Next Saturday is the season finale of the Grasshopper Adventure Series. We’ve brought you the most epic series in our 14 years and will finish with a doozie. Like all Hoppers it will be long and hard and the challenge will  to ride with a fast group yet conserve just enough to finish strong and not go backwards. Our approach to Caz and King Ridge will be straight forward and pretty flat. Then it’s upward to King Ridge and Tin Barn. Last years final stage headed east on Stewarts Point and then took a left on Annapolis. This year we will continue East, then cruise along the Gualala River Valley where we will be in the shade on yet another Sonoma County Certified Ribbon Road. The climb out of the river valley offers snippets of shade if you hug the right side and after 15-20 minutes you will be treated to a ripping descent. Then up, down, up down, up down, up down. I think there are four? The finish will be at the picnic area across from the Lake Sonoma Visitor Center.

If you have never done Skaggs and are looking for a challenge make sure you are fit, prepared, and hydrated. Remember that the spirit of the Hoppers is to self-support and have a buddy system. We will be waiting for you at the finish with snacks and cold beverages. Don’t get in over your head early on and spend too many chips unless you have the reserve. Expect to be on the road between 6-8 hours. After recovering a bit riders will ride back to Healdsburg where amazing food from Fork Catering and wine from Arnot Roberts will await you.

For those of you who are brave enough to do it two weekends in a row,or just want to plan ahead (yeah Google Earth) here’s the course.

We will begin at Arnot-Roberts Winery in Healdburg at 10:00 A.M.

Westside Rd-Rt. River Rd.-Rt. East Austin Creek Rd.-Rt. Cazadero Hwy. to King Ridge Rd.-(Feed Zone at top of King Ridge) Rt. Tin Barn Rd.-Rt. Stewarts Pt/Skaggs Springs Rd. Finish Lake Sonoma Visitor Center (On Rt. in picnic area)

That’s it! Simple huh? Jim Keene from NorCal will be manning the neutral water stop. We will require that everyone leave the feed with 3 full bottles. No exceptionsThere will be plenty of Body Armor beverages to top you off too.  There is H20 across the street from the Boy Scout Camp if you need it.

Stay tuned for last minute details later this week.

Mig

I woke at dawn on Saturday with the truck already packed and ready to roll. Was a pleasure arriving early at NorCal to see Greg, Frank and Jenae setting up for the day. Riders took advantage of the hometown start to show a bit late and there was a large gathering of women riders being led by NorCal and Odessa Gunn. By 9:30 the shop was humming. Pre-staging took place efficiently as riders dropped their bottles and secret potions in Jim’s truck and we loaded water, GU2O and snack for the days rest stop. Jonathan led a group to the starting area and I headed out with Brian Staby, Greg and a few others and had a casual stroll to San Miguel School where we waited for 10 minutes before a quick riders meeting prior to roll out. Was a pleasant surprise to see Levi show for his back yard Hopper and test out his legs after his recent accident. Seems his form is coming along, glad to see it! The group of 80 had a casual roll out from Faught to 128 and made good time to Ida Clayton. Thinking back on the days events I still marvel at how body and machine make one. I really don’t have a concept of being separate from my bike nor hardly separate from the group as a whole. Ah the elegance of road riding, until the lonely time. That came later. I kept myself in a good position at the front as we hit the climb, more out of instinct rather than need. My legs felt descent as we hit the first riser and I tried to stay with the top guys and soon realized the folly. I watched as Levi, Taylor, Phil, Jonathan, Roger….you get the point, all rode away from me. As we hit the “top” of Ida Clayton I dug deep to catch Gabe, Brian and Carl and hung over the rollers and then took the lead on the descent. My saddle bag came loose and I decided to stop to fix it and not take the chance of riding without tubes. Was worth it because then I got to pass everyone again! Ripping down Western Mine on my Roubaix with 28c tires was like riding a cross bike. Love it! As we hit the pavement me, Gabe and Carl caught Giampalo, MJ and Mark Moons and passed Levi fixing a flat. Great, I thought a pull through the flats. Well, yes and no. Levi caught back on shortly after we left Middletown along with Brian Anderson, Swifty Griffin Wigert, Jim Barkow, Sean Watkins and a few others. Levi began shouting for me to bring some order to the group but I was just getting my wits about me. Anxious to bridge up to the lead group he came to the front, muttered something, made some counter clock wise hand gestures and pulled though. We dug deep following one after the other and averaging over 30 until the climb before the feed zone. I bid Levi farewell as he jumped to the lead group we had just caught, and set up mental shop for a long solo ride to the finish. Luckily I latched back on at the feedzone and managed to hang until Ida Clayton. At this point I needed my ipod because it was me, myself and I to the finish. I knew we had put some serious time on the group behind us but I knew George was behind me and I can always count on him picking me up, and then dropping me, if I come unraveled. The climb wasn’t too bad but my back and feet were hurting so bad that I took White Cottage and Howell Mtn pretty slow and saw George, Drew and Ryan? catch me as we rolled west of St Helena. Shortly after Jady passed me turning a big gear like only he and Giampalo can do. Oh how I wanted a Coke and a nap. Not a good feeling at the bottom of Spring Mtn. Memories of King Ridge 8 years ago when kids were really little and my only rides were the Hoppers. That was it. One ride a month. I faked my way though the series only to take a little nap at the bottom of Willow Creek and eat a bag of cookies before I came to and finished the ride. I mustered the courage and pedaled on, meditating on turning my pedals smoothly and coaxing the cramps away. I had passed Ryan and was just about to catch Drew at the last right corner when pow, all seized up and had to pull over and drink all the rest of my liquid. Got back on and made it over the top. Ahead of me Gabe had leaped ahead of everyone in our group to finish 8th behind Ryan and Roger. Taking the title of He-Man Super Climber of the Universe was Levi. And he gave us all a whoopin with a broken leg…after fixing two flats. Hmmm, the sweet taste of humble pie. Thanks for coming and see ya’ll at SKAGGS!!!!

