Gravel ‘Sota

09/01/2026

🎙️ NEW EPISODE — LEVEL BE PODCAST #8

The humans behind The Duck

For Episode 8, we’re flipping the script.

Instead of Mark and Kris interviewing someone else, Mark Jessee, Kris Jessee, and Greg Somogyi, the organizers of Gray Duck Grit V, are in the hot seat.

And we brought in Adam Klotz of KKD Gravel to take over the interviewer’s chair.

We go behind the scenes of Gray Duck Grit from how this crazy idea started, what it takes to put on an event with 33 to 222 miles and 78 categories, the things that inevitably go wrong, and why this team of volunteers continue to put themselves through the chaos year after year.

We also talk about the evolution of Gray Duck Grit, the importance of community, what “grit” really means, and how being part of Gravel ‘Sota fits into the bigger Minnesota gravel scene.

And because Adam couldn’t possibly let us off that easily…

⚡ RAPID FIRE.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of Gray Duck Grit, this episode is for you.

🎧 Level Be Podcast Episode 8 is out now.

Give it a listen. And then register to ride this Labor Day weekend!

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

New this year!
The 50 and 69mi distances start at 10am on Sunday, 9/6.
Cannon Falls is a ~1 hr drive from the Twin Cities. No need to wake up too early.
Sign up today! Registration closes in 4 days.

08/27/2026

🎙️ NEW EPISODE - MANKATO GRAVEL - LEVEL BE PODCAST No. 7

Mankato is putting serious miles into its cycling community and in Episode 7, we’re talking with two people who are right in the middle of it.

Joining us is Mankato’s own Jenna Rinehart, current Life Time Grand Prix professional gravel cyclist, bike shop owner, and longtime fixture in the Southern Minnesota cycling scene.

Also joining us is Chris Corley, cycling advocate with the Greater Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates.

We talk River Valley 100, Kato Bike Fall Fest, gravel racing, bike advocacy, building community, and why southern Minnesota has some seriously underrated roads.

Jenna shares what it’s like balancing elite-level racing with running a bike shop, and why, after nearly three decades on the bike, she still believes the most important thing is to love riding first and racing second.

Chris gives us a look behind the scenes of building cycling opportunities in Mankato and creating events that bring people together.

And, of course, we talk about how the Gravel ‘Sota series fits into the bigger picture of getting riders out of their own backyard and onto new roads.

Because gravel isn’t just about the bike.

🎧 Episode 7 is out now. Give it a listen and then start planning your next ride to Mankato. Episode 🔗 in bio!

08/25/2026

First Look 👀

It’s finally time to release the 2026 Gravel ‘Sota jersey, designed in collaboration with

Minnesota gravel. A full season of adventure. And now… a jersey worth chasing.

Here’s the best part: the TOP points finishers in each Gravel ‘Sota category at the end of the season will earn a FREE jersey. 🏆

So if you’ve been eyeing that leaderboard, consider this your motivation to keep stacking miles, chasing points, and to saying yes to more gravel roads.

Ride more. Ride far. Earn the jersey.

08/11/2026

Less than 2 weeks to The Hero Gravel Classic! Ready to have some fun and through some support at Little Bellas and Pedal Power, MN! Are you signed up and ready to roll?

08/03/2026

Enjoy an Ice Cold B**r from our friends at Locale Brewery after your ride. You've Earned it.