Grinduro California Unveils a New Course, Extends Registration
Grinduro California released the details of the newly redesigned course for this year’s event today, and it looks good.
Race organizers are enticing riders with everything from ‘rough remote gravel roads to smooth swoopy singletrack’ while prioritizing safety after late winter snowfalls
“As of early May, there is no longer any snow on the course, but water abounds everywhere. The grass is green and the flowers are exploding!” said course co-designer Dave Tricamo in a press release. “The Grinduro course comes in at 59.1 miles with 21 of those paved and 6,325 [feet] of elevation gain. Do not be misled by the mileage, this is a tough course with relentless changes in elevation, and a multitude of surface types that will keep riders on their toes.”
Gear tips for the new Grinduro California course
Though the updated route will extend along the north and south sides of Mount Shasta, organizers still want riders to bring their gravel bikes.
“This is not a mountain bike course, and there will be no hike-a-bike this year, perhaps to some folk’s chagrin,” said Tricamo.
Organizers also recommend 40c knobby tires with about 40 psi of pressure to help riders traverse through timber company land along the south side, where conditions are expected to be wet and muddy.
Riders can take a break on the shores of Lake Siskiyou for lunch before tackling an inclined road time trial section, and the gravel climb on the drier north side of Black Butte.
Familiar features from last year
The course will have a familiar, well-loved section from last year known as the Gateway trails. Riders will enter the Gateway singletrack, with its fast berms and rollers, to finish the final stage. In 2022, some riders told organizers the Gateway trails were the best singletrack they’ve ever ridden, according to the release.
The Grinduro event is also bringing back the Grindurito, an adventure course for cyclists interested in a little less riding and little less climbing.
“The Grindurito course is the north side loop of Grinduro, at approximately 35.5 miles and 3,546-feet of climbing. Grindurito riders will race Stages 2-4,” said Tricamo.
Festivities will also include a “Friday Shakedown Ride & Prologue Stage” to get things rolling and the “Sunday Hangover Ride” is back again as the weekend’s finale.
Did we mention that this whole shebang is also a fundraiser? Grinduro is an adventure fundraiser that benefits the nonprofit Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Alliance. As riders challenge themselves, they will also be “improving recreation infrastructure and access.” There’s really not much more a rider could ask for!
The deadline for online registration has been extended to May 15th, so don't snooze on the chance to have an amazing weekend of bikes and adventure!
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