Heck of the North Registration!

Maybe the second Heck? Navigating some dicey trail. Photo by Jeremy

Welcome to this special 18th year of The Heck of the North Gravel Cycling Classic. Registration goes live on Saturday, June 20 at 9 AM. This year, we are starting and finishing in Two Harbor's historic downtown. Our inaugural Heck Fest, with our friends at Castle Danger Brewery, will present a special live performance of one of our favorite local musicians Saturday afternoon. Food trucks, live music and Castle Danger Brewery’s finest drinks on tap. Bring a friend to celebrate with us. We are excited to start a new Heck tradition.

I love this photo that I grabbed on maybe the second edition of The Heck of the North. Somehow, I got to the sharp end of the race just as the lead group was navigating the mostly illegal crossing of some property a few miles from the finish (that’s Ross F in the Salsa jersey chasing.) Oh, the dumb stuff I did those first couple of years. We have gotten (somewhat) smarter and more savvy with permitting and the grown up parts of gravel cycling. But I hope to never lose that sense of adventure the Heck brings out in me and our riders. That’s what the Heck of the North has always been about. I almost laugh at how analog our Heck events are compared to some races these days. But we are OK with that. Our heart is still in grassroots gravel.

This year's courses are retooled and showcase the best sections of classic Heck routes. Come prepared for some of the most beautiful and challenging Heck routes to date.

I hope you an join us this year. And please welcome someone new to gravel cycling. It’s going to be a good Heck!

Le Grand du Nord Thank You

One of our fearless Graveleers from Grand Marais, Jay. Photo Jeremy

We want to thank you for being part of a very special, 10th anniversary edition of Le Grand du Nord Gravel Cycling Classic. In fact, we are putting it up there as probably our second hardest event we have hosted in 18 years of Heck of the North Production events. So congratulations to those who made it to the start line and even further to the finish line.

We also want to recognize again our amazing corp of volunteers. Many are folks we have known for years and their service to our events is hugely appreciated. They are just great people sharing their time, expertise and spirit. We could not do it without you.

There is a Summer full of cycling events here in Minnesota. Our Wolf Bikepacking Race has a couple of spots still available. Make sure to join Minnesota’s premier gravel cycling series, Gravel ‘Sota, too. For those looking to blend their passion for gravel cycling with the more traditional randonneuring scene, the Minnesota Randonneurs have some great events planned that include gravel.

And as always, a few shots by me at the finish line. I was amazed at the number of smiles I saw peeking through the mud, snot and spattered “sun” glasses. Your dedication to our events and ability to take on a challenge never ceases to amaze me. We feel so lucky to be part of this gravel community. It’s a pleasure hosting these races for such incredible people. We thank you. (Of note, I was not able to get photos of some of our fastest. I’m assuming they crossed the line and went straight to a warm blanket!)

Until next time, Ride the Good Line and keep being Graveleer!

Brett Brazerol, our fastest male rider in the 54 miler. Photo Jeremy

Josephine Ryan winner of the 26 mile Le Grand du Nord. Photo Jeremy

Friends from the ER…

More friends from the ER

Caleb and Tony, long time Graveleers of Heck Production events. Photo Jeremy

Our Toughest 26 milers! Photo Jeremy

and Toughest 54 miler (and neighbor!)

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