Two days away…can hardly believe it. The season has been flying by and we’re onto Hopper number 5! Remember this ride begins at NorCal in Santa Rosa. You need to sign in and get your ride card and then head to Faught Rd. at San Miguel School. The official ride start will be at 10:45 so don’t be late! There will only be one feed zone on Butts Canyon. It will be a little over half way; approximately 45 miles from the start. Jim Keene will be at the start so you can give him your special secret stuff or we will have water, soda and Body Armor juice for you. There will be some snacks in case you are falling apart. Big thanks to Frank, Jim, Glenn and folks at NorCal/Bike Peddler for the support. There will be cold beer at NorCal at the end of the day.

Saturday’s epic ride will dip deep into Lake and Napa Counties and slice off a fair section of eastern Sonoma County. The back side of Ida Clayton is a washboard dirt road so I’d recommend some big tires and ride it carefully. I can’t think of a better bike for NorCal than my Specialized Roubaix. I put on 28cc for last years Super Sweetwater and I haven’t taken them off. At just under 17lbs it’s my go anywhere, do anything bike. This area of lake county was the mother load for quicksilver and word is that Black Bart worked Western Mine, Old Toll Rd, and Oat Hill. Though mercury was not as profitable as gold there was more of it. It’s under a 100 miles but plan on a very challenging day. For those of you doing more of a “tour” than a mad dash there are places to stop, rest and refuel in Middletown and St Helena. If anyone does not finish or cuts out early please let us know. Please consult the map often if you are not sure about he route. Don’t confuse this ride with the Davis Double and end up in Winters.

Hope everyone enjoys the magical loop and has a safe ride. This is our 14th year doing this and it’s all of you who ride safely and look out for each other that allows the Hoppers to continue. Remember to ride and pass safely and be cautious on the descents as there will be cars on the road. Refer to Rules of Engagement for etiquette, rules etc. See ya on Sat. Mig

Ida Clayton/Spring Mountain: April 28t

Begin NorCal Bike Shop, Mendocino Ave to Old Redwood Hwy, Rt on Faught Rd., Rt on Chalk Hill Rd, Rt. Hwy 128, Lft Ida Clayton Rd.(Lake County: County Rd. 115, Left Hwy 29, Rt Butts Canyon-Pope Valley, Rt. Ink Grade, Rt. White Cottage Rd, Cross Deer Park, continue on Howell Mtn. Rd. , Lft. Silverado Trail, Rt. Pope St.,Rt on Main St/Hwy128, Lft. Spring St., Rt. Oak Ave, Lft Hillview Place, Rt. Spring Mtn. Rd. -St. Helena Rd.(True finish is just before intersection where cold drinks and snacks will await you) To get back to car and bike shop, Lft Calistoga Rd, Rt. Badger Rd., Lft. Brush Creek, Rt. Hwy 12, Straight to 4th St. Rt. College,to NorCal Bike shop.

This is a course to challenge your body and mind. It’s not Skaggs but, well…we’re doing that next! It is “only” 100 mi +/- but has 3 hefty climbs and a long dirt descent into Middletown. We will ride in in Sonoma, Lake and Napa County and start/finish in Santa Rosa. Save something for the St. Helena climb because if you aren’t careful you’ll be walking in your road shoes. There will be a neutral feed atop Ida Clayton and on Butts Canyon before you get to Ink Grade. For those new to the Hoppers please familiarize yourself with the Rules of Engagement before coming.

