Headed up to Duluth for Heck of the North with M. Wozniak. First timers in event. Weather was absolutely brutal... had rained for the previous two days (over two inches), and the day of the ride the temperature dropped and wind picked up. Big wind out of northwest all day... gusts of 30 mph. Snow flurries and drizzle for most of ride. First 20 miles were uphill and into the wind. We took our time but it was still a chore. Wild cards we didn't know of were a creek crossing at mile 11ish, which resulted in feet being numb for the next four hours, and the "state trails", which consisted of a combination of mud, grass, bogs, water, rock gardens, mud, grass water, rocks etc. Riding in these areas was obviously slow. Our goal once riding was to make it to the 67 mile checkpoint... as the ride was unsupported it would have been difficult to bail earlier. I didn't feel very good on the bike but kept at it. Mike rode like a champ. Got my legs for some reason around mile 50--no idea what took so long--and finally rode with a little spirit. Mike's knee grew more and more sore as the ride progressed and made the 67 mile cut-off look like a good place to end the ride, which we did after seven hours in the saddle. We made the time cut-off (which became a little mini-goal in itself while on the bike, even though we knew we were going to quit at the break), albeit a couple of minutes late. Some of the toughest conditions I've ridden in, and by far the most difficult terrain of any lengthy race/ride. Satisfying day on the bike (once it was over :)). An excellent adventure with a good buddy.