One Heck of a Good Time
It was October of 2015 and AJ and I crossed the finish line at Heck of the North...from that moment on I could not wait to get back there. It’s been a year since then, and we did go back. The experience, although a tad bit different, was nothing short of spectacular.
We took the Friday before the race off of work in order to get on the road a bit early and head straight to Two Harbors. We wanted to beat as much traffic as possible on the way up...ease any stress from the work week. Once we arrived there our plan was to get some late lunch, head over to Castle Danger Brewery and pick up our race packets and then meet some friends for a chat.
We were invited to stay with our friends Charlie and Jen at their cabin which is 20 miles north of Two Harbors. This is where we stayed last year as well and it was magnificent. Eventually Charlie and Jen made it into town and we sat with them for a bit at the brewery before heading out for dinner. We were waiting on a couple more folks who would be spending the weekend with us and as soon as they arrived we drove up the road and grabbed a spot at Carmody's 61, which was thought to be a thai restaurant by our fellow racer Mark (who is as funny as they come). Later we learned that the establishment was irish in name and as north woods of a bar as they come. We had endless laughs and really tasty food, then headed back to county road 2 to hit up the cabin.
AJ and I had to make a quick pitstop at the Super One Foods to purchase some snacks, and other ingestibles, along with a chip clip for cue card holding. After having two dinners and a ton of water, one would think our shopping cart would be fairly empty...that would be a wrong assessment. After finding a really good sale on Clif Bars, the shopping basket filled up quite quickly. So we paid, and made our way back to the car and on our way.
Making our way north we take a quick right on Kane Lake Road and from there traverse our way into some gnarly gravel backroads and find our way to the Schad compound. Once there we unpack our goods into the cabin, pick out one of many beds in the loft area then sit and relax a bit with the other few folks who are staying as well. This year on the night before the race there are only six of us and Lola, the family dog. Last year there were more than twelve total individuals and the vibe was very different, but very good nonetheless.
We shared stories from years past, talked bikes, gear, nutrition, and course details...and soon it was time to hit the hay and dream of gravel roads and off the beaten path trails that most people will never have the pleasure of seeing, let alone riding. The eyes closed, the REM commenced and the snoring was kept to a minimum.
The next morning came quickly and it was time to get prepared for the race. The normal weather check was done in order to figure what spandex costumes would be best to wear for the mornings endeavors. As ordered, low of 51 race morning, high of near 70...wow, we are lucky cyclists to have such a perfect forecast for Northern Minnesota in October. We geared up, nerded out and headed south to the staging area.
Race start for the 100 milers was slotted for 8am...the ‘kiddie race’ (Half Heck) would be about 10 minutes later. So we arrived a bit early without being obnoxiously early and made our way to the parking area which is situated in a big clearing essentially in the middle of the forest off of County Road 2. Cars were everywhere...all sorts of different vehicles from old VW Busses, to fancy new Subarus...this race covered the gamut of pay grades and titles, but lacked any kind of attitude. That will hopefully ring true year after year, as it’s one of the least pompous* races we’ve ever paid for.
*Actually putting the word pompous anywhere near this venue is a travesty, but I’m leaving it there for the sake of understanding.
With people meandering, bonfire glowing, tires being pumped, children playing...it really is a sight. It’s actually fairly unassuming overall. A simple white tent housing some Heck of the North soft goods, coffee and treats, and a spot for volunteers to hang out to get out of the sun is all that is needed. A flag filled finish area held in place by wooden posts and a couple folding chairs creating a chute for the riders to come through when their riding day is complete. It’s pretty simple stuff here, and that adds to the charm and keeps any pretentious attitudes at bay.
After a trip to the outhouse and a re-check on air pressure, brakes and chain lube, we are ready to go. We parked up on top of the hill overlooking the start finish area so we headed down the little mowed grassy area to the start line. Jeremy Kershaw is the race director (pictured below center), and a good one at that...he gave some words of advice, some thanks to the sponsors that helped make the event happen and urged us to have a blast and be respectful of the rules of the road and the locals. With that, we were on our way.
