Low Gap

January 27th, 2024

Quintessential Hopper (Cross/Gravel Bike)

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48 mi.   /   6164 ft.

Old Caz is the quintessential Hopper. With three dirt climbs and descents, an eclectic patchwork of Sonoma County ribbon roads and a creek crossing,Old Caz is the epitome of adventure riding.

Ride Details

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Join us for an epic mixed terrain adventure that has become a “Hopper Classic”. Exactly half pavement and half dirt, the final 22 miles of dirt will be off the hook! The epitome of Nor Cal adventure riding.

Route

NEW this year! We are stoked to have the City of Ukiah as a sponsor and host city. We will start with a neutral lead out at Todd Grove Park. The race starts after we hit Orr Springs Rd.  This quiet Mendocino County Rd. climbs 1800 ft over the first 9 miles before dropping into the Orr Springs area and then rolls along Montgomery Woods State Reserve. There is a climb to the Comptche/Orr Springs Rd and Low Gap Rd. From mile 20-22 you gain 600″ and then make the turn onto dirt on Low Gap Rd. This county road and MRC is all dirt until mile 33. Beginning at mile 22 the you will climb from 1,100 ft to the intersection with Miller Ridge. This year we have a contract with MRC (Mendocino Redwood Company) to use their land. From mile 31.3 to 44 we are on private property that is not open for pre-riding.  From here you have a ripping 13 mile gravel and paved  descent to the finish.

NorCalGrit

A portion of the proceeds will go to the NorCal Cycling League and the GRiT program (Girls Riding Together). “The NorCal League GRiT program is part of NICA’s national initiative to recruit and retain more female student-athletes and coaches; the acronym GRiT stands for Girls Riding Together. The NorCal League is committed to building gender and racial equity in our League, and this is one of the ways that we are working on doing so.” To donate and learn more go to NorCal GRiT 

Lodging

We are using the Holiday Inn Express as Hopper HQ. Registration will be open from 5-9 pm in the conference room on the lobby floor on Friday. In order to get our group rates you can book directly with the hotel . Use “CYC” at checkout for our Group Booking.

Camping

Tent camping is allowed at the smaller baseball diamond at Anton Stadium. Van/Camper camping is allowed Friday night at the Anton Stadium parking lot. See the MAP.

Venue Map

Rest Stops

There will be a Skratch hydration and nutrition stop at the intersection of Orr Springs Rd and Low Gap at mile 22. We’ll have bars, gels and other snacks. If you wish to leave a bottle with your name clearly labeled on it you may leave it with the NorCal BikeSport van at the start. (ONLY FEEDZONE 1. No hand-ups) There will be a 2nd Feedzone at mile 31. Riders can top off  and grab a quick snack before heading down Miller Ridge to Masonite Rd.

Bike Choice/Set Up

Most rider 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.

Grasshopper 2024 Facebook Group

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

Schedule

Friday:

NOTE:

On Friday the private property finish from the top of Low Gap to Ukiah is NOT open to riders. They are using the logging roads. Orr Springs and Low Gap Rd are open to ride.

Packet Pick Up: (Friday evening or Sat. AM)

We will have registration/packet pick up at the Holiday Inn Express in Ukiah from 5-9 PM. Here is the MAP. 

 

Saturday:

Day of registration or transfers +$20

ONLINE TRANSFER CUT-OFF Tues. Jan. 23rd 11:59 PM

6:30 Registration/packet pick up in at Todd Grove Park.

8:30 Staging at Live Oak (See MAP)

9:00 Start

12:00-? Finish  on Masonite Rd. (Private Property) and ride back to  Todd Grove Park.

12:30 Lunch

1:30 Podium

Categories

Grasshoppers have always been about adventure, exploration and pushing your limits. Riders may choose their category and licenses are not required.

It’s up to you if you are out to race, ride or just enjoy exploring a new route in NorCal.  All Hopper routes are open and riders must obey all traffic laws and rules. See RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Whatcha’ get

  • A crazy hard, super fun adventure with 500 of your closest cycling buddies!
  • Two hydration and nutrition feed zones.
  • Event timing
  • Free event photos from FinisherPix
  • Custom Grasshopper/Specialized water bottle.
  • Emergency Medical Support en route
  • Cold Guayaki,
  • Sierra Nevada beer
  • Lunch
  • Unforgettable stories of adventure!
  • Prizes: Podium for top 3 each category/group
  • Pro M/F $500/300/200

Transfers: Online transfer window closes Tues. Jan. 23rd. Day of transfers/reg +$20 fee.

Stoke

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  • I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.

    Joseph Campbell
  • If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got

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