What the HELL.

Fall 2026 Update

After careful consideration, we have decided not to organize a fall edition of the Hell of the North or Heck of the North in 2026.

These events have always been grassroots projects built with enormous care, countless volunteer hours and a genuine love for the cycling community. After 17 years of creating unforgettable days on the bike, we feel it is important to pause, reset and give some thought to what comes next.

We are incredibly grateful to every rider, volunteer, sponsor, venue and community partner who has helped make the Hell and Heck of the North so special.

This is a pause, not necessarily the finish line.

We hope to be back at it in spring 2027, and we will share more information as soon as plans begin to take shape.

Until then, thank you for riding with us, supporting these events and becoming part of their story.

What Is the Hell of the North?

For nearly four decades, the Hell of the North has built a reputation as one of Ontario’s most unique and challenging off-road cycling adventures.

It is a memorable mix of dirt roads, rail trails, punchy climbs and wild off-road sectors designed to test your fitness, bike handling and determination. Some sections are fast and flowing. Others may leave you wondering who thought riding a bicycle through them was a good idea.

That contrast is what makes the Hell… Hell.

It is challenging, unpredictable and incredibly rewarding. It is also a day when friendships grow stronger, teammates work together and riders create stories they will tell for years.

If you love adventure, challenging terrain and epic days on the bike, this event was made for you.

The Routes

Our most recent spring edition offered three different ways to experience the Hell of the North:

Hell of the North — 120 km

The full enchilada.

More than 30 years of history, battle-tested routes, iconic sectors and everything that makes the Hell of the North legendary.

No shortcuts. No mercy.

Sneaky Lil Devil — 100 km

Still Hell… just a little more calculated.

This option cut out the far north and allowed riders to sneak around The Trench, avoiding approximately 20 kilometres of additional punishment.

A shorter distance and a few smarter choices—but still unmistakably Hell.

Halfway to Hell — 70 km

A taste of Hell without the full burn.

This route delivered the atmosphere, terrain and challenge of the event without requiring riders to commit to the complete distance.

It was a great choice for first-time participants and anyone looking for a Hell of a good time.

Route distances, formats and options for any future edition will be announced when event plans are confirmed.

More Than a Bike Race

The Hell of the North is about much more than kilometres and finishing times.

It is about taking on something difficult with your teammates, training partners and friends. It is about muddy bikes, tired legs, wrong turns, shared food, big laughs and the enormous satisfaction of reaching the finish.

Our spring 2026 event featured a fan-friendly cyclocross-style finish at Trail Hub, giving riders and spectators an incredible atmosphere at one of Ontario’s premier cycling destinations.

We were also proud to welcome Castelli back as the presenting sponsor of the Hell of the North. Castelli helped elevate the experience with an exclusive product showcase, draw prizes, podium gifts and a world-class cycling presence.

We are tremendously thankful to Trail Hub, Castelli and everyone who contributed to the event.

Choosing the Right Bike

Bike choice matters at the Hell of the North.

Cyclocross, gravel or mountain bikes are strongly recommended. Some of the more challenging sectors may require riders to dismount and run, making mountain-bike shoes and pedals a practical choice.

Traditional road bikes are not recommended.

Conditions can change dramatically depending on the weather, and riders should arrive prepared for dirt, mud, rough terrain and a genuine off-road adventure.

Bring Your People

An event with this much history deserves to be shared.

Bring your teammates, training partners and friends. The Hell and Heck of the North have always been at their best when people take on the adventure together.

When registration is active, we traditionally offer group discount codes for teams and clubs registering six or more riders.

Stay Tuned

There will be no fall edition of the Hell or Heck of the North in 2026.

We hope to return in spring 2027, refreshed and ready to create another unforgettable chapter. Follow our social channels and check back here for future announcements.