Low Gap: Grasshopper #1
About
Join us for an epic mixed-terrain adventure that has become a “Hopper Classic.” Half pavement and half dirt, this event is the epitome of NorCal adventure riding and the perfect early-season challenge to kick off your year and test your limits.
Route
Beginning with a neutral lead out at Todd Grove Park, the event starts after we hit Orr Springs Road. This quiet Mendocino County road climbs 1,800ft over the first 9 miles before dropping into the Orr Springs area and then rolling along Montgomery Woods State Reserve. From here, there is a climb to the Comptche/Orr Springs Road and Low Gap Road. From mile 20-22 you’ll gain 600ft before making the turn off of pavement and onto dirt on Low Gap Road. You’ll continue on dirt for the next 10 miles, beginning at mile 22, and will climb 1,100ft to the intersection with Miller Ridge. From mile 31.3 to 44, we have a contract with MRC (Mendocino Redwood Company) to use their land, and you will be riding on private property that is not open for individual pre-riding. From here, you’ll finish out the ride with a ripping 13 mile gravel and paved descent to the finish.
NorCalGrit
A portion of the proceeds from Low Gap will go to the NorCal Cycling League and their GRiT program.
“The NorCal League GRiT program is part of NICA’s national initiative to recruit and retain more female student-athletes and coaches. The acronym GRiT stands for Girls Riding Together. The NorCal League is committed to building gender and racial equity in our League, and this is one of the ways that we are working on doing so.”
To donate and learn more, check out NorCal GRiT
Lodging
Hotel partners TBD.
Camping
Tent camping is allowed at the smaller baseball diamond at Anton Stadium. Van/Camper camping is allowed Friday night at the Anton Stadium parking lot. See the MAP.
Rest Stops
There will be a Skratch hydration and nutrition stop at the intersection of Orr Springs Rd and Low Gap at mile 22. We’ll have bars, gels and other snacks. 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. (ONLY FEEDZONE 1. No hand-ups) There will be a 2nd Feedzone at mile 31. Riders can top off and grab a quick snack before heading down Miller Ridge to Masonite Rd.
Bike Choice/Set Up
Again, choose your own adventure here. With an equal amount of dirt and pavement, it’s a tough call. Most riders use a gravel bike with 38-42c tires. Semi-slick or side tread are most common. Hardtail MTB is also a good option. We’ll keep you updated on road conditions as we get closer to the event.
We’ve created a group page for riders. You can post if you are looking for an entry, looking to sell a spot, have questions about tires and road conditions, looking to ride share, camping/lodging etc. To join the group, go to Grasshopper Group. (Note: This is NOT the official Grasshopper Facebook page)
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.
Male: Pro, U18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
Female: Pro, U18, 19-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
Non Binary
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.
For Further information Visit the FAQ on our website “about us” page
Register
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Registration Closes January 22, 2025Pro Men$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 2025Pro Women$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 2025Mentors$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025"Mentors" is for M/W and Non Binary riders who are participating in the Low Gap Mentorship Program.
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Registration Closes January 22, 2025Junior (U19) Men$90.02$82 + $8.02 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 2025Junior Women$90.02$82 + $8.02 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 2025Non Binary$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 202519-29 Men$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 202530-39 Men$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 202540-49 Men$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 202550-59 Men$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 202560+ Men$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 202519-29 Women$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 202530-39 Women$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 202540-49 Women$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 202550-59 Women$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 2025
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Registration Closes January 22, 202560+ Women$180.13$165 + $15.13 Movemint FeeSunday, January 26, 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 NorCal GRiTThe NorCal League GRiT program is part of NICA’s national initiative to recruit and retain more female student-athletes and coaches; the acronym GRiT stands for Girls Riding Together. The NorCal League is committed to building gender and racial equity in our League, and this is one of the ways that we are working on doing so.
Course Maps
Event Location
Ukiah, CASponsors
