The Fox, Camping, Sponsors and Here we Go!

Photo Kyle Cook, Agate Acres bonfire

Here we go! September is action packed here at Heck of the North Productions.

We have our rescheduled Fox Bikepacking Race happening this coming weekend. 65 racers will be departing from Finland on their way to Grand Marais. I think it’s looking like a beautiful weekend and we can not wait to share this part of the world with these adventurers.

We have The Heck of the North coming up on September 28. We are full and so grateful for those that have chosen to be part of the Heck experience. And we want to share that there are spots still available for camping at our amazing camp location at Agate Acres Farm. Emily and Kyle graciously share their CSA farm with Heck racers looking for a place to set up a tent for the weekend. Please go to the Heck BikeReg site and purchase a spot of paradise for the weekend. (Scroll to the bottom of the reg page.)

And to our sponsors that help sweeten our events with their cool products, Thank you! Velocity Wheels is giving away a super cool set of wheels to one of our lucky and fast Fox racers. We have one of the best group of sponsors in gravel cycling and we thank them all for their time and commitment to the sport.

Please contact us with questions about the upcoming month of Heck events.

Ride the Good Line.

A few spots for The Fox Bikepacking Race

Way up the North Shore Photo Josh Kowaleski

We are very much looking forward to the September 14-15 edition (re-do from June) of The Fox Bikepacking Race. We have a few spots left and encourage you to give this style of cycle racing a try. September is an ideal time to be on the North Shore (fewer/no bugs, cooler temps and maybe just a hint of Autumn.) Go here to register for the event.

Hope you are enjoying this Summer of cycling!

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.