Let's Be Graveleer!

Time to be Graveleer

On this eve of our gravel cycling event season, I want to welcome each and every one of you. I might be the only one throwing around my made up term of “Graveleer” but it has stuck with me, particularly in this world we live in. This Winter, I designed a hat that I thought captured the feel of Graveleer. We made up a bunch and will have them at Le Grand du Nord.

To me, Graveleer is both protest and celebration. In protest of cliques, and all things that make someone feel like an outsider, we will be kind, welcoming and encouraging to all at our events and the communities who host us. So when walking the streets of Grand Marais or kitting up in the parking lot or grinding away up some hill on the race, say hello, introduce yourself and realize that we all have a lot more in common than we think.

Graveleer is also celebration. Celebration of the road less traveled. Taking the harder more interesting route. Persevering through a challenge. And appreciating all things gravel cycling. I think it’s something that many of us have fallen in love with and that gives us joy.

I will publish our traditional Route Scout report tomorrow. Till then, enjoy the prep and journey of coming up to (or down for our Canadian friends) Grand Marais. Safe Travels. Ride the Good Line.

Now a Word About our Sponsors

One of our amazing sponsors for the season. Boulder Trail Dental

As we head into the 2025 event season, we want to give a heartfelt THANK YOU!! to our event sponsors. These fine companies have either been sought out by us, or vice versa, because of the great work they do in the community and for cyclists. We value the ways in which they do business and bring creative and solid products and service to the North Shore and beyond. And they are just fun to work with. On your way to gathering provisions for your next cycling event or necessary service, please keep these folks in mind. It feels good to support great local businesses.

County Resources!

Wheels

Community Business

Le Grand Carbon Offsets

Photo courtesy of National Indian Carbon Coalition website

We are once again partnering with the National Indian Carbon Coalition to donate to their local Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa forest sequestration project. It’s a tangible use of carbon offset dollars being used right here in Northern Minnesota. We are asking all participants of Le Grand du Nord (and all of our events this season) to use this simple calculator Carbon Offset Calculator to estimate and donate their carbon use while attending our events. Heck of the North Productions will be pitching in, too.

We know that it takes energy, in more ways than one, to host, participate and train for our gravel cycling events. Thank you for the work the NICC is doing and you the rider for chipping in and doing your part.

Ride the Good Line!

Your Le Grand Bike

That’s a bike.

On my ride yesterday I was thinking about bikes and how they have changed and not changed since I began riding. And also through the decades going a long way back. Occasionally, I have people ask me my opinions about the best bike for one of our events.

I’m going to coin a phrase, “Your bike is faster than you.” Or, as I say about ALL of my bikes, “this bike is faster than me.” What I mean by this is for the vast majority of riders, their bike is probably not slowing them down. Instead of lusting after the latest carbon super bike, I have drifted the other way into vintage land. To each their own, though. And yes, there are a few riders where probably every gram and aero edge might make the difference between 1st and 2nd. Think pro level racing.

The biggest improvements in speed for any rider will most likely come from non-bike factors: good sleep, good food, proper training, and improved power to weight ratios. Then there is a proper fitting bike. Nothing will zap power, comfort, enjoyment and, in the end, speed, like an ill fitting rig. It is probably the single biggest improvement that any person could strive for with whatever bike they are riding.

And if you are still itching to buy something for your bike, think tires and wheels. I love HED Cycling wheels for the simple fact that they are the best in the business and Minnesota made. And they make crepes on course at our events. Crepes. I have unabashedly drank the Kool Aid from Rene Herse and Jan Heine. We are in no way sponsored by them…just a devotee. Here is a good place to start. But I warned you. You are officially really nerdy and your children will mock you.

If you have to buy a new bike, good. It’s fun and money well spent. There has probably never been a better time to find just the right bike for the type of riding you want to do. Buy local. Try a lot of them. Get a color you like. And make sure it fits like a glove!

Registration for the Fox

Photo by Josh Kowaleski at Pointed North Photography

Register for The Fox Bikepacking Race! 

Registration for the 2025 Fox Bikepacking Race goes live May 1 at 9 AM. We are using a lottery selection this year. Registration closes on May 8 at 9 AM. 75 participants will be randomly selected on May 8. 

We are capping the event at 75 participants. Minimum age this year is 16. 

This is our one and only bikepacking race this season and we hope you can join us. Tell a friend and help share the adventure of this style of bike racing.

If you know someone who has never participated in a bikepacking race before and may feel a financial barrier in starting the sport, Patrick at Cornerstone Cycling Coaching is donating entries to three first-time bikepacking racers. Email Jeremy at jeremybkershaw@gmail.com to enter this chance to win.

Patrick is our go-to for anyone looking for personalized and best-practice cycling coaching. Again, honor system only for first time bikepackers. Thank you Patrick and Cornerstone Cycling Coaching! 

Please see our Heck of the North website for details about the event. And always feel free to contact me with questions. 

Ride the Good Line! 

Jeremy Kershaw