Huffmaster Hopper: Feb. 22nd

Huffmaster Hopper

February 22nd, 2025

Gravel Grinder “a’la Hopper Style”

Maxwell, Colusa County

88.8 miles · +4,842 ft / 53.7 mi +3,085

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

Join us for the classic Huffmaster Hopper starting in Maxwell, California. West of Hwy 5 and east of the Mendocino National Forest lies miles of rolling gravel roads and lightly traveled tarmac. With two routes to choose from 89 or 59 miles, and less climbing than a typical Hopper, you will be treated to an adventure few have seen on two wheels. Both routes are 1/2 gravel and 1/2 pave.

Registration Opens Oct. 7th

Route

Huffmaster. The course starts at Maxwell High School. We head north and west on paved, FLAT roads for 25 miles. (likely headwinds). There is a gradual climb from mile 25 to 40 and a stiff gravel climb from mile 40 to mile 43. We top out on county road #303 at 1700 ft. From here the days most challenging, fast gravel descent drops into the valley below at Stony Creek. We continue on gravel from mile 46 to 53 and climb from 1000-1800 ft. Here we hit Sites- Lagoda Rd. and descend west on pavement to Leesville-Lagoda Rd. The course continues on a mix of pavement and gravel where you pass through Leesville Gap at mile 67. From here we continue just under 1 mile to a left turn at Huffmaster Rd. There is a short 400 ft gravel climb to the top of the summit. From here the course continues on all gravel to mile 80 to the “town” of Sites. In Sites we get back on pavement for 5 miles and then turn right off the main road back on to gravel.

Mini-Huffmaster: This route heads west to Sites and on to Leesville-Ladoga Rd where it joins the others riding the Huffmaster full route. Though shorter, there is a stiff climb from mile 14 to 17.5 that climbs from 550 ft to 1800 ft. This route has gravel on Leesville-Lagoda Rd and Huffmaster. Approximately 25 miles of gravel total.

Plan B: (In case of horrific and unsafe conditions on Huffmaster Rd)

In the case that Huffmaster Rd. turns into the “moon mud” of 2023 we will by-pass Huffmaster and take Leesville Rd to the valley and back to the gravel finish via Finks and Sutton Rd. We will not make this decision until late Thursday afternoon. This would add 5 miles to both the short and long course and the feed zones would be in the same locations.

Plan B (short course) Plan B (long course)

Adventure Therapy Foundation

A portion of the proceeds from your registration will go to Adventure Therapy Foundation. A.T.F. was created to “minimize the emotional side effects of cancer”. Lauren Huffmaster is a cancer survivor, mother, speaker and writer. Her husband’s family grew up at the Huffmaster ranch at the base of Huffmaster grade where the Hoppers pass through. “Adventure Therapy Foundation began in the summer of 2018, a year after our founder Lauren, met a stranger in an airport who engaged her in conversation, listened to her journey through cancer and asked her, “What do you want to do with your story?” This question sent Lauren on a search through Yosemite to answer that, and she found the beginning of a dream. A dream to “Use adventure to help those impacted by cancer to escape the emotional “rut” that occurs after treatment.” Adventure Therapy Foundation was founded, and here we are years later, and hundreds of individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis have been helped through the mine-field of emotions, into a place of healing and restoration.” To learn more and to donate go to “Adventure Therapy Foundation”.

Equipment/Tire Choice:

We’d recommend a 35-40 tire. Either slick or semi slick/slight knobs. Overall the gravel roads are smooth and packed but there are a few sections with deep gravel and loose corners. With this weeks storm you can expect some mud as well. The most important thing is to have plenty of tire clearance and tires in good/new condition. Be prepared! We will have some rolling support out there but it’s essential you are able to take care of you basic repairs. Recommended tool kit: 2 tubes, 2 CO2, small pump, Dyna Plug, chain tool, allen/torx wrench set, patches, tire boots.

Camping/Lodging:

TBD

“Rest Stops”

Huffmaster long course feed is at mile 45 and mile 68. Mini Huffmaster feed zone is at mile 32.

See the MAP

Riders doing the long course may leave bottles with NorCal BikeSport at the start. Make sure to clearly label your stuff. It will be set out at the feedzone. ALL riders must fill their own bottles. Individual support is not allowed at the feedzone. No attacking in the feedzone area or you will be DQd and excommunicated from the church of bike. We’ll have hydration, water and nutrition at all rest stops.

Schedule

Friday:

12:00 shake down ride from Sites. We have moved due to weather. Join us for a 25 mile out and back to check out Huffmaster gravel section and the new gravel finish. Meet at Sites. (See Map)
Chill time Granzella’s bar in Williams. 5-9 PM
Race packet pick up 5-8 PM inside Granzella’s between the bar and restaurant (pick up 10% off coupon for dinner at Granzella’s from Specialized crew and check out the new Diverge STR and Roubaix SL8)

Saturday:

6:30-9:30 Registration/sign in at Maxwell High School . Due to staggered start times and in order to limit the lines you may register closer to your start time.

Start Times:

9:00 Pro Men/Women
9:05 ALL Age Group Women’s Categories, Non-Binary
9:20 U19, 19-29 M, 30-39M
9:25 40-49 M, 50-59M, 60+ M
9:30 Short Course ALL age groups

1:00-? Finish

Podium (Pro Men/Women asap) All age groups during lunch
Lunch 1:00 PM

Results

Photos

Register now

Stoke

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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