Stay tuned early next week for last minute ride details. In the mean time, enjoy our Spring that has at last sprung. Rubber side down. Mig

After a busy work week with several nights lasting until midnight I awoke to pouring rain Saturday morning. Thankfully the coffee timer had worked and at 6:00 A.M, in the dark, I stumbled out to the barn and bike shop to load the truck for the days Hopper. For some, rain would have been an ominous sign, but I began to feel giddy. As the coffee began to jump start my system and Los Lobos on too loud, I accidentally hit the siren switch on the megaphone. Fortunately the neighbors  are far away and by the time I had found the off button the game was on! I arrived early and had time to chat with Sag Monkey, the days support, as we waited for folks to arrive. The first was Brian Staby who as a firefighter had just got off work at 8:00…A.M.! Soon to arrive were George Hope, Brian Anderson, Gabe Cheese, Todd Weitzenberg, Ray Simone and all the other brothers who just couldn’t stay away.  The weather couldn’t scare away the  ever-dedicated Hopperites Jennifer White and Romany either. The vibe was great and although the downpour continued up until the start we had plenty of space inside the Community Center to get psyched up for the day. Gave a short speech and let the way down Boho Hwy. and though the rain had stopped, the road was soaked. We all got down safely and were contemplating a piss stop when Ted and Jadey decided to launch an attack. There was a collective sigh in the group but no one wanted to spot those two a couple of minutes, even with such a long day ahead. We quickly brought them back and as we hit Hwy headed North the wind was to our back, the clouds began to break and the tempo increased. The days first climb began as close to sea level as possible without being in the water at Russian Gulch. Most were worried about Meyers Grade but the pitch, though not nearly so steep, is relentless. At this point I watched the lead group ride away; this I expected. Then the next group caught me, this I didn’t. Oh well, in for the long haul. As we neared the turn onto Meyers I managed to catch up to George, Gabe and Brian Andersen and was just hoping to hang on. As the pitch hit over 20% I lost contact and saved a little for the rollers over the top where I latched on and a solid group of 7 or 8 headed into the descent on Timber Cove. Was good to follow George and everyone made it safe to route 1. The group up the road consisted of Barry Wicks, Roger Bartels, Shawn Rosental, Ted Simpkins, Michael Hosey, Todd W., Ryan Price and Glenn Fant. I figured they would break apart on either Kruse or Hauser Bridge but was not planning on catching anyone. We took a quick nature brake on Kruse and got strung along by Cheese who was feeling fresher, and fitter, than the rest. We all summited together and then Brian and I ripped the descent and I was hoping to get enough to help me hang on up Hauser. Alas, this was not the case. As the climb hit over 24%!!! I did all I could to keep it together. We each came into the feed at Tin Barn and King spread apart and hit the rolling climbs and descents on King Ridge in the same way. I say Brian and Gabe slip away and George in no mans lands dangling there. He knows King Ridge better than anyone so I figured he’d catch them on the descent into Caz. Finally on top I managed to catch up to Doug McKenzie, Paul and Matt and were joined by Michael Jordan. Yes, THE Michael Jordan! As we neared Caz we caught George and had a solid group of 6 rolling together all the way to Camp Meeker. It’s a quintessential Hopper moment, bonded in timeless flight, conservation of momentum and effort; minutes stitched together that made up the good part of an hour, helping each other to the finish. Sizing the group up I had aspirations of taking the group, only to have simultaneous hamstring and quad cramps. The grip slipped away and put two minutes on me from Camp Meeker to the finish but I managed to stay on my bike. Never have Salt and Pepper Kettle Chips and a cold BodyAmor ever tasted so good! Thanks for the good time. Stay tuned for Hopper # 5 info. It’s April 28th and we’ll be starting in Santa Rosa. If anyone rode slowly enough (or just took time to look around) to be able to tell me exactly where this amazing redwood tree is, next Hopper is on me. Cheers, Mig

