A taste of the last three miles…the Alger Grade Forest! Photo Jeremy
Welcome Graveleers!
First things first. We have finalized our Heck of the North start list. Please go to the BikeReg Heck page to see your status. One may also change their event distance until September 15 by using the “Edit my Entry” dropdown tab. We appreciate your patience with this process and site as we experienced some wonky tech issues.
Very Important! We need volunteers! Each year, our dedicated crew of volunteers makes the Heck happen. It’s as simple as that. Without these amazing folks, there is no Heck! Sign up here! Please consider joining our team for the event. If your family is around while you are racing, it could be a great way for them to join in the action. At 6 hours of time, a volunteer earns a free entry to a Heck of the North Productions event (Le Grand du Nord or Heck of the North) that can also be transferred to a family member. We will make sure your time, whether an hour or all day, is worth it and a valuable experience for you. Thank you for making the Heck happen!
Very Very Important! Race start times have changed (for safety logistics.)
105 Milers start at 8 AM and end at 8:15 AM.
56 Milers start at 8:30 AM and end at 8:45 AM.
20 Milers start at 9 AM and end at 9:15 AM.
All racers seeking a podium place must start at their “gun time” 8, 8:30 or 9 depending on your distance.
I am a restless race planner as many Heck veterans know. I have added a new stretch of trail that all Heck distances will use as the approach to the finish line. In another nod to our namesake, Paris Roubaix, “The Hell of the North,” we are dubbing the finishing last three miles the “Alger Grade Forest.” At the Paris Roubaix, The Arenberg Forest, is considered to be one of the most difficult sectors in all of cycling. Our Alger Grade Forest is not that bad! But prepare for 50 yards of sand, a few soccer ball size rocks and plenty of careful line selecting. This is an ATV trail that is actually quite fast…but that is where the danger lurks! Watch your line as you pick through the chunky stuff. And of course, be courteous and respectful to our motorized friends who may be sharing their trail with us on race day!
We are also asking all participants to arrive at the Heck start area well before 7:45 am. We will close our parking lot at that time and route overflow parking to Co Hwy 2, east shoulder. Please consider car pooling and be mindful of other cars and cyclists when driving in!
And all participants will get a delicious bowl of chili served up at the Heck Tent after your finish. The crew from the Vanilla Bean will be dishing their finest.
Thank you for being part of another Heck experience. See you soon!
Jeremy and Avesa and The Heck Team