Welcome All Graveleers!
You might be wondering what to expect at this Heck of the North. Whether it is your first run or your 14th, we always try to keep the course and event challenging and unique. Here are a few points to keep in mind heading into the big dance.
First, “Graveleer” and “Ride the Good Line.” What do these mean? I created these words in part for fun but also with sincerity. Here are work-in-progress definitions:
Graveleer: Noun: 1. A cyclist who prefers racing, touring and exploring gravel and dirt roads.
Graveleering: Verb: 1. To race, tour and explore by bicycle on gravel and dirt roads.
to be Graveleer: Adjective: To be welcoming, adventurous and strong during a (cycling or life) challenge
“Ride the Good Line:” To actively find and take the line in the gravel, trail or life that offers the best path forward.
I will be handing out special Graveleer medals to our younger riders and to those who just seem to come across the line looking Graveleer. Again, all for fun but with some serious respect behind it, too.
As to the actual course? I am proud of where The Heck of the North course(s) live in the spectrum of gravel cycling. Here are some key aspects of the courses to consider:
The 105 and 55 mile courses will begin with a neutral rollout. Once the flag drops (after the highway crossing), the first 6 miles are through a narrow, two track road that includes pot holes, rocks, taconite pellets (spilled from passing ore trains) and even bouts of sand. There are few good lines. If you choose to go hard, beware of poor choices that could lead to pinch flats.
105 Only: You will traverse the North Shore State Trail twice. This is a 1.5 mile section of grassy snowmobile trail. It has been mowed and is 98% rideable. There will be a few, large, wet spots that will certainly cause a walk and wet feet. It is generally flat. Be on the look out for wolf, bear and moose scat (poop.)
105 and 55: The courses are predominately gravel, dirt road. Do not believe the Ride with GPS estimates of pavement vs gravel. They are wildly inaccurate. Overall, I prefer a 40 mm wide tire for both courses. There are brief sections of pavement only to connect larger gravel road segments. I recommend tire pressures between 30-40 psi for most tires. This will vary depending on rider weight and tire width. Here’s a great resource.
The 105 will have a stream crossing at approximately mile 51. Expected wet feet again. It is not deep or dangerous, just too wide to ride (probably for most.)
The 105 and 55 will both have a few miles of rubbly, rocky bits that will seem to test you and your rigs. It’s kinda like Paris Roubaix minus the helicopters.
The 20 miler: Your course is 99% gravel with a couple of miles of North Shore State Trail two track (this section is predominately gravel two track.) It is a great intro to gravel racing on the North Shore.
ALL EVENTS: Wave starts are in 20 minute blocks. Roll across the timing mat at any point between those times. All racers looking to “podium” or contest for the top places must start at the “gun time” for their event, meaning at 8 am (105 milers,) 8:30 (55 milers,) and 9:00 am (20 milers.) The timing chip times will be the sole determinant of placing. 105 mile Wave 8:00-8:20 am; 55 mile Wave 8:30-8:50 am; 20 mile Wave 9:00-9:20 am.
Navigation: The ultimate course route is your paper cue card, or “field note.” Yes, the gpx file is accurate, too. But I am seeing a surprising number of riders having issues with following their gps devices. And being fast does not give you license to complain about missing a turn. Gravel cycling has its roots in staying on course while also riding hard. You are responsible for staying on course! And yes, I will have a few signs up on course to help with this when I deem it particularly weird. I DO NOT want riders to get lost! Just be mindful of the route cues while racing!
Aid stations: We purposely have only one aid station per course, positioned approximately at the halfway mark. We have great volunteers there who will assist with water, snacks and support. We DO NOT allow outside support of any kind except for emergency reasons. You ARE allowed to assist others and pacelines are allowed. Be prepared with the repair tools you need in case of a flat or mechanical. We do not have services en route.
We welcome competitive racing. But please be respectful and safe while on course. ALL ROADS are open so please obey all traffic rules and signs while on course. DO NOT fly through intersections expecting cars to be stopped. Please ride as far right on the road as you safely can. Please be respectful to others on the road or trail! For those sprinting for the win: we have made the finish lines safer. But we still ask that you come across the line fully in control and not at risk of harming other riders, spectators or motorists.
Thank you for being part of The Heck of the North experience. We hope you will join us for chili after your finish. Please help everyone to feel welcome during the event!
Ride the Good Line!
Jeremy Kershaw jeremybkershaw@gmail.com
