HECK OF THE NORTH

105 Mi // 56 Mi // 19 Mi GRAVEL CLASSIC

Event Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025

2025 marks the 17th anniversary of The Heck of the North! This is the event that started it all.

While the Heck routes are mostly gravel, expect some two track with sand, rubble, or possibly the kind of mud pictured above. The Heck is called the Heck for a reason!

105 Mile: This classic has 3400ft of climbing. There are no significant hills on course but the rough sections will take it out of you. It starts with a tight, two track section called the Briton Pit Rd for the first five miles. Your ride gets sorted out fast on this section. It’s rough. The hallmark feature of this 105 mile route are its two passes over the North Shore State Trail; a slow, grassy winter trail with spring-fed wet sections. This is at mile 11 and then 50. Most of the route is well-maintained county gravel roads. I recommend 40-50 mm tires at pressures under 35psi. Or, run as wide as you can if your bike is older. Riders will go past the aid station at mile 55 and 82. Toilet, water, snacks and volunteers will be there to assist.

56 Mile: The 56 mile course this year is using most of the upper105 mile course. 1600 ft of climbing. It starts with a tight, two track section called Briton Pit Rd for the first five miles. This is a relatively rough stretch. The route then opens up onto county gravel roads. Mile 36-44 is the Bear Pit section that is a rough two track road. Lots of rocks and tricky little climbs. Pay attention! I recommend 40-50 mm tires, or as wide as your older bike can fit.

19 Mile: 500 ft of climbing. A great introduction to the world of gravel cycling. Almost entirely well maintained gravel road, this course, too, features a 3 mile section of two track before the midway aid station. Your return trip is back down the East Alger Grade to the finish line.

Though all of the Heck routes include short sections that would be more comfortable to ride on a suspension trail bike, a gravel bike is still the way to go. I recommend tires at least 35-50 mm wide. There is a lot of good research showing that wider tires are NOT slower. Keep your pressures under 35 psi for most people.

The Heck of the North has a unique feel to it. Maybe it is the brilliant Fall colors. Maybe it is the remoteness of the routes. Maybe it is the camaraderie and friendly faces. Either way, it’s a classic and we welcome you to the experience.

We welcome back our amazing Sponsors and partners. Thank you!

We will see you at the finish line!