Photo by Morgan Fletcher

king ridge results

The Hoppers began out of the spirit of friendly competition amongst brothers and sisters in the West County/Gianni church of rotating mass. Like all long rides with mixed groups there are surges and lapses. It’s a dance amongst friends,especially when guys and gals ride together and try to figure out exactly what the days pace is going to be and who’s to decide. I believe one of my inspirational moments for the Hoppers happened 15 years ago on King Ridge. After a busy Spring and Summer of racing I savored late October and November rides when we would do long, steady rides without too many hard efforts and no unexpected attacks by friends testing their form. It was on one of these King Ridge rides when a friend (name withheld; who wasn’t a bike racer but fast none the less) was experiencing an unexpected jackpot of fitness and decided this would be the day when he would crush his “racer” buddies. So we let him yo-yo off the front all day and ended up riding much harder than we wanted. Then at the end of the day what happened?, yeah, we ended up waiting for him as he picked up the pieces somewhere along the rollers of Seaview and helped him find his way home. Why didn’t we leave him? Because he was our brother. But…I thought…we should put a date on the calendar to ride King Ridge with no holds barred. If you attack and blow up, no waiting. It was like the Oncelers when they discovered the Tuffula trees,I needed to let the whole family know. I got on the horn (no email…oh simple life was) and called Hunter (Santa Cruz gang), Kent and Don (Pink Palace gang) Glenn (NorCal/(Dave’s) gang) Duncan, Rog (Healdlsburg gang) Yuri and Timmel (Petaluma gang) and of course George, Leo, Ray, Kevin, Mike,Matt and the rest of the Gianni gang and the Hoppers were born.

Well, word has spread and it’s hard to hide a good thing. We are doing our best to stay true to our roots and make the Hoppers as hard, and as fun as we can. We do our best to keep it safe but it’s up to everyone to ride within their ability and be responsible for their actions. It would be quite easy to draft a route that would be un-doable or see 15 out off 150 riders finish but that is not the goal. We create unique, challenging courses that flirt between just right and a little too much. So on to his years route choice. If you ask why I’ll have to tell you the same thing I told Todd W. as we climbed Meyers Grade on a pre-ride, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got.” I have the King Ridge loop completely programmed into my internal GPS/Powermeter. (Lord knows I don’t ride with one and can never really tell you how low a Hopper is) Clockwise…It’s a bit more of an unknown. You all know you’re wondering what it’s gonna feel like climbing Hauser Bridge climb.

Remember that these rides are not sagged. Everyone needs to read the Rules of Engagement. A Hopper isn’t quite a race (we have permits as a “training series”), not really a century or a Fondo but well…these are Grasshoppers! Please ride carefully and carry all the necessary equipment and tools to take care of your misfortunes, hunger and warmth. NorCal will be our neutral support once again and you will be happy to see Wade at the corner of Tin Barn and King Ridge. Say thanks and pick up your snacks. We will have some water to fill your bottles or you can leave him your personal bag at the start. The descents on this ride are all black diamond. Caution for high speed, unpredictably steep corners, cattle guards, cows, deer, unfilled pot holes, overfilled or gravelly pot holes, rednecks in big trucks who don’t give a fuck, hippies in Prius’s who love you but didn’t expect 20 bikers at 45 mph on a blind corner and other surprises. This is a true road ride with one section of gravel/dirt climb. Most folks will choose to ride their small tires but wouldn’t hurt to put on 25 or even 28cc tires. My bike of choice is my Specialize Roubaix.

Look forward to seeing you all on Sat. Mig

I missed the boat on writing a ride report on SuperSweetwater. Suffice it to say that the whole day was perhaps my favorite…ever. Why, you may ask. It seems that when dirt is involved the fun-cream rises to the top. We are of course out to whoop on and be whooped by our buddies but all come out to have a good time, ride hard and bring home well earned stories. Another plus was having some help from the El Molino High School team who are having a blast riding and racing in the dirt this year. Many of the kids live in the Occidental area and are enjoying ripping up the local trails with their buddies. I think the true high-light of the day for me was having my kids at the start and finish. It’s been a real stretch for us since the kids were born managing the pre-ride, day of, and day after details of the Hopper. Some may say there isn’t much to it, but we just make it look easy I’ve learned that when my cup overflows it’s like a rainy day ride; put on another layer and enjoy getting wet. By turning “have to’s: into “get to’s” my attitude changes to gratitude and this give me latitude to enjoy the perfection of imperfection. To top the day off, I managed to dig deep at the right time and hook up with a solid group in Caz and finished inside the top 20. At the finish Zander and Josie were running around and at least they gave me 5 minutes to pull it together before challenging me to a heated game of tag. Oh, the fatherly cross training never ends. Another high of the day was having Pete Stetina join us. It’s great having him join our Sonoma County bike community. Pete told me later it was the most fun he’d had on his bike all year. So it’s not just us local folks having our bike-fire stoked by the Hoppers. Pete took the days honors but was followed close by John Teeter. Jonathan is an El Molino grad and was a successful runner in high school. Great to see local talent rise to the top. We’ll be seeing him do great things so keep track.

