Welcome to Le Grand du Nord!
Here are a few things to think about in these weeks leading up to the big dance:
The safety of our participants, volunteer team and hosting community is paramount In light of the Covid 19 pandemic, the flow of race day and bib pickup will be different. We appreciate your patience and flexibility.
All participants and volunteers will be REQUIRED to wear face masks during every interaction with others. While cycling, masks may be off if at least 6 ft from another person. Please physically distance at all times during the event (and on your approach and departure from the event, too.)
If you are not feeling well or suspect that you had contact with a confirmed Covid 19 infection, you are not allowed to be at the event.
Please be aware of your wave start time! If you do not see one, email me at jeremybkershaw@gmail.com to confirm this.
We will be starting all events from the Cook County YMCA in Grand Marais due to the Hwy 61 reconstruction project. We will have well-marked wave start staging areas. We will send out detailed instructions about this process closer to the race.
Parking will most likely be spread throughout the neighborhood and a few parking lots. Parking WILL NOT be available at the schools adjacent to the YMCA. They have graduation ceremonies taking place and we want to respect that big day for the graduating Seniors and families.
The 20 miler will likely be slightly longer: a marathon distance of 26 miles to allow a loop rather than an out-and-back and a better mix of paved and unpaved scenic roads. This route change is pending US Forest Service approval. We will offer a link to the route so participants can pre-ride (with gps files or cue card navigation). We will share the link as soon as we secure approval from the USFS.
We are offering a bib pickup event with our new sponsors at Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 5 to 8 pm. Stop by and pick up your race bib (with timing chip,) pre-ordered tee shirt/mug/stickers. Grab a beverage and see old friends and WELCOME new ones at Bent Paddle’s amazing outdoor beer garden. Thank you to Bent Paddle Brewing for this new partnership!
Bib pickup will occur in Grand Marais on Friday, May 28 from 5 to 8 pm and also Saturday, May 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 am before the race. We are finalizing these locations and times and will announce them ASAP.
If you are unable to ride the event for any reason, you have options! If you are a BikeReg member, you are able to change your status and receive a refund (minus the service charge) by yourself. If you are not a BikeReg member, email me and I can make the change for you. For those events that have a waitlist, those waiting will be able to get onto the start list and the rider not able to race will get a refund. There are many waiting to get to the start line, especially in the 50 mile event, so please help us out if you are unable to ride. Thank you!
We will be donating to the Superior Cycling Association and a local non-profit (this plan is being formalized currently!) We will make more announcements about these great organizations soon.
And finally, visit our Sponsor page. I truly think we have some of the best partners in the region. We are all about working with local businesses that bring creative product in a way that builds local communities. Thank you to all!
Always feel free to email me or any of our Gravel Go-To’s with questions about anything cycling related. Ride the Good Line!