Route

We begin the day at Low Gap park in Ukiah and after a short spin though the north part of Ukiah head west on 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.

Rest Stops

There will be a 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. There will be a 2nd Feedzone at mile 31. Riders can top off  and grab a quick snack.

Bike Choice/Set Up

Most rider use a gravel bike with 38-42c tires. Full knob 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 2023 Facebook Group

Inspired by hikers on the John Muir Trail, 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 2023. (Note: This is NOT the Grasshopper FB) page)

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! 

Schedule

NO day of registration or transfers

Friday:

NOTE:

On Friday the private property finish from the top of Low Gap to Ukiah is NOT open to riders. They are using the logging roads. Orr Springs and Low Gap Rd are open to ride.

Packet Pick Up: (Friday evening or Sat. AM)

We will have registration/packet pick up at the Holiday Inn Express in Ukiah from 6-9 PM. Here is the MAP. 

Saturday:

NO day of registration or transfers

7:00 Registration/packet pick up in at Ukiah High School Cafeteria.

9:15-9:30

Roll to start at Orr Springs Rd. (There is NO traffic control or escort. Obey the stop signs and signals en route to Orr Springs. Staging area will be marked by Grasshopper Flags. )

9:30 Staging

10:00 Start  Orr Springs Rd. (See MAP)

1:00-? Finish  on Masonite Rd. (Private Property) and ride back to  Low Gap Park.

12:30 Lunch

2:30 Podium

Categories

Grasshoppers have always been about adventure, exploration and pushing your limits. Riders may choose their category and licenses are not required.

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: Transfers to other riders and category changes can be made on BikeReg

 Results

• Results 2022
• Results 2020
• LIVE Results 2019