A Ray of Life Solar Light Project

Lighting up Odessa

Gravel for Good has purchased the makings for four solar powered lights (about $500.) All money donated via this link will go 100% toward the lights. Thanks for considering to be part of this effort. We appreciate your generosity.

Gravel for Good and you can help make a huge difference right now. Gravel for Good is our way of giving something back to the communities we work with locally…and one that is far away but dear to our hearts.

Our friend Dave Nonnemacher is doing good work. He’s been part of the Heck cycling events for years. He’s a DaMN finisher and a dedicated volunteer, too. We have traveled with Dave to see humanitarian work he is part of in Romania (our 2019 visit to Lupeni.) He’s part of New Horizons Foundation, USA. Right now, he is helping to coordinate a project to get solar powered lights to people in Ukraine. The story is simply amazing and beautiful and we are honored to be giving to this project. Here’s what Dave has to say about it:

04/2023

Lights for Ukraine-A Collaborative Effort

The Ray of Life (ROL) solar light unit is a five (5) lbs. self-contained device about the size of a cereal box. The product was developed by John Prusa, a refugee himself from communist Czechoslovakia in the mid-1970’s and Ruston Seaman, the executive director of New Vision Renewable Energy (NVRE), Philippi WV. NVRE is a faith-based Community Development organization serving in rural Appalachia for almost 40 years.

In mid-March 2023 I left for a 2-week trip to Moldova and Ukraine. One of the purposes for this trip was to deliver ten (10) Ray of Life solar light units to Ukraine. For God’s Children International (FGCI) staff were able to connect us with 3 different groups of Ukrainians to pass off the lights.

Is this something Ukrainians need and in reality, will utilize? Without question, pointedly spoken directly from Ukrainians, yes. These solar lights offer people living in basements, or living in village homes or city apartment blocks where the electric grid has been destroyed or compromised, the opportunity to have light and charge a cell phone. The battery, when fully charged will provide 6-10 hours of bright, LED light.

At an apartment in Odessa where we shared a meal with 12 Ukrainians, everyone there knew someone either living in a basement or living without electricity. This solar light application is needed even more in cities in eastern Ukraine and the villages all through the gray zone, as well as the combat zone. The collaborative partners involved have contacts willing and able to get these lights to people living in the gray zone.

10 ROL units were taken as a pilot effort, to see if the ROL unit and the application of it was needed and desired by Ukrainians. As stated previously, it is. The cost of each unit is $125.00 USD. The ordering of parts and the pre-assembly are done by New Vision in rural West Virginia, the final assembly will be arranged with NHF-USA and FGCI partners. The arrangements for transport to Ukraine and delivery in Ukraine will be handled by New Horizons Foundation-USA and FGCI.

The Ray of Life solar light unit was developed “for such a time as this”. This opportunity to provide light for families, schoolchildren, rural and urban applications, the elderly who are unable to leave Ukraine and many other people who have no electricity available is offered. Light brings hope, hope keeps people alive.

Thank you! Jeremy Kershaw

Video from an undisclosed location near the front, “"Thank you very much for these lamps, We will now be able to charge our phones and from now on we will have light. They are very useful lamps. Thank you very much.....These lamps are very necessary for people."

Le Grand Route Scout

The fast 50’s from 2022. Photo Jeremy Kershaw

Welcome to Le Grand du Nord!

I scouted all of the courses last Wednesday. Nervous that I would still find snow on the roads I instead was covered in dust. The roads are looking really good for this time of year. I think it could be a fast one.

Le Grand du Nord courses are all some of my favorites in the US. Really. They are so different from those in the southern part of the state, or Iowa, Kansas or Oklahoma. I hope you find the wild feel as inspiring as I do.

Some will note that the 100 mile event route is new. Indeed, it draws upon some of the best roads in the Sawtooth range. I am excited for you to try this new course. I think it’s going to be faster than usual due to the absence of a few miles of gnarliness. There are a few reasons I made the switch to this course and I look forward to your feedback.

The 26 and 54 mile courses are very similar to last year. They are classics in my book.

