Lights for Hope

Making solar light kits for Ukrainian families

This week we had the opportunity to build our solar light kits with the help of Dave Nonnemacher. Dave’s work as a humanitarian is extraordinary. And he will readily admit that he is only a part of a greater fabric of people doing truly courageous work to bring light, food, supplies and hope to the embattled citizens of Ukraine.

As we sat our kitchen table, assembling the basic parts that would become a means of light and charging power for a family or soldier somewhere in Ukraine, I was speechless at what we have here. Thinking that many are without power or running water or a myriad of other essential parts of life always brings a stark comparison to what we are so fortunate to have.

We signed our kits and I even slipped in a vintage Heck race banner as backing for one of the boxes. Sometime in the near future, these and other ray of light kits will begin their long journey to a new home. How amazing. And how thankful we are to be part of this project and to be able to help in the smallest way to bring light and hope to other people so far away.

Please consider donating and being part of this project.

Ride the Good Line!

Jeremy, Avesa & Dave

The Wolf Bikepacking Race

Inaugural Wolf fastest, Shane Maxwell of Two Harbors. I love this photo by Josh Kowaleski. Classic.

We set out to create a race that blended racing with bikepacking, pushed riders to their limits and brought people together each day in this beautiful part of the world. I think we got there.

Helping to tell that story is Josh Kowaleski of Pointed North Photography. I encourage you to start at the beginning of this collection of photos and take in the images he captured. It’s a fantastic journey. Thank you, Josh. The Wolf Bikepacking Photo Collection

We love watching all the dramas play out over an extended event like the Wolf. And we really loved getting to know these amazing people. Thank you for being part of this inaugural Wolf Bikepacking Race experience.

We again thank and thank and thank our dedicated, talented and friendly volunteers that gave their all to this event. You helped make it something special, safe and organized.

We are already planning next year’s event. And we are also putting the finishing touches on The Heck of the North. Stay tuned for more.

Without further ado, here are the category winners for this year’s Wolf. Congratulations! It was really cool seeing everyone give so much to this event and to the sport of bikepack racing.

Shane Maxwell and family. Overall fastest rider for The Wolf. Shane is the friendliest guy, a dedicated doc and part of a beautiful family. And a Two Harbors local, too! This was really cool seeing him put it all together. Congratulations! Photo Jeremy

Jill Marindale, fastest female overall. It was really great having Jill at The Wolf. An amazing athlete, spirited competitor and bringer of great smiles and friendliness to the event. You are welcome anytime! Photo Jeremy

Chloe Leege. Fastest in 18 and younger. She once again shows us how to bring determination, athleticism and overall great person-ness to cycling. She is accomplished now and we can’t wait to watch her do even more great things in the future. Photo Jeremy

Jennifer Youngsworth, fastest in 40-49 female category. Super strong rider and a joy to have in the event. Photo Jeremy

Patrick Moore, fastest male 30-39 age group. So close to pulling off an upset. A great competitor and overall really good guy. Photo Jeremy

Dan Eckerson. Fastest male in 20-29 category. And just flat out the fastest on Day 2. All are on alert for this guy at the start line now. Smiling while blowing riders up with his strength. Hope to see you again! Photo Jeremy

Carolyn Franzone winner in the 60-69 age group. Such a talented and experienced racer. We are so fortunate to have you at this edition of The Wolf! Photo Jeremy

Ryan Haug fastest in the 50-59 group. Very strong. Great energy and a joy to have on board. Photo Jeremy

And a special recognition to Ross Fraboni who was tied with Shane up until the last 60 miles of the race. Ross has been consistently one of the fastest riders in Minnesota and brings the true spirit of gravel cycling racing to our events every time. It would not be the same without this guy. And Kate is pretty darn awesome, too. Thanks for being part of this inaugural Wolf! Photo Jeremy


Sponsors for The Wolf Bikepacking Race

Embark is legendary fuel! Photo Josh Kowaleski

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 Wolf Bikepacking weekend. Thank you!

