Ride Details
Join us for the classic Huffmaster 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 that few have seen on two wheels. Two routes to choose from—89 or 59 miles—and less climbing than a typical Hopper make these mixed-terrain routes a real treat.
Routes
Huffmaster: The course starts at Maxwell High School, where we head northwest on paved, flat roads for 25 miles. Don’t get too excited, as riders on this stretch frequently battle headwinds. From here, you’ll reach a gradual climb from mile 25 to 40 and a punchy gravel climb from mile 40 to mile 43, topping out on County Road #303 at 1,700ft. From here, the days fastest and most challenging gravel descent drops you into the valley below at Stony Creek. We continue on gravel from mile 46 to 53 and climb from 1,000-1,800ft. 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, passing 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 400ft gravel climb to the top of the summit before the course continues on gravel through mile 80 to the “town” of Sites. In Sites, we get back on pavement for 5 miles before turning right off the main road to finish it out on on gravel.
Huffmaster Mini: This route heads west to Sites Rd and onto Leesville-Ladoga Rd, where it joins the full Huffmaster route. Though shorter, there is a stiff climb from mile 14 to 17.5 that rises from 550ft to 1,800 ft. This route has gravel on Leesville-Lagoda Rd and Huffmaster Rd, adding up to approximately 25 miles of gravel in total.
Plan B: (In case of horrific and unsafe conditions on Huffmaster Rd)
In the case that Huffmaster Rd. turns into the “moon mud” of 2023 we will by-pass Huffmaster and take Leesville Rd to the valley and back to the gravel finish via Finks and Sutton Rd. We will not make this decision until late Thursday afternoon. This would add 5 miles to both the short and long course and the feed zones would be in the same locations.
A portion of the proceeds from your Huffmaster registration will go to Adventure Therapy Foundation. A.T.F. was created to “minimize the emotional side effects of cancer”. Lauren Huffmaster is a cancer survivor, mother, speaker and writer. Her husband’s family grew up on the Huffmaster ranch, at the base of the Huffmaster grade that Hoppers pass through.
“Adventure Therapy Foundation began in the summer of 2018, a year after our founder Lauren met a stranger in an airport who engaged her in conversation. They listened to her journey through cancer and asked her, ‘What do you want to do with your story?’ This question sent Lauren on a search through Yosemite for answers, and she found the beginning of a dream. A dream to use adventure to help those impacted by cancer escape the emotional “rut” that occurs after treatment. From there, Adventure Therapy Foundation was founded, and here we are years later, seeing hundreds of individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis that have been guided through the mine-field of emotions, into a place of healing and restoration.”
To learn more and to donate go to Adventure Therapy Foundation. Riders who donate/raise $1,000 or more will have their entry fee refunded.
Equipment/Tire Choice:
We’d recommend a 35-40 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. With this weeks storm you can expect some mud as well. The most important thing is to have plenty of tire clearance and 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.
Rest Stops
Huffmaster long course feed is at mile 45 and mile 68. Mini Huffmaster feed zone is at mile 32.
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.
Multi-Participant Discount
Carts with three or more people get you 5% off per rider. No code needed.
Whatcha’ get: