Huffmaster Hopper: Feb. 25th

Huffmaster Hopper

February 25th, 2023

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.

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.

Equipment/Tire Choice:

We’d recommend a 38-40 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. The most important thing is to have 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:

There is free camping Saturday night in Maxwell by the rodeo grounds. See the MAP.

Covid Protocol

Hopper Adventures is taking Covid seriously and have instituted a number of precautions, including:

Interested participants are encouraged to be vaccinated/boosted and to not attend if they are experiencing symptoms and/or are feeling sick the morning of the event.
An attendance sheet with names and contact information will be created to assist in contact tracing of any cases if we learn after the event that someone was infected.
At event check-in and during any time participants are in groups, we will request social distancing – i.e., six feet of separation between attendees – and ask participants to wear face masks.

Unfortunately, given that we have been living amongst Covid for two years now, we hope that all Hopper riders understand that attending mass participation events increases the chance of contracting Covid. While we are adhering to the most current health directives, we are asking for everyone’s help in ensuring as safe an environment as possible and strongly encourage everyone to maintain social distancing and to wear a mask when going indoors for registration/restrooms and when interacting with others outside of their family/pod members. We all need to do our best to maintain social distance at the start line and to wear masks when necessary. Ultimately, if you are concerned about the spread of Covid, we encourage you to pass on participating at this time.

Lastly, if either the State of California and/or the counties in which the Hoppers are occurring impose further restrictions for our events, we will then consider options for registration transfers and credits. However, at this point in time, we are planning on holding the events in compliance with current health guidance and, thus, are not going to issue refunds or transfers to other events to registered riders. If you are uncomfortable attending any of our events for which you are presently registered, we understand your concern and encourage you to look for someone to sell/transfer your spot to as the events are or will sell out and many riders are hoping to get in; you may make transfers via the BikeReg website. Thanks for your understanding!

“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 Maxwell. Join us for a 35 mile out and back to check out Huffmaster gravel section and the new gravel finish. Meet at the camping/parking area. (See Map)
Chill time Granzella’s bar in Williams. 4-7 PM
Race packet pick up 5-7 PM outside Granzella’s bar- north side (pick up 10% off coupon for dinner at Granzella’s

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 M/F
9:05 19-29 M/F
9:15 30-39 M/F and Non-Binary
9:25 40-49 M/F
9:35 50-59 M/F
9:45 60+ M/F
10:00 Short Course ALL age groups

1:00-? Finish

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

Results

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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