LEVEL BE PODCAST — EPISODE #8: GRAY DUCK GRIT

What happens when you take the people who normally run the show…and put them in the hot seat?

For Episode #8, we switched things up.

We handed the microphone over to Adam Klotz of Kasners Kick Duchenne Gravel and let him interview Mark Jessee, Kris Jessee, and Greg Somogyi, the organizers behind Gray Duck Grit V.

This time, the organizers became the guests.

Adam digs into the story behind Gray Duck Grit. From its beginnings and the move to Cannon Falls, to the thinking behind the unique distances, the personality and philosophy of the event, and what really goes on behind the scenes.

We talk about the people, the community, the chaos, the passion, and the occasional questionable decisions that go into building an event like Gray Duck Grit.

Greg also shares the personal story of how a gravel ride, a bonk, and a few people willing to wait for him to finish ultimately led him to find community and purpose, and eventually become part of the Gray Duck Grit organizing team.

And we talk about what we're ultimately trying to create:

A party where everyone is welcome.

Whether you're riding 33 miles or 222, chasing a podium or simply trying to make it back to Cannon Falls, you are part of the Gray Duck Grit family.

Episode #8 of the Level Be Podcast is available now.

#LevelBePodcast #GrayDuckGrit #GravelSota #GravelCycling #MinnesotaGravel #CannonFalls #LevelBeAdventures #GravelBike #GravelSotaSeries #CyclingCommunity

Episode 7: Jenna Rinehart & Chris Corley - Building a Cycling Community in Mankato

What happens when a professional gravel racer, a bike shop owner, and a cycling advocate come together to build a stronger cycling community?

In this episode, we head to Mankato, Minnesota, for a conversation with Jenna Rinehart and Chris Corley, two people helping shape the cycling culture of southern Minnesota.

We talk about the River Valley 100, the Kato Bike Fall Fest, the evolution of gravel cycling, bike advocacy, running events, and what makes the Mankato area such a special place to ride.

Jenna also shares her perspective on balancing professional racing with bike shop ownership—and why, after nearly three decades in the sport, she still believes the most important thing is simple: love riding your bike.

Chris talks about advocacy, community, and creating events where people can experience the roads, scenery, and people that make Mankato unique.

And, of course, we talk about Gravel ‘Sota and why getting cyclists out of their own backyard and onto new roads is about much more than competition.

Because sometimes the best part of cycling isn't how fast you get there.

It's discovering where the bike takes you.

What happens when a few friends look at the gravel roads around Stillwater, Minnesota, and decide, “You know what this needs? A gravel race.”

In Episode #6 of the Level Be Podcast, we sit down with Brian Headlee, the organizer behind The Hero Gravel Classic, to get behind the scenes of one of Minnesota’s gravel events and the person crazy enough to keep putting it together.

Brian takes us back to the origins of The Hero, his early days riding gravel on a Schwinn Le Tour, and how a simple idea shared among friends grew into an event that brings cyclists together from across the state. We talk about route planning, disappearing gravel roads, volunteers, logistics, the unique setting of Stillwater, and the beer-and-brat-fueled experience waiting at the finish.

We also dig into the bigger picture: Why do people organize gravel events in the first place? Brian's answer gets right to the heart of what makes the gravel community special—bringing people together, sharing a passion, creating friendships, and stepping back at the end of the day to see everyone smiling.

Plus, we get into Gravel 'Sota, the future of Minnesota gravel, and a rapid-fire round that may or may not reveal Brian's true feelings about gas station food, Minnesota potholes, and Deadpool.

So grab a beverage, settle in, and join us for a conversation about bikes, gravel, community, and the wonderfully questionable decision to organize a gravel race.