. There is also a well marked sink hole that you do not want to bunnyhop. Our volunteers will be waiting for you at mile 30 at the aid station. Take stock of your condition and be honest with yourself and your abilities. This is one of my favorite courses in this distance and I know you will love it, too.

The 26 mile course is equally well packed. There are a few trees leaning into the road that are easy to ride around and we will try to get these cut out by race day. Your aid station is at 13 miles. Again, take stock of how you are doing. Our volunteers are there to assist with communication and get you fueled up for the last 13. This 26 mile course is tough but equally beautiful.

We want to thank our incredible volunteers for being nimble with our changes to the event. Be appreciative of these folks taking time to brave the conditions and help bring you the best race we can.

Again, thank you for your patience and understanding of this last minute change. I know first hand how tough you are. I also know that there are limits to our resources. We want you to come back next year (or next race) and we want to be welcomed back by this amazing community. We are trying to strike a balance. Be Graveleer!

Jeremy


Thoughts on The Wolf Bikepacking Race

Packed up for another day in Ely MN. Photo Josh Kowaleski

We have a few spots remaining in the Wolf Bikepacking Race. We think you should join us.

The Wolf Bikepacking Race is our longer/tougher of two events we host in this style of racing. We purposely design our bikepacking events to be different. The Wolf (and the shorter Fox) bring together the worlds of racing and touring. We believe that these two elements can thrive together in the same event experience.

Though I thoroughly believe in the power of cycling slowly and observing the wonders of the places we ride, I also know there are unique experiences only gained when a rider tests the boundaries of their endurance limits. That is why our bikepacking events are timed. And I also know that these tough days are made better by sharing those moments together with other like minded people. Mix those two things together in our favorite Northwoods towns of Finland, Ely and Grand Marais and that means an event like no other.

We do ask that riders have some prior knowledge with long days in the saddle and living with gear packed on their bike. We will take care of the camping, breakfasts, aid stations and other important logisitics. We welcome questions from folks who may be on the fence and we’ll do our best to determine if you are ready for The Wolf.

Ride the Good Line and see what bikepacking in the Northwoods is all about.

The Wolf Bikepacking Race!

In Ely, MN. Night one. Photo by Josh Kowaleski

Registration for The Wolf Bikepacking Race goes live this Saturday, May 2 at 9 AM.

We are running our long bikepacking race this year to bring back one of our favorite northern towns, Ely MN. Add this to Finland and Grand Marais and it equals one of the best bikepacking routes in Minnesota. Heck, it’s one of my favorites anywhere.

We have made some changes this year to the event distance. First, we wanted to add a little more daylight for folks needing to hustle back home after the race on Sunday. Second, it alleviates some permitting woes that challenged us in years past. But rest assured, this course will challenge and delight as always.

Event distances are as follows: Day 1: Finland to Ely 89 miles Day 2: Ely to Grand Marais 106 miles.

Day 3: Grand Marais to Finland 66 miles.

Please go to the Wolf tab on this website to learn more. Note that the minimum age this year is 18. Note that we cap the event at 75 participants.

Please email me with any questions. And no, we are not running The Fox Bikepacking Race this year.

Ride the Good Line!

The Gravel 'Sota Podcast

Recently, I had the pleasure of talking all things gravel cycling and Heck of the North with Kris and Mark Jessee. Kris and Mark are the creators of Gravel ‘Sota. This is a new series of Minnesota grown gravel cycling events. Run on a brilliant point system and showcasing events large and small around the state, it is sure to become a hit.

Please take the time to listen to a deep cut on Heck history and my thoughts on gravel cycling today. Here’s the link to the podcast.

I sincerely thank Kris and Mark for the hard work they have done to bring Gravel ‘Sota to life. Please check out their website and consider competing in all or even a few of the races. I guarantee it will be a beautiful way to explore and challenge yourself in this awesome cycling state of ours.