Last Updated April 18, 2024
Boggs MTB is an eight-hour mountain bike race held annually in Boggs Demonstration State Forest, located near the small mountain hamlet of Cobb, California. Since its inception in 2006, the event has seen steady growth and remains one of the few enduring relay mountain bike races today. Boggs 8-Hour is the inaugural event produced by Bike Monkey and has been rated as one of the best MTB events in the Northwest by Strambecco. In 2024, Bike Monkey will celebrate its 19th year of event production, marking nearly two decades since the event first helped shape the organization’s identity. Despite challenges such as nearby fires in 2015 that affected the surrounding communities and the forest, the race continues to thrive, with ongoing trail restoration efforts.
Below you will find information on course details, lodging, other outdoor activities to do while in town for Boggs MTB.
Event & Course Info
The Boggs 8-Hour mountain bike race offers participants a unique and challenging experience in the Boggs Demonstration State Forest near Cobb, California. Racers can choose to compete solo or as part of a relay team with two or three riders. The course features a demanding loop of approximately 8-9 miles per lap, with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Currently, the course is being enhanced with new trails being built and restored to provide an exhilarating ride.
The race follows a distinctive 8-hour format where all racers start simultaneously at 8:00 am, and each lap is completed when passing through the finish arch. For teams, the next lap time starts as soon as a team member crosses the finish, allowing for strategic exchanges until the 5:00 pm cutoff.
Bike Monkey employs an advanced RFID scoring system to track Boggs MTB laps accurately for both individuals and teams, providing real-time results. This transparency ensures participants and spectators are kept informed of standings throughout the day, heightening the competitive atmosphere. Awards are given to the top three finishers in various categories, including Individual Men’s and Women’s Divisions and Team Divisions, which vary based on team size and composition. This acknowledgment celebrates the endurance and performance of the racers, making it a highly anticipated event each year.
Accommodations & Things to Do
Accommodations:
After the adrenaline rush of the Boggs 8-Hour, participants can unwind and explore the mountain hamlet of Cobb, California. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the region, Cobb offers a range of accommodations to suit every preference, from cozy cabins to quaint bed and breakfasts and unique home-like experiences. Visitors can relax and rejuvenate in the tranquil surroundings, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the forested landscape.
Since the Valley Fire in 2015 led to the need for restoration in Boggs Demonstration State Forest, overnight camping has generally been prohibited. However, an exception is made for the Boggs MTB race, which offers a limited number of 200 camping spots. Participants in the race can reserve a campsite for either a car and tent or a van when they register. This reservation is mandatory for those wishing to camp during the race weekend. Without a reserved campsite, participants are not allowed to enter the forest on the Friday before the race and must leave the forest on Saturday after the race concludes.
Culinary & Dining:
In the mountain hamlet of Cobb, California, you’ll find a few charming dining options to satisfy your appetite after a day of adventure as it offers a quaint and cozy culinary scene that reflects its small-town charm. Dining options in Cobb focus on locally-sourced ingredients and feature a mix of casual eateries and family-run establishments, providing visitors with a taste of authentic, home-style cooking. Local favorites include Hardester’s Market & Deli, the Twin Pine Casino & Hotel dining options, and Brick Oven Pizza and Pasta. You also may enjoy wine tasting at one of the many wineries in Lake County.
Outdoor Activities:
Additionally, Cobb serves as an ideal base for exploring the diverse array of activities available in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on scenic hikes through the nearby trails, immersing themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding wilderness. For those with a taste for adventure, Clear Lake provides opportunities for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Wine aficionados can indulge in a leisurely wine tasting tour at one of the nearby vineyards, sampling the region’s acclaimed varietals amidst stunning vineyard vistas. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, Cobb and its surrounding area offer a wealth of experiences to complement the excitement of the Boggs MTB.
Just a short drive from Cobb, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park offers some of the most picturesque trails in the region. The park is famous for its hike to the summit of Mount St. Helena, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding wine country and even distant glimpses of the San Francisco Bay on clear days. The trail is about 10 miles round trip and climbs through evergreen forests and rugged chaparral, offering a challenging yet rewarding hike.
For those looking to mix relaxation with adventure, Harbin Hot Springs offers a unique experience near Cobb. This retreat and hot springs resort features naturally heated pools that are a result of the region’s geothermal activity. Outdoor athletes can unwind in the healing waters after a day of activities. Although the main resort was damaged by wildfires in recent years, parts of it have reopened, providing limited yet serene access to the mineral pools. The site also offers trails for a gentle hike around the area, allowing visitors to enjoy both the thermal waters and the lush greenery typical of Northern California in spring.
Related Events
Bike Monkey is Northern California’s premier road, gravel, and MTB event producer. Sister events include Levi’s Gran Fondo, Fish Rock, Heart of Gold, Wente, Truckee Dirt Fondo, Hammer Road Rally, Stetina’s Pay Dirt, and Rebecca’s Private Idaho. Bike Monkey events are supported with SAG vehicles, well-stocked feed stations, and post-ride festivals.
For multi-sport endurance athletes looking for other events in the state of California and broader Northwest region, be sure to check out our full list of Strambecco Best in Class rated races and events:
