Thank you Wolf Riders!

“I went into the Wolf weekend with a bad summer cold– I planned to keep my distance, quietly drive the support vehicle, and go home early. On Sunday morning I could see Jer was going down fast with a migraine, and I’d have to step in as Race Director, like I did last fall for The Heck. For a minute I wasn’t sure how I’d muster the energy– but then the volunteers arrived at the finish area, with their joyful banter and can-do attitudes. When the first riders flew in, they got to work recording times, taking pictures, and awarding medals and prizes. The positive vibe increased as more crossed the finish, and in no time the parking lot felt like a beach party, with riders lying in the shade drinking cold cokes and cracking jokes. 

The Wolves really did act like a pack– and demonstrated real Graveleer behavior, like stopping to pick up trash and other riders’ dropped water bottles, sandals, and sunglasses. It was touching to see new-formed friends share supper in town and help each other fix chains and patch tubes. On day two, at around mile 80, several stopped to help a fellow rider fix his cracked rim with duct tape and zip ties. He picked his way over the rough patches of the North Shore State Trail and rolled into the finish like a champ. 

These events attract such kind-hearted, resilient, and resourceful people. I am so grateful that you chose to share your weekend with us, in this gorgeous part of the world.”

The Gunflint Scramble

We are looking forward to heading up The Gunflint Trail on October 5th to attempt the challenging 20 mile Gunflint Scramble. October is one of my favorite times to be near the Boundary Waters and this event makes for a great reason to bring your bike and a boat (the race is obviously NOT in the BWCAW) Give Quinn a call at Bearskin Lodge for more details. It’s a challenging course in a beautiful corner of the North Shore. Could be just the event for a Fall finish to the season.

The Fox Bikepacking Race Returns!

Great people race The Fox. Photo Josh Kowaleski

The Fox Bikepacking Race is back for 2024. Due to epic storm damage the week of June 17, we were forced to postpone the event. The good news is that it is back! Save the date for September 14-15, 2024. And we have a few spots available!

Please go HERE to register. We are so appreciative of those participants who were flexible enough to keep their spots for this later date. And we welcome new riders who may now have the opportunity to join us.

Words of Wisdom

Photo Clint Austin

There are not more than a handful of people whom I read from start to finish when they write online. Hansi Johnson (@hansski43) is one such person. Another, one of my all time favorites, is Alexandera Houchin (@alexanderahouchin). Just beautifully honest, humorous and wise. Most of you have by now heard of or read about her travels, racing and thoughts on life and community. She is a must read.

Just a couple of days ago, a Heck Productions racer named Pat Moore shared his thoughts on his recent Tour Divide attempt. It was one that is close to my heart and I felt worth sharing. With his permission, it is here. Maybe tuck this away for the next time your journey takes a different route than you were planning. Selfishly, we are thrilled to have Pat here racing The Wolf Bikepacking event next weekend. Enjoy and thank you.

“It feels like I’m beating a dead horse, but I promise, this is my last Tour Divide related post. I’ve been reflecting a lot on not finishing the race, what that means, and how I am going to respond. I, like many people, really suck at handling failure. Failing can feel like the worst. I am proud of the 1,000 miles I was able to ride, but that was not my goal; 2,700 miles to the border was.

The main feeling I’ve had since dropping out is anger. My whole body felt so good, so why did my neck have to give out? On the final pass, a notoriously challenging one called Lava Mountain, it became glaringly obvious that I could not continue. I laid down in the woods and called my neck some pretty nasty things.

I’ve run the gamut on unhealthy ways to respond that mostly center around regret. I’ve questioned not taking a couple more rest days in Butte. I’ve questioned my aggressiveness out of the gate. I’ve questioned my physical toughness. I’ve questioned my drive. I’ve questioned why I attempted the Tour Divide in the first place. Although reflection is critical, none of these questions really helped.

So, how do I respond? Well, keep biking for one. In the days after dropping out, my brain screamed to be on the bike while my body begged me to eat and be idle. The only times I felt okay mentally was on my bike.

The only healthy way to process my failure to complete the Tour Divide is to practice gratitude to have gotten to experience even a part of this incredible, ridiculous, beautiful, outrageous bikepacking route. I’ve registered for a couple more ultra distance bike races (nothing like the Tour Divide), but demanding in their own right. And even better, they happen to be in the wonderful state I call home.

I believe bikepacking is the best way to see the world and meet new people. One of my biggest priorities as a father is to show that to my two boys. Bikepacking forces you to slow down, self-reflect, and cherish the highs while navigating the lows.

So why post all of this on a public forum like Facebook? Well, to be honest, I am terrible at sharing my thoughts with people. I am not great at being vulnerable with anyone outside of my own family for that matter. I want to write a book someday and I better practice being a bit more “public” with my thoughts.”