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.

Freedhem Gravel isn't just another stop on the Gravel 'Sota calendar, it's one of the events that has helped shape Minnesota's gravel cycling culture.

In Episode 5 of the Level Be Podcast, Kris and Mark sit down with Stephanie and Mike Hawkins, the husband-and-wife team carrying the Freedhem Gravel tradition forward. Together, they explore the event's rich history, its roots in the Brainerd Lakes cycling community, and the volunteers whose dedication has kept Freedhem thriving for years.

The conversation dives into the transition from longtime founder Don Griggs to the Hawkins family, what it means to inherit an event with such a loyal following, and how they're balancing tradition with fresh ideas for the future. They also discuss why Freedhem has always been about more than miles and medals, it's about creating a place where riders feel welcomed, challenged, and connected.

As a member of the inaugural Gravel 'Sota series, Freedhem brings its own personality and flavor to Minnesota's growing gravel scene, proving that every event has a unique story worth telling.

Whether you're a longtime Freedhem rider, curious about the Brainerd Lakes gravel scene, or simply love hearing the stories behind the people who make cycling communities stronger, this episode is for you.

In this episode:
• The history and evolution of Freedhem Gravel
• The transition to new organizers Mike & Stephanie Hawkins
• The volunteers who keep the event's traditions alive
• Building community through gravel cycling
• What makes Freedhem a unique stop in the Gravel 'Sota series
• The future of one of Minnesota's most beloved gravel events

Thanks for listening, and if you're enjoying the Level Be Podcast, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow cyclist. We'll see you on the next ride.

Episode 4 of the Level Be Podcast heads north to the Fargo-Moorhead gravel scene.

Joining us are original founder and former organizer Tim Bauer along with current organizer Jaden Blake of Flatlands Cycling. Together, we dive into the past, present, and future of an event that began as a daunting 200-mile gravel challenge.

We talk about the early days of organizing grassroots gravel events, how the gravel scene has changed over the last decade, and what it means to pass the baton from one generation of organizers to the next. Tim shares stories from building Woodtickr over 10 years, while Jaden discusses how Flatlands Cycling is continuing the event’s legacy while putting its own stamp on the experience.

Oh… and somehow we also discover that SPAM has become a near-mythical finish line motivator for exhausted cyclists nearing the end of their ride.

Woodtickr is also part of the inaugural Gravel 'Sota series, celebrating grassroots gravel events and the communities that keep them alive.

Sit back, settle in, maybe even crack open a can of Hamm's beer, and enjoy this episode of the Level Be Podcast.

In Episode 3 of Level Be, we sit down with a trio of guests: Sara Kasner, Adam Klotz, and Nora Kaitfors. Nora and Adam are the organizers of the Kasner Kick Duchenne Gravel Ride - an event built around something much bigger than bikes. What started as a grassroots gravel ride has become a powerful community effort supporting the Kasner family and raising awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

We talk about the heart behind the event, the impact it has had on riders and families alike, and how gravel cycling continues to prove it’s about far more than finish lines and race results. This episode is a reminder that bikes can bring people together in meaningful ways - creating support, connection, and hope for those facing challenges most of us can hardly imagine.

Whether you ride gravel or simply believe in the power of community, this conversation captures what Level Be and Gravel 'Sota are all about.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Kershaw, the driving force behind Heck of the North Productions, to explore the spirit of grassroots gravel cycling in Minnesota’s Northwoods. Jeremy shares the story behind his trio of Arrowhead-based events and how they’ve evolved from humble beginnings into some of the most unique and community-centered experiences in the sport.

Director, Tamra Voigt, and former Director, Paul Vogel, join us for the first episode of the Level Be podcast to help kick off the 2026 summer season as well as the inaugural Gravel 'Sota series.

Go to www.springvalleyeda.org or www.gravelsota.com to learn more.