The Heywood

The Heywood is a gravel road ride taking place in the rolling countryside south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro plex. We call it Deep South Metro. You may know it as Northfield. Northfield is a college town of approximately 20,000 people. We have a thriving downtown with cafés, bakeries, and lots of stores with actual personality.

Rather hang out in the woods? We’ve got that covered too. Nerstrand State Park and Caron Park are a ten-minute drive from our start line. Both are on route even! In other words, bring your family! There’s lots to do.

But you’re here for a bike ride, right? Our roads are low trafficked, mostly one lane wide and vary from long rollers to short, punchy climbs. You’ll pass active farms, always be on the lookout for machinery. You’ll also see your fair share of wooded lanes. From easy cruisers to tough climbs and fast descents. There is a little bit of pavement, but only enough to make important connections. Our surfaces are generally smooth. Nearly any tire will work, though we suggest staying above 32c.