UKIAH MENDO GRAVEL EPIC
April 27th, 2025 Register
Join us for an epic adventure starting in Ukiah, CA and winding its way through the amazing hidden landscapes of Mendocino County. This new Hopper mostly takes place on private Mendocino Redwoods property, offering a one-time opportunity to explore new terrain. With three course options, this event offers something for every level of rider.
8,420ft
76mi
32% Paved
68% Dirt
Route
With three routes to choose from this is guaranteed to be a “Proper Hopper” regardless of your fitness. This year riders will roll out on their own from Todd Grove Park and stage at Ukiah High School where we will start in waves. The race starts with a 1,900 ft climb over 8 miles before heading down to Wolly Pass for the Long and Medium course or Miller Ridge for the short course. At mile 16 the “Mediano” course heads back to Ukiah via the Masonite Rd while the “Mero Mero” course takes the Masonite Rd. west for 16 miles to Hwy 128. From here the course meanders on smooth tarmac through the majestic redwoods up to Comptche and east back to Low Gap Rd. At mile 51 riders join Low Gap Rd and follow the same classic dirt route back to Miller Ridge and the Masonite Rd as the classic “Low Gap" Grasshopper.
NOTE: This route is only open to registered riders on the day of the event and the weekend before, as a majority of the course rides through private property with a limited-use permit.
All Hopper routes are open and riders must obey all traffic laws and rules.
Medium Course
3,897ft
34mi
21% Paved
79% Dirt
Short Course
23mi
2,291ft
17% Paved
83% Dirt
The Moriah Wilson Foundation
A portion of the proceeds of this event will go to supporting the Moriah Wilson Foundation. Moriah was an inspiration to everyone in the NorCal cycling scene and we miss her so.
“Our hope is to carry on Moriah’s vision to strengthen communities, and to love and live deeply. In Moriah’s words, ‘When you love something to the point where you’re fully committed, the risk becomes irrelevant. Because if you fail, it will have been worth it. The process and all that comes along with it is more important, in the end.’”
Hoppers have always been about community, adventure and personal challenge, and we’re honored to hold this event on the same date as Moriah’s ride in Vermont.
To learn more and to donate, go to the Moriah Wilson Foundation webpage. Moriah Wilson Foundation.
More Info
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Tucked in a deep valley and surrounded by rolling vineyards, towering redwoods, and endless backroads, Ukiah is the gateway to Mendocino County’s best gravel riding. Originally home to the Pomo people, the area later became a hub for ranching, farming, and winemaking. Today, it’s the perfect blend of small-town charm and big adventure, offering riders remote roads, epic climbs, and a taste of NorCal’s wild beauty.
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Springtime in Ukiah and Mendocino County means perfect riding temps, with cool mornings in the low 50s warming up to the high 60s or low 70s by the afternoon. Rain is less likely in April, but past storms might leave tacky dirt or a few sneaky mud spots. The higher elevations can get breezy, so layer smart—start cool, shed as you go. Whether it’s blue skies or a little misty magic, you’re in for an epic day on the bike
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Saturday, April 26th
10AM – Coffee Ride W/ Bicycle Law: Join Mile and Zack from Bicycle Law and the Hopper crew for coffee and a “no drop” shakeout ride starting at Black Oak Coffee in Ukiah, CA. Post ride Lunch included! Meet: 476 N State St, Ukiah, CA 95482
5PM-8PM Packet Pickup: Join us at the Ukiah Welcome Center for packet pickup
Sunday, April 27th
5:30AM-8AM Packet pickup: Pick up your rider packet at the Golf Cub House at Todd Grove Park. Hot coffee and pastries included at packet pickup
7:30 AM: Staging at Ukiah Highschool
8:00 AM Staggered age group starts.Stay tuned for exact times
12:30-5 PM: After Party and Celebration with lunch, beer, fun activities, podiums. There will be a podium for the Grasshopper and separate podium for the NCNCA Championship. -
Registration opens October 7, 2024 and closes April 23, 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 April 23, 2025 at 11:59PM PST
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Packet pick up will be available the evening of April 26th from 5-7PM at the Ukiah Welcome Center in Downtown Ukiah as well as the morning of the event on April 27th from 6-8AM at Tod Grove Park
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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
Grasshopper Categories
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 -
Parking is available at:
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Hospitality partner: TBD
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Tent Camping: Tent camping is available on the baseball field at the end of the Anton Stadium Parking Lot
Van Camping: Van camping is available in the Anton Stadium Parking Lot
SEE MAP
Blue = Tent Camping Green = Van Camping -
It’s a Hopper, what can we say?! There will always be times you feel like you’re on the wrong bike 😉 This is definitely a gravel bike event. Long course is smooth pavement from mile 33-50. The ideal set up depends on your strengths/weaknesses. The best choice would be tires with slight tread and small side nobs. Ideally 40-42. Several of us have ridden the course recently and this was perfect!
Note: E-Bikes are not permitted at this event.
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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)
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Long Course:
Aid Station 1: Mile 15.8 Aid Station 2: Mile 32 (Bottle drop ONLY at Aid Station 2) Aid Station 3: Mile 57
Mediano Course:
Aid Station: Mile 15.8 (NO bottle/bag drop!)
Chiquito (Short) Course:
Aid Station: Mile 10
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. (Bottle/Bag drop ONLY at Aid Station 2, 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. -
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.
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