Jackson Forest
April 25th, 2026 Register
We are thrilled to announce that the Grasshopper Adventure Series is returning to the Jackson State Demonstration Forest in Casper, California. The 32 mi. loop includes 15 mi. of flowing single track and the remainder is composed of dirt and gravel roads. 100% off-road racing and riding! Course Update! NO short/long course. All riders will do the same course and have two aid stations.
32mi
4,138 ft
35% Single Track
65% Gravel
Route
The Jackson Forest Hopper starts in Caspar, CA and heads straight into the quiet backroads and singletrack of Jackson Demonstration State Forest. The route mixes fast, smooth dirt roads with rougher forest sections, steady climbs, and a few technical bits that keep things interesting. It’s a route that rewards pacing and bike handling as much as fitness.
You’ll roll through dense redwoods, coastal fog, and stretches of open ridge with classic Mendocino vibes all around. While it’s doable on a gravel bike, a hardtail or XC bike will be the better call for most riders. It’s a solid day out, challenging, beautiful, and full of that remote, backcountry feel that makes the Hoppers what they are.
Jackson Forest Hopper
At every Grasshopper event, we partner with a local foundation or nonprofit to help support their mission and give back to the communities we ride through. We’re excited to do the same for the Jackson Forest Hopper, highlighting the incredible work being done in Mendocino County. We’ll be announcing this year’s beneficiary in the coming weeks, stay tuned!
More Info
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The Jackson Forest Hopper kicks off in Caspar, CA, a small coastal town just south of Fort Bragg, before heading inland through the towering redwoods and winding roads of Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Riders will experience everything from smooth gravel and fast descents to rugged forest trails surrounded by ferns and coastal fog, a true taste of Mendocino County’s wild backcountry.
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In Caspar and the surrounding Mendocino Coast, April brings classic spring conditions, cool mornings in the low 50s and daytime highs in the mid-60s, with a mix of sun, clouds, and the occasional light drizzle. The forest stays lush and green this time of year, and while the coast can be breezy and damp, the inland sections of Jackson Demonstration Forest are often warmer and more sheltered. Expect some moisture on shaded trails, but when the sun breaks through, it’s about as good as it gets for riding, cool temps, tacky dirt, and crisp ocean air.
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Friday:
12:30: Shake Our Ride: Meet at Scales for 1:00 ride. MAP (Route)5:00-7:00 PM: Packet Pick Caspar Community Center
Saturday:
6:30-9:30 AM: Registration and Packet Pickup
10:00 AM Start from 2 miles down road 600 from Scales (see Map):1:30-5:00 PM: Lunch
3:30 PM: Podium at Casper Community CenterSunday:
Social Ride with Argonaut
Meet 10:00 am for 10:30 roll.
34 miles. 2.5 hours (Route)
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Registration opens November 1st, 2025 and closes April 22nd 2026 at 11:59 pm PST
For the best registration experience, create a Movemint account to easily manage all your registered events, track your results, and integrate your Strava account. More information here
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 21st, 2026 at 11:59PM PST
Day of transfers to another rider are allowed ($20 fee)
For more info check out the registration policy in the FAQ on the “About Us” page
How to Register a Team:
When registering, the team captain should create the team first.
How to create a team on movemint
Once the team is created, other riders can select that team name from the drop-down menu during registration.
Teams or groups of 5 or more planning to register together can reach out to us before registering to receive $10 off for each rider
All team members must register under the same exact team name for results to be grouped correctly.
Teams are an awesome way to build camaraderie, represent your community, and bring extra energy to every Grasshopper.
Referral's: Once you register, you’ll receive a unique referral code to share with friends. Each friend you refer gets $10 off their registration, and you’ll get $10 back for every friend who signs up.
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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
All riders do 1 lap
Men: Pro, U19, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
Women: Pro, U19, 19-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
Juniors 16-18
Junior U16
Non Binary
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Friday: 5:00-7:00 PM Caspar Community Center
Saturday: 6:30-9:30 AM Caspar Community Center
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See Camping.
There are lots of hotels in Fort Bragg and Mendocino as well as AirBnB
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There is no dedicated event camping.
Here are some links for camping:
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You can ride Jackson Forest on a gravel bike, but the course is best suited for a hardtail or XC mountain bike. Expect a mix of smooth dirt roads, rough forest tracks, and some rooty, rocky sections through the trees.
If you’re on a gravel bike, go with the widest tires you can fit (around 40–45mm) and make sure they’re in good shape. Lower pressure and a bit of tread will go a long way.
If you’re on a mountain bike, run fast-rolling tires and keep things light, you’ll appreciate the control and comfort on the rougher parts.
Recommended tool kit:
2 tubes, 2 CO₂, small pump, Dyna Plug, multi-tool, tire boots, and patches.Conditions can change quickly with weather, so be ready for anything from hero dirt to muddy corners. Whatever bike you bring, make sure it’s dialed and ready for a big day in the forest!
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 Grasshopper FB) page)
Online Transfer Cut-Off is Tues. May 6th at 11:59 PM. DAY OF TRANSFERS +$20 -
There will be one aid station on course that you will pass at mile 18.7 and at 25.3.
You may leave a bottle or hydration pack with Mike’s Bikes at the registration venue before 9:30. There will be NO hand-ups. Bottles and packs should be labeled and will be placed on the side of the aid station for you to retrieve.
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A crazy hard, super fun adventure with a bunch of your new and old cycling buddies.
Bottle Drop p/b Mike’s Bikes
Fully stocked Feed zones with Skratch Hydration Maurten gels, and other snacks
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 Yerba Madre and Best Day Brewing beer at the finish.
Podiums for Top 3 All Categories Juniors U16 and Juniors 16-18
Cash prizes for Top 3 Pro M/F Overall.
Emergency Medical Support en route.
Unforgettable stories of adventure.
Event Photos
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