Ukiah Mendo Gravel Epic: Grasshopper #4

Ukiah Mendo Gravel Epic

Join us for an epic adventure starting in Ukiah, CA and winding its way through the amazing hidden landscapes of Mendocino County. This new Hopper mostly takes place on private Mendocino Redwoods property, offering a one-time opportunity to explore new terrain. With three course options, this event offers something for every level of rider. There are three distances to choose from: Long “Mero Mero”, Medium “Mediano” and Short “Chiquito”.

Mero Mero - 75 miles

We will start with a neutral lead out at Todd Grove Park, with the race starting after we hit Orr Springs Rd. This quiet Mendocino County road climbs 1,800ft over the first 9 miles before dropping into the Orr Springs area and rolling along Montgomery Woods State Reserve. From here, riders will climb to the Comptche/Orr Springs Rd and Low Gap Rd. Between mile 20-22 you’ll gain 600ft before making the turn onto dirt on Low Gap Rd, where you’ll continue on dirt for the next 10 miles. Beginning at mile 22, 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.

Mediano - 34 miles

This is the same course as the Long up to to mile 15.8. From here riders climb the MRC Masonite Rd and join the Mero Mero at the junction of Miller Ridge and Masonite and back to the finish. 

Chiquito:  23 miles

This “short” route is the classic local loop. It starts the same as the Mero Mero and Mediano. At mile 10 riders turn right onto Miller Ridge and then head down Masonite to the finish. 

NOTE: These routes are only open to registered riders on the day of the event and the weekend before, as a majority of the course travels through private property with a limited-use permit.

The Moriah Wilson Foundation

A portion of the proceeds of this event will go to supporting the Moriah Wilson Foundation. Moriah was an inspiration to everyone in the NorCal cycling scene and we miss her so.

“Our hope is to carry on Moriah’s vision to strengthen communities, and to love and live deeply. In Moriah’s words, ‘When you love something to the point where you’re fully committed, the risk becomes irrelevant. Because if you fail, it will have been worth it. The process and all that comes along with it is more important, in the end.’”

Hoppers have always been about community, adventure and personal challenge, and we’re honored to hold this event on the same date as Moriah’s ride in Vermont. 

To learn more and to donate, go to the Moriah Wilson Foundation. 

What to Ride?:

It’s a Hopper, what can we say?! There will always be times you feel like you’re on the wrong bike 😉 This is definitely a gravel bike event.  Long course is smooth pavement from mile 33-50. The ideal set up depends on your strengths/weaknesses. The best choice would be tires with slight tread and small side nobs; ideally 38-42. 

Aid Stations:

Long Course:
Aid Station 1: Mile 15.8
Aid Station 2: Mile 32 (Bottle drop ONLY at Aid Station 2)
Aid Station 3: Mile 57
 

Mediano Course:
Aid Station: Mile 15.8 (NO bottle/bag drop!)

Bottle Drop: 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. (Bottle/Bag drop ONLY at Aid Station 2, No hand-ups) .

Short Course:

Aid Station: Mile 10

NO bottle/bag drop!

Venue: 

Registration, Staging/Start, and After Party is at Todd Grove Park

Tent Camping: 

Tent camping is available on the baseball field at the end of the Anton Stadium Parking Lot

Van Camping: 

Van camping is available in the Anton Stadium Parking Lot

Multi-Participant Discount

Carts with three or more people get you 5% off per rider. No code needed.

Watcha' Get:

• A crazy hard, super fun adventure with a bunch of your new and old cycling buddies.
• Feed zones with Skratch and GU Energy Labs hydration & nutrition. Presented by Trailhouse, NorCal Bike Sport, and Bike Peddler.
• Awesome prizes at the finish from our generous sponsors.
• Access to Mendocino Redwood Company roads.
• Event timing and results.
• Hot coffee and fresh baked pastries from Black Oak Coffee Roasters the morning of each event.
• Delicious lunch, cold Guayaki and Best Day Brewing beer at the finish.
• Podiums for Top 3 All Categories long courses, and for Top 3 M/F/NB Overall short courses.
• Cash prizes for Top 3 Pro M/F Overall.
• Emergency Medical Support en route.
• Unforgettable stories of adventure.
• Free event photos from FinisherPix.

For more information visit the event page on our website and the FAQ on out “About Us” page