Date/Time
Date(s) - 02/22/2025
Categories
Huffmaster Hopper
Huffmaster Hopper Registration is Open
Huffmaster Hopper — Join us for the classic Huffmaster Hopper starting in Maxwell, California. West of Hwy 5 and east of the Mendocino National Forest lies miles of rolling gravel roads and lightly traveled tarmac. With two routes to choose from 89 or 59 miles, and less climbing than a typical Hopper, you will be treated to an adventure few have seen on two wheels. Both routes are 1/2 gravel and 1/2 pave.
Route
Huffmaster: The course starts at Maxwell High School, where we head northwest on paved, flat roads for 25 miles. Don’t get too excited, as riders on this stretch frequently battle headwinds. From here, you’ll reach a gradual climb from mile 25 to 40 and a punchy gravel climb from mile 40 to mile 43, topping out on County Road #303 at 1,700ft. From here, the days fastest and most challenging gravel descent drops you into the valley below at Stony Creek. We continue on gravel from mile 46 to 53 and climb from 1,000-1,800ft. Here, we hit Sites-Lagoda Rd. and descend west on pavement to Leesville-Lagoda Rd. The course continues on a mix of pavement and gravel, passing through Leesville Gap at mile 67. From here, we continue just under 1 mile to a left turn at Huffmaster Rd. There is a short 400ft gravel climb to the top of the summit before the course continues on gravel through mile 80 to the “town” of Sites. In Sites, we get back on pavement for 5 miles before turning right off the main road to finish it out on on gravel.
Huffmaster Mini: This route heads west to Sites Rd and onto Leesville-Ladoga Rd, where it joins the full Huffmaster route. Though shorter, there is a stiff climb from mile 14 to 17.5 that rises from 550ft to 1,800 ft. This route has gravel on Leesville-Lagoda Rd and Huffmaster Rd, adding up to approximately 25 miles of gravel in total.
All Hopper routes are open and riders must obey all traffic laws and rules. See RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Adventure Therapy Foundation
A portion of the proceeds from your registration will go to Adventure Therapy Foundation. A.T.F. was created to “minimize the emotional side effects of cancer”. Lauren Huffmaster is a cancer survivor, mother, speaker and writer. Her husband’s family grew up at the Huffmaster ranch at the base of Huffmaster grade where the Hoppers pass through. “Adventure Therapy Foundation began in the summer of 2018, a year after our founder Lauren, met a stranger in an airport who engaged her in conversation, listened to her journey through cancer and asked her, “What do you want to do with your story?” This question sent Lauren on a search through Yosemite to answer that, and she found the beginning of a dream. A dream to “Use adventure to help those impacted by cancer to escape the emotional “rut” that occurs after treatment.” Adventure Therapy Foundation was founded, and here we are years later, and hundreds of individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis have been helped through the mine-field of emotions, into a place of healing and restoration.” To learn more and to donate go to “Adventure Therapy Foundation”. Riders who donate/raise $1,000 or more will have their entry fee refunded.
Equipment/Tire Choice:
We’d recommend a 38-40 tire. Either slick or semi slick/slight knobs. Overall the gravel roads are smooth and packed but there are a few sections with deep gravel and loose corners. The most important thing is to have tires in good/new condition. Be prepared! We will have some rolling support out there but it’s essential you are able to take care of you basic repairs. Recommended tool kit: 2 tubes, 2 CO2, small pump, Dyna Plug, chain tool, allen/torx wrench set, patches, tire boots.
Camping/Lodging:
There is free camping Friday and Saturday night in Maxwell by the rodeo grounds. If you stay Sat you must leave Sunday AM as there is another event going on.
Get more shedule, route and rest stop information on the Grasshopper Adventure Series website.
Learn More Here
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