Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic
- Date Sat 23rd May 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Grand Marais, Minnesota
- Price $38.35 - $80.75
- Races 3 races
- Distances Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic, taking place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the beautiful town of Grand Marais, Cook. This event showcases one of the most breathtaking gravel courses in the United States, starting right in downtown and quickly leading riders away from the stunning shores of Lake Superior into the scenic Sawtooth Range.
Participants can choose from three exciting race distances: the adventurous 110-mile route featuring 6,000 feet of climbing, the challenging 54-mile course with 2,600 feet of ascent, or the shorter 26-mile option that still packs a punch with 1,700 feet of climbing. Each course offers a unique blend of well-maintained Forest Service and county gravel roads, ensuring an exhilarating ride. With spectacular views and a vibrant community atmosphere, the Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic is the perfect way to kick off your spring cycling season. Don’t miss this chance to experience the natural beauty of Grand Marais while challenging yourself on some of the best gravel terrain Minnesota has to offer!
Participants can choose from three exciting race distances: the adventurous 110-mile route featuring 6,000 feet of climbing, the challenging 54-mile course with 2,600 feet of ascent, or the shorter 26-mile option that still packs a punch with 1,700 feet of climbing. Each course offers a unique blend of well-maintained Forest Service and county gravel roads, ensuring an exhilarating ride. With spectacular views and a vibrant community atmosphere, the Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic is the perfect way to kick off your spring cycling season. Don’t miss this chance to experience the natural beauty of Grand Marais while challenging yourself on some of the best gravel terrain Minnesota has to offer!
Organiser's Description
WELCOME TO LE GRAND DU NORD GRAVEL CLASSIC!
Le Grand du Nord is one of the most spectacular gravel courses in the United States. Beginning in downtown Grand Marais, riders will quickly leave the shores of Lake Superior as they head into the Sawtooth Range. The first few miles for all routes are paved as you leave town and get set for each course.
110 MILE: With 6000 ft of climbing and a decidedly remote feel, the 110 mile course is unlike any other gravel century. Most of the course is well maintained Forest Service and county gravel road. There is a 5 mile section of especially rough, rocky two track with a likely stream crossing (depending on the weather and local beaver activity.)
54 MILE: 2600 ft of climbing. The same remote feel as the 110 miler. Mostly well maintained Forest Service and county gravel road. Hilly but there are no two track/B-Road sections. One of my favorite routes of all time.
26 MILE: 1700 ft of climbing. Though shorter, it does have significant climbing. The route is a mix of pavement leaving and entering Grand Marais with well maintained Forest Service and county gravel road for the majority of the course. There are no two track or trail sections.
We recommend bicycles that can fit tires 35-45 mm wide.
Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic is a great way to start your Spring season. Grand Marais is also one of the most beautiful towns in Minnesota. The harbor and views from downtown and the Sawtooth Range are spectacular. Walk from the Le Grand Tent to shop and eat.
NEW FOR 2026! Consider partaking in two new cycling series in Minnesota. Gravel 'Sota [https://gravelsota.com/]is a state wide series and features the best grassroots events in Minnesota. The Aurora Boreal Cycling Series [https://auroraborealiscyclingseries.com/] highlights Northeast Minnesota's eclectic and amazing events in particular. Check them out to explore new races and have some fun with friendly points competitions, too.
We welcome back our amazing Sponsors and partners. Thank you!
RIDE THE GOOD LINE!
Le Grand du Nord is one of the most spectacular gravel courses in the United States. Beginning in downtown Grand Marais, riders will quickly leave the shores of Lake Superior as they head into the Sawtooth Range. The first few miles for all routes are paved as you leave town and get set for each course.
110 MILE: With 6000 ft of climbing and a decidedly remote feel, the 110 mile course is unlike any other gravel century. Most of the course is well maintained Forest Service and county gravel road. There is a 5 mile section of especially rough, rocky two track with a likely stream crossing (depending on the weather and local beaver activity.)
54 MILE: 2600 ft of climbing. The same remote feel as the 110 miler. Mostly well maintained Forest Service and county gravel road. Hilly but there are no two track/B-Road sections. One of my favorite routes of all time.
26 MILE: 1700 ft of climbing. Though shorter, it does have significant climbing. The route is a mix of pavement leaving and entering Grand Marais with well maintained Forest Service and county gravel road for the majority of the course. There are no two track or trail sections.
We recommend bicycles that can fit tires 35-45 mm wide.
Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic is a great way to start your Spring season. Grand Marais is also one of the most beautiful towns in Minnesota. The harbor and views from downtown and the Sawtooth Range are spectacular. Walk from the Le Grand Tent to shop and eat.
