The Hammer Road Rally, produced by Bike Monkey, is one of California’s premiere gravel events. Picked as one of our best gravel cycling events in California, it features some of the most incredible roads and scenery you can find on two wheels. It occurs near the end of California’s road cycling season before winter grips the higher elevations. The fall colors are incredible this time of year, and crisp air at elevation fills your lungs. The event has ride options for most ability levels. The longest route, the Hammer, is a timed, competitive event with prizes awarded to top finishers across various age/gender categories. The Hammer is an epic ride with one particular gravel climb you won’t soon forget. In preparing for this event, keep the altitude in mind, both the Sierra and the climbing elevation offered on each route!
The Hammer honors the late Edward O. Lund, a Fresno State faculty member, avid cyclist, artist, curator, and one of the founding organizers of Fresno’s Art Hop. Ed tragically lost his life in late 2015 due to a cycling accident. The event brings attention and funds to the Ed Lund Foundation, which supports aspiring artists at Fresno State University through a study-abroad scholarship program.
Besides the event, the Shaver Lake region and Sierra National Forest scenery make the Hammer worth a visit. This is a great event to build a weekend around. The Shaver Lake area offers loads of casual restaurants & bars, and ample lodging, Airbnb, and camping options are available in the picturesque region.
Bike Monkey produces some of the best road and gravel events in California and the greater Southwest, including Levi’s Gran Fondo; Rebecca’s Private Idaho; Stetina’s Pay Dirt; Truckee Dirt Fondo; Fish Rock; Heart of Gold Gravel; and the Hammer Road Rally
Hammer
TIMED
85mi + 9,175′
TIMED
THE REAL DEAL
The Hammer features an absolutely massive 15-mile-long gravel climb from Stump Springs Road to Kaiser Pass at 9,196′ above sea level.
Features nearly 30 miles of legit gravel.
Timing ENDS at the top of Kaiser Pass. The rest of your ride after Kaiser Pass is for the pure enjoyment of it with your friends.
Hard
Not Timed.
53mi + 5,897′
NOT TIMED
STRENUOUS 53 MILE RIDE
With nearly 6,000′ of elevation gain, Riders will take on a major 2,000′ paved climb as they make their way from the town of Big Creek to Huntington Lake.
Features several miles of mixed, chunky road and gravel descending.
Easyish
Not Timed.
28mi + 2,885′
NOT TIMED
MODERATE 28-MILE RIDE
The “Easyish” route is a beautiful option for those exploring the region without taking on such grueling climbs.
The course features an out-and-back format with one moderate descent which turns into a moderate climb after you turn around. If you don’t want to drop to Dinkey Creek, you can simply turn around at the aid station located at mile 10.
