LOW GAP
January 26th, 2025 Register
Join us for an epic mixed-terrain adventure that has become a “Hopper Classic.” Half pavement and half dirt, this event is the epitome of NorCal adventure riding and the perfect early-season challenge to kick off your year and test your limits.
6150ft
47mi
59% Paved
41% Dirt
Route
Beginning with a neutral lead out at Todd Grove Park, the event starts after we hit Orr Springs Road. This quiet Mendocino County road climbs 1,800ft over the first 9 miles before dropping into the Orr Springs area and then rolling along Montgomery Woods State Reserve. From here, there is a climb to the Comptche/Orr Springs Road and Low Gap Road. From mile 20-22 you’ll gain 600ft before making the turn off of pavement and onto dirt on Low Gap Road. You’ll continue on dirt for the next 10 miles, beginning at mile 22, and will climb 1,100ft to the intersection with Miller Ridge. From mile 31.3 to 44, we have a contract with MRC (Mendocino Redwood Company) to use their land, and you will be riding on private property that is not open for individual pre-riding. From here, you’ll finish out the ride with a ripping 13 mile gravel and paved descent to the finish.
All Hopper routes are open and riders must obey all traffic laws and rules.
NorCalGrit
A portion of the proceeds from Low Gap will go to the NorCal Cycling League and their GRiT program.
“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, check out NorCal GRiT
More Info
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Saturday, January 25th
10AM - Shakeout ride w/ Enduro Bearings and special guests Ned Overend and Derek Teel
Meet at Black Oak Coffee Roasters in Downtown Ukiah Leaving around at 10:30 AM. We’ll do a course recon on Low Gap and Masonite Road. Post-Ride Hang out for snacks, coffee, and giveaways from our sponsors.
Reminder: Please do not ride MRC property before Saturday’s event, as doing so may prevent us from holding future event.
5PM - 7PM - Packet Pickup at the Ukiah Welcome Center
Come Pick up your Packet at the Welcome Center.
Grab some dinner at Ukiah Brewing before or after as they will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the NorCal GRiT Foundation
Sunday, January 26th
6:30AM - 9AM - Packet Pickup at the Golf Club house at Todd Grove Park
Last chance to grab your packet before lining up for the start.
8:30AM - Start line staging on Live Oak Rd
Stage on Live Oak Rd reference Map for exact location.
9AM - Races Start!
The race begins at 9 AM sharp!
12PM - 4PM - Finish on Masonite Rd
12:30PM - 5PM - Lunch and after party at Todd Grove Park
Refuel with some lunch and cold beverages from our sponsors.
1:30PM - Podium and awards
Hang out and enjoy the top finishers of each category while you eat lunch and refuel.
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Registration Details
Registration opens October 7, 2024 and closes January 22nd, 2025
Day-of registration is available if the event is not sold out and incurs an additional $20 fee on top of standard registration fee.
The deadline to transfer your registration to another rider is January 22nd at 11:59PM PST
For more info check out the registration policy in the FAQ on the “About Us” page
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Packet pick will be available:
Saturday, January 25th - Day before
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Packet Pickup at Ukiah Welcome Center
What: Pick up your race packet before race day!
Where: Ukiah Welcome Center
Sunday January 26th - Event Day
6:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Packet Pickup at Todd Grove Park Gold Club House
What: Final chance to grab your race packet before heading to the start line.
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Grasshoppers have always been about adventure, exploration and pushing your limits. Come to race, or come to adventure and explore. Riders may choose their category and licenses are not required.
Male: Pro, U19, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
Female: Pro, U19, 19-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
Non Binary -
While we do not have official hotel or lodging partners for Low Gap, Ukiah offers a variety of accommodations to suit all preferences. We recommend checking out local options such as hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.
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Tent Camping is allowed at the smaller baseball diamond at Anton Stadium.
Van/Camper camping is allowed Saturday night at the Anton Stadium parking lot. See the MAP.
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With an equal amount of dirt and pavement, it’s a tough call. Most riders use a gravel bike with 38-42c tires. Semi-slick or side tread are most common. Hardtail MTB is also a good option. We’ll keep you updated on road conditions as we get closer to the event.
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) -
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 official Grasshopper Facebook page)
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Aid Stations:
Aid station 1 will be at mile 22, at the intersection of Orr Springs Road and Low Gap Road. There will be water and Skratch hydration, bars, GU, and other snacks.
Aid Station 2 will be at mile 31. Riders can top off and grab a quick snack before heading down Miller Ridge to Masonite Road. There will be water and Skratch hydration, bars, GU, and other snacks.
Bottle Drop: 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. This is ONLY available for Aid Station 1. Individual support is not allowed at feed zones. There is no attacking in the feed zone area or you will be DQd and excommunicated from the church of bike. -
A crazy hard, super fun adventure with a bunch of your new and old cycling buddies.
Access to Mendocino Redwood Company roads
Feed zones with Skratch and GU Energy Labs hydration & nutrition. Presented by Trailhouse, NorCal Bike Sport, and Bike Peddler.
Awesome prizes at the finish from our generous sponsors.
Event timing and results.
Hot coffee and fresh baked pastries from Black Oak Coffee Roasters the morning of each event.
Delicious lunch, cold Guayaki and Best Day Brewing beer at the finish.
Podiums for Top 3 All Categories long courses, and for Top 3 M/F/NB Overall short courses.
Cash prizes for Top 3 Pro M/F Overall.
Emergency Medical Support en route.
Unforgettable stories of adventure.
Free event photos from FinisherPix.
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