The Fox Bikepacking Race
- Date Sat 26th July 2025 - Sun 27th July 2025
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Finland, Minnesota
- Price $186.75
- Races 1 race
- Distances Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at The Fox Bikepacking Race, taking place from July 26-27, 2025, in the stunning landscapes of Finland, Minnesota. This exhilarating two-day event invites cycling enthusiasts to tackle an impressive 120 miles of scenic routes, with participants riding over 60 miles each day through the breathtaking North Shore wilds.
On Day 1, cyclists will embark on a challenging 71-mile journey from Finland to Grand Marais, climbing 4,000 feet along mostly well-maintained gravel roads. The magical descent into Grand Marais offers a perfect spot for an overnight camping experience, where riders can relax and recharge for the next day's adventure. Day 2 features a 64-mile route back to Finland, with 2,700 feet of climbing and a chance to explore new trails.
This timed race is an excellent opportunity for both experienced riders and newcomers to immerse themselves in the world of bikepacking while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. With registration open from May 1 to May 8, 2025, don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting experience. Prepare your bike, pack your gear, and join us for this thrilling challenge that combines the joy of cycling with the
On Day 1, cyclists will embark on a challenging 71-mile journey from Finland to Grand Marais, climbing 4,000 feet along mostly well-maintained gravel roads. The magical descent into Grand Marais offers a perfect spot for an overnight camping experience, where riders can relax and recharge for the next day's adventure. Day 2 features a 64-mile route back to Finland, with 2,700 feet of climbing and a chance to explore new trails.
This timed race is an excellent opportunity for both experienced riders and newcomers to immerse themselves in the world of bikepacking while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. With registration open from May 1 to May 8, 2025, don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting experience. Prepare your bike, pack your gear, and join us for this thrilling challenge that combines the joy of cycling with the
Organiser's Description
120 Mi // 2 DAY //1 NIGHT BIKEPACKING RACE
Finland -> Grand Marais -> Finland
Event Date: July 26-27, 2025
The Fox is a two day stage race that features 60+ mile days through the heart of the North Shore wilds. The Fox will start in Finland, MN, on Saturday July 26. Riders will travel to Grand Marais for their overnight camping experience. On Sunday, riders will travel a different route back to Finland for the finish. The Fox is a timed event.
WE ARE RUNNING A LOTTERY FOR ENTRY THIS YEAR. REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN FROM MAY 1 TO MAY 8 AT 9 AM. 75 PARTICIPANTS WILL THEN BE RANDOMLY SELECTED. THANK YOU FOR YOU PATIENCE AS WE GIVE THIS PROCESS A GO THIS YEAR.
THE MINIMUM AGE IS 16. RIDERS WHO ARE AGED 16 OR 17 MUST BE WITH AN ADULT WHO IS ALSO PARTICIPATING IN THE RACE.
Day 1: Finland to Grand Marais 71 miles: 4000 ft of climbing. Mostly well maintained gravel road. Dropping the final few paved miles into Grand Marais is a magical experience.
Day 2: Grand Marais to Finland 64 miles: 2700 ft of climbing. Mostly well maintained gravel road. The route back to Finland is about 50% different from the first day. This day includes a few miles of two track heading to the northern most section of the route. The climb out of Grand Marais into the Sawtooth range will get you warmed up quickly.
NOTE Routes are subject to change due to weather or forest fires. We will try to keep them between 60-70 miles.
We recommend a rig that can accommodate tires widths starting at 40mm. My preference is a 29er with a tire width of about 2.1-2.3in. Its ok to be creative with your existing bike. Make sure the packs you choose stay put on rough roads. And most importantly, check your fit and be comfortable on your rig for hours of sometimes rough riding.
The Fox is an excellent introduction to timed, bikepack style racing, which means being loaded down with your gear and pushing yourself in a timed format over consecutive days. We also build plenty of time to set up camp, relax, eat and socialize after the days racing. Its an exhilarating combination of activities. We think you will love this event.
