“Rest Stops”

Because of the length of this Hopper we will have two feed/hydration stops. One will be near mile 50 at the top of the first climb on King Ridge and the second will be at the BOTTOM the climb ascending from the Gualala River (Mile 76). It’s mandatory that you fill with two bottles at each stop. I recommend carrying 3 bottles from the start to the first feed on King Ridge, and from the second feed to the finish. We will have water, Osmo and Guayaki to drink. In addition, we will have Clif products, ride bars and other snacks.  As always, you are welcome to leave your custom feed bag with the volunteers at the start. Breakaway Bikes will be our support at the feed on King Ridge. Also, for those who will be doing the Lake Sonoma Single, there will be a  Grasshopper feed near the end of Old Skaggs Rd. before you enter the single track.

Super Skaggs! With Lotsa Dirt. Those of you who choose the hardest possible Hopper, and perhaps the hardest one day adventure ride in the US, will get a fair helping of dirt. We will all start together and ride West Dry Creek Rd to Sweetwater. Then we’ll follow the Russian River to East Austin Creek Rd. (Due to a slide we will NOT be able to use Old Cazadero Rd.) Next we take Cazadero Hwy to Cazadero. Then, King Ridge to Tin Barn and Skaggs. After the flats/rollers along the Gualala River we will do the first big climb up Skaggs and then descend. At the bottom of the descent we will stay left on “Old Skaggs” and continue descending to the Lake Sonoma single track. The course then follows the lake trail counter clockwise. DO NOT think you can do this on a road bike. You must be on a cross bike/adventure bike. Riders will not be allowed to continue beyond the hydration stop and proceed around the lake if they are not adequately prepared. There will be a 3rd hydration stop for riders on this loop just before the entrance to the single track. Plan an taking between 1.5-3 hrs. to complete the final section of single track. The route will be marked with pink ribbons. When the single track ends at the Lake Sonoma Marina Rd. DO NOT descend to the lake! Turn right and climb another 200 ft to Skaggs Springs Rd and turn left. The finish is where we started at the picnic area.

Route markings and key intersections:

First, I highly recommend downloading the GPS file to your phone, Garmin or other device. All turns are marked with YELLOW ROUTE ARROWS STICKERS . This means you must pay attention.  Best plan is to talk to riders in your group and find out who knows exactly where they’re going. If you find yourself alone, you are responsible for making the correct turns. Lake Sonoma Single is marked with pink ribbon.

Transfers: $20 all transfers. Use TRANSFER FORM

Camping:

You may camp at our day-use area across from the Lake Sonoma Visitor’s Center. This is not a typical campground but we have permission for our event. We have the area on the side with the restrooms.

Emergency Support:

We will have one AMR ambulance on course and one sweep vehicle. Emergency services will know we’re out there so 911 will reach our help.