VERDICT Minnesota's sneakiest technical test disguised as a scenic fall colors ride.
A training plan for Heck of the North—shaped to your fitness and the hours you have.
Technical snowmobile-trail gravel through Minnesota's North Shore at peak fall foliage.
Steady 400+ riders annually. 17-year history. Loyal Midwest following. Founded in 2007. By HOTN Events.
Photo: YouTube / Beth Bikes
Photo: YouTube / Beth BikesRetooled route (per current organizer course notes): mostly well-maintained gravel road (~80% unpaved) punctuated by four named technical two-track sectors and a short snowmobile-trail segment near the finish. 3,400 ft over 100 miles = short, punchy climbs rather than sustained grades. Less relentlessly technical than earlier editions' snowmobile-trail-heavy course, but the sectors still demand real bike-handling.
Signature challenge: The Briton Pit and Bear Pit two-track sectors (miles 13-30ish) set the tone early — loose rock, roots, and line-choice decisions that reward MTB skills over raw power.
About halfway through this section of snowmobile trail - this is hard work. It's a little wet, I know they said it'd be a little wet but that's a lot bit wet because I'm going squish.
Beth Bikes · 1.4K views
We've hit ATV trails so nowhere near smooth or as enjoyable. Mountain bike would have been nice for this. I'm gonna regret bringing the gravel bike with tubes.
KevDoes · 3.2K views
I forgot my bike shoes and didn't realize it until we were about five minutes away from the start line and it was a 45 minute drive that morning
Beth Bikes · 1.4K views
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Late September temps of 40-55°F with 20-30% rain chance means layering strategy matters. 2023's knee-deep Lester River crossing left riders with numb feet for 10 miles. Beautiful fall colors, but hypothermia risk if you get wet and cold. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL. As Mike Ward, 2025 race puts it: "It was supposed to be hot... In the early morning orange glow, the entire Heck 100 mile field crossed Highway 2..."[8]
Free parking near the Heck Fest tent (7th St & 1st Ave, downtown Two Harbors) and 17 years of race experience show in the execution. Aid stations at miles 40 and 66 provide water, Skratch Labs hydration, snacks, and restrooms. Limited Two Harbors lodging remains the main constraint.[9]
Water crossings at Lester River, technical snowmobile trails through dense Northwoods, and unpredictable late September weather create uncertainty. Peak fall foliage along Lake Superior provides the scenic payoff. Real adventure, not manufactured difficulty.[1]
17 years old with a 400+ field means it's established, but nobody outside the Midwest has heard of it. It's not pulling international talent or getting coverage in cycling media. Local Minnesota legend status, national obscurity.[1]
If you've got mountain bike skills and don't mind wrestling roots and rocks for 100 miles, this is your jam. The snowmobile trails demand 40mm+ tires and actual bike handling—your road racing background won't save you here. Skip it if you're looking for fast gravel or hate technical terrain that slows you to 8 mph.
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.