Huffmaster: Grashopper #2
About
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.
Adventure Therapy Foundation
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:
- 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.
- Event timing and results.
- Hot coffee and fresh baked pastries from Black Oak Coffee Roasters the morning of each event.
- Delicious lunch, cold beverages 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.
Register
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Registration Closes February 19, 2025Pro Men$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 2025Pro Women$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 2025Junior (U19) Men$90.02$82 + $8.02 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 2025Junior Women$90.02$82 + $8.02 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 2025Non Binary$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 202519-29 Men$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 202530-39 Men$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 202540-49 Men$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 202550-59 Men$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 202560+ Men$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 202519-29 Women$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 202530-39 Women$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 202540-49 Women$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 202550-59 Women$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
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Registration Closes February 19, 202560+ Women$180.12$165 + $15.12 Movemint FeeSaturday, February 22, 2025
Series Passes
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Series Pass
28th Annual! The World’s First and Longest Running Gravel/Mixed-Terrain Adventure Series
5 Gravel, Pavé, MTB, Mixed-Terrain Adventure Rides and Races
2025 Pricing:
$650 (Save $150) by registering for the Series Pass
What’s a Hopper?
We’ve always counted on riders to describe a Hopper. But here’s what we’ve come up with: “Grasshoppers are eclectic mixed-terrain (yes there’s lots of “gravel” but in NorCal that doesn’t really sum up the terrain) adventure rides and races created to push riders to the limit without pushing them over”. And to take ya’ll to really cool places and shred on two wheels!Ride or Race?
Yes! It’s up to you. We have a podium for top 3 in all categories, but if you’re in for the adventure and exploration, we say “ride on”.How do I compete for the Series overall?
Series Points: Overall Points Leaders will be calculated in the following manner: 1st 60pts. 2nd 55 pts, 3rd 51 pts. 4th 48 pts. 5th 46 pts. 6th 45 pts. 7th 44 pts. (-1 per placing to 1 pt.). The rider with the most points at the end of the series will be the winner. Your top 4 finishes will count towards your final standing. All riders who wish to compete for the Hopper Super Hero King of the Universe title in their age groups must finish at least 4 Hoppers. If you do all 5 your lowest result will be dropped. For Series Points riders must do the long course in Huffmaster and Ukiah-Mendo Epic and King Ridge. You must also attend the Series Finale King Ridge on May 10 in order to be eligible for the Series Overall Podium.Lake Sonoma MTB will be +5 points towards series overall in all categories. ie. 1st=65, 2nd=60 etc.
Can I transfer my entry to another rider?
No. Riders who purchase the discounted Series Pass may not sell or transfer their entries to individual Hoppers. Individual entries may be transferred to another rider via Movemint. Fee is $10.
Series pass includes:
● Low Gap: Grasshopper #1
● Huffmaster: Grashopper #2
● Lake Sonoma MTB: Grasshopper #3
● Ukiah Mendo Gravel Epic: Grasshopper #4
● King Ridge: Grasshopper #5
Donate
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Donate to Adventure Therapy FoundationA.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 at the Huffmaster ranch at the base of Huffmaster grade where the 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, 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 to answer that, and she found the beginning of a dream. A dream to “Use adventure to help those impacted by cancer to escape the emotional “rut” that occurs after treatment.” Adventure Therapy Foundation was founded, and here we are years later, and hundreds of individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis have been helped through the mine-field of emotions, into a place of healing and restoration.” To learn more and to donate go to “Adventure Therapy Foundation”.
Course Maps
Event Location
Maxwell, Colusa CountySponsors
