Tomorrow’s Skaggs! Hopper
Here’s the details I sent our via email for riders who pre-registered. Online Reg closes today at 6 PM. There will be day of sign ups.
We’re almost there. All the news you need and not a minute too soon. I’ll keep this note brief and to the point. Please read every last drop as it’s difficult to cover everything the day of the ride.
First, thanks for joining us on another epic adventure on the best and most remote Sonoma County Roads. If you’ve done Skaggs, you’re stoked and a little nervous. If you haven’t, your mind will be blown…legs too. And you should be a little nervous.
Second, we are riding in memory of Matt Wilson who graduated from El Molino High School. By the age of 23 Matt had already completed the Terrible Two 5 times! That requires riding Trinity and the Geysers before doing what we’re about to do. We will be making a donation to his scholarship fund and if you are able to make an additional donation we’d gladly accept it.
Third, fourth, fifth etc.
Skaggs is no joke. It’s a huge ride and there are no short routes home once you hit King Ridge. You must be in very good condition and ride smart. Preview the Route so you are familiar with the turns and when the climbs and descents come.
Let’s start at the START. As usual you will sign in and reg. No need to bring any paperwork. You can print out a waiver if you have not come to any Hoppers this year. They can be found under Rules of Engagement.Speaking of Rules…remember this is a ride and not a sanctioned race. Ride safely and obey all traffic laws. Sign in is across from the visitor’s center at Group Site 1. We’ll be ready by 8.
There will be 2 feed/hydration stations. There will be Osmo, GU Chia Bars fromHealth Warrior and Guayaki. The first is at mile 50 and will be presented byEchelon Cycles and MultiSport.
The second will be around mile 82 and will be presented by SpokeFolk CylcleryIt’s essential that you fill two full bottles at each feed, or more. At mile 82 you have a 25 +/- climb followed by a 10 minute climb and then a 15 minute climb. Don’t sweat the weight. Drink up. We will have some food and snacks but you should carry your own as well. Hopper style.
If you want to leave bottles for the feed you can do so at the start. Clearly label you bottles. Spoke Folk will be back at the finish but Echelon will not.
There will be arrows on this ride by no course marshals. If you are not with the group stay alert. Use your Garmin or laminate we give you.
There are no gradual, mellow, easy descents. Expect EVERY descent to be steep, tight, off camber, loose and cars in your lane. If you are not experienced with Sweetwater, King Ridge, Tin Barn and Skaggs…have the utmost respect. This is not Slickrock with a white line down the middle. You’ll be on the Portal Trail. Relatively speaking. I’m not just saying this…seriously…no joke…
The Temple. After making the turn onto Tin Barn Rd at the intersection of King Ridge and Tin Barn look NorthWest. There’s a Buddhist temple that will blow your mind. It will take you a bit to get there and when you pass it take a peek on your left. Just after the temple is a FAAASSST and crazy descent.
Bear Republic Brewerey is donating a couple of kegs so plan on staying around for a while. We’ll also have the grill fired up and be cooking some turkey and beef burgers. Bring something to grill if you want. We’re all going to be cooked and will be fun to chill on the grass in the shade.
Getting excited, hope you are too.
Mig