Mittens. Handmade mittens made by my friend and long time Heck rider, Chris Godsey. I commissioned these for my next attempt at the Arrowhead 135 later this month. More on that later. These beautifully crafted mitts are a joy to use. Thoughtfully designed, well constructed and very functional. I love stuff like this. The world needs more of it. I’m using them as an icon for our Heck projects coming up this year.

This is what we have in store for 2026:

Le Grand du Nord on May 23 in Grand Marais. Our amazing 50 mile route is back in action courtesy of a much awaited bridge rebuild way up on the Grade. Le Grand routes (110, 50 and 26 miles) are probably my favorites courses anywhere in this country. They are remote, wild feeling and just beautiful. It’s a perfect event to try on your Spring legs in one of Minnesota’s coolest Lake Superior towns.
The Wolf Bikepacking Race. It is back. We are awaiting final permitting from our friends in Ely. Tentative date is July 10-12. Three days of racing- Finland to Ely to Grand Marais to Finland. I have decided to redesign the route to lesson the mileage and bump up the fun meter. Still very challenging, The Wolf is a noticeable step up from The Fox Backpacking Race by just adding that third day. And the second stage is a long one. We will publicize the final details in mid January. It’s great to be headed back to Ely and put a new course to the test.
The Heck of the North, September 26 in Two Harbors. We are excited to share details about plans to move the start/finish location to a new location. Again, we are awaiting final confirmation on these changes. But know in advance that the routes for 2026 will be tough. Maybe the toughest in Heck history. We look forward to sharing these changes later in January. I think these changes are going to be very cool.
We will send registration reminders so that all are aware of their times to sign up.

Also, big news. We are partnering with TWO different event series!

Gravel ‘Sota is showcasing greater Minnesota’s vibrant gravel cycling community with over 10 events to partake and earn points in. Mark and Kris have put together a creative, welcoming and thoughtful series that our Heck events are proud to be part of. Check out their website and follow on Instagram @gravel_sota We will have more about this soon. Kris and Mark host the amazing Gray Duck Grit
Aurora Borealis Cycling Series highlight our growing family of cycling events here in the wilds of Northeastern Minnesota. Our Heck events are proud to be included. Quinn of Bearskin Lodge and The Gunflint Scramble has been doing a great job of creating grassroots cycling community up North. Check it out!
Put these series on your calendar and explore Minnesota by way of these grassroots gravel events. And have some fun with the points systems while you’re at it.

More to come as we finalize the events for 2026. Happy New Year and let’s be Graveleer this year.