THE MEGA HOPPER

October 17th, 2025

Welcome to the Mega Hopper, a fully self-supported, the absurdly ambitious 416-mile linkup of 9 major and legendary Hopper routes. This is the ultimate test for your gravel endurance.

This isn’t a race or a traditional event, really, it’s an idea, a challenge, and a chance to dig deep, ride long, and test yourself across the a combination of the same legendary mixed-terrain Grasshopper courses we have ridden over the years.

Weather your coming for the FKT (Fastest Known Time) or the FKT (Funnest Known Time) this is amazing opportunity to cover some ground in a very special area.

87% Paved

13% Dirt

40,419ft

416 mi

Route

416 miles and 46,000 of elevations through Sonoma, Marin, Lake and Nap Counties. This is essentially the greatest hits tour of Grasshopper routes and all the legendary roads the area has to offer. This route includes the classic Hoppers Old Caz, Chileno Valley, King Ridge, Fort Ross, Super Sweetwater, Super Skaggs, Ida Clayton/Spring Mtn., Bear Valley and The Geysers. Though primarily paved roads don’t let this fool you. For many of the roads in Sonoma County you will be stoked be on a wide volume tired gravel bike. The dirt sections include Mt. Vision, Inverness Ridge, 5 Brooks to Olema Valley, Bolinas Ridge, Willow Creek, Old Caz, Lake Sonoma Single track and Western Mine Rd.

What is an Ultra?

An Ultra Bikepacking event is a long-distance, self-supported cycling challenge. Riders navigate rugged terrain over hundreds of miles, carrying all their gear and managing their own food, water, and repairs. There are no aid stations or support crews, just you and the ride.

You can take on the challenge however you want: join a crew of friends or embark on a solo "vision quest." The focus isn't on speed, but endurance and self-sufficiency. It’s about testing your limits, exploring remote landscapes, and experiencing the journey, not just the finish line.


More Info

  • Mega Hopper Ultra… Because Why Not?

    You “asked” for something big, something ridiculous, so here it is.

    This is your chance to take on a true challenge, whether solo or with friends. Inspired by classic Ultra events, this one’s designed to push your limits, but with room for fun and creativity too.

    Here’s the gist:

    This is a self-supported Ultra ride. That means no aid stations, no course markings, and no support. Just you, your bike, and the route.

    But we’re doing things our way.

    While we’ll have a category for those who want to pursue an FKT or ride it in classic Ultra fashion, we’re also creating space for riders who want to take it on as a team. Whether you’re out there solo on a vision quest or rolling deep with a crew, this is your ride.

    Two ways to register:

    • Solo Ultra (Self-Supported / FKT style)

    • Team Effort (Still tough, just less lonely)

    Registration will be hosted on Movemint, with only 75 spots available. There’s no entry fee, but we suggest a donation to a nonprofit we’ve chosen to support.

  • For dot tracking we will be using Trackleader.

    Please register here as it is required for participation!

    We’re using Trackleaders for live GPS tracking of riders on course, whether they’re participating or making an FKT attempt. It helps us keep the event safe and fair, and gives friends and fans a great dot-watching experience.

  • The Grand depart will be on Friday October 17th at 7:00 AM in Occidental, California at the Altamont General Store.

    Come prepared and ready to start the epic adventure.

  • You can register on movemint and make a donation to the non profit

    You can register as “Solo (Self Supported Ultra Style)” Or grab a friend and you can register as “pairs (Ride Together, Finish Together)”

  • There’s no perfect setup, but here’s what we’d roll with.

    A gravel bike with big tires (think 45–50mm) is a solid choice if you’re looking to move fast and feel confident on mixed terrain. If you’d rather have more control and comfort, a hardtail mountain bike is just as good, maybe even better on some of the rougher stuff.

    You’ll want gearing that can get you up steep climbs when you're deep into the ride and feeling it. Don’t skimp here. And definitely don’t skimp on tires, tubeless is the move, and something durable that can handle sharp rocks and long days.

    This is a long day out. Make sure your saddle works for you, your hands are happy on the bars, and your setup isn’t going to beat you up. Little things become big things after 10+ hours.

    What’s not ideal? Road bikes. Tires under 40mm. Heavy full-suspension rigs. You can do it on those… but we wouldn’t.

    Ride what you’ve got, just be smart about it.

  • This isn’t your typical gravel event. This is self-supported. Semi-structured. Fully on you. Inspired by classic Ultra events like the Tour Divide, Oregon Timber Trail, and Atlas Mountain Race, with our own twist.

    Whether you're chasing an FKT or just out to finish, here's what you need to know.

    Categories

    Solo (Self-Supported Ultra Style)
     You're out there alone. No outside help. No drafting. No support from friends, family, or trail angels unless it’s commercially available to all (like gas stations or grocery stores).

    Pairs (Ride Together, Finish Together)
     This category is for riders taking it on together. You can draft each other, help each other, share gear and snacks, just no outside support. You still carry what you need and ride the full route.


    General Rules

    1. Self-Supported Means Self-Supported
       No outside support unless it’s commercially available to all participants. No personal support crews, supply drops, or trail magic arranged just for you.

    2. No Drafting (Solo Category)
      Riders in the solo category must ride independently. No pacelines or wheelsucking. If you end up next to someone organically, that’s fine, but the intent is to ride alone.

    3. Stay on Route
      You must follow the official GPX route. No shortcuts or creative reroutes. If a trail is closed or impassable, you must rejoin the course as soon as possible at the nearest point. If you must leave the route for any reason (ex: to get help from an off-route bike shop or resupply at an off-route story) you must then return to the point of the route where you left before resuming.

    4. Track Your Ride
      Riders must record their ride using GPS. You’ll be asked to upload your file for verification, especially if you’re chasing an FKT.

    5. Fix It Yourself
      Carry your own tools, fix your own bike, and solve your own problems. That’s part of the challenge. If you can’t finish under your own power, or get assistance from an open bike shop (see “Stay on Route” above), it’s a scratch.

    6. Respect and Stewardship
      Respect the land, the locals, and your fellow riders. Pack out all the trash. Ride with care and courtesy. Don’t ruin access for others.

    Disqualification Criteria

    You will be disqualified if you:

    • Receive support that is not commercially available to all riders.

    • Draft in the Solo category.

    • Skip sections of the official route.

    • Behave disrespectfully toward others or damage the reputation of the event.

    • Leave trash behind on course.

    Required

    Suggested (But Not Required)

    • Spot Tracker or live tracking (strongly recommended for FKT attempts)

    • Lights and reflective gear for night riding

    • Emergency beacon (like a Garmin InReach or similar)

    • Layers, tools, and nutrition for full self-sufficiency

    • A sense of humor and the ability to suffer well