Lake Sonoma MTB: Grasshopper #3
About
Ride Details
The Lake Sonoma MTB Grasshopper is a thrilling mountain bike race that challenges riders with some of the most technical, flowy singletrack in Northern California. Set in the rugged landscape around Lake Sonoma, this 28-mile loop course features steep climbs, fast descents, and over 4,000ft of climbing—with no easy way out. Offering both a full and short course, it’s a demanding yet rewarding experience that brings together mountain bikers of all levels for an unforgettable day on the trails.
Route
The Lake Sonoma MTB long loop is back, featuring Northern California’s toughest, flowy single track. After recent impassable years, a bridge at Rancheria Creek will be set up by Healdsburg Running Co. and Friends of Lake Sonoma to ensure access in case of high water.
Starting from the South Vista overlook and following a clockwise route, the trail demands constant climbing and descending, modeled after the Tevis Cup horse race trail. With over 4,000 feet of climbing across 27 miles—and no bailout points—this challenging loop isn't for everyone. A shorter course option north of Rockpile Rd offers a more accessible alternative, sharing the same finish as the long course.
Categories
Grasshoppers have always been about adventure, exploration and pushing your limits. Come to race, or come to adventure and explore. Riders may choose their category and licenses are not required. All Hopper routes are open and riders must obey all traffic laws and rules. See RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Male: Pro, U18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+, Single Speed, E-Bike
Female: Pro, U18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+, Single Speed, E-Bike
Non-Binary
Aid Stations
Aid Station: (Location TBD).
We’ll have water, Skratch hydration, nutrition, GU Energy, and snacks for you.
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. (No hand-ups) .
ALL riders must fill their own bottles. Individual support is not allowed at the feed zone. No attacking in the feed zone area or you will be DQd and excommunicated from the church of bike.
Camping:
- Camping allowed Friday and Saturday. We have sites #1 and #2 at the Warm Springs Picnic Area. See MAP here. There are restrooms available Friday.
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.
- 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 or the FAQ on the 'About Us" page
Register
-
Registration Closes March 19, 2025Pro Men$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 2025Pro Women$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 2025Junior (U19) Men$66.14$60 + $6.14 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 2025Junior Women$66.14$60 + $6.14 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 2025Non Binary$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 202519-29 Men$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 202530-39 Men$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 202540-49 Men$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 202550-59 Men$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 202560+ Men$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 202519-29 Women$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 202530-39 Women$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 202540-49 Women$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 202550-59 Women$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 202560+ Women$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 2025E-bike Men$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
-
Registration Closes March 19, 2025E-bike Women$131.28$120 + $11.28 Movemint FeeSaturday, March 22, 2025
Series Passes
-
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
Course Maps
Event Location
Lake Sonoma, CASponsors
