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A two-day adventure ride in Mendocino County
August 11-12, 2018 • REGISTER
A Hopper Like No Other
This is your chance to ride little known dirt roads in remote Mendocino County. Over 25 years of riding and exploring in Northern California has led to the crazy combination of pavé, dirt and gravel roads that make up this two-day cycling adventure.
Route
Day 1 (Saturday): Day 1 begins at 9:30 AM as we briefly climb up from Lake Mendocino and descend to Eastside Rd and roll through Redwood Valley before hitting our first climb of the day, Tomki Rd. At mile 13.7 the road turns to gravel and crosses Tomki Creek 8 times before hitting the pavement again at mile 17.5. From here you continue north and then west back to Willits on a mix of pavement and gravel. There will be a quick stop to grab a bottle or top off at mile 28.5 for those in need. Otherwise, the main feed zone is at mile 39. Mile 29 is the intersection of Downtown Willits and we head west on Sherwood Rd. The second climb of the day is good to fair pavement and climbs from 1350 ft to 2820 ft. Our NorCal Bike Sport feed zone will be at mile 39. Sherwood Rd turns to dirt at mile 41.5 and rolls along the ridge and descends to our finish at mile 64.5. That’s over 20 miles of dirt! From here riders will roll to Fort Bragg and McKerricher campground where cold beer from WoodFour Brewing Company, a hot shower and tasty food provided by SAG Monkey awaits you. Day 1 includes 35+ miles of dirt/gravel.
Day 2 (Sunday): Day 2 is a neutral roll out at 9:30 along the Old Haul Rd. to Fort Bragg. From here riders will head east on Hwy 20 to mile 13.5, Little Lake Rd/Road 408. We’ll take a minute to top off our bottles before starting stage 2 in earnest. Miles 13.5-21 are ripping logging roads and then we drop into the Village of Mendocino. Riders will take Hwy 1 south across Big River and head east on Comptche Rd. This gorgeous, perfectly paved road climbs and descends for 25 miles until you reach a saddle half way between Comptche and Orr Springs. Our NorCal Bike Sport feed stop will be at mile 50. This is where the road turns to dirt. There are several small climbs and descents before hitting the last big climb of the weekend. Save something for the 4 mile, 1,700 ft climb, it’s a doozy. The grand finale is a 1,900 ft ripping gravel and dirt descent to the town of Ukiah. From here, riders will roll back to Lake Mendocino for a hot shower, cold beer, and delicious food. Day 2 includes 35+miles of dirt/gravel.
Race or Ride?
By nature, Hoppers are demanding mixed-terrain adventure rides. These are not “gravel grinders”. There will be some gravel, and you will do some grinding. The course however is a mix between beautiful to horrible pavement; hardpack to super-chunky gravel; ripping buffed logging roads to rutted and dusted out dirt roads. You will have a ride/race number that you MUST place on your bars so we can keep track of you, and your time. How much you push yourself is up to you. The course will be very challenging, but “do-able”. Our goal at Hopper Adventures is to create epic loops that push you to your limits, without pushing you over the edge. We do expect this Hopper to attract the hard men/women of NorCal and beyond to challenge themselves and others and to stand atop the podium at the end of the second day. But, for most, it will be about personal challenge and adventure with friends. You decide. Either way, you’re in for a one of a kind two day Hopper Adventure.
All roads are Mendocino County roads and are open to the public. This also means we can expect to see cars, motos, and other cyclists. On our last pre-ride, we had a large black bear cross in front of us! There will be no road closures or CHP escorts. All riders are expected to obey the rules of the road and ride responsibly. The course will be marked but all riders must download the route to help assist in orientation. Any route changes will be finalized at least one week prior to the event.
Rest Stops/Feed Zones
Sponsored by NorCal Bike Sport
Day 1: Station 1: Mile 28.5 hydration/feed zone. Station 2: Mile 39 hydration/feed zone.
Day 2: Station 1: Mile 13.5 hydration/feed zone. Station 2: Mile 50 hydration/feed zone.
If you wish to leave your personal bottles and food you may leave a clearly labeled bag with your name and ride number. We will set it out at the Station 2 feed zone.
Logistics
On Saturday morning you will leave your gear at registration for us to transport to the campground for Saturday night. We will have labels for you to indicate your name and race/ride number.
You will need the following:
- tent or biv. sac (it may get foggy in the evening)
- bag and sleeping pad
- ride bag with all necessary bike gear
- ride food for day two and/or other special food needs
We are providing: Dinner Sat, breakfast Sunday, dinner Sunday. Also, ride food and hydration both days. Beer and coffee too, of course!
It can be chilly in the evenings so plan accordingly. We will keep you updated on the weather and packing suggestions as the date for MendoHopper approaches.
Schedule
Friday night registration packet pickup: (Optional) Woodfour Brewing Company. Sebastopol, CA. Details to follow.
Saturday
7:00 AM Ride packet pickup/Sign in. Drop off camping gear. NO DAY OF REGISTRATION
8:30 Rider Meeting
9:30 Ride starts
Finish at mile 64.5. Roll to McKerricher Campground for hot shower, dinner, and cerveza.
Sunday
9:30 Neutral roll out to mile 13.5 (earlier if you need the time to get to START)
10:30 Start
Finish at Low Gap Park, Ukiah. Roll back to Lake Mendocino for a shower, dinner, beer, and awards.
Whatcha’ get
- A crazy hard, two-day, super fun adventure with 200 of your closest cycling buddies!
- Ride support; nutrition/hydration provided by Hammer and NorCal Bike Sport Saturday and Sunday
- Event timing
- Gear transportation to Fort Bragg and back
- Emergency Medical Support en route
- Cold Guayaki, Woodfour beer
- Sponsor prizes Saturday night (Just wait!)
- Meals: dinner Sat., breakfast Sun., dinner Sun. provide by SAG Monkey
- Awards top 3 male/female overall two days combined.
- Unforgettable stories of adventure!
For more information: grasshopperadventureseries.com/rides/mendo-hopper