LOW GAP
January 25th, 2026 Register
Join us for an epic mixed-terrain adventure that has become a “Hopper Classic.” New for 2026 is a course that is 95% dirt and gravel. With two course options, challenging climbs, and thrilling descents, we guarantee an amazing day in NorCal. Thanks to a partnership with Mendocino Redwood Company, riders will have the opportunity to ride and shred on roads only open to the public for this unique Grasshopper. It’s more than just a race, it’s a full weekend of riding bikes, connecting with friends, and kicking off the 2026 North American gravel season in true Hopper style.
The course is only opened to registered riders who have signed the Mendocino Redwood Company waiver that you will receive after registering for Low Gap. Registered riders will have access the weekend before the event and the weekend of the event ONLY.
New: Low Gap now has a long and short course!
6585 ft
59 mi
5% Paved
95% Dirt
Route
New course for 2026… and Low Gap now has a short and long course
This year riders will roll over to Orr Springs Rd and stage on Masonite Rd. There will be separate starts for different categories and two distances to choose from. Both routes begin with the gradual climb on Masonite Rd that gains 1,950 ft over 13 miles before ripping down the west side of Low Gap Rd. to Wohly’s Pass. From the intersection of Masonite and Low Gap the long course heads west for 10 miles before heading along Sawyer Creek and then climbs 870 over 4.5 miles. The dirt road tops out west of Low Gap Rd 1.5 miles. From here riders take Low Gap Rd for 6 miles to Masonite Rd and return via Masonite Rd all the way to the finish.
At mile 19 the short course will head back Masonite Rd to the finish.
Short Course
37 mi
4098 ft
9% Paved
91% Dirt
NorCalGrit
A portion of the proceeds from Low Gap will go to the NorCal Cycling League and their GRiT program as well as Monarch Racing Team.
“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 and Monarch Racing.
More Info
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Saturday, January 24th
10AM - Shakeout ride
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 25th
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 - Staging
Riders will roll on their own or in small groups to Masonite Rd. No mass roll out from Todd Grove Park. The route to and from the start/finish will be marked. Here is a link to the MAP which includes registration, parking and the start/finish.
9AM - Races Start!
Long Course Start Times
9:00 Pro M, U19 M, 19-29 M
9:03 Pro W, U19 W, 19-29 W
9:10 30-39 M
9:15 40-49 M
9:20 50-59 M
9:25 60+ M
9:30 30-39 W, 40-49 W, 50-59 W, 60+ W, Non Binary
Short Course Start Time
9:35 ALL Short Cours Riders, U16, 16-18 Riders and Mentors
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 opens November 1st 2025 and closes January 22nd, 2026 at 9pm PST
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 7:00PM PST. Online transfer fee is $10. How to transfer your registration
“Day of” transfer fee is $20.
For the best registration experience, create a Movemint account to easily manage all your registered events, track your results, and integrate your Strava account. More information here
For more info check out the registration policy in the FAQ on the “About Us” page
How to Register a Team:
When registering, the team captain should create the team first.
How to create a team on movemint
Once the team is created, other riders can select that team name from the drop-down menu during registration.
Teams or groups of 5 or more planning to register together can reach out to us before registering to receive $10 off for each rider
All team members must register under the same exact team name for results to be grouped correctly.
Teams are an awesome way to build camaraderie, represent your community, and bring extra energy to every Grasshopper.
Referral's: Once you register, you’ll receive a unique referral code to share with friends. Each friend you refer gets $10 off their registration, and you’ll get $10 back for every friend who signs up.
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Packet pick will be available:
Saturday, January 24th - Day before
4:00 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 25th - Event Day
6:00 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.
Note: E-Bikes are not permitted at this 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 19 at masonite and wholly’s pass for both short and long course. There will be water and Skratch hydration, bars, and other snacks.
Aid Station 2 will be at mile 42 (just long course). Masonite and wholly”s pass. There will be water and Skratch hydration, bars, and other snacks.
Bottle Drop: Bottle drop will be available reference rider packet for details.Riders who leave bottles or packs to be picked up must retrieve them. They will be placed on the ground at the feed zone in a designated area. There will be no hand-ups.
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A crazy hard, super fun adventure with a bunch of your new and old cycling buddies.
Bottle Drop for long course
Access to Mendocino Redwood Company private roads
Fully stocked Feed zones with Skratch Hydration Maurten gels, and other snacks
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 Yerba Madre and Best Day Brewing beer at the finish.
Podiums for Top 3 All Categories long courses, and for Top 3 M/W/NB Overall short courses and Top 3 for shorts course Juniors U16 and Juniors 16-18
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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