The Gray Duck Grit

The Gray Duck Grit is Kris and Mark Jessee’s contribution to their amazing new cycling series, Gravel ‘Sota.

First, add the Gray Duck Grit to your cycling calendar for 2027. I just returned from this year’s fifth edition of the event and I will be back next year.

Kris and Mark’s event is part of the larger series they have created this year, Gravel ‘Sota. We are proud to have our Heck events included, too.

The GDG features several distances to choose from, all of them showcasing the beautiful limestone roads of this region. Their hospitality, organization and attention to detail make this a special event. And the finish line (including a lap around the horse track à la velodrome at Roubaix) is one of the best of the best. I camped the night before at the fairground location, just a short walk to the start line. That was great, too.

I raced the 69 miler and it was just the right distance…and earned a blue ribbon ta-boot! Single speed is a ridiculous concept but continues to be my favorite style of gravel racing and trail riding. To each their own.

Thanks to Kris and Mark and their dedicated team of volunteers. Well done!

Heck Fest 2026

Artwork by Esme Kershaw

Please join us for the inaugural Heck Fest! In partnership with Castle Danger Brewery we welcome the amazing Charlie Parr performing live at 4 PM.

Heck Fest is located at our ceremonial start/finish location for all Heck events across from Castle Danger Brewery, 17 7th Street, Two Harbors.

We will have food trucks, Castle Danger Brewery drinks on tap and seating for the show.

Heck Fest is a free event and open to the general public. We welcome Heck riders, families and spectators to join us.

See you soon!

The Gunflint Scramble

There is still time to register for The Gunflint Scramble . Quinn and his team host an amazing event. Best of all, it’s located in the heart of the Gunflint Trail and next to one of our favorite places, Bearskin Lodge. This event has an amazing course and is timed perfectly for Fall colors. We highly recommend it and it makes a great weekend getaway. Trust me, you’ll want to come back in the Winter, too, to ski the groomed trails.

Thank you Cornerstone Coaching

We want to give special recognition to Patrick Greehan of Cornerstone Coaching this year for his work in the cycling community. Patrick has generously donated to The Heck of the North Gravel Cycling Classic so that several riders can participate. These are folks that might not have had the opportunity to join us…and we are so happy they can.

Patrick has been a cornerstone of cycling in the Duluth cycling community for many years. His work as a cycling coach at Duluth Devo Mountain Bike Program has been huge. He has helped introduce hundreds of young riders to the joy of cycling.

If you are looking for a coach to take your own cycling life to the next level, Cornerstone Coaching is the place to start. It’s never too late to learn, build and grow your own talents as a rider. Patrick will help you get there.

Thank you again for all you bring to the cycling world of Duluth and beyond!

A great looking race!

Here’s a really cool inaugural event happening August 21-23 near Grand Marais. The Sawtooth Stage Race. Our friends at Superior Cycling Association have created something very cool with this race. A three day stage race (mt bike) that brings together some of the best trails in northern Minnesota. Plus you get to be up on the North Shore! Check out the details here.

We also want to send our support for those folks living in the communities and working on the fires in/near our beloved Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The towns of Ely, Finland and Grand Marais are all feeling the effects of these blazes. Keep then and all the wild creatures in your thoughts this coming month.

Select photos from our amazing Wolf Bikepacking Race will be shared soon. Stay tuned!

Be safe with this smoke!

https://superiorcycling.org/event/sawtooth-stage-race/