Heck of the North Productions Announces 2016 Cycling Series
Details of the new Le Grand du Nord, The Heck Epic and the Iconic “Heck of the North”
22nd Feb 2016, Minnesota – with spring on its way across the Northern Hemisphere, Heck of the North Productions has just released details of its series of Gravel based events for 2016.
Le Grand Du Nord, May 28th - Grand Marais, MN
Experience participating in one of the most unique and challenging gravel cycling events in the U.S.A!
Riders will roll out of the stunning Grand Marais Harbor and gradually climb to just within a stone’s throw of Canada; perched on one of the most amazing ridge-line views on the North Shore. From this halfway checkpoint, Gravel Grinder ride will enjoy punchy rollers until finally heading downhill again into Grand Marais. The 100 mile course is predominately Gravel/US Forest Service road. There are no trail sections and limited pavement. It is a gravel rider’s paradise
“Finally, we have the ability to bring climbing into a Heck event” commented Jeremy Kershaw, Executive Producer, Heck of the North Productions LLC “We have high hopes for this event, Le Grand du Nord’s 100 mile course is truly spectacular!”
Le Grand’s 50 mile course will be equally beautiful and challenging. It will start with the 100 mile riders out of the harbor and climb through beautiful mixed-boreal forests until it meets the historic Gunflint Trail. On this road for just a few miles, the course once again picks up sweet gravel roads punching up and over wooded hills. Le Grand’s 50 then takes a dramatic plunge to sea level just before returning to Grand Marais.
“The 50 mile course is a great warmup/check-in for the start of your gravel riding season.” commented Jeremy.
Gravel Ethics
Le Grand Du Nord runs on the self-supported ethic of gravel riding. Participants will have limited food support at the halfway checkpoints. Cue cards for navigation will be available for riders the night/morning of all of the events.
What’s Included
One of the most beautiful halfway checkpoints at the Pigeon River overlook (for the 100 mile route) Water, snacks, and toilets at both halfway points (100 and 50 mile routes)
A cool Le Grand du Nord-Voyageur Brewing Company pint glass (for you to keep) filled with one of Minnesota’s best craft beers post-race courtesy of Le Grand and Voyageur Brewing Co.
Friday night events at Voyageur Brewing Co. including live music and food!
Le Grand du Nord will donate to a Minnesota cycling advocacy organization - a percentage of your entry fee.
Awards to the fastest Female and Male - and to a lucky few Lanterne Rouge!
Entry Fee for Le Grand du Nord: $65 (January 15th until May 28th)
Registration is now open and early entry is advised to secure a place: heckofthenorth.com/le-grand-du-nord-registration
The Heck Epic, 20-21st August - Two Harbors, MN
The second annual Heck Epic will be one hell of an event. The Heck Epic is a two-day bike packing staged event. Riders will depart from the historic downtown of Two Harbors on the shore of Lake Superior. From there, they will course their way through a 100 miles of incredible north country gravel/dirt roads. The first stage will end at “the end of the road,” Ely, Minnesota. Sitting right on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), Ely makes a perfect place to pitch a tent for the night, fill up your tanks and take in the sites on the edge of the wilderness.
On Sunday, August 21, riders will depart from Ely back to Two Harbors. The course will be different and just as challenging as the first day. Expect another epic day of riding back to the shores of Lake Superior. The fastest elapsed time from both days will decide the “winner.” But I think most will agree that just finishing the Epic will be win enough: lots of woods, miles of beautiful course, and some of the best people in cycling today to share it with.
Jeremy comments “For years I had been dreaming of making an event that included my passion for cycling with ultralight camping. Finally the time has come to design the ultimate course between two of my favorite Minnesota towns, Two Harbors and Ely”.
Participants will experience one of the few bike packing style events in the country… in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Your entry fee covers a Dinner on Saturday (Aug 20th) and breakfast on Sunday (Aug 21st) while in Ely. Camping facilities in Ely and easy access to downtown Ely. Free pint glass filled with the best craft beer in the world, Castle Danger Brewery, at Friday night registration meeting. Awards to the fastest Male and Female…and to the Lantern rouge.
Entry Fee for the Heck Epic: $100 from March 15 until August 15 or when the 80 rider limit is met. Heck Epic registration begins March 15, 2016. Capped at 80 riders only and due to sell out in advance.
Registration is now open at: heckofthenorth.com/heck-epic/register/
Heck of the North, Oct 1st - Two Harbors, MN
In its eight year, the Heck changes annually - getting better and better. “This year we will be starting and finishing in one of our favorite locations: a perfect entrance to the course just north of the awesome North Shore town of Two Harbors” said Jeremy.
Within less than a mile, the challenge begins. Woods, trail, beautiful Fall colors and the opportunity to see what you are made of. This years’ course is just over 100 miles. Be ready for three rough trail sections (the North Shore State Trail) and at least one stream crossing. The rest of the course is predominately Gravel/Dirt roads and one mean section of logging tote road.
You might just think you are in Alaska, not a couple hours from the Twin Cities!
Entry Fee for the Heck of the North and Half of the Heck: $65 (April 15 until August 1st; then $75 until September 27th)
The event is due to sell out in advance with limited places available for only 400 riders.
Online registration will begin on April 15 for The Heck of the North 100 and Heck 50 at - heckofthenorth.com/heck-of-the-north/register/
Photo Gallery - please click on the photos to take a closer look.
About Heck of the North Productions LLC
The Heck of the North Productions are born from the premise that you the rider are ultimately responsible for getting to the finish. No aid stations. No sag wagons. No signs guiding you home. Just your ability to spin miles of forested gravel roads. Just your ability to navigate by cue card, just your strength to see it through to the end. And the opportunity to ride with some pretty amazing people!
Heck of the North Productions LLC is proud to be sponsored by the following local businesses; St Luke’s Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Salsa, HED, Banjo Brothers, Bernicks, Twin Six, Positively 3rd Street, Castle Danger Brewery, Day Tripper of Duluth, Selle Anatomica, Matt The Wolin, Skreenwerks and Voyageur Brewing Company.
Le Grand du Nord, May 28th - 100 and 50 miles gravel courses, Grand Marais MN
The Heck Epic, August 20-21st - A two day, 200 mile bike packing event.
The Heck of the North, October 1st - 100 and 50 mile gravel courses. Premier event.
For more information please visit - heckofthenorth.com
