THE FOX – July 2023

120 MILE, 2 DAY/1 NIGHT BIKEPACKING RACE

FINLAND -GRAND MARAIS -FINLAND

JULY 1-2, 2023

The Fox is a two day stage race that features 60 mile days coursing through the heart of the North Shore wilds. The Fox will start in Finland, MN, on July 1. 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 our event for cyclists trying bikepacking style racing for the first time. Some might wonder why to time or race in this style, carrying a lot of gear. My experience is that the world has room for both touring (not timed) and timed events. It has shown me that racing against the clock and others often brings new and unique experiences that just don’t occur when traveling at a leisurely pace. You might just find that your world has room for both, too! And there will be plenty of time to socialize with other riders, as well. I love this event! (We ask that all participants have the ability to maintain a minimum of 10 mph average while riding. This is for safety planning. Thank you.)

For this course we recommend a 29’er style mountain bike (29” diameter wheels) or gravel bike that can accommodate at least 40 mm tires. There are bikepacking specific rigs these days, too. The most important part is that you feel comfortable and the bike can handle gear on rough roads. See my video for some tips on what I think are important considerations for bikepacking.

All riders will be required to sleep outside (no hotel, motel, pavilion, building with solid roof-structure, etc.) and all riders will be required to carry and use their own sleep kit (e.g. tent, bivy, tarp, sleeping bag). If you are part of a couple you will need to contact me for a plan. Please see Event Info for more information. Contact Jeremy Kershaw at jeremybkershaw@gmail.com with further questions.