THE LOST COAST HOPPER
Sept. 6th, 2025Register
North of Westport and south of Eureka, California’s remote Lost Coast is now open to a cycling event thanks to a partnership with Redwood Forest Foundation and Usal Redwoods. This collaboration allows unique access to 50,000 acres of private land to showcase restoration efforts and provide public access for the weekend.
8,802ft
65mi
27% Paved
73% Dirt
Routes
This Hopper is 100% about the adventure and exploration, with an ample serving of shred!
Back this year is the three route format of the “Mero-Mero”, (65 mi. 8,802 ft.) “Mediano” (46 mi. 6,537 ft) and “Chiquito”. (35 mi. 5,171 ft) We will have a timed races this year for those who just have to pin it; but we’ll take good care of everyone who is just out to adventure and explore. This is definitely a Hopper with an emphasis on just riding bikes with friends and enjoying the beautiful north coast. With two well-stocked aid stations, we’ll make sure you have an amazing day on your bike. There will be awards for all categories in the Mero Mero and top 3 M/W overall in Mediano but NOT each age group.
We have a new location just inland from Usal Beach on the Redwood Forest Foundation property where we’ll hold our start/finish, registration, after party, awards and evening campfire. Details to follow. Here is a MAP to the Usal Beach area and how to get to our RFFI camp HQ.
Update! Chef Matthew Accarrino of Mattina and SPQR will be making lunch after the ride. Michelin meal on the Lost Coast? Don’t miss your chance for this epic weekend.
All Hopper routes are open and riders must obey all traffic laws and rules. See RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Chiquito
35mi
5,171 ft
5% Paved
95% Dirt
Redwood Forest Foundation
$30 of every person’s registration fee goes to support the work of the Redwood Forest Foundation. And every rider will have a redwood tree planted in their name.
RFFI believes that in order to achieve a Working Community Forest the guiding principles for responsible management must be based on the principles of transparency, accountability, communications, interaction and trust. These beliefs shape RFFI's governance structure, forest management philosophies, financial and community commitments. To learn more and to donate click HERE.
More Info
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Friday, Sept 5th
5-7PM: Registration + Packet pick up: Come hang out of Hopper base camp and grab your rider packetSaturday, Sept 6th
Registration + Packet Pick Up: 6:30-9:00 am
Start Times:
8:30: Pre-Ride Meeting
9:00 Start Chiquito 9:30 Start Mediano and Mero Mero
1:30: Lunch and drinks 3:00 Podium
6:30 PM: Campfire hang and RFFI Talk
Sunday AM: 10:30 am. Hike with RFFI foresters to learn about the history of the area and efforts being made to conserve and protect the north coast redwoods. -
Mero-Mero: U19 M/W, Pro M/W, 19-29 M/W, 30-39 M/W, 40-49 M/W, 50-59 M/W, 60+M/W, Non-Binary
Mediano: All age groups. No Pro categories. Podium for top 3 M/W overall. NOT each age group
Chiquito: Open category. No age groups. No podium
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Usal Beach Campground (closest to venue) is accessible via Usal Road and is 6 miles from Hwy 1. The dirt road is rugged and requires high clearance 2 wheel drive or 4×4. Just getting there is a highlight of the weekend! Usal Campground is first come first serve and not affiliated with out event. Participants are responsible for their camping arrangements.
UPDATE: We still recommend higher clearance 2 wheel drive/all wheel or 4 wheel drive vehicles. However the county just scraped the road and it is in better condition then prior years.
Camping is the responsibility of each rider. Below are listed some other options options for folks. Camping is not available on RFFI property but there is camping at Usal Beach on a first come first served basis. See Sinkyone Wilderness State Parks brochure for details.
Here is a MAP of the Usal Beach area and how to get to our RFFI/Grasshopper HQ for registration, start/finish and after party.
There are many camping and hotel options in Fort Bragg which is 1 hour from Usal Beach if you wish to come up for the day.
Usal Beach Campground
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
Westport Union Landing State Beach -
Most riders use a gravel bike with 38-42c tires. semi-slick or side tread are most common. With and equal amount of dirt to pavé it’s a touch call. Hardtail MTB is also a good option. We’ll keep you updated as we get closer to the event as the road conditions may change.
We’ve created a group page for riders. You can post if you are looking for an entry, looking to sell a spot, have questions about tires and road conditions, looking to ride share, camping/lodging etc. To join the group go to Grasshopper Group. (Note: This is NOT the Grasshopper FB) page)
Online Transfer Cut-Off is Tues. Jan. 23rd at 11:59 PM. DAY OF TRANSFERS +$20 -
Mero Mero Feed Zones:
Stop 1: Mile 14.5
Stop 2: Mile 35
Stop 3: 51.5
Mediano Feed Zones:
Stop 1: 14
Stop 2: Mile 35
Chiquito Feed Zones:
Stop 1: 7.3
Stop 2: Mile 24
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A crazy hard, super fun two-wheeled adventure in partnership with Redwood Forest Foundation.
A redwood tree planted in your name and a yearly membership to RFFI.
Two Skratch hydration & nutrition feed zones, in addition to water and other savory snacks on course.
Emergency Medical Support en route.
Lunch by Chef Matthew Accarrino. (Michelin start chef of SPQR and Mattina) Cold drinks, and beer at the finish.
Unforgettable stories of adventure!
Event photos
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