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.

Oh March!

photo Jeremy

March in the Northland is not for the faint of heart. It’s been a blend of skiing the last good skate trails and finding road miles. I think training in 35 degree weather has left an indelible mark on my brain over the years. Toes always slightly numb, nor’ easters coming off Lake Superior. Head down and know that this work will pay off soon enough.

We are so grateful for the enthusiasm shared with registering for Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic. Thank you! This will be the 10th running and it’s going to be a good one. If you are looking for a chance to snag an entry, our Heck of the North Facebook page has a pinned post for those looking to offer/accept an entry.

We want to make sure that everyone is aware of the brand new Gravel ‘Sota Series. Created by Mark and Kris of Gray Duck Grit fame, it is something we are proud to be part of. Think of it as a great combination of exploring Minnesota’s rich gravel cycling scene with friendly competition mixed in. Points are based on miles completed and entry into the series is Free. It’s a brilliantly simple process and I think it’s going to be a hit. Check out the website and explore Minnesota’s incredible gravel racing events.

I look forward to sharing some thoughts about our Heck of the North Production events and what I believe to be our guiding principles. Here are a few basics before I get into the weeds in the next post:

  • Our events are for all types of people. All are welcome.

  • I think “professional” gravel racing is an oxymoron. I respect those racing hard and the reward is in the process and experience. I am concerned when I see so much attention given to cash prizes and the media surrounding this. This is not what gravel cycling was ever about.

  • Our events are for gathering together to ride in beautiful, wild places. They are meant to be challenging.

  • We try to work closer with our hosting communities every year. We are grateful for the opportunity to share these places with you.

We’ve always believed that building an event to be beautiful is the clearest way to show what we believe in. We look forward to continuing that tradition again this coming year. Happy early Spring training and keep doing good things for each other and your neighbors.

Ride the Good Line.

Registration for Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic

Still life in workshop. Photo Jeremy

This time of year, at least in northern Minnesota, can be particularly difficult for athletes or those wanting to become more athletic. For experienced racers, the Arrowhead 135, Birkebeiner and several other races are in the rearview mirror. For those looking to ride gravel for the first time, dirt roads are ice and snow covered and going to the Y has lost its magic. For me, I have to dig deep into habits that have sustained me for the last couple of decades. Hence the photo of my basement bike shop and dreams of warmer days. And also the beauty of diversifying.

But first! Registration for Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic goes live this Saturday morning at 9 AM! Here is the link to register. Actually it’s a sneaky way for you to see all of our Heck offerings this year, then register. Don’t dally this year. I think we will fill within a day. Tell your friends. Please invite someone new to cycling.

For the observant, and especially nerdy bike person, a 1992 Bridgestone RB-1 is seen sitting in the stand patiently waiting for a couple of adjustments. As are a Campagnolo Athena crankset and Dura Ace rear derailleur on the table. Out of frame is my trusted steel Clockwork gravel frame going for its second repaint. That bike is now 12 years old and still going strong. Instead of falling for the newest carbon thing, I decided a while ago that perfection and beauty in bike parts (and camera gear and many other tools) quite possibly existed decades ago. This is the time of year I tinker with getting my bikes just right again for the coming adventures. It’s therapeutic.

And diversifying. As I have gotten older, the drive to do ridiculously long events is still there. But I have opened up more space for other things. I’m going to skate ski today. I will run the trail and ski hill tomorrow. I even swim at the Y and don’t feel like I’m going to drown. I even took a dance class. And I bike to work. In other words, there is a lot to do this winter that can keep your body moving and still be in pretty darn good shape by May. And for the Zwift animals grinding it out in the basement, take it easy on the rest of us.

Keep moving and be Graveleer. For sure be as social as you can hack. That’s good for you, too. And we look forward to seeing you and your new gravel riding friends this May 23 at Le Grand du Nord. It’s our tenth running! Let’s make it a great anniversary. Ride the Good Line!

We Ride in Unity

Image from the web and Info for Duluth’s We Ride in Unity

If you live in Duluth, I look forward to seeing you here: We Ride in Unity, Saturday January 31. Thank you Continental Ski & Bike for organizing this. Consider joining your own community’s ride wherever you live.

I’ve been thinking a lot about community and the crisis that many of us are feeling lately and for some, have felt for generations. Alex Pretti was a Heck of the North rider in 2019. A rider that year wrote about her remembrance of him helping another rider during the race. He was also a nurse. His death affected me more than I expected.

I chose to not compete in the Arrowhead 135 for several reasons this year. A significant one was I felt like I needed to do something other than race. The decision tore me up. Like things are not the same, should not be the same. I decided to stay home with my family. But thankfully, a couple of days later, I accepted an offer to volunteer overnight at checkpoint 3 for the race. It was a great experience and it reminded me of something I know. It was good to be with people in my community, too. It lifted my spirits to see people doing amazing things.

We need to be part of our community(s) more than ever. We also need to reach out to communities that may be new to us. Endurance racing and gravel cycling have many family members. I include our Heck events in that family. I felt the importance of not only being part of the things we love to do as well as taking care of others.

Ride the Good Line and be Graveleer. Welcome all and do it with peace.

Heartbroken

photo Clint Austin

I am heartbroken by the events unfolding in front of our eyes. I am angry. My soul is aching. We know the importance of community and we send our love to those struggling right now. We know the healing power of doing hard cycling events. This stuff feels harder. Stay strong, peaceful and find your community. Be good to yourselves and never stop helping those in need.