KING RIDGE

May 10th, 2025 Register

The King Ridge Grasshopper is a legendary ride in Sonoma County, challenging cyclists with steep climbs, thrilling descents, and varied terrain. Known for its rugged beauty, the course winds through remote mountain roads and offers breathtaking coastal views. It’s an unforgettable adventure that tests endurance and skill, capturing the gritty spirit of Northern California cycling. For 20 years all of the Hoppers were in Sonoma County. We’re calling this loop the “Greatest Hits” as it includes classic CRRs; (Certified Ribbon Roads) Joy Rd. Coleman Valley Rd. Meyers Grade. Fort Ross Rd. Kruse Ranch. Seaview Rd. King Ridge Rd. Can you hear the soundtrack playing? A mixture of reggae, yacht rock and Grateful Dead maybe. With a perfect blend of adventure, exploration and shred, this is a Grasshopper not to be missed.

9,116ft

91mi

96% Paved

4% Dirt

Route

We’ll roll from Duncans Mills at 8 am. The first timed segment begins at the bottom of Joy Rd. The segment will open at 9 am. Riders will be scored based on the cumulative time for the 3 segments (long course) and 2 segments (short course). 
This format and course will ensure that we have an amazing ride on open roads. There are no timed segments on California State Highways. 

All Hopper routes are open and riders must obey all traffic laws and rules.

Short Course

65mi

5,807ft

100% Paved

0% Dirt

King Ridge

Is there a better meditation than rolling on two wheels, surfing the Earth?

It is only in the now that we can recognize each other’s presence. Outside of the now, everything is as insubstantial as smoke

Thich Nhat Hanh

More Info

  • Starting in Duncans Mills, a town with roots as a steamship stop in the 1800s, the King Ridge ride takes you into Sonoma County’s coastal mountains. Known for its remote, winding roads and stunning views, this route offers a real challenge with steep climbs and satisfying descents. You’ll ride through redwoods, meadows, and along high ridges, experiencing some of the best—yet toughest—terrain Northern California has to offer. It’s the perfect mix of history and rugged adventure.

  • In Duncans Mills and Cazadero, May offers ideal riding conditions with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s in the mornings to the mid-70s during the day. It's typically dry, with a slight chance of coastal fog creeping in, especially in the mornings, keeping things cool and crisp. Afternoon sun can warm things up, but expect winds on the ridgelines that might add a challenge during descents or on exposed sections. Layering is key to stay comfortable, as temperatures can shift, but the riding will be prime with beautiful views all around.

  • Friday:
    11:00 AM: Shake out ride from Gold Coast Coffee
    5:00-7:00 PM: Packet Pick up at Gold Coast Coffee

    Saturday:
    6:00-8:00 AM: Packet Pickup
    7:45 AM: Staging/Start:
    8:00 AM: Start
    Segment 1 (Mi. 17.5) Length TBD

    • Joy Rd. (Opens 9:00 am)

    Segment 2 (Mi. 43) 5 miles

    • Meyers Grade/Hwy 1

    Segment 3 (Mi. 60) 7.5 mi. 

    • Hwy 1/Kruse Rd

    1:00 PM: Lunch
    3:30 PM: Podium at Gold Coast Coffee  

    • Registration opens October 7, 2024 and closes May 5th, 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.

    • The deadline to transfer your registration to another rider is May 5th, 2025 at 11:59PM PST

  • Details coming soon

  • 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, U19, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
    Female: Pro, U19, 19-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
    Non Binary

  • TBD

  • Recommended Campgrounds:

    Casini Ranch Family Campground

    Sonoma Coast State Parks

  • This a classic Hopper road stage. The only dirt/gravel section is Kruse Ranch Rd. which can easily be done on a road bike. Whether you are on a road or gravel bike we’d recommend 30/32 slicks for the day.

    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 Grasshopper FB) page)
    Online Transfer Cut-Off is Tues. May 6th at 11:59 PM. DAY OF TRANSFERS +$20

  • TBD

    • A crazy hard, super fun adventure with a bunch of your new and old cycling buddies.

    • Feed zones with Skratch hydration & nutrition and GU Energy Labs Presented by Trailhouse, NorCal Bike Sport, Bike Peddler

    • Awesome prizes at the finish from our generous sponsors

    • Event timing and results

    • Hot Coffee and fresh baked Pastries on the morning of each event from Black Oak Coffee Roasters

    • Delicious lunch

    • Podium Top 3 all categories Long Course.

    • No Short Course Podium
      Top 3 Pro M/F Overall Cash prize $

    • Emergency Medical Support en route

    • Cold Guayaki and Best Day Brewing and Beer

    • Unforgettable stories of adventure!

    • Free Event Photos from FinisherPix

King Ridge Grasshopper 2018 Video by Henry Wildeberrry