Le Grand du Nord Route Scout

Photo Clint Austin

Well. Most of the time Nature wins. I (with the input from our amazing team) made the decision to cancel the 110 mile event due to weather that is just too risky for hypothermia. I think it’s a first for us at Heck of the North Productions. As Kurt V would say, so it goes. I believe that challenging conditions can be very rewarding. But I also know from first hand experience that the mix of temps in the upper 30’s/low 40’s, light rain and a stiff breeze can be darn tough if you are riding for many hours. And, we take into account our hearty volunteers and the EMS resources (limited) in the Grand Marais community. I made the call and we will put all of our energy and resources toward the 54 and 26 milers.

The 54 mile course looks very good overall. Road are generally hard-packed. Of note, there are a few diagonal wash out sections that the fast riders should be aware of. Some are marked with a “Slow” sign uphill of the ruts. There is also a well marked sink hole that you do not want to bunnyhop. Our volunteers will be waiting for you at mile 30 at the aid station. Take stock of your condition and be honest with yourself and your abilities. This is one of my favorite courses in this distance and I know you will love it, too.

The 26 mile course is equally well packed. There are a few trees leaning into the road that are easy to ride around and we will try to get these cut out by race day. Your aid station is at 13 miles. Again, take stock of how you are doing. Our volunteers are there to assist with communication and get you fueled up for the last 13. This 26 mile course is tough but equally beautiful.

We want to thank our incredible volunteers for being nimble with our changes to the event. Be appreciative of these folks taking time to brave the conditions and help bring you the best race we can.

Again, thank you for your patience and understanding of this last minute change. I know first hand how tough you are. I also know that there are limits to our resources. We want you to come back next year (or next race) and we want to be welcomed back by this amazing community. We are trying to strike a balance. Be Graveleer!

Jeremy


Thoughts on The Wolf Bikepacking Race

Packed up for another day in Ely MN. Photo Josh Kowaleski

We have a few spots remaining in the Wolf Bikepacking Race. We think you should join us.

The Wolf Bikepacking Race is our longer/tougher of two events we host in this style of racing. We purposely design our bikepacking events to be different. The Wolf (and the shorter Fox) bring together the worlds of racing and touring. We believe that these two elements can thrive together in the same event experience.

Though I thoroughly believe in the power of cycling slowly and observing the wonders of the places we ride, I also know there are unique experiences only gained when a rider tests the boundaries of their endurance limits. That is why our bikepacking events are timed. And I also know that these tough days are made better by sharing those moments together with other like minded people. Mix those two things together in our favorite Northwoods towns of Finland, Ely and Grand Marais and that means an event like no other.

We do ask that riders have some prior knowledge with long days in the saddle and living with gear packed on their bike. We will take care of the camping, breakfasts, aid stations and other important logisitics. We welcome questions from folks who may be on the fence and we’ll do our best to determine if you are ready for The Wolf.

Ride the Good Line and see what bikepacking in the Northwoods is all about.

The Wolf Bikepacking Race!

In Ely, MN. Night one. Photo by Josh Kowaleski

Registration for The Wolf Bikepacking Race goes live this Saturday, May 2 at 9 AM.

We are running our long bikepacking race this year to bring back one of our favorite northern towns, Ely MN. Add this to Finland and Grand Marais and it equals one of the best bikepacking routes in Minnesota. Heck, it’s one of my favorites anywhere.

We have made some changes this year to the event distance. First, we wanted to add a little more daylight for folks needing to hustle back home after the race on Sunday. Second, it alleviates some permitting woes that challenged us in years past. But rest assured, this course will challenge and delight as always.

Event distances are as follows: Day 1: Finland to Ely 89 miles Day 2: Ely to Grand Marais 106 miles.

Day 3: Grand Marais to Finland 66 miles.

Please go to the Wolf tab on this website to learn more. Note that the minimum age this year is 18. Note that we cap the event at 75 participants.

Please email me with any questions. And no, we are not running The Fox Bikepacking Race this year.

Ride the Good Line!

The Gravel 'Sota Podcast

Recently, I had the pleasure of talking all things gravel cycling and Heck of the North with Kris and Mark Jessee. Kris and Mark are the creators of Gravel ‘Sota. This is a new series of Minnesota grown gravel cycling events. Run on a brilliant point system and showcasing events large and small around the state, it is sure to become a hit.

Please take the time to listen to a deep cut on Heck history and my thoughts on gravel cycling today. Here’s the link to the podcast.

I sincerely thank Kris and Mark for the hard work they have done to bring Gravel ‘Sota to life. Please check out their website and consider competing in all or even a few of the races. I guarantee it will be a beautiful way to explore and challenge yourself in this awesome cycling state of ours.

Oh March!

photo Jeremy

March in the Northland is not for the faint of heart. It’s been a blend of skiing the last good skate trails and finding road miles. I think training in 35 degree weather has left an indelible mark on my brain over the years. Toes always slightly numb, nor’ easters coming off Lake Superior. Head down and know that this work will pay off soon enough.

We are so grateful for the enthusiasm shared with registering for Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic. Thank you! This will be the 10th running and it’s going to be a good one. If you are looking for a chance to snag an entry, our Heck of the North Facebook page has a pinned post for those looking to offer/accept an entry.

We want to make sure that everyone is aware of the brand new Gravel ‘Sota Series. Created by Mark and Kris of Gray Duck Grit fame, it is something we are proud to be part of. Think of it as a great combination of exploring Minnesota’s rich gravel cycling scene with friendly competition mixed in. Points are based on miles completed and entry into the series is Free. It’s a brilliantly simple process and I think it’s going to be a hit. Check out the website and explore Minnesota’s incredible gravel racing events.

I look forward to sharing some thoughts about our Heck of the North Production events and what I believe to be our guiding principles. Here are a few basics before I get into the weeds in the next post:

  • Our events are for all types of people. All are welcome.

  • I think “professional” gravel racing is an oxymoron. I respect those racing hard and the reward is in the process and experience. I am concerned when I see so much attention given to cash prizes and the media surrounding this. This is not what gravel cycling was ever about.

  • Our events are for gathering together to ride in beautiful, wild places. They are meant to be challenging.

  • We try to work closer with our hosting communities every year. We are grateful for the opportunity to share these places with you.

We’ve always believed that building an event to be beautiful is the clearest way to show what we believe in. We look forward to continuing that tradition again this coming year. Happy early Spring training and keep doing good things for each other and your neighbors.

Ride the Good Line.