It has been a typical Northland Spring. Just when you think Winter, snow and cold have been replaced by the warmth of the sun…bam! Another dose of snow and cold. So it goes.

We are scouting the routes this week. A full photo report coming soon. Stay tuned.

As to Le Grand du Nord prep, we are putting the finishing touches on some great details.

HED Cycling will be back at the 54 mile course checkpoint (for that distance only.) We love having this team here firing up fresh made crepes and the best toppings to pair with them. Only at Le Grand du Nord! Thanks Andy and his awesome crew at HED. And HED will be generously offering a set of their famous Ardennes wheels.
All riders will receive a specially designed gift from Heck of the North Productions and Cedaero
Our friends at Voyageur Brewing Company are hosting Friday registration and Saturday live music. Have a pint on us, listen to great bands and share your stories from the day.
We will give away really cool gifts from Loll and Epicurean, two amazing North Shore businesses.
If you need top notch bike repair, parts and service while in Grand Marais, go to the best, Fireweed Bike Coop.
If you’re still looking for accommodations or things to do and see while in Grand Marais, your one stop shop is Visit Cook County.
Remember to join us for a showing of Ben Weaver and Keenan DesPlanques’ movie about riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail, “Music for Free.” 7 PM at Grand Marais Art Colony
We will be honoring select riders with gifts from Wintergreen Northern Wear, and Cedaero
A special thanks to Anton at Taiga Design + Build in Grand Marais. He and his crew are generously offering pizza support for the 110 mile riders at the Pine Mountain Rd Checkpoint. Thanks, Anton! (plus…he and his crew are amazing builders/designers. Check them out while in town.)
Coffee is being covered by Fika Coffee. Stop by their beautiful shop in Lutsen.

So much more. And as always, for me, it is about the course, the people and challenge. I think we have a very special edition of Le Grand du Nord this year.

Ride the Good Line

Jeremy Kershaw