Mendo Gravel Camp

July 24-27, 2025 Register

A Hopper like no other. This is your chance to ride little known dirt roads in remote Mendocino County. Over 25 years of riding and exploring in Northern California has led to the crazy combination of pavé, dirt and gravel roads that make up this four-day cycling adventure. Based out of JugHandle Farm in Caspar you’ll be treated to amazing meals by Michelin Chef Matthew Accarino of SPQR and Mattina. Details and registration to follow.

TBD

TBD

59% Paved

41% Dirt

Routes


Friday:  2-2.5 hour gravel ride.

Saturday:  50 and 30 mile routes with options to lengthen or shorten the day.

Sunday: Route TBD

Mendo Gravel Camp

There is nothing quite like the Mendocino Coast. The rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, majestic redwoods, jade green rivers and flowing dirt and gravel roads will fill your cup. You’re in for a real treat as we’ll share with you some of the best rides we’ve ever done. And this is saying a lot as the Hoppers turn 28 this year.

Our basecamp will be at the historic JugHandle Farm where you can camp or stay in the Bunkhouse or Cottages. There is a trail from our dining area with a 5 minute hike to Jughandle beach where we can gather for the sunset, or stroll in the early morning with a hot cup of coffee.

Coffee, morning stroll, breakfast, big ride, lunch, beach time or nap, dinner, sunset, sleep, repeat. Sounds pretty divine to us!



More Info

  • By nature, Hoppers are demanding mixed-terrain adventure rides. There will be some gravel, and you will do some grinding, but these are not “gravel grinders.” The course is a mix between beautiful to horrible pavement, hard-pack to super-chunky gravel, single track to buffed logging roads, and rutted to dusted out dirt roads. The course will be very challenging, but “doable”.

    Our goal is to create epic loops that connect people to place and showcase some of the most beautiful areas in Mendocino County. The vision of this event came to be when looking for loops to include in the annual Grasshopper Adventure Series. But to go to the coast and back is a huge day, so we have created the first ever “Hopper Tour.” The tour will take you from Ukiah to Fort Bragg on Friday with 30-50mile ride options on Saturday, and a ride back to Ukiah on Sunday. Any route changes will be finalized at least one week prior to the event.

  • On Saturday morning you will leave your gear at registration for us to transport to our hotel in Fort Bragg.
    The trip includes:

    • Ride snacks and hydration

    • Breakfast Saturday and Sunday

    • Lunch Friday, Saturday

    • Dinner Friday and Saturday

    • Bike wash Friday and Saturday

    • 2 nights at the Beachcomber Hotel (Double Occupancy)

      • single occupancy surcharge $350

    It can be chilly in the evenings so plan accordingly. We will keep you updated on the weather and packing suggestions as the date for Mendo Hopper approaches.

  • Hotel Partners TBD

  • Friday
    6:30 AM  Parking Drop off camping gear. NO DAY OF REGISTRATION
    8:00 Ride Starts
    Saturday:
    TBD
    Sunday: Roll 9 am

  • Most riders 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.

    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

  • Day 1: Station 1: Mile 24 feed zone. Station 2: Mile 44 feed zone.
    Day 2: Station 1: Mile 34 feed zone. Station 2: Mile 58 feed zone.
    If you wish to leave your personal bottles and food you may leave a clearly labeled bag with your name and ride number. We will set it out at the Station 2 feed zone.

    • A crazy hard, super fun adventure with a bunch of your new and old cycling buddies.

    • 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.