Mendo2DayAdventure

We’re limiting this year’s event to 100 riders. We have the green light from Mendo so it’s GO time!

Route

Sat. Day 1: Day 1 begins at 9:30 AM as we roll out of Ukiah and head to Eastside Rd and then through Redwood Valley before hitting our first climb of the day, Tomki Rd. At mile 13.7 the road turns to gravel and crosses Tomki Creek 8 times before hitting the pavement again at mile 17.5. From here you continue north and then west back to Willits on a mix of pavement and gravel. There will be a quick stop to grab a bottle or top off at mile 24 for those in need. Otherwise, the main feed zone is at mile 44. Mile 29 is the intersection of Downtown Willits and then we head west on Sherwood Rd. The second climb of the day is good to fair pavement and climbs from 1350 ft to 2820 ft. Our  feed zone will be at mile 44. Sherwood Rd turns to dirt at mile 41.5 and rolls along the ridge and descends to our finish at mile 74.4. That’s over 20 miles of dirt!  From here riders will roll south to our private campground in Caspar. Day 1 includes 35+ miles of dirt/gravel.

Sunday: Day 2  COURSE UPDATE! Day 2 is a neutral roll out at 9:30 along Hwy 1 to Navarro Ridge Rd. We’ll roll along the top with epic views of the mighty Pacific before dropping on dirt down to Hwy 128. Then the course heads up Flynn Creek Rd and hits Comptche. From here we head west on Comptche/Orr Springs until the course connects with the Hopper famous Low Gap Rd. 25 miles of rolling dirt  ends with a 9 mile descent down Low Gap Rd. to cold beer and lunch at Low Gap Park in Ukiah. Day 2 has 30 miles of dirt!!

Race or Ride?

By nature, Hoppers are demanding mixed-terrain adventure rides. These are not “gravel grinders”. There will be some gravel, and you will do some grinding. The course however is a mix between beautiful to horrible  pavement; hard-pack to super-chunky gravel; single track and ripping buffed logging roads,  rutted and dusted out dirt roads. You will have a ride/race number that you MUST place on your bars so we can keep track of you, and your time. How much you push yourself is up to you. The course will be very challenging, but “do-able”. Our goal at Hopper Adventures is to create epic loops that push you to your limits, without pushing you over the edge. We do expect this Hopper to attract the hard men/women of NorCal and beyond to challenge themselves and others and to stand atop the podium at the end of the second day. But, for most, it will be about personal challenge and adventure with friends. You decide. Either way, you’re in for a one of a kind two day Hopper Adventure.

All roads are Mendocino County roads and are open to the public This also means we can expect to see cars, motos, and other cyclists. On our last pre-ride, we had a large black bear cross in front of us! There will be no road closures or CHP escorts.  All riders are expected to obey the rules of the road and ride responsibly. The course will be marked but all riders must download the route to help assist in orientation. Any route changes will be finalized at least one week prior to the event.

Rest Stops/Feed Zones

Day 1: Station 1: Mile 24 Osmo/Gelvio feed zone. Station 2: Mile 44 Osmo/Gelvio feed zone.

Day 2: Station 1: Mile 34 Osmo/Gelvio feed zone. Station 2: Mile 58 Osmo/Gelvio 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.

Logistics

On Saturday morning you will leave your gear at registration for us to transport to the private campground in Caspar for Saturday night. We will have labels for you to indicate your name and race/ride number.

You will need the following:

• tent or biv. sac (it may get foggy in the evening)
• bag and sleeping pad
• ride bag with all necessary bike gear
• ride food to start day two and/or other special food need
• Folding camp chair (if ya wish)

We are providing: Post ride snacks and drinks. Dinner Sat, breakfast Sunday, post ride meal Sunday. Also, ride food and hydration both days. Beer and coffee too, of course! Dinner Saturday and breakfast Sunday will be prepared by Chef Matthew Accarrino.

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 MendoHopper approaches.

Schedule

Saturday

6:30 AM Ride packet pickup/Sign in. Parking at Ukiah High School. ParkingDrop off camping gear. NO DAY OF REGISTRATION

8:30 Rider Meeting

9:30 Ride starts

Finish at mile 69.5. Roll to our private camping. Location will be updated as we approach the date.

Sunday:

9:00 Neutral roll to Navarro Rd at mile 9.5.

Finish at Low Gap Park, Ukiah.

Whatcha’ get

• A crazy hard, two-day, super fun adventure with 100 of your closest cycling buddies!
• Ride support; hydration and nutrition.
• Event timing
• Food by Michelin  chef Matthew Accarrino from SPQR in San Francisco
• Gear transportation to Fort Bragg and back
• Emergency Medical Support en route
• Cold Guayaki, Sierra Nevada beer
• Sponsor prizes Saturday night
• Meals: dinner Sat., breakfast Sun., dinner Sun.
• Awards top 3 male/female overall two days combined.
• Kitsbow/Hopper Tshirt
• Hopper Socks
• Unforgettable stories of adventure!