The Wolf

300 Mi // 3 DAY // 2 NIGHT BIKEPACKING RACE
Two Harbors → Ely → Grand Marais → Two Harbors

July 19-21st, 2024

The Wolf is our three day bikepacking stage race coursing through the heart of the North Shore wilds. This is the event that will test your endurance and grit and maybe even set your eyes on bigger adventures like The Tour Divide.

Day 1: Two Harbors to Ely 111 miles: 3300 ft of climbing. The longest day of the race. Mostly well maintained gravel road. There are sections of rough Forest Service road with rocks and puddles. The final 20 miles are mostly two track (an active ATV route.) Many find this to be a very challenging end to the day. It includes some punchy climbs and loose gravel. You will enjoy rolling into the picturesque lakeside camping spot and refueling at “the end of the road,” Ely.

Day 2: Ely to Grand Marais 108 miles: 3900 ft of climbing. Mostly well maintained gravel road. This is a very remote feeling day. Miles of forested roads with very little traffic or public use. If there is a route that symbolizes Northern Minnesota, this is it. Flying down the final paved miles into the harbor of Grand Marais is unforgettable. Our lakeside camping spot is a perfect place to regroup, refuel and recover.

Day 3: Grand Marais to Two Harbors 105 miles: 4400 ft of climbing. Racers are feeling the accumulated stress of miles on this final day. A mix of mostly well maintained gravel road with a few miles of two track (North Shore State Trail) and (Briton Pit Road.) The finish is back at the Demo Forest under a majestic stand of white pines.

NOTE Routes are subject to change due to weather or forest fires. We will update participants with any changes prior to the start.

The Wolf is designed to test everything you know about long distance cycling, bikepacking and pushing your limits. But we also make the event into something much more. We want racers to enjoy time spent in the beautiful towns each night. We especially hope that riders can get to know each other with time spent dining at night, shared breakfasts in the morning and maybe even while cycling each day. It’s much more than just a stage race. It is a shared experience through some of the wildest country in the US.

We require participants to have experience with cycling 100 mile days. We strongly encourage knowledge of your gear and camping. The Wolf offers very limited support during the day’s stage. We are reserving this event for riders 18 years and older.

We recommend a cycle that can accommodate at least 40 mm tires. My preferred tire width for this course is 2.3 in. A 29er mountain bike is ideal to handle the load of packs and cushioning of wider tires. Get creative, but make sure that packs are well secured and you feel good for hours of riding.

Please see the other pages for details about the event and email us with any additional questions at jeremybkershaw@gmail.com