HUFFMASTER

February 22nd, 2025 Register

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.

4866ft

90mi

54% Paved

46% Dirt

Route

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.

All Hopper routes are open and riders must obey all traffic laws and rules. See RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Plan B: (In case of EXTREME weather!)

In the case of extreme weather that would render Huffmaster dangerous and impassible we will follow Leeseville Rd. to the valley and back to Maxwell. Still a killer loop! You can find the Plan B Map HERE.

Huffmaster Mini

3245ft

55mi

59% Paved

41% Dirt

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.

All registered riders can donate directly to ATF and create a fundraising page when they sign up. We all have friends and family living with and impacted by cancer. Let ‘s spend the day riding our bikes with friends in their honor and lend a hand to those whose lives are affected by cancer. Our goal is to raise $10,000 that will send 4 families living with cancer to adventure camps this Summer.

Also, we’ll be holding a donation drawing at the afterparty for Huffmaster. Grasshopper. We have an AHHA Bike Rack, Burley Coho XC Trailer, Trailhouse Demo Day for 2, a Grasshopper 2026 Series Pass and other amazing prizes to raffle off. Everyone who makes a donation and raises funds will be eligible to win the drawing. The more you donate, the better your chances.

“Adventure Therapy Foundation began in the summer of 2018, a year after our (ATF) 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.”

More Info

  • Maxwell, California is a small agricultural town in Colusa County, California, located along Interstate 5, about 75 miles north of Sacramento. Known for its rich farmland and quiet rural charm, Maxwell sits on the western edge of the Sacramento Valley, bordered by rolling hills leading into the Mendocino National Forest. The area is a gateway to remote backroads, open landscapes, and classic gravel riding—making it the perfect setting for the Huffmaster race.

  • In late February, Maxwell serves up cool, crisp mornings and sunshine-warmed afternoons—perfect for a day on the bike. Temps start in the 40s but climb to the mid-60s, so layering is key. Rain? Maybe. Wind? Almost definitely. Expect some grit-in-your-teeth headwinds early on, but hey, that just makes the tailwinds feel even sweeter. The gravel? Fast, hard-packed, and ready to rip—just like you should be.

    *In case of extreme weather there is a Plan B route in place!

  • Friday: February 21, 2025


    12:00 PM:Shake Out ride. Join us for a 25 mile out-and-back to check out Huffmaster gravel section and the gravel finish.
    5-8 PM: Packet pick up and chill time Granzella’s bar in Williams
    Packet pick up is inside Granzella’s between the bar and restaurant

    Saturday: February 22, 2025


    6:30-9:15 AM: Packet pickup at Maxwell High School. Due to staggered start times, and in order to limit lines, please register closer to your start time. 


    Start Times:

    9:00 AM: Pro Men/Women
    9:05 AM: ALL Age Group Women’s Categories, Non-Binary
    9:20 AM: U19, 19-29 M
    9:25 AM: 30-39 M
    9:30 AM: 40-49 M
    9:35 AM: 50-59 M
    9:40 AM: 60+M
    9:45 AM: ALL Short Course Riders


    1:00-5:00 PM: Finish
    Podium (Pro Men/Women asap) All age groups Long Course during lunch

    Short Course Podium: Top 3 M/W overall (not all age groups)

    • Registration opens October 7, 2025 and closes February 19th, 2025

    • Day-of registration is available if the event is not sold out and incurs an additional $20 fee on top of standard registration fee.

    • If you are unable to attend due to injury, illness or other reasons the deadline to transfer your registration online to another rider is February 19th at 11:59PM PST. Transfer instructions here

    • Friday, February 21st 2025 at Granzella’s Inn 5:00-8:00 PM

    • Saturday, February 22nd at Maxwell High School 6:30-9:00 AM

  • 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+
    Female: Pro, U18, 19-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
    Non Binary

    If 3 or more riders register for the 70+, then a new age category will be made.

  • Granzella’s Inn

  • Camping will be allowed in the dirt parking lot at Maxwell High School if it is dry. The last two years it has been closed due to wet weather.

  • 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.

    Note: E-Bikes are not permitted at this 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)

  • Aid Stations: Huffmaster long course aid station 1 will be at at mile 45 and aid station 2 will be at mile 68. Mini Huffmaster feed zone is at mile 17 and 32. See the MAP
    Aid Stations will be stocked with water, Skratch Hydration and nutrition, GU energy, bars and other snacks and nutrition.

    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. (ONLY Aid Station 1. No hand-ups) .

    Anything left at bottle drop will be available at the Grasshopper Merch booth once the feed zone crew returns to the expo

    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.

    • 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.

  • Want to share info and/or ask questions of other riders? Join the Grasshopper Strava club, look to the Facebook Group, and follow the action on Instagram.. Use hashtags #GrasshopperAdventureSeries2025 and #Huffmaster2025 to post about Huffmaster.