NEW FOR 2026! Consider partaking in two new cycling series in Minnesota. Gravel 'Sota [https://gravelsota.com/]is a state wide series and features the best grassroots events in Minnesota. The Aurora Boreal Cycling Series [https://auroraborealiscyclingseries.com/] highlights Northeast Minnesota's eclectic and amazing events in particular. Check them out to explore new races and have some fun with friendly points competitions, too.
We welcome back our amazing Sponsors and partners. Thank you!
RIDE THE GOOD LINE!
Races
-
Le Grand 110 Mile
Incl. $5.75 Fee
Sat 23rd May 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$80.75
OPENS 28 FEBWelcome to the 2026 Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic! 110 Mile: With 6000 ft of climbing and a decidedly remote feel, the 110 mile course is unlike any other gravel century. Most of the course is well maintained Forest Service and county gravel road. There is a 5 mile section of especially rough, rocky two track with a likely stream crossing (depending on the weather and local beaver activity.) Thank you for bringing your Graveleer spirit to the event. We welcome all and encourage you to be respectful visitors to this amazing community of Grand Marais. And please say hello to someone new during the weekend. Who knows, maybe it's their first rodeo. Thank you! You may change your event distance until May 1. You are responsible to know: No refunds, no transfers to next year. You may transfer to another person to take your place at the 2026 Le Grand du Nord only. This event is challenging. You may have to walk. There may be route changes due to extreme weather events or unforeseen road closures. You are sharing the road with other cars, UTV's, pedestrians and equestrians. You ARE NOT entitled to the whole road. Please ride far right. We ask that you are courteous to other local users and participants. If we find out that you are not sharing the road or are otherwise being unfriendly, you WILL NOT be welcomed back to future Heck of the North Productions events. No questions asked. Helmets are required. Please contact me with questions. [email protected] Please follow our Cadence journal site for regular posts on all things gravel cycling. Thank you and Ride the Good Line! -
Le Grand 54 Mile
Incl. $5.75 Fee
Sat 23rd May 2026 (8:30AM CDT)
$80.75
OPENS 28 FEBWelcome to the 2026 Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic! 54 Mile: 2600 ft of climbing. The same remote feel as the 110 miler. Mostly well maintained Forest Service and county gravel road. Hilly but there are no two track/B-Road sections. One of my favorite routes of all time. Thank you for bringing your Graveleer spirit to the event. We welcome all and encourage you to be respectful visitors to this amazing community of Grand Marais. And please say hello to someone new during the weekend. Who knows, maybe it's their first rodeo. Thank you! You may change your distance until May 1. You are responsible to know: No refunds, no transfers to next year. You may transfer to another person to take your place at the 2026 Le Grand du Nord only. This event is challenging. You may have to walk. There may be route changes due to extreme weather events or unforeseen road closures. You are sharing the road with other cars, UTV's, pedestrians and equestrians. You ARE NOT entitled to the whole road. Please ride far right. We ask that you are courteous to other local users and participants. If we find out that you are not sharing the road or are otherwise being unfriendly, you WILL NOT be welcomed back to future Heck of the North Productions events. No questions asked. Helmets are required. Please contact me with questions. [email protected] Please follow our Cadence journal site for regular posts on all things gravel cycling. Thank you and Ride the Good Line! -
Le Grand 26 Mile
Incl. $3.35 Fee
Sat 23rd May 2026 (9:00AM CDT)
$38.35
OPENS 28 FEBWelcome to the 2026 Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic! 26 Mile: 1700 ft of climbing. Though shorter, it does have significant climbing. The route is a mix of pavement leaving and entering Grand Marais with well maintained Forest Service and county gravel road for the majority of the course. There are no two track or trail sections. Thank you for bringing your Graveleer spirit to the event. We welcome all and encourage you to be respectful visitors to this amazing community of Grand Marais. And please say hello to someone new during the weekend. Who knows, maybe it's their first rodeo. Thank you! You may change your distance until May 1. You are responsible to know: No refunds, no transfers to next year. You may transfer to another person to take your place at the 2026 Le Grand du Nord only. This event is challenging. You may have to walk. There may be route changes due to extreme weather events or unforeseen road closures. You are sharing the road with other cars, UTV's, pedestrians and equestrians. You ARE NOT entitled to the whole road. Please ride far right. We ask that you are courteous to other local users and participants. If we find out that you are not sharing the road or are otherwise being unfriendly, you WILL NOT be welcomed back to future Heck of the North Productions events. No questions asked. Helmets are required. Please contact me with questions. [email protected] Please follow our Cadence journal site for regular posts on all things gravel cycling. Thank you and Ride the Good Line!
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
233 West HWY 61, Grand Marais, 55604, MN, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Le Grand du Nord Gravel Classic
