Field Notes

Field Notes are the icon of gravel cycling. They are the make or break symbols of navigating the gravel hinterlands of the Northwoods. We take great pride in providing accurate, simple and beautiful cues for our events.

Field Notes will be available at Packet Pickup where our volunteers will be happy to go over the cards with you if you are new to navigating by these means. Really, it’s pretty simple. Usually it's the fast people who get lost, so make sure you have a working cyclocomputer, zero it out at the start, and pay attention to the mileage cues on the cards.

Using your Field Notes

Below is a filed note (cue card.) All Heck events (Le Grand du Nord, The Fox, and The Heck of the North) use these to guide riders through the course. There are rarely any other event signs, so you must pay close attention to your cues and use a functioning cyclocomputer. Here is how they work:

• We start at mile 0.0.

• The numbers on the left side indicate where your mileage should be when there is a turn or something to pay attention to

• Turn according to the arrow.

• Don’t count on road signs: trust your mileage and cue. Look for other tire prints, but don’t trust the lead group- finishing first also involves careful navigation.

For easy access, use a simple office clip and zip tie it to your handlebar by the stem. It’s simple, cheap, and lightweight. You can find fancier holders, but this trick has worked for years.

When navigating, remember that all traffic laws apply to you, the cyclist. All roads are open to motorists. Use caution as if you were a motorist, but please stay far right on the road, especially when climbing blind hills. Assume a car is coming the other direction.

Finally, please do not litter your field notes! Tuck them back in your pocket, bag or proper waste container. Thanks!