Unbound Gravel 200
📍 Kansas, Flint Hills, USA
gravel
Date
3–6 June 2027
Distance
200mi · 100mi · 50mi · 25mi
Elevation
2,800 m
Difficulty
gravelbeginner friendly
Heck of the North
Minnesota, USA · 26 September 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
The Heck of the North offers challenging gravel routes of 105, 56, and 19 miles, featuring a mix of well-maintained county roads, rough two-track sections with sand, rubble, and mud, and slow grassy trails. The longer distances are notoriously difficult, earning the race its name.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 105 Mi · 56 Mi · 19 Mi
- Elevation
- 1,036 m
- Surface
- gravel, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 2.8–3.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event welcomes experienced gravel riders seeking a challenging endurance test on varied terrain, as well as beginners looking for an introduction to gravel cycling via the shorter 19-mile course.
Who will struggle
Riders unprepared for sustained effort over rough, technical two-track sections, including sand, mud, and rocks, or those without appropriate tire choices and bike handling skills will find the longer routes particularly demanding.
Training focus
Training should focus on endurance for varied surfaces, technical bike handling on rough and potentially wet two-track, and sustained power output to navigate challenging climbs and slow sections.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What are the available race distances and their respective climbing?+
The Heck of the North offers three distances: 105 miles with 3400ft of climbing, 56 miles with 1600ft of climbing, and 19 miles with 500ft of climbing.
What type of terrain should I expect on the course?+
Expect mostly gravel roads, but also rough two-track sections with sand, rubble, mud, and slow, grassy winter trail. The longer routes feature rocky and tricky climbing sections.
What tire size and pressure are recommended?+
For the longer courses, 40-50 mm tires are recommended, or as wide as your bike can fit. For all routes, tires at least 35-50 mm wide are suggested, with pressures under 35psi for most riders.
Are there aid stations provided on the course?+
Yes, for the 105-mile route, aid stations are located at mile 55 and 82, offering toilets, water, snacks, and volunteer assistance. The 19-mile course also features a midway aid station.
What type of bike is best suited for this event?+
While some short sections might feel more comfortable on a suspension trail bike, a gravel bike is still the recommended choice for all Heck of the North routes.