The first 7 miles are on a glorious gravel road that meanders northeast. It’s a perfect way to get loose, get settled in and find a rhythm. After that, the route starts to change from smooth flowing gravel to deep woods logging roads. Rocky and rooted snowmobile trails, and potholed muddy back roads traveled just enough to keep them interesting.
Keep in mind, this write up is from a riders perspective. My perspective and that of the half heck route which ended up being just over 57 miles. So we ride, AJ and I...together, chatting, climbing, descending and having a pretty damn good time in the saddle. There were plenty of others riders out there with us, so navigating the route with cue cards is less than a worry for us at this point as we could see where others had gone, and the roadways way out in the middle of nowhere were marked by Jeremy. We rode along, passing a few, getting passed by some. Mostly it was just us and a few other riders switching spots depending on the topography. The route is always changing, the scenery is ever evolving right in front of you. The colors with the sun bouncing in the sky jump out at you and grab your attention, command your attention. It’s brilliantly beautiful here and as the miles pass, you get lost in it all...being on the bike is the only place you want to be.
As the terrain shifts and you power through some long sections, the miles seem to just drop and next thing you know you are near the homestretch. This years route takes you on a 9 mile gravel road before making the left turn back to the finish area which is a 5-6 mile stretch. Getting to this point was welcomed in the sense that the trails and roads had taken a beating on the body, specifically the personal undercarriage, but the realization that the ride was nearing an end was jagged little pill.
Our legs are feeling good, our lungs have enjoyed the plentiful clean air of the northwoods and our hearts are full of splendor from the morning adventure. AJ and her saddle are no longer getting along. The last 5 miles is rough. Rocks, potholes, ruts and, well, bone jarring trail...you want it to be done...the jolts of pain take the wind right out of your sails...but you proceed. As we near the finish we chat about the ride, comparing it to last year, enjoying it as much and already looking forward to next year. Riders must cross county road 2 in order to get to the chute. There are great volunteers there making sure you are clear to cross (as it can be a busier road with fast moving cars) and we were waved through and about a ¼ mile from home. Making a hard left back into the staging area there is a huge puddle and a bunch of cheering spectators. I let AJ go first, so technically she beat me by a second. At the finish is race director jeremy with a big smile. He thanks us for racing, we thank him for putting on the event, and move on.
The finish area is just as calm and relaxing as the whole race feels. There are no nerves, no anxiety, just a relaxing and wholesome vibe all around. We see some familiar faces, trade some stories and make our way back to the car to get cleaned up.
The day is gorgeous, nearly perfect. Legs tired as we stand. Dried mud, a little sweat, maybe even a tear or two because it’s done. As i stand atop the hill looking out over the landscape of cars and bikes...a fire burning in the background, the smell of pine and burning wood. You can’t help but wonder if everyday could be so sweet. If you did this everyday, would it be this sweet….
So we hop in the car to head to town to grab some goodies for the nights BBQ. our goal is to hit up town and get back in time to sit by the fire and watch our friends racing the 100 mile course finish their journey. Timing is great and we get back in time. Feeling refreshed, we sit and wait and soon they come through. A lead pack of 7 or 8 riders, then 3 more, and soon more to follow and flow into the finishing area. We watch, and chat and cheer. It’s community. A positive group of likeminded people that maybe share nothing but this in common and that’s enough. It’s more than enough.
The afternoon begins to wind down and riders continue to roll in. It’s time to pack up our gear and make our way back to the cabin for a BBQ with friends. A time to reflect on the day, enjoy some great food and perfect laughter and wind down another memory of Heck. night falls quickly, the stars are shining bright. And soon, slumber sets in and that day is well behind us. It was a good day to ride a bike. As is any day...and this one will forever remain in my mind.
PS -- my GF is hot
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| AJ Shooting a gun = hot |
