Thank you!

Photo Jeremy Kershaw

I look at this photo and can’t help but think about the future of gravel cycling. Not only the achievements of the day but also my sincere hope that cycling continues to be an enjoyable part of their lives well into old age.

Thank you to all who attempted Le Grand du Nord this year. Every now and again Nature reminds us of who really calls the shots. This was one of the those years. But I know from experience that it is the tough conditions that make memories and build character. So it goes for 2022.

I saw more mechanical failures this year than any year I have been standing at the finish line. Again, a somewhat welcome reminder that technology has not quite figured out rain, mud and glacial till. Frightening at times and I know of a few nasty accidents. (We are working to improve our finish lines for all Heck events moving forward.) I saw too many “Flintstone” brakes coming down the hill. We appreciate all of our riders; from those sprinting to the finish first to those who are tough enough to be out for 10 hours. We want our courses to accommodate all speeds as safely as we can. Hopefully all riders and bikes are on the mend.

Thank you to every volunteer who weathered the weekend. We had a stellar crew this year and I was reminded by many riders of this fact. We just could not pull it off without you and we thank you so much.

I am busy today getting details ready for our Summer The Fox bikepacking race. We are also planning for The Heck of the North in October. No rest for the wicked. I will keep you in the loop with these event special announcements.

It was a busy weekend for cycling with The Unbound and The Epic Bike Fest. It’s a good thing to have so many cycling event options. Hope all had great experiences there.

Until later,

Ride the Good Line

Jeremy and Le Grand du Nord family

Shop for Ride the Good Line Kits and Le Grand du Nord

Here’s a quick reminder that we have select merchandise for sale at our Shop. Check out our beautiful new Ride the Good Line Kits. Our neighbor/designer-extraordinaire Andrea Halligan and I are really happy with the finished product. We have only a few sizes in stock before the next kit order happens (we are working on another order soon and will publicize this here.) Plus, Le Grand du Nord tees, hoodies and hats. We have really cool accessories, too, including Ride the Good Line Volie Straps and Miir Graveleer stainless pints. Thanks for stopping by the Shop. 50% of profits of merchandise go to Gravel for Good (our way of giving back.)

Front of jersey

Back of jersey

12” Voile Straps

The Graveleer Trucker

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