Course

Wild is probably the only proper term that can be used to describe this place.  Nothing about Lake Sonoma or this route is tame by any measure.  It is extremely tough, and in order to ride it you need to be too.  This is no “ordinary” route.

Pre-Riding

FLUID — There are year-round creek crossings that you can FILTER if you’re in dire need of water, but don’t be a fool.  Be prepared when pre-riding this course. Bring a CamelBak or at least two full bottles and HYDRATE your body in the days leading up to your ride.

FOOD — You are going to burn as many calories as you can carry so bring plenty of it.

LONELY — If you pre-ride this route be prepared to be alone for a very long time.  Nobody is going to just happen along and help you out if you hurt yourself so PLEASE ride with a friend or tell somebody where you are going!

Race-Day

MASS START
The event will consist of a single mass-start on Dry Creek Road.  You will leave the Warm Springs Recreation Area below the dam and climb 2.5 miles of pavement and cross Rockpile Bridge before ducking into the long and winding single-track that will take you around the Warm Springs arm of the lake.  CHP will hold traffic for up to 10 minutes leaving a clear and empty road for you to string out before you leave all traces of humanity behind.

MARSHALS
Marshal staff will be in force at critical intersections to guide you should course markings not be obvious enough. Additionally, communication will be relayed between marshals and EMTs along the route in the case of an injury.

REST STOPS
Staffed rest stops will be positioned along the route where you may re-hydrate and re-fuel. Last year the weather was EXTREMELY HOT (almost 110 degrees) and our rest stops weren’t sufficient, requiring us to call the event short.  This year we’re hoping for more reasonable race-day temperatures. We are also beefing up our rest stop support and logistics so no matter what the weather throws at us, we will be well-prepared to handle it and the volume of riders.

EMTs
We have hired First On Scene EMS to provide emergency medical tech support along the route. You’re in good hands!

Course: 35 Miles, Approximately 8,000′ of Climbing

The course is very challenging — the most challenging 35 miles of single-track we can get our paws on in this area. Not many people have ridden Lake Sonoma like this before so there’s not much to compare it too.  Additionally, the course runs reverse to its more common clockwise direction.  Armed with this knowledge you should deduce that the route will be very unique and challenging.

Now that you’ve read these words of wisdom, here’s your 35 miles of get-tough…

[ ROUTE MAP ]