Jim Reed, Charlie Farrow and Jeremy on the other side of the tunnel, Finland area. Photo Jeremy with assistance from pile of rocks
Warning, today’s Cadence is a nod to someone I quite admire, Grant Petersen. In particular, the guy who shaped Bridgestone in the US in the early 90’s and later created his own bicycle company, Rivendell Bicycle Works. And even more in particular, Grant’s writing, Petersen’s Blahg. If you have not experienced either the world that was/is Bridgestone and especially Rivendell, please take the plunge. It is worth it.
Now, onto e-bikes and field notes (cue cards.) I was honored to have so many thoughtful responses sent my way regarding opinions on both. I knew there was a nerve here, just did not know how deep it went. Apparently, it’s a whole body nerve. Here are my decisions on the topic. And thank you for your participation.
Field Notes: It was an even split between those who appreciate the analog nature of paper navigation and those who prefer GPX files. Some loved the history, challenge, nostalgia and art of a field note. The other half love the perceived safety of GPS navigation and also the freedom that it allows by way of not having to pay such close attention to navigation. Both camps have very solid points. Fascinating. In light of this, with some semblance of egalitarianism, I will offer both at the rider’s discretion. So it goes, make your own decision at time of registration.
E-Bikes: Again, there were strong opinions. On this subject, I think more leaned away from e-bike inclusion (for various reasons.) And, somewhat to my own surprise, I have decided to run a beta year for e-bikes. It will look like this: Le Grand du Nord and The Heck of the North will each have a category within the short course (26 mile at Le Grand, 18 mile at The Heck.) This category will be a team where one rider of the team is on an e-bike, the other on a “traditional” bike. This category will be non-competitive. And, most importantly, both riders of the team are required to cross the finish line at the same time. The spirit of this division is to ride with someone who otherwise may not have been part of the event. I will not be fiddling around with motor size or other foolishness. I am hoping that the natural governors of the category (non-competetive and finishing together) will help add some restraint.
Registration for all Events: Here is an advance notice. I am changing the registration process this season. Online registration will occur approximately 2.5 months before the event. There will be no waitlists or refunds. This is in response to the challenges we have faced with extreme weather events and staffing shortages with the partners we permit with. I also know this might affect your lodging arrangements and the ability to get a refund for them if for some reason you are not able to secure an entry for your chosen event.
Now, onto other less divisive topics: This past weekend, Jim Reed, Charlie Farrow and I did what I love to do most lately. We found a great campsite at a local state park, rode our bikes in the woods purposely going down trails that almost certainly would involve wet feet and dead ends, and then shared the experiences around a fire at night. It was great fun, hugely therapeutic and something that we hope to do every month this Winter. The joy of not racing and simply exploring is too often replaced with just about everything else in life these days. We made fun of beavers, rode up steep trails just to gain a view and laughed at stupid shit we have done in the past (and still continue to do.) I am fortunate to have friends and partners that share the pleasure in this pursuit. Here are a few photos.
Hope you are doing OK and we (here at Heck Central) all appreciate how each of you brings these events to life. Get someone new onto a bike and share this crazy power. Peace.