Finland -> Grand Marais -> Finland
Event Date: July 26-27, 2025
The Fox is a two day stage race that features 60+ mile days through the heart of the North Shore wilds. The Fox will start in Finland, MN, on Saturday July 26. Riders will travel to Grand Marais for their overnight camping experience. On Sunday, riders will travel a different route back to Finland for the finish. The Fox is a timed event.
WE ARE RUNNING A LOTTERY FOR ENTRY THIS YEAR. REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN FROM MAY 1 TO MAY 8 AT 9 AM. 75 PARTICIPANTS WILL THEN BE RANDOMLY SELECTED. THANK YOU FOR YOU PATIENCE AS WE GIVE THIS PROCESS A GO THIS YEAR.
THE MINIMUM AGE IS 16. RIDERS WHO ARE AGED 16 OR 17 MUST BE WITH AN ADULT WHO IS ALSO PARTICIPATING IN THE RACE.
Day 1: Finland to Grand Marais 71 miles: 4000 ft of climbing. Mostly well maintained gravel road. Dropping the final few paved miles into Grand Marais is a magical experience.
Day 2: Grand Marais to Finland 64 miles: 2700 ft of climbing. Mostly well maintained gravel road. The route back to Finland is about 50% different from the first day. This day includes a few miles of two track heading to the northern most section of the route. The climb out of Grand Marais into the Sawtooth range will get you warmed up quickly.
NOTE Routes are subject to change due to weather or forest fires. We will try to keep them between 60-70 miles.
We recommend a rig that can accommodate tires widths starting at 40mm. My preference is a 29er with a tire width of about 2.1-2.3in. Its ok to be creative with your existing bike. Make sure the packs you choose stay put on rough roads. And most importantly, check your fit and be comfortable on your rig for hours of sometimes rough riding.
The Fox is an excellent introduction to timed, bikepack style racing, which means being loaded down with your gear and pushing yourself in a timed format over consecutive days. We also build plenty of time to set up camp, relax, eat and socialize after the days racing. Its an exhilarating combination of activities. We think you will love this event.
Races
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The Fox Bikepacking Race
Incl. $11.75 Fee
Sat 26th July 2025 (8:00AM CDT)
$186.75
Please note that all Heck of the North Production events (Le Grand du Nord, The Wolf & The Fox, and The Heck of the North) are self-supported. This means very limited assistance from volunteers, no/very limited signage en-route. All riders are required to sleep outside. This means using the sleeping system you carry on your bike throughout the event (tent, bivy, tarp, sleeping bag, etc.) Motels, cabins, pavilions, or other solid-roofed buildings are forbidden. Please adhere to the simple rules of this event. All riders are responsible for carrying the gear that they need for the trip. This means clothing, sleep kit, tools, nutrition and hydration. Riders will NOT need to bring cooking gear. All riders are expected to have a simple odometer or gps device on their bike. Cell coverage is spotty, unreliable/nonexistent on course. Do not rely on your cell phone for navigation. All riders must wear a helmet. We strongly recommend wearing some sort of eye protection, too. Have a backup plan in place. There is NO Fox sanctioned sag support if you breakdown (physically or mentally) so We will assist as we are able. We have limited volunteers at the checkpoints. In the event of an emergency CALL 911. Drafting (pacelines or riding directly behind another rider) is not allowed. Aero bars are allowed. No E-bikes are allowed. All participants must use a self propelled bicycle (without a motor assist.) Outside support from teams, family, friends is forbidden. Riders ARE allowed to assist other riders if they so choose (nutrition, water, tools, wrenching support, first aid, etc.). Prearranged support will mean disqualification and a public shaming TBD. Please be civil, kind, and friendly to other riders, volunteers and the public. This is not the Tour de France- enjoy yourself, your neighbors and this beautiful part of the world! Always Ride as Far Right as is safe. Please share the road with other cars, ATVs and users! Lastly- please do not litter. Thanks for being good gravel citizens!
The Fox Bikepacking Race
