Race Directors Choose Their Favorite Local Gravel Races

When gravel race directors pick favorites, it's not just about the course, it’s about community, tradition, challenge, and connection. Whether it’s the wild solitude of the Heck of the North, the family memories at Hungry Bear, or the quirky fun of Embark's Ramp Romp, these events represent the heart of what makes gravel riding so beloved: a little suffering, a lot of joy, and unforgettable experiences shared on two wheels.

There’s no shortage of incredible gravel races up north, but which ones stand out to the people who actually organize them? We asked gravel race directors to name their personal favorites (not their own events, obvs) and tell us what makes them so unforgettable.

From postcard registrations and deep-woods doubletrack to podium ceremonies and wild ramp pizza parties, the answers were pretty diverse.

Here's what they had to say:

Marty Larson

Race Director of The Heywood

Hard to decide between the Filthy 50 and Heck of the North! They both share that late season glory of potentially epic weather, good or bad. And I’ve experienced both at both. It’s a coin toss between the two for me honestly. The locations for both have unmatched scenery and the roads each offer are outstanding. I think the remoteness that the Heck has may give it a slight edge. Those deep in the country atv lanes really live in my head rent free.

Anne Schwarzwalder

Race Director of Ridin’ Dirty Gravel

Gray Duck Grit! An awesome event to rip some gravel just south of Minneapolis. Last year included a cyclocross event as a pre-race prologue, which I support on the grounds of “a gravel bike is a cyclocross bike is a road bike is a mountain bike (if you’re careful!)”. GDG features routes from 50 to 333 miles, supported with chip timing and the best podium set up you’ll see in the area. Really makes the racers feel special. Highly recommend!

Adam Klotz

Racer Director of Kasners Kick Duchenne (KKD) Gravel

While there are still many incredible local gravel events on my to-ride list—and I’ve yet to ride a gravel event I didn’t love—my current favorite is the Hungry Bear Gravel in Cable, WI.

The Hungry Bear (specifically the Snacking Bear route) was one of the first gravel events my wife Nora and I rode together, and having just completed it for what I believe is our fifth year, it was once again absolutely splendid.

The route, in my humble opinion, is near perfect: it opens with about ten miles of vehicle-free, tree-lined tarmac that gently spreads out the field. From there, it's thirty or so miles of scenic gravel, rollers, a lake or two, and deceptively tiring straights that lull you into thinking, 'I could do this all day.' And then you turn left, climb, and excitedly dread what is coming next—a ripping stretch of double track that leads into a brutal twelve-mile section of nonstop climbing (every year while cursing I mistakenly tell myself, 'this has to be the last one'). Finally, there’s a quick burst of singletrack, followed by a long wooded trail where the finish line looms in the distance, teasing you as you creep closer, sweat stinging your eyes, dreaming of pizza, beer, live music—and pie.

Nora and I love this ride. It’s become a family tradition: we bring our kids and extended family to camp at the nearby KOA while we’re off playing bikes. It’s special, memorable, and just the right mix of challenge and charm.

Put it on your list. You absolutely won’t regret it—until you have about nine miles to go.

Chase Wark

Race Director of Granny's Gravel Grinder, The Hotdish, The DAMN, Filthy 50

I think I have to go with Ragnorak. The event is really old school with registering with a postcard, using cue sheets, and having to be self sufficient. It's also an event that is in the driftless region which gives it a few bonus points. I also like the unpredictable weather that you get with it. I think if I were to attend Heywood, that one may top it, but that will have to wait till 2026.

Keely Campbell

Race Director of Ridin' Dirty Gravel

I'm going out on a limb here and saying Embark's Ramp Romp. Ok, ok it's not a TRADITIONAL gravel event. But, there's beautiful Driftless Wisconsin gravel, camping, foraging, and pizza! Embark puts this event on each April when the wild ramps are POPPIN', and I can't say enough about the wonderful people and adventures this weekend brings.

Trenton Raygor

Race Director of The Filthy 50 (and formerly The DAMn)

This one is a tie for me between Le Grand Du Nord and The Heywood. Le Grand Du Nord is a favorite because I LOVE the Kershaw family, Grand Marais MN, and riding in the north woods. It's good for the soul. On the flip-side, the community, inclusiveness, and positivity exuding from The Heywood out of Northfield MN is quite possibly unmatched. Marty, Michael, and Ben have the best hearts. I think folks should try out both of these events.