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Gray Duck Grit II 2023
Oct 6, 2023 @ 8:00 am - Oct 7, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
Gray Duck Grit stands as a grassroots gravel cycling event, firmly rooted in the scenic landscapes of Southern Minnesota. This event serves as a compelling catalyst to transcend the limits of your mental and physical boundaries. Our array of races, spanning 69, 111, 222, and 333 miles, methodically break you down with every hill conquered, each pedal stroke, and every breath that escapes in gasps. Yet, these challenges lead to a profound renewal of spirit, a deepened sense of unity, and an undeniable display of resilience.
What propels this endeavor is an unwavering commitment to go beyond mere cycling or personal trials. The heart of Gray Duck Grit pulses with a dedication to give back to the very communities we call home. Our devoted team of volunteers exemplifies this ethos, and every single penny of proceeds is channeled towards Fraser of MN. Fraser is a beacon of autism and mental health support, extending its resources to children, teens, adults, and families across the Twin Cities and beyond.
Mark your calendar for an empowering weekend:
Friday, October 6th:
The Cow: A 333-mile journey starting at 10:00 AM.
The Replacement: A 222-mile odyssey commencing at 9:00 PM.
Saturday, October 7th:
The Suburb: An 111-mile exploration starting at 8:00 AM.
The Sixty-Niner: A 69-mile adventure setting off at noon.
(Note: All cyclists must cross the finish line by 7:00 PM on October 7th)
Channeling the spirit of “Giants Of The Earth” by Ole Edvart Rölvaag, a local luminary from Northfield, MN, Gray Duck Grit parallels the mental tightrope early Norwegian pioneers balanced upon. Just as they encountered dreams intertwined with adversity, our event mirrors this journey. Each gravel stretch, in a way, becomes a microcosm of that grand struggle. While a fairy-tale ending isn’t promised, Gray Duck Grit guarantees an authentic test of your readiness, determination, and persistence.
If you dare to challenge one of the giants of Southeast Minnesota, join us:
The Sixty-Niner: October 7th, 12:00 PM
The Suburb: October 7th, 8:00 AM
The Replacement: October 6th, 9:00 PM
The Cow: October 6th, 10:00 AM
(Note: All routes commence and culminate on opposite sides of Central Park, near Downtown Northfield. Navigation options include .GPX files and cue sheets.)
