The 3rd annual Gray Duck Grit just took place in Cannon Falls, MN with a whole bunch of improvements going into year 3. The race came to a new town and new venue with a new cyclocross race and a new 50 mile distance. Here Pat Moore shares his recap of the 50 mile day as well as an overall review of the new direction of Gray Duck Grit.
Words by Pat Moore
Photos by Greg Kaiser
If you're a gravel rider, put this race on your list! In its third year, the change that jumps out upon reflection is the start and finish area. Starting and ending the Gray Duck Grit at the Cannon Valley Fairgrounds was a huge improvement.
Last year my race recap was titled, “Children of the Corn Minus the Scythes”. With the date change from early October to early September however, the corn stalks just didn’t have that same creepy vibe, and I was totally okay with that. After a summer of long races (800 miles of the Tour Divide, the Wolf Bikepacking Race (225), and the DAMn (240)), I opted for the new 50-mile route. The course was beautiful. Rolling climbs and fast descents were once again the name of the game of Driftless Country.
Mark and Kris Jessee and their “flock” of volunteers made the day. I got the opportunity to chat with Mark before and after the race. His genuine passion for putting this race on is obvious. I thanked him for all the hard work, and he quickly pointed out that work doesn’t feel like work when it is fun. A friend recently called for having a “Race Director’s Appreciation Day”, and I couldn’t agree more. I have yet to meet a race director who does not motivate me to rally people around building community and celebrating personal successes, whatever those might be.
The start of the 50, 69, and 111-mile races took place on Sunday morning on a horse race track which admittedly was a first for me. We rolled out under blue skies, perfect temps in the 60’s, and a breeze that would evolve into a bit of a headwind.
Leaving the outskirts of Cannon Falls, racers entered a healthy mix of forest and farmland, popping in and out of the woods and occasionally riding along the Cannon River. Things began to look and feel familiar to the 2023 course when I hit 380th Street which goes over Highway 52. The road had not changed much, and unfortunately, neither did the headwind. I could hardly complain after enjoying 240 miles of tailwind in this year’s DAMn, but in the moment, the legs were feeling it.
Turning off of the pavement of 380th St. with just over 10 miles left which included a wonderfully fast descent, my spirits were good. Like most racers I assume, the voice of Christopher Walken screamed for more cowbell in my head as the finish line came into view. Crossing the finish line to the amazing sound of the cowbell was as satisfying as always.
The finish area at the Cannon Valley Fairgrounds was perfect. A food truck, music, and sunshine always seem to make for a good time.
A huge shout out to Mark and Kris Jesse and their amazing volunteers for all of their hard work. To next year!
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