Safety. We are planning on stopping traffic at the intersection of 5th St and 5th Ave, the only stop sign coming into town, for both the start of the race and for the end. We will also have the downhill run to the finish on 3rd Ave protected with barricades and volunteers at the intersections. That being said…PLEASE use COMMON SENSE and typical traffic safety guidelines EVERYWHERE on course. No roads are closed and cars can still be anywhere on course (even crossing the road to the finish line.) We are relying on our volunteers, traffic safety crew (thank you Hovland STOP team members!) and YOU to keep it safe for everyone. Thanks for helping with this.

Tires. My general rule with gravel cycling is to run the widest tires your bike can fit. This not only adds pneumatic comfort with the extra air volume but also more float over gravel. This extra float can increase your average speed. A good starting point for air pressure is the low 30’s psi. You can fine tune this but DO NOT go with the higher pressure means faster ride theory. You will regret this in not only loss of comfort but also loss of speed. My favorite average tire width these days is about 40 mm wide.

The weather forecast is improving. I am cautiously optimistic it will be dry. One thing to note is that the average temperature in Grand Marais harbor is often much cooler than that uphill. This means that you may find yourself overheating the higher in elevation you go. Each course starts off with a few miles of climbing so be prepared for this possible temp change. Have a place where you can stow a light jacket or your arm/knee warmers.

Each event distance (26, 54 and 100) will have one aid station at about the midpoint. We will have volunteers, water, energy drink, snacks and toilets at each station. Dropping your own personal water bottles or food in advance is NOT ALLOWED. Nor is any resupply from family or friends on course. You are allowed to assist any other rider, though, during the event. I recommend all riders to have packed their absolute favorite snack as a just in case, emergency calorie source. Otherwise, you can lean on us for moral and caloric resupply at the mid-points. Please be extra thankful to the amazing volunteers we have during the event. Thank you!

Parking. Most of town is fair game. The court house has some extra parking, too. Please DO NOT PARK on 3rd Ave west (part of our course) or at the YMCA or the school (both on 5th St.)

Thank you for being part of this year’s Le Grand du Nord. I am asking that all riders go out of their way to introduce themselves to someone new at the race. Step out of your comfort bubble and help make our gravel community as welcoming as possible. I also ask that you leave the great residents of Grand Marais (who are incredibly hard working but strapped for workers like everywhere else) thinking that Le Grand du Nord is a classy event with great participants. Thanks for helping us out with this!

Be Graveleer!

Jeremy Kershaw

Sponsors for Le Grand du Nord

We are so grateful for the amazing business partners that help bring our events to life. We work only with the best in the business and are proud of the relationships we have built over the years. North Shore, Minnesota, and USA made products that add greatness to the gravel cycling community. Please consider these partners when shopping for your provisions or planning your Le Grand weekend. Thank you!

1. Bearskin Lodge Bearskin lodge is donating a three night stay at their beautiful lodge! Bearskin Lodge is an all season getaway located on Minnesota's Gunflint Trail.  Sitting at the edge of the BWCAW, Bearskin is a great destination for skiing, paddling, hiking, biking and relaxing.  A family owned, family friendly resort, get outside and enjoy the outdoors with us at Bearskin Lodge.

2. Cascade Vacation Rentals Leaders in North Shore vacation rentals. CVR is your go-to for finding just the right lodging on the North Shore for Le Grand and other North Shore adventures.

3. Cedaero  Two Harbors based bike bag sewers and designers are the best in the business! Dan and his talented band of makers will be at Le Grand tent with plenty of freshly made bags.

4. 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! 

5. 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. And yes, they may or may not be in fox suits, climbing trees or otherwise cheering you on in the one and only Embark way.

6. 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. 

7. 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. 

8. 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 once again giving away a pair of their amazing gravel wheelsets.  One of my favorite cycling companies and long time supporters of gravel cycling!

9. Lake Superior Dental Associates This amazing crew! They generously supply bikepacking approved toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste. We will have the healthiest bikepackers in the country again this year. Thanks for your gracious support!

10. 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

11. North Shore Winery This amazing winery (and cider maker) will be supplying tasting sessions to our fastest riders on the podium. A must place to visit while on the North Shore!

