Over 60 riders starting the final day of "The Wolf" bikepacking race, heading from Grand Marais to Two Harbors on back roads. All photos by Tryg Solberg

By Tryg Solberg for Boreal Community Media - July 26, 2023

A 3-day bikepacking race titled "The Wolf", passed through Grand Marais this past weekend. The event, hosted by Heck of the North Productions (you may recognize them as the organizer of the Le Grand Du Nord event held annually in Grand Marais), covers 300 miles of north shore bike trails. 

On Friday, July 21, racers went 111 miles from Two Harbors to Ely. Saturday, July 22, brought them 108 miles from Ely to the Grand Marais Municipal Campground. The final leg on Sunday, July 23, completed the loop with 105 miles to Two Harbors.

 As a "bikepacking" event, competitors have to carry all their sleeping gear and clothing, usually packed in various bags that attach to the bike instead of the classic pannier style bags. 

Founder of Heck of the North Productions and race director, Jeremy Kershaw, said that registration was capped at 75 participants, with a few not able to make the start and a few that had to drop out. Kershaw and a crew provide an aid station around the midpoint each day for water and support. Kershaw creates the routes from his own experience as a rider, trying to get the racers off the main roads as much as possible. 

Heck of the North Productions puts on four events throughout the summer season, including one other bikepacking race out of Finland in early July. Heck of the North donates a portion of their proceeds to the American Indian Community Housing Association, Superior Cycling Association, and the Northwoods Cycling Team. Jeremy Kershaw continues to split his time between his job as a nurse in Duluth and organizing these races.

Related: Getting to know Jeremy Kershaw: gravel cycling and hosting cycling events around Cook County

Gravel biking can call for a wide array of bike types. A mountain bike hardtail pictured left of the standard gravel bike

 

After a rainy Saturday between Ely and Grand Marais, this rider smiles with the first hint of sun coming out

 Evidence of the muddy road conditions from the rain earlier in the day

 One racer happy to have rolled into camp after a cold and wet 100+ mile pedal

 One rider putting clothes out to dry after a wet Saturday ride from Ely to Grand Marais

Racers had to be nearly entirely self-sufficient. They packed tents, sleeping bags and clothes onto their bikes

Jeremy Kershaw, Race director and co-found of Heck of the North Productions, finishes up breakfast before the next leg of the race 

One racer taking a moment to himself on the edge of the Grand Marais Harbor before setting off on the 105 mile section to Two Harbors

Racers had varieties of carrying equipment, food and water. This rider used a water bladder and hose setup

 Many racers going into the final stage of the weekend on tired legs after 2 days of tough riding

Jeremy Kershaw, founder of Heck of the North Productions and race director, ensuring all racers are ready before he pulls them to the start