Courses

In “Giants Of The Earth,” Ole Edvart Rölvaag (Northfield, MN native) wrote about the mental balancing act early Norwegian pioneers battled as they explored the upper midwest — dreams of a brighter future and countless feats of adversity stained with loneliness and fear of the unknown.

Gray Duck Grit nods to our weathered ancestors. In a single gravel event, you may feel bolts of fear mixed with breaths of adversity. Although a fairytale finish isn’t guaranteed, Gray Duck Grit promises to test your preparation, determination, and perseverance.

Think you’re ready to take on one of the giants of southeast Minnesota?

THE SIXTY-NINER – 69 MILES

THE SUBURB – 111 MILES

THE REPLACEMENT – 222 MILES

THE COW – 333 MILES

NOTE: THE START AND FINISH LINES FOR ALL THREE ROUTES ARE LOCATED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF CENTRAL PARK NEAR DOWNTOWN NORTHFIELD. YOU’LL ALSO HAVE THE OPTION OF .GPX FILES OR CUE SHEETS FOR NAVIGATION.

PLANNING TO RIDE SELF-SUPPORTED? BELOW IS A GUIDE FOR SELF-SUPPORTED PARTICIPANTS TO USE FOR EACH DISTANCE FOR OPTIONAL (NOT MANDATORY) STOPS. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH CYCLIST TO DO THEIR OWN RESEARCH ON THE WHAT IS AVAILABLE IN EACH CITY AND DURING WHAT HOURS OF THE DAY. THESE STOPS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE CHECKPOINTS ALONG THE ROUTES APPROXIMATELY EVERY 55 MILES.