12. Otso Cycles and Wolf Tooth Components Minnesota based bike, tool and component  builders. Wolf Tooth Components and Otso Cycles are dedicated supporters of gravel and trail riding in Minnesota and beyond. We thank them for their awesome tool and swag donations for our fastest riders.

13. 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. Thank you!

14. 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. 

15. Voyageur Brewing Company THE party spot for Le Grand du Nord! Grab a spot on one of their decks and watch the finish line action all day! Enjoy one of their great craft beers and delicious menu items. We appreciate their support from day one. Be generous and kind to their hard working crew!

Some Thoughts on Our Heck of the North "Why"

Deep in Le Grand du Nord country. Photo Clint Austin

I do my best to pay attention to trends, gear and other nuances in the world of gravel riding. Cycling is a passion in this household and I do not use the word lightly. From our kitchen table headquarters, here are a few guiding principals for our upcoming season, and our events, in general. I want to share them with you so you have some idea where we fall in the spectrum of gravel cycling.

First, a little history. Not too many years ago, we got some (minor) push-back for making the decision to move from a “free” event design (The Heck of the North at that time) to one that would charge an entry fee. Long story short, The Heck has its roots deeply in the ground alongside other DIY gravel events like The Almanzo 100 and Ragnarok 105 (which predate our events by a few years.) I cut my gravel teeth at these races and was deeply inspired by them (Chapeau! to Chris Skogen and Jake and the Røk Crü.) At that time, these races were labeled as “free,” though I would argue they were never free for the organizers or even for those that participated in them. But yes, there was no formal fee other than the expenses of placing a stamp on a postcard entry, getting to the event and hopefully donating to the folks hosting.

As our Heck events continued to grow, we made a decision as a family that, to keep the races alive and thriving, we needed to consider them a business, not only a passion and hobby. That meant charging a fee to help offset our expenses with the event(s) as well as help cover my time producing them.

To summarize our Why: We believe that gravel cycling is rewarding enough: the physical and emotional payouts are greater than any cash prize. We believe that keeping Heck of the North Productions a family business is the best way to sustain our events for the future. We believe in constantly creating, always trying to keep the events as exciting as they were 15 years ago. We believe that all are welcome to ride and we work to bring new people into the sport. We believe in strong relationships with local businesses who bring great energy and product to our events. We believe that riding bicycles together, at least a few times a year, is a magical way to create connections and community. We believe the experience of riding gravel is transcendent.

You may ask why we do not pay cash prizes or have corporate sponsors in our event name. We think participating and hopefully finishing your gravel event is reward enough. It helps keep our events accessible to all and deemphasizes this latest craze of professionalization in the sport. We sincerely appreciate our business partnerships, and we value our family business autonomy, too. I think those who work with us get this.

Our goal at Heck of the North Productions on this backside of the pandemic is to ride as much as possible and share the beauty of cycling with others. Thank you for being part of the Heck experience.

Jeremy

Paris Roubaix

iPhone capture of Peacock TV coverage of the 120th edition of Paris Roubaix

Watching this year’s coverage of the men’s Paris Roubaix, and savoring the chance to watch replay of the Femme coverage, too…I’m resting at home with a cruddy virus. Oh how I would rather be on the bike today!

We adapted “Heck of the North” from this queen of the classics, Paris Roubaix, the “Hell of the North.” It is still one of my favorite things to watch on the TV. It is insane. We decided to swap out centuries old cobblestone for sectors of northwoods nastiness. We have unkept forest paths, frost-heaved forest roads and rock-strewn hunting trails. We try our best to keep the namesake proud.

You may notice that I do not spend a lot of time on the social media lately. Indeed, I seem to find better ways to spend my time. But just because we do not document every minute of prep for our upcoming events does not mean we are not passionate as ever about these gravel “Heck’s of the North” that are quickly approaching! I hope your training is going well. We have our fingers crossed that mother nature will melt some of the snow and keep the four horseman of the apocalypse at bay this year.

Please reach out if you have questions about any part of the upcoming gravel and bikepacking season. We are here to help! Until next time, be Graveleer!

Jeremy