Also present for the last ride was Sag Monkey. Here’s an article in 3/GO a tri magazine about his services.  Nick and his family helped out at the start and feed zone along with Wade from NorCal. We appreciate the local support and help at the feed zones. At the finish 1 in every 3 riders got a prize from the raffle box! Don’t forget to look for the small goods. NorCal has been donating 4 $25 gift certificates and ForkCatering 5 $10 lunch coupons. It’s been great having Sara and Chris at the finish dishing up the goods. As always Terry Curly from Capo arrives with delicious soft goods in hand and I’m sure those are some of the first prizes to go.

I was lucky to get the green light to ride on Monday and just so happened to be in Santa Cruz. I’ve been meaning to visit Rick Hunter at his place in Bonny Doone for years and finally made time. We spent several hours ripping from one secret trail to another and ended up behind UCSC. Fun to ride with a brother I first met racing mtb with 20 yrs ago.  Make sure to pick up a recent copy of Paved Magazine as Rick has an article about his recent trip to Japan. Continuing with our local steel theme I just received a package from Sean Walling and Soulcraft so we’ll have some new soft goods from Hunter and Soulcraft. I’m a bit nostalgic for simpler times and simpler bikes. Don’t think I would trade in my Epic, shock and disc brakes but I do miss being able to fix everything myself. Rick and I were remembering crazy days riding the Shute at Shasta Lemurian; rain and snow, no brakes, no way to stop…being blown by on the down hill by Greg Herbold.

You’ve had to read through all my rambling to get to the King Ridge details so here goes:

We’re going clockwise. Yep. That’s right. North. Need you ask why the answer is why not? and because it’s a Hopper. After having included King Ridge in every Hopper Series for the last 13 years it’s become a bit predictable. By this I don’t mean that it’s easy, but we have all the climbs and descents memorized and know where to go hard and when to hold back. This year will be different. I rode the loop with Todd Weitzenberg a few weeks ago and it was 75 miles and 7k of climbing. Not ridiculously hard but a beast none the less.

I would love nothing more than to surprise everyone the day of but want to give people who travel from far away have a chance to research the route and avoid getting lost. Like always you will receive a map laminate that has directions on it but the course is not marked. There will be one neutral feed zone. Stay tuned for last minute details and reminders next week. Pura vida, Mig.

King Ridge: March 31st

Start/Finish: Occidental

Route: Bohemian Hwy, Lft. Moscow Rd., Lft on River Rd/Hwy 116, Rt. on Hwy 1, Rt. on Meyers Grade,Continue on Sea View Rd, Lft Timber Cove Rd., Rt Hwy 1, Rt Kruse Ranch Rd, Lft Seaview/Hauser Bridge, Rt. King Ridge, Continue Straight on Cazadero Hwy, Rt. River Rd/Hwy 116, Left. Moscow Rd, Rt. Bohemian Hwy. Finish in Occidental

Sweetwater Results

I expect a smaller crowd the rest of the Hoppers so we will start from the Occidental Community Center rather than just outside of town like the last two. The plan is to have a neutral ride until we cross River Rd, or approximately 20 minutes. This way we will navigate the potentially dangerous crossings of Hwy 116, Guerneville Rd. and River Rd. as a group. Once we are on Eastside Rd it’s game on. Remember that all roads are open and are very small. Ride with caution and care. Look out for your brother and sister stay to the right. Everyone read the Rules of Engagement.

Sag Monkey will be at the start with hot coffee and Fork Catering will be at the finish so get some lunch. Leave your bottles etc. with NorCal at the start and please retrieve your things at the end of the day. Body Armour will be at the start with tasty beverage that is great to take on your ride. Don’t forget to check at the end to see if you’re a raffle winner. Lot’s of cool stuff from local companies. For more info visit our Sponsors page. I will bring all bottles that were left at the last ride. Please claim your bottles at the end of the day so I don’t have to haul them around. Thanks!

Series Leaders:

Been some heavy hitters this year so will be interesting to see who stays fit and consistent enough to pull of the Hopper title this year. As always the winner has bragging rights until next year and maybe a little extra somethin’.

Top 7 men:

1. Jim Hewett 240 pts

2. Jonathan Lee 210 pts

3. Levi Leipheimer 200 pts.

4. James Stemper 190 pts.

5. Taylor Bertrnadt-Barrett 180 pts.

6. Roger Bartels 176 pts.

7. Mike Hosey 175 pts.

Top 3 Women:

1. Helene Drumm 390 pts.

2. Kristen Drumm 350 pts.

3. Jennifer White 250 pts.