Located just 30 mins south of St. Paul in Cannon Falls, MN, this grassroots cycling event forces you to push past preconceived mental and physical barriers. Our 50, 69, 111, 222-mile gravel and cyclocross events break you down one hill, one pedal stroke, one gasping breath at a time, only to build you up with a renewed sense of growth, community, and grit.
The driving force behind this challenge is the sincere desire to do more than simply ride or challenge ourselves. Giving back to the communities in which we live is at the core of Gray Duck Grit (GDG) and it’s passionate team of volunteers. Community through participation is nothing new and making it equally accessible for all is very important.
In spite of the athletic challenge, we strive to make GDG accessible to anyone who has a bike and wants to get after it by offering a variety of non-traditional categories for all our competitions and distances. In an arena historically male dominated, this recognition creates a space for all to feel welcome and represented. Each year we consider and evaluate ways to create a diverse space for those who would like to join this purpose-driven event. Listening to our cyclists and doing what’s right matters.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH
- CYCLOCROSS – SCHEDULE COMING THIS SUMMER
- 222 MILES – 9:00PM START
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH
- 50 MILES – TBD START
- 69 MILES – TBD START
- 111 MILES – 8:00AM START
February 19th, 2026 – Our team is REALLY excited about a new project this year we dubbed Gravel ‘Sota. It stems from the idea of embracing the unique Minnesota gravel cycling community and being a part of something much bigger than any one event. Unity through community is the foundation. Check out The Nxrth’s recent article on this latest initiative from Level Be Adventures in the link below:
Gravel ‘Sota is Coming in 2026: A New Minnesota Gravel Series Built Around Community & Consistency
DIRECTOR’S BLOG…
January 29th, 2026 – In times like these it’s natural to reflect on who we are, what we’re doing, and where things are headed.
That’s when we realize Gray Duck Grit isn’t about a ride. The name, the people, and the spirit are all direct representations of Minnesota. It’s about how you show up and what you do once you get there. It’s standing tall when no one’s watching. It’s doing the work even when the road ahead feels long, uneven, and lonely. It’s choosing hard work over shortcuts and kindness over credit.
The recent images shown in the media across the world are nothing new to us. Minnesotans have always carried this kind of grit. Shaped by long winters, early mornings, and the understanding that complaining doesn’t move things forward, but community does. We endure. We adapt. We care. We help. Then we keep going.
That’s what Gray Duck Grit represents. Not loud East Coast-style toughness, but Midwestern perseverance. The kind that never gives up nor backs down. The belief that hard seasons don’t define us. Rather, how we move through them together.
In difficult times, grit looks like hope with its sleeves rolled up. It looks like resilience, empathy, and resolve. It looks a lot like Minnesota. And maybe, at its best, it looks like the best of humanity.
Other media…
September 9th, 2024 – Josh Rizzo is back at it sharing stories from our third year of Gray Duck Grit held last week in our new home of Cannon Falls, MN on his site The Nxrth.
GRAVEL CYCLING
“Horse Tracks, Cowbells, & Blue Sky Gravel: Pat Moore’s Gray Duck Grit Recap”
CYCLOCROSS
“The Cheat Code for a Great Cyclocross Race: Nicholas Peterson’s Gray Duck Grit Recap”
RECENT AUDIO…
Flock members Mark, Kris, & Nate sat down to chat with Craig Dalton on his top-rated national podcast The Gravel Ride about Gray Duck Grit II. Have a listen below on YouTube or Spotify and then be sure to check out more of Craig’s excellent content regarding all things gravel!