March Updates

Photo Clint Austin

It is lightly raining as I write and I am ready for Spring. I have officially entered the time of year where being on the bike is top priority. Any bike will do, preferably on the road. But up North here, we really could not ask for better fat tire snow trail riding. Thanks to the clubs and individuals that help make this a reality!

The world, to me, continues to be a place of heaviness. We are coming to grips with Covid 19 and now the atrocities in Ukraine. My heart goes to those people and the Russians stuck under Putin. My heart goes to all in the world that have had to live and die through such turmoil. Most here in the USA are so fortunate and I try daily to be thankful for the basics of life (food, family and shelter.) And I count the ability to ride my bike as one of those gifts. I have been in contact with our friends in our Romanian sister city of Lupeni as they attempt to offer aid and shelter to Ukrainian refugees. If there is a way that Gravel for Good can assist, I will update you all ASAP.

In the meanwhile, I welcome you all to the very lively season of gravel events we have planned. This week, we are finalizing designs for our new cycling kit, tee shirts, and really cool merchandise. I also ask that you contact me (jeremybkershaw@gmail.com) if you know you are not able to ride. Many on the waitlist are anxiously ready to take your spot. Thanks for assisting us with this change of status.

As you know, I am having fun with our new word, “Graveleer.” It will be a prominent part of our Heck lexicon this season. On my run this morning, I thought we all need to be Graveleers these days. I think a Graveleer is brave, welcoming and adventurous. I have special gifts planned for those Graveleers that make it across the finish line this season. But in the meanwhile, Be Graveleer.

Ride the Good Line

Jeremy

Graveleer

Graveleers. Way back when Chelsea Strate and Tommy “Hurl” Everson winning the gravel cup for the first (and only?) time.

In the wee hours of the morning recently, I lie in bed thinking about life’s most important issues. Namely, what does one call a cyclist who rides gravel roads. Suddenly, I decided that this was far more important than taxes, work, or sleep in general.

After some days’ consideration, I settled on a word of my making (I think): “Graveleer.” Like “mountaineer.”

Graveleer: Noun: 1. A cyclist who prefers racing, touring and exploring gravel and dirt roads.

Graveleering: Verb: 1. To race, tour and explore by bicycle on gravel and dirt roads.

to be Graveleer: Adjective: To be welcoming, adventurous and strong during a challenge

Does the world need more subdivision? No, probably not. We are first and foremost cyclists. But ever since my introduction to gravel road cycling many years ago, I felt there was something special, unique and inherently inspiring about cycling gravel roads. Maybe you have felt it, too. I was never a fan of “grinding” gravel, nothing personal, it just did not feel right. There ought to be a more concise word.

I also know that cycling unpaved roads is as old as cycling itself. We certainly did not create it here in Northern Minnesota, or in Iowa or Kansas. Heck, every farm kid anywhere learned to ride gravel and dirt long before it became a thing. And I love that history of cycling. Those vintage photos of European riders struggling over wild, dirt mountain passes, and rattling over ancient cobblestones. We at Heck of the North Productions want to find a word worthy enough of carrying on this rich tradition of cycling.

So consider yourself a Graveleer when you take part in our events (or any other gravel travel.) The experience is what it’s about. Being with others, exploring new roads, and challenging yourself. Welcome one and all to gravel cycling. Become a Graveleer with us.

New Perspectives

Photo by Josh Kowaleski POINTED NoRTH PHOTOGRAPHY

We at Heck of the North Productions are very excited to welcome local photographer, Josh Kowaleski at POINTED NoRTH PHOTOGRAPHY to the events this season. Recently, Josh Rizzo at The Nxrth caught up with Kowaleski for a look into his work.

I’ve known Josh for years and it’s been really cool to watch his creativity come alive, especially behind the lens. I now consider him to be one of the best photographers in the Northland. He has some very unique ideas coming into the season and both of us can’t wait to have you be part of it. Josh will be photographing all of our events this year and the process will be one of a kind.

Stay tuned for more and check out the article above.

Ride the Good Line!

Jeremy

Nerd Alert

In the meanwhile, I have fallen back into the fold of Bicycle Quarterly, what I now consider to be one of the finest publications in cycling. (No, I am not sponsored, etc by BQ) In particular, I have appreciated the work of Jan Heine and his team as they test the merits of tires, especially wider tires and how they compare to narrower ones. He also has an appreciation for cycling history and the phenomenon of what is old is new again.

As you prepare for the upcoming season, check out this latest journal piece: "Why wider tires are NOT slower"

More soon about our stellar group of partners.

Ride the Good Line!

Jeremy

More Sponsors!

Photo Clint Austin at Voyageur Brewing Company, Grand Marais

At Heck of the North Productions, we love working with our dedicated band of local sponsors. We remain a business run from our kitchen table. And the partnerships we form with other sponsors comes from our appreciation of creative, hard-working entrepreneurs looking to bring great products to gravel cycling. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time, our sponsors help the events by volunteering their time. And sometimes, they bring really great product to give to some lucky riders. We appreciate this commitment and layer of energy they bring to the events. Thank you!

Voyageur Brewing Company in Grand Marais happens to be our long time partners with Le Grand du Nord. They have helped host and party with the event from the beginning. Their hand crafted drinks are some of the finest around and I know you will love the special atmosphere they help create at Le Grand. Stop by when you are up the North Shore.

And the amazing part about gravel cycling is the endless and sometimes surprising connections made by riding miles of gravel together. Here’s a shout out to Lake Superior Dental for supplying toothbrushes to our Fox bikepacking race. Dr Polzin is an avid cyclist and it just turns out he digs our events. And those toothbrushes are the best bikepacking dental gear on the planet. I use mine everyday, actually.

More to come!