The MEGA HOPPER

Distances and entry

• Solo (Self-Supported Ultra Style) — Free
• Pairs (Ride Together, Finish Together) — Free

About The MEGA HOPPER

We're Putting on an Ultra… Because Why Not.

You asked for something big, something ridiculous, so here it is.

This is your chance to take on a true challenge, whether solo or with friends. Inspired by classic Ultra events, this one’s designed to push your limits, but with room for fun and creativity too.

Disclaimer: Self-Supported Adventure

The Mega Hopper is not an organized or permitted event. Participation is voluntary, and all riders are solely responsible for their own safety, navigation, and decisions.
We’re simply sharing a route and general guidelines for those who wish to take on the challenge independently.
There are no aid stations, support vehicles, or official assistance, please be fully prepared and self-sufficient.

Here’s the gist:

This is a self-supported Ultra and informal ride. That means no aid stations, no course markings, and no support. Just you, your bike, and the route.

But we’re doing things our way.

theres room for those who want to pursue an FKT or ride it in classic Ultra fashion, we’re also creating space for riders who want to take it on with friends. Whether you’re out there solo on a vision quest or rolling deep with a crew, this is your ride.

Two ways to register:

Solo Ultra (Self-Supported / FKT style)

Team Effort (Still tough, just less lonely)

The Grand Depart

The Grand depart/suggested start time will be on Friday October 17th at 7:00 AM in Occidental, California

The Bike Setup 

There’s no perfect setup, but here’s what we’d roll with.

A gravel bike with big tires (think 45–50mm) is a solid choice if you’re looking to move fast and feel confident on mixed terrain. If you’d rather have more control and comfort, a hardtail mountain bike is just as good, maybe even better on some of the rougher stuff.

You’ll want gearing that can get you up steep climbs when you're deep into the ride and feeling it. Don’t skimp here. And definitely don’t skimp on tires, tubeless is the move, and something durable that can handle sharp rocks and long days.

This is a long day out. Make sure your saddle works for you, your hands are happy on the bars, and your setup isn’t going to beat you up. Little things become big things after 10+ hours.

What’s not ideal? Road bikes. Tires under 40mm. Heavy full-suspension rigs. You can do it on those… but we wouldn’t.

Ride what you’ve got, just be smart about it.

This isn’t your typical gravel event. This is self-supported. Semi-structured. Fully on you. Inspired by classic Ultra events like the Tour Divide, Oregon Timber Trail, and Atlas Mountain Race, with our own twist.

Whether you're chasing an FKT or just out to finish, here's what you need to know.

Categories

Solo (Self-Supported Ultra Style)
You're out there alone. No outside help. No drafting. No support from friends, family, or trail angels unless it’s commercially available to all (like gas stations or grocery stores).

Pairs (Ride Together, Finish Together)
This category is for riders taking it on together. You can draft each other, help each other, share gear and snacks, just no outside support. You still carry what you need and ride the full route.

General Rules and Guidelines 

This isn’t your typical gravel event. This is self-supported. Fully on you. Inspired by classic Ultra events like the Tour Divide, Oregon Timber Trail, and Atlas Mountain Race, with our own twist.

Whether you're chasing an FKT or just out to finish, here's what you need to know.

General Rules

Self-Supported Means Self-Supported
No outside support unless it’s commercially available to all participants. No personal support crews, supply drops, or trail magic arranged just for you.

No Drafting (Solo Category)
Riders in the solo category must ride independently. No pacelines or wheelsucking. If you end up next to someone organically, that’s fine, but the intent is to ride alone.

Stay on Route
You must follow the official GPX route. No shortcuts or creative reroutes. If a trail is closed or impassable, you must rejoin the course as soon as possible at the nearest point. If you must leave the route for any reason (ex: to get help from an off-route bike shop or resupply at an off-route story) you must then return to the point of the route where you left before resuming.

Track Your Ride
Riders must record their ride using GPS. You’ll be asked to upload your file for verification, especially if you’re chasing an FKT.

Fix It Yourself
Carry your own tools, fix your own bike, and solve your own problems. That’s part of the challenge. If you can’t finish under your own power, or get assistance from an open bike shop (see “Stay on Route” above), it’s a scratch.

Respect and Stewardship
Respect the land, the locals, and your fellow riders. Pack out all the trash. Ride with care and courtesy. Don’t ruin access for others.

Disqualification Criteria

You will be disqualified if you:

Receive support that is not commercially available to all riders.

Draft in the Solo category.

Skip sections of the official route.

Behave disrespectfully toward others or damage the reputation of the event.

Leave trash behind on course.

Required

Spot Tracker or live tracking - Sign up here

Suggested (But Not Required)

Spot Tracker or live tracking (strongly recommended for FKT attempts)

Lights and reflective gear for night riding

Emergency beacon (like a Garmin InReach or similar)

Layers, tools, and nutrition for full self-sufficiency

A sense of humor and the ability to suffer well

Disclaimer: Self-Supported Adventure

The Mega Hopper is not an organized or permitted event. Participation is voluntary, and all riders are solely responsible for their own safety, navigation, and decisions.
We’re simply sharing a route and general guidelines for those who wish to take on the challenge independently.
There are no aid stations, support vehicles, or official assistance, please be fully prepared and self-sufficient.