Off the Front | Episode 3: The Director – Chase Wark at Lyons Heart Gravel Classic 2025

In Episode 3 of Off the Front, Chase Wark returns to Mandan, North Dakota to defend his title at the Lyons Heart Gravel Classic—a deceptively brutal 100-mile race with over 6,500 feet of climbing through the heart of the prairie. But just as the race unfolds, thick wildfire smoke from Canada rolls in, creating unpredictable and hazardous conditions. With competitors struggling to breathe and strategies unraveling, Chase must decide how much he’s willing to risk to stay at the front.

But this episode isn’t just about racing—it’s about legacy. We follow Chase beyond the finish line into his role as race director for four of Minnesota’s biggest grassroots gravel events: Granny’s Gravel Grinder, The Hotdish, The Day Across Minnesota, and The Filthy 50. Former race director Trenton Raygor shares why Chase is the ideal person to carry these events forward. Lyons Heart is a story about resilience on race day and responsibility beyond it—a glimpse into what it means to lead when the gravel gets rough.

#LyonsHeartGravel #GravelCycling #OffTheFrontSeries #ChaseWark #CyclingDocumentary #RaceDirector #GrassrootsGravel #Filthy50 #MNGravelScene