Low Gap: Grasshopper #1
About
Join us for an epic mixed terrain adventure that has become a “Hopper Classic”. Exactly half pavement and half dirt, the final 22 miles of dirt will be off the hook! The epitome of Nor Cal adventure riding.
Route
We’re thrilled to have the City of Ukiah as a sponsor and host city again in 2025. We will start with a neutral lead out at Todd Grove Park. The race starts after we hit Orr Springs Rd. This quiet Mendocino County Rd. climbs 1800 ft over the first 9 miles before dropping into the Orr Springs area and then rolls along Montgomery Woods State Reserve. There is a climb to the Comptche/Orr Springs Rd and Low Gap Rd. From mile 20-22 you gain 600″ and then make the turn onto dirt on Low Gap Rd. This county road and MRC is all dirt until mile 33. Beginning at mile 22 the 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.
NorCalGrit
A portion of the proceeds will go to the NorCal Cycling League and the GRiT program (Girls Riding Together). “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 go to 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
Most rider use a gravel bike with 38-42c tires. semi-slick or side tread are most common. With and equal amount of dirt to pavé it’s a touch call. Hardtail MTB is also a good option. We’ll keep you updated as we get closer to the event as the road conditions may change.
Categories
Grasshoppers have always been about adventure, exploration and pushing your limits. Riders may choose their category and licenses are not required.
It’s up to you if you are out to race, ride or just enjoy exploring a new route in NorCal. All Hopper routes are open and riders must obey all traffic laws and rules. See RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
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 500 of your closest cycling buddies!
- Two hydration and nutrition feed zones.
- Event timing
- Free event photos from FinisherPix
- Custom Grasshopper/Specialized water bottle.
- Emergency Medical Support en route
- Cold Guayaki,
- Sierra Nevada beer
- Lunch
- Unforgettable stories of adventure!
- Prizes: Podium for top 3 each category/group
- Pro M/F $500/300/200
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, 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
