Some Heck Advice

Holy mackerel! What a couple of weeks of cycling in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Chequamegon MTB Festival, The Marji Gesick, Race Across Duluth, Hodag, Slender James Classic and more! We are so fortunate to have these folks racing, creating and producing. And so lucky to call this place home.

We are putting the finishing touches on the upcoming Heck of the North. Our 15th version is going to be beautiful. We look forward to seeing old friends and new riders both at this edition.

A couple of thoughts about gear. We welcome all types of rigs (just not electric) and ask that you have that thing dialed in to be comfortable and safe. There are some rough sections that will rock and roll you so dial in your rig. Yes, most of the routes are on Minnesota’s finest gravel. The 100 mile will have two crossings of our famous snowmobile trail plus a serving or three of ATV trail. The 56 mile will enjoy the same, minus the snowmobile sector. And the 20 mile (actually about 18 this year) will get a perfect sampling of what the Heck of the North is all about.

Tires. I have gone down the rabbit hole many times in the last few years. Go wide, as wide as your frame will comfortably handle. We are not sponsored in any way by Jan and Rene Herse, but if you care to go down the tire rabbit hole too, here you go. It is arguably some of the best writing on tire design and practical usage out there. In general, a wider tire offers more comfort which in turn means better posture and therefore more power. Of course there are limits, but the proof is in the pudding. And please do not pump your tires up to crazy high pressures thinking that it will make for a faster tire. It will simply make you miserable and unsafe. For most 30-40 mm wide tires, think the low 30 lbs psi as a starting place.

Parking. Please, please consider carpooling to the race. We have limited space and have to play the balancing game of welcoming new riders and where to put the cars. Our multitalented volunteers will do their best to play both gravel volunteer extraordinaires as well as parking guides. Be nice, patient and come early to limit this stress! Thank you!

And that handsome award up there? We’re not much for podiums but we do like a hearty congratulation to not only our fastest riders but also our toughest. What is toughest? It’s those riders that come across the finish line last. In this sport, as we say, if you’re gonna be slow, you gotta be tough. We love the stories from the back of the pack. Keep it up!

Stay tuned for a short but fresh Heck Route Scout report next week. Until then, be well and come prepared to be Graveleer!

Jeremy

A little bit of Bear Pit sector (105 and 56 mile course)

Volunteer! And other Heck News

A taste of the last three miles…the Alger Grade Forest! Photo Jeremy

Welcome Graveleers!

First things first. We have finalized our Heck of the North start list. Please go to the BikeReg Heck page to see your status. One may also change their event distance until September 15 by using the “Edit my Entry” dropdown tab. We appreciate your patience with this process and site as we experienced some wonky tech issues.

Very Important! We need volunteers! Each year, our dedicated crew of volunteers makes the Heck happen. It’s as simple as that. Without these amazing folks, there is no Heck! Sign up here! Please consider joining our team for the event. If your family is around while you are racing, it could be a great way for them to join in the action. At 6 hours of time, a volunteer earns a free entry to a Heck of the North Productions event (Le Grand du Nord or Heck of the North) that can also be transferred to a family member. We will make sure your time, whether an hour or all day, is worth it and a valuable experience for you. Thank you for making the Heck happen!

Very Very Important! Race start times have changed (for safety logistics.)

• 105 Milers start at 8 AM and end at 8:15 AM.

• 56 Milers start at 8:30 AM and end at 8:45 AM.

• 20 Milers start at 9 AM and end at 9:15 AM.

• All racers seeking a podium place must start at their “gun time” 8, 8:30 or 9 depending on your distance.

I am a restless race planner as many Heck veterans know. I have added a new stretch of trail that all Heck distances will use as the approach to the finish line. In another nod to our namesake, Paris Roubaix, “The Hell of the North,” we are dubbing the finishing last three miles the “Alger Grade Forest.” At the Paris Roubaix, The Arenberg Forest, is considered to be one of the most difficult sectors in all of cycling. Our Alger Grade Forest is not that bad! But prepare for 50 yards of sand, a few soccer ball size rocks and plenty of careful line selecting. This is an ATV trail that is actually quite fast…but that is where the danger lurks! Watch your line as you pick through the chunky stuff. And of course, be courteous and respectful to our motorized friends who may be sharing their trail with us on race day!

We are also asking all participants to arrive at the Heck start area well before 7:45 am. We will close our parking lot at that time and route overflow parking to Co Hwy 2, east shoulder. Please consider car pooling and be mindful of other cars and cyclists when driving in!

And all participants will get a delicious bowl of chili served up at the Heck Tent after your finish. The crew from the Vanilla Bean will be dishing their finest.

Thank you for being part of another Heck experience. See you soon!

Jeremy and Avesa and The Heck Team

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!