Diamond Grinder
Start Time: July 25 10:00 am.
Start Location: Blue Lake Hatchery. 1660 Hatchery Rd, Arcata, CA 95521
Course Description: The route is 100% gravel. The gravel surface is loose and rutted in places. Expect to encounter climbs and decents with 20% gradients. There are two stream crossings, both require you to get your feet wet.
Bike: There is no perfect bike for all parts of the route. The beginning is easier and faster. The roads become more primitve when you decend to the river. These sections favor bikes with more control. I would recommend a hard tail mountain bike with fast rolling tires. However, if you are a very experienced gravel racer, then I would reccomend tires no smaller than 42.
The elevation on the Strava route is incorrect. Expect about 3000 feet of climbing
Outer Loops
Outer Loops Support: There will be an ice chest with cold drinks and snacks at Kneeland School. You will need to navigate the route and carry enough water for 3-4 hour of riding. There are several water sources on this route. I would recommend bringing a small water filter. I was able to tour the route in 10 hours. I carried about 3 liters of water and refilled twice. If you go missing, I will come look for you. There is cell service when you reace Kneeland school.
Showers Pass
Start Time: July 25 7:00 am.
Start Location: Blue Lake Hatchery. 1660 Hatchery Rd, Arcata, CA 95521
Course Description: The route is about 50% paved, 50% gravel. There are loose gravel sections with 20% grades. You will see redwoods, mixed forests, oak forests, prairies, and epic fiews. The elevation gain is about 13K. If you diesel around it on a moutain bike, expect 10 hours. The Course record is 7:32.57, held by Seth Lancaster.
Bike: The comfortable way to get around the course is with hard tail mountain bike. The race setup is a gravel bike equired with 42+ tires.
Download the Showers Pass GPX File
Lone Star
Start Time: July 25 7:00 am.
Start Location: Blue Lake Hatchery. 1660 Hatchery Rd, Arcata, CA 95521
Course Description: The route is about 70% paved, 30% gravel. There are loose gravel sections with 20% grades. The forests are mixed, the views are epic. The elevation gain is close to 10 K. If you diesel around in on a moutain bike, expect 7 hours.
Bike: The comfortable way to get around the course is with hard tail mountain bike. The race setup is a gravel bike equired with disk brakes and 42+ sized tires.
