Low Gap
January 26th, (Sunday) 2025
Quintessential Hopper (Cross/Gravel Bike)
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
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
We’re thrilled to have the City of Ukiah as a sponsor and host city again in 2025. 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
Hotel partners TBD.
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.
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
Saturday:
Shake out/pre ride of Low Gap and Masonite Rd. Details TBD
We are moving the event to Sunday so that riders may pre-ride the private roads of Mendocino Redwood Company.
Do NOT ride MRC property during the week as this will prevent us from being able to continue to hold this event.
Packet Pick Up: (Saturday evening or Sun. AM)
Location TBD
Sunday:
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.
(M/F) Pro, U19, 19-29,30-39,40-49, 50-59, 60+ Non-Binary
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.
2025 Pricing:
$165
Save $10 per person when signing up with a group of 3 or more.
Sign up for the 5 race series and save $150!
Stoke
