Lola on the North Shore State Trail. Lots of bear and wolf sign this year

Well. The big dance is almost here. It’s one of my favorite days of the year. Lola and I scouted key sections of the course and placed signs where needed. Lola enjoyed finding all the wolf and bear scat on the North Shore State Trail. I enjoyed the colors just starting to pop on the maples and aspens.

100 Milers: I could argue this is one of the more “feature rich” courses I have concocted. You will have the pleasure of riding the Knife River Trail section early on. The river is relatively low and the skillful/foolhardy may be able to either ride through it or rock hop while keeping their fancy white socks dry. Then it’s on to the Briton Pit sector. This is your first taste of rockiness with both a tricky downhill sandy berm and the famous taconite BB bridge underpass. Special praise to anyone foolish enough to try to plow their way through that mess. After the Briton Pit, some relative calm while heading past our beloved Heck Gravel Pit on the East Alger Grade. Then into the Bear Pit/Bailey Rd sector. This year is a grind up this section. Many off-tempo little rises and plenty of rocky sections for a few miles. Your first aid station at the start of the lovely Langley River Rd will be a nice break in the action. After the Langley (arguably one of my favorite stretches of gravel in Minnesota) it is a fast roll to King Lake Rd. This four mile stretch will greet you with rocks and large puddles. I’d say your white socks will meet their match on this stretch. But at the end, your second aid station awaits. Be nice to those amazing volunteers! Back onto the Rossini Rd (it’s been a while) and some historic stretches of Heck routes from way back. And finally, the North Shore State Trail. It’s had work done on it this year and there are a few corduroy muddy spots. But overall, it’s way better than most years. Your official timing will end on Big Rock Rd, just north of Airport Rd. See you at the finish!

50 Milers: I really like this 50 this year. It’s got a bit of everything. You, too, will cross the Knife River early (see above.) After this sector, you will head north up the famed Drummond Grade. It always reminds me of Alaska. At the top, hang a left onto Pathfinder Drive and head into the King Lake Rd sector (see above.) The rest of the route is the same as the 100’s. I hope you like this year’s edition.

20 Milers: And last but not least, this great into into Heck style riding. Enjoy the mix of early pavement, then good gravel then two track into the Knife River Trail. The river is pretty friendly this year. You’ll pop out and soon be at your aid station. Cruise down the famed Drummond Grade back toward the finish line on Big Rock Rd.

Here are a few shots from the day: