Le Grand and Portrait Bike

Hello Graveleers!

There is always a lot to process after one of our events. Josh, our photographer for Le Grand du Nord, got right to work. I am really excited to share his work with you. Without further ado, here’s Josh:

“I wanted to take a minute and say Thank You to all of you who stopped in the middle of your own adventure on Saturday to join me at the debut of the Portrait Bike! I went to Jeremy this winter to see if he would want to collaborate in a way that brought Art and Bikes together using the medium of photography, and I’m thankful that he was enthusiastic about this idea and that he created space in this series of events to give it a shot! Without you, the riders, it wouldn’t have happened and as a Thank you from both of us, we want to pass on free, personal use image downloads to you. Most everyone who stopped at the “studio” has a portrait waiting for them in the gallery! Hit the link and check them out! If I missed you this time, keep a keen eye out for the Portrait Bike at the Wolf/Fox and The Heck of the North!”

Thank You, again!

Josh Kowaleski – Pointed North Photography

Link to Photos from Le Grand du Nord

Volunteers

Good Morning! I woke up early this morning filled with thoughts about Le Grand du Nord. The memories are still blooming. Most of them amazing. Some scary (apparently it was a very very bad day for brakes.) And always a few regarding things I can improve on or should have done differently.

But mostly today I am so very thankful for the incredible volunteers that help us make the event an amazing experience for all of us. Under extremely challenging weather conditions, using their limited time off from work and with competing family commitments, our volunteers give it their all. And they do it extremely well.

So many people I talked with yesterday wanted to thank the volunteers. I agree.

Thank you to our volunteers. You are truly appreciated and dedicated Graveleers!

Jeremy and Avesa

Le Grand du Nord Route Scout

The washout on Bally Creek that nearly ended Le Grand du Nord

Well, it’s been a wild ride this last week. The large amount of snow this Winter coupled with heavy rains this month wreaked havoc on many North Shore roads. We waited and waited for the snow to melt only then to have rains that took a toll. But we are tough and most of the miles of gravel roads for our Le Grand du Nord courses look good.

But we did have to make a significant change to our 110 mile course. Please go to our official Ride with GPS event site and make sure that you have the latest 110 course file uploaded a few days ago. The Marathon (26 mil) and the 53 courses did not change. The Marathon is an out and back this year due to construction on part of last year’s course. Regardless, the Marathon and the 110 mile routes are still stunning, challenging and Le Grand worthy courses.

Of note for the 53 and 110 mile routes. The above picture of the culvert washout is something you will cross (twice for the 110 milers.) Please be aware that this is marked with orange flags. You must climb and walk over this washout. It is plainly in view while riding. There are “Road Closed” signs preventing motorists from using Bally Creek for this section only. We have permission to use this section, though. Please be CAREFUL crossing this section!

Of note for the 53 milers, Murmur Cr Rd is particularly rough: mini washouts that angle 45 degrees to travel, washboard and other potholes. Enjoy. For the fast folks, pay attention! Going warp speed does not give you license to be unaware. Ride smart for the conditions!

As to tire choice, go as wide as you can this year. For many, that may mean 35-40 mm. I think 40 mm is the new sweet spot for gravel cycling. Dust will not be a problem this Saturday! In fact, it looks like rain for a good chunk of the day. The roads are fairly firm now, but of course more rain leads to softer conditions.

But most of all, I am all in for this year’s event. We have been through a lot with Covid, war in Europe and violence here in the states. Being on bikes, being with friends and family and riding with new people are all good for the soul. Enjoy this amazing town, landscape and time to ride hard.

Be Graveleer

Jeremy and Le Grand du Nord Team

Just north of the washout on Bally Creek Rd near Cascade River Campground/Devil Track Rd.


Watch your gutter riding this year.

Le Grand du Nord Basecamp

Thank You to More Partners!

Our Special Fika Coffee for Le Grand du Nord!

We want to say a big “Thank you!” to these amazing sponsors:

Epicurean is a Duluth business that has been supporting cycling for a very long time. Their beautiful cutting boards are appreciation gifts to our dedicated volunteers. Thank you!

Loll Designs is another Duluth based business building beautiful furniture and supporting cycling to the fullest in Duluth and the North Shore. We will be giving away one of their Lollygagger Lounge chairs to a randomly drawn Le Grand rider this Saturday. Thank you!

Fika Coffee is supplying us with their fresh roasted coffee and beans for the weekend. All profits from the sales of these bags will go to Gravel for Good this year (We are supporting efforts in Ukraine, American Indian Community Housing Organization AICHO, and Lake Superior Cycling Association.) Thanks for enjoying and giving at the same time!

North Shore Winery THE amazing winery on the North Shore is generously assisting our team this year. They are also donating wine tasting coupons to our 70 and Wiser age group winners for the events. We really appreciate their support of the event this year and you owe yourself a visit to their winery!

The crew at Voyageur Brewing Company has been helping us celebrate every Le Grand du Nord. Their beer is the best and the location can not be beat for spectating and socializing after the race. All riders will get a free pint of drink on us and VBCo. Thanks for your continued support of our event!

Embark Maple Syrup is helping fuel our riders again this year with their organic maple syrup tapped in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. They might also be on course in a secret location just when you need a boost the most. Thank you!

Taiga Design + Build is a Grand Marais builder of fine homes. His crew is helping with setting up Le Grand du Nord basecamp. Thank you!

And Visit Cook County has been with us every step of the way. They handle all types of lodging, travel, destination and event support in Cook County and Grand Marais. Please call them with any questions you may have while visiting. Their team is excellent and we are so thankful they do what they do.

Welcome Back Cedaero and Wolf Tooth Components

Cedaero’s Tank Top “Graveleer” Edition available at Le Grand du Nord

We are once again very fortunate to have some of gravel cycling’s best makers at Le Grand du Nord. Today, we are featuring Cedaero and Wolf Tooth Components.

Dan Cruikshank and his team of bicycle bag designers and makers at Cedaero, Two Harbors, MN, produce the finest bike bags available today. Sewn at their Two Harbors’ shop, Cedaero bags have been through everything and back. I personally ran a full set during my Tour Divide race and I swear by their smart construction and toughness. Cedaero is giving custom made Graveleer edition Twisted Zipster bags to our fastest male/female riders in each Le Grand event. I know you will appreciate them if you are the fastest of the fast!

Inside each Zipster bag Wolf Tooth Components is giving a 6 Bit Hex Wrench Multi Tool. Wolf Tooth Components and Otso Cycles are Minnesota made companies producing cutting edge bicycle tools, parts and bicycles. We are proud to have them as sponsors again this year. Their innovation and dedication to gravel cycling and bikepacking is apparent in everything they create.

Both Cedaero and Wolf Tooth will be at our Le Grand du Nord Basecamp for packet pickup and start/finish. Stop by, say hello and check out their goods. Thanks to all for being part of the Le Grand du Nord!