Howdy
This was a very special edition of Le Grand du Nord with many firsts. Some were obvious like the first end of pandemic (I hope) race. The first chip-timed Heck of the North Productions event ever (thank you to Kris and team at Duluth Timing and Events. Check results here.) The first wave starts (thank you to the YMCA for being such gracious hosts.) Thank you Voyageur Brewing Company. Some were not so obvious. We miss family that are not able to be with us. Life moves on and we adapt and hopefully grow. So it goes.
A lot has changed since my first introduction to gravel cycling in 2009. I think many of these changes are amazing. There are now bicycles for every conceivable type of terrain and rider objective. There are gravel events both large and small all over the country. And there are opinions about these changes wherever you look.
I speak for Heck of the North Productions only. We continue to evolve with the times. But our core goals remain solid. Design and produce beautifully challenging courses and events. Welcome both seasoned veterans and brand new gravel cyclists. Work with community partners and businesses that see the benefits of cycling for all in the community.
Most of all, bring people, bicycles and landscapes together for powerful experiences.
Thank you for being part of Le Grand du Nord. Thank you for bringing your adventurous spirit. Your patience. Your determination. Your friendliness.
Thank you Avesa Rockwell for being an amazing co-pilot.
Thank you volunteers for making this all possible!
We have The Fox and The Heck of the North coming up later this season. Hope to see you there. Until then, Ride the Good Line!
Jeremy Kershaw
Sponsors!
(Alphabetically)
Bent Paddle Brewing Duluth’s finest brewers and hosts for our Tuesday, May 25 race bib pickup. They are generous donors to cycling in Duluth. They are also supplying us with Buy 1 Get 1 Free (B1G1) coupons.
Cascade Vacation Rentals Leaders in North Shore vacation rentals. They are doing major support for us at our 53 mile event Checkpoint.
Cedaero Two Harbors based bike bag sewers and designers are the best in the business! CEDAERO would like to thank the gravel and adventure community for helping us grow through the pandemic. We are offering all the LeGrand Du Nord registered riders a chance to get 10% off their order at cedaero.com. In addition another 10% of each order will be donated to “Gravel for Good”, the charitable wing of the Heck of the North Productions. Use the code Get10Give10 at checkout before it expires on June 10th.
Crushing Mechanics Rich and Lynne are generous partners of Heck of the North Productions. From vehicle and storage support to basecamp hosting, they do it all. They also sell equipment for making gravel roads! Who could ask for more! Thanks Rich and Lynne!
Embark Maple Syrup Our Wisconsin based maple syrup suppliers. They are new and really bringing it this year. They will be supplying our checkpoints with packets of their finest syrup.
Epicurean Duluth based cutting board and kitchen tool company. A long time supporter of cycling and Heck of the North Productions. They are donating beautiful cutting boards and tote bags to our volunteer crews.
Fika Coffee Lutsen based coffee roasters are your go-to for coffee while traveling the North Shore. They will be supplying us with bags of their finest roasts.
Fireweed Bike Coop Grand Marais’ bike repair shop. Owned by none only than the mayor of Grand Marais, Jay Arrowsmith Decoux, Jay will be offering repair service at the Marathon checkpoint.
HED Cycling The leaders in bicycle wheels. Minnesota based HED has been a sponsor of our events from the beginning. This year, we will be giving away a pair of their Emporia GA Pro – Silver Edition gravel wheels. One of my favorite cycling companies and long time supporters of gravel cycling
Loll Designs Duluth based modern, outdoor furniture makers have been long time supporters of all things cycling in the region. We will be giving away one of their beautiful Lollygagger Lounge Chairs
Otso Cycles and Wolf Tooth Components Minnesota based bike, tool and component builders. Wolf Tooth Components and Otso Cycles will be hosting a giveaway after the event, so take a few pictures and be ready to recap your event experience! You can win Wolf Tooth tools, accessories, and Otso swag. Stay tuned after le Grand du Nord for more details.
Taiga Design + Builders Grand Marais based carpenters and designers. The best and most beautiful construction operation on the North Shore. Logistical supporters of the event.
Terrene Tire Minnesota based tires! We will be giving away 5 sets of their very capable gravel shoes, Elwood Tire 40 mm tires.
Visit Cook County Original partners of Le Grand du Nord. If only every event company could have a county based resource like Visit Cook County. Your go-to for Grand Marais and Cook County travel, event and logistical information.