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.

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.

Granite Gear A new sponsor for us this year is Two Harbors natives, Granite Gear. We are very glad to have them part of The Fox and The Wolf. For 36 years, Granite Gear has brought cutting-edge products to the outdoor industry. Their award-winning backpacks, adventure travel gear, extensive variety of storage sacks, lifestyle accessories, and canoe gear offer excellence in design and construction. Granite Gear’s desire is for all outdoor enthusiasts and travelers to experience the incredible durability and comfort of their products. Located in Northern Minnesota, just minutes from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior Hiking Trail, they have a rugged and beautiful testing ground for their products. Learn more at granitegear.com and follow along on Instagram.

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!

Loll Designs Duluth based modern, outdoor furniture makers have been long time supporters of all things cycling in the region.

Lovin Lake County The resource for all of your Lake County vacation and lodging needs.

Velocity USA We are so lucky to have Velocity USA Wheels sponsoring our bikepacking events this year! Our fastest overall racer will win a beautiful set of Cliffhanger Comp wheels in purple, with a dyno hub! These are some of the best wheels in the business and I have used Velocity’s for years.

Visit Cook County Original partners of Heck of the North Prodcutions. 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. 

Voyageur Brewing Company 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!

Endurance Coaching

Hello Graveleers!

I get riders asking me about specific training techniques or workouts for gravel cycling. I’m always happy to share what I have done over the last 20 years. I’m fascinated by endurance physiology and how our bodies can adapt to handle new challenges such as those presented by endurance racing and activities. But I would never pretend to know the latest in strategies for coaching.

I want to share a recommendation for next level coaching and instruction. Will Surbaugh is a long time rider of Heck events, a local Grand Marais guy (now living and racing in the Western US) and an all-round nice guy. His racing success continues to grow with an overall win at the Lutsen 99er and several top ten finishes in the sport’s most difficult races.

If you are looking for someone to guide you to your top performance for a Heck event or another personal challenge, please contact him. He’s happy to work with both novice racers as well as seasoned athletes. Contact him by filling out this information page!

Will at the finish of his first Heck!

A Fox Bikepacking Thank You!

Our Toughest Award to Elena Bantle and Vanessa Van Cleve photo Jeremy

Thank you all for a really great second edition of The Fox! We feel so fortunate that we were able to spend the weekend with such a friendly and talented pack of cyclists. Congratulations on your efforts! We are already planning the 2024 event.

A special thank you to Josh Kowaleski for capturing images from the race. Please feel free to download and share as you choose. Please purchase prints via his Pointed North Photography website. Images are almost ready!

We have the best volunteers in the world. Lara and Ron at the checkpoints and Julie and Alison the sweeps. Thank you so much for your time and expertise.

Thank you to our dedicated sponsors. Please remember them as you gear up for your next adventure. A special thanks to Dan at Cedaero for awards and Jill from Velocity USA for the beautiful wheelset!

For those riders that were in contact with the aggressive driver, we are building a case and I will not rest until this person receives the legal justice he deserves. Stay tuned.

Here are a few photos of the age category winners. Great work!

Ride the Good Line

Jeremy and Avesa

Jake Bailey overall fastest Fox Racer! photo Jeremy

Janie Dunckley the fastest overall female Fox Racer photo Jeremy

Henry Walker fastest male 50-59 photo Jeremy

Mary Gorski fastest female 60-69 photo Jeremy

Ben Schlipf fastest 30-39 photo Jeremy

Daniel Novak fastest male 19-29 photo Jeremy

Wren Galloway fastest overall 18 and Younger! photo Jeremy

Laura Hermer fastest female 50-59 photo Jeremy

Buck Benson fastest overall 70+ photo Jeremy

Phil Higley fastest male 60-69 photo Jeremy

Best sweeps ever, Julie and Alison photo Jeremy

Alan McEwan winner of Velocity Blunt wheelset! photo Jeremy