Event Series: Grasshopper Adventure Series

Ukiah-Mendo Gravel Epic 2025

April 27, 2025

gravel cyclists at Ukiah-Mendo Gravel Epic

Nestled in the heart of Mendocino County, the Ukiah-Mendo Gravel Epic offers an exceptional opportunity for gravel cycling enthusiasts to explore the majestic redwoods and rugged terrain of Northern California. Organized by the renowned Grasshopper Adventure Series, this event promises a challenging and exhilarating experience for riders of all levels. Taking place in April, the Epic allows riders to traverse private logging roads and scenic byways that are typically off-limits to the public. With its mix of adventure, competition, and camaraderie, this event has become a must-do for gravel cyclists eager for an unforgettable journey through one of California’s most beautiful regions.

Strambecco rates the Ukiah-Mendo Gravel Epic as one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in the Northwest and one of Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in California and the Best NorCal Gravel Grinders. The event also serves as the first NCNCA Gravel District Championship and is part of the prestigious international Gravel Earth Series, further elevating its status in the gravel cycling world.

Event Course & Info

The Ukiah-Mendo Gravel Epic features three route options designed to cater to different levels of endurance and skill. The highlight of the event is the Mero Mero, a challenging 75-mile route with 8,423 feet of climbing. This route starts in downtown Ukiah at Todd Grove Park and takes riders on a mix of gravel, chunky pavement, and packed dirt. The scenic course passes through private logging roads and climbs through redwoods, fir, and oak forests, offering riders an immersive Northern California experience. Riders will face a neutral rollout to Masonite Rd, followed by a steep climb up Comptche-Ukiah Rd to Low Gap. This long course also includes smoother pavement sections between miles 33-50, offering a brief respite before tackling the final stretches. Aid stations are strategically placed at miles 15.8, 32 (with a bottle and bag drop), and 57 to support riders throughout the course.

For those seeking a slightly less intense challenge, the Mediano course offers a 40-mile option with 3,200 feet of climbing. While shorter, it still provides the rugged beauty and challenging terrain of the region. Riders will follow the same course as the Mero Mero for the first 22 miles before turning onto Low Gap Rd for the return journey. Aid stations are available at mile 15.8, ensuring that riders have the support they need along the way.

The Chiquito course is the shortest option, covering 24 miles with 2,291 feet of climbing. Although designed for those looking for a more moderate challenge, this route still packs a punch, with an aid station located at mile 10 to keep riders fueled and hydrated.

The event’s celebration of the top finishers includes cash prizes for the top three male, female, and non-binary riders in the long course across all age groups. The Mediano course also recognizes the top three overall male and female riders. Riders can enjoy a post-race after-party and celebration with lunch, beer, activities, and a bike raffle at Todd Grove Park, adding a festive atmosphere to an already unforgettable experience.

Related Events

Ukiah-Mendo Gravel Epic is produced by Hopper Adventures, known as the US’s longest-running gravel/mixed-terrain adventure series producer. Whether looking for races or adventures, each event allows you to explore little-known paved, dirt, and single-track in Sonoma, Mendocino, and Humbolt County. These are eclectic races designed to push riders to the limit without pushing them over.

The 2025 five-event Adventure Series events run annually from January to May, including Low Gap; Huffmaster Hopper; Lake Sonoma MTB; and Ukiah-Mendo Epic. Riders must complete at least 3 Hoppers to compete for the Series overall. The points are calculated based on the placement in each race, with the Lake Sonoma MTB offering +10 points towards series overall in all categories, riders compete for the Hopper Super Hero King of the Universe title in their age groups. Attending specific races, including the long Huffmaster and Ukiah-Mendo Epic course, is crucial for those aiming for series points. Special events on their calendar include the USAL Hopper: The Lost Coast, Lake Sonoma Enduro, and the Mendo Hopper. They are considered some of the Best Gravel Grinders in NorCal. Past events they have produced include King Ridge; Sherwood Adventure; and Humbolt Hopper. There is a competition for the Hopper Super King of the Universe title based on overall points leaders for riders who complete five Hoppers.

If you are looking to extend your fitness into the Spring, consider the famed Belgian Waffle Ride California (San Diego), which is part of the highly respected North American Belgian Waffle Ride Series and the final leg of the Tripel Crown of Gravel Series. Also part of the BWR Series is the Belgian Waffle Ride British Columbia in May.

Multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in California and the broader Northwest region can take a peek at all of our related Strambecco Best rated event guides: