What to Know
Name: Trans North California Year: 1st Length: 400 Miles Start: Cali/NV State line Finish: Mendocino Vert: 40,000ft Route Description: Dirt road and some singletrack. Race Director: Doug Frederick and Dan Hensley Starting right on the Nevada/California border, racers will travel on Hennessee Pass Road leading into the Sierra Mountains. Racers will quickly reach the high point of the route at 7,000 feet, climbing dirt roads and singletrack through the Sequoia forests. After some time in the high Country, the route descends into the first resupply town of Comptonville, about 100 miles in. After a few more ups and downs, the route takes on the long flat section of the Rural Sacramento Valley, a nice change of pace. There are a handful of resupply towns in the valley where racers can grab a bite and resupply for the climb up into the Mendocino National Forest. Racers will be rudely introduced to the Mendocino Forest 250 miles into the route with a 4000ft climb. Almost just as long of a descend will drop the fatigued riders into the Potter Valley. Riders will pass through Ukiah, another resupply town with food, lodging, and a bike shop. They will then travel thorough the the beautiful costal forest, climbing up more roads and descending some world class singletrack. Once racers reach the Big River, only a few miles separate them from a beer in Mendocino. Doug and Dan understand how to put on a good race, it is illustrated by their presentation and overall route choice. It also shows by letting it be known this is a DO-IT-YOURSELF race. Riders will be expected to handle a bike failure or rattle snake bite on their own. Only in the worst of scenarios may a racer ask another racer for assistance. Their website states “there are no prizes, no entry fee, no medals, no trophies, no promises, no warranty, no sponsors, no fanfare, no expectations, no liability, no one in charge, and no one but you.” We like it that way. A first year event will always keep you wondering. Who will take the early lead, where will racers resupply, who will drop out, and how fast will it take people to finish. Although the route is comprised of a majority of road, it’s a tough route. The Trans North California has set up simple classifications for racers. The classes are as follows:- Ladies Geared
- Gentlemen Geared
- Ladies Single Speed/Fixed
- Gentlemen Single Speed/Fixed
- Tandem
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