Murphy Mack and SuperPro racing may no longer be promoting the Masters World Championships in San Jose, but the 2011 SSCXWC promoter still has a full event schedule for 2016, including the last three gravel events that make up the SuperPro Gravel Gauntlet series, as well as to two cyclocross series planned for the fall.
The next gravel event is this next Sunday, the 82-mile Rumble in the Ranchlands in Mariposa, Califonia. See the full series details in the press release below:
SuperPro Racing announces open registration for the last three in their five-event SuperPro Gravel Gauntlet series.
The most prestigious gravel series in the western United States, the Gravel Gauntlet offers events in showcase California settings. Each event features a different ecosystem and is designed from the ground up to combine flowing, top notch riding with spectacular views and varied surfaces.
Adventure is out there at the SuperPro Racing Gravel Gauntlet series.
Remaining events are held in the Yosemite foothills (Mariposa), treeless, arid desert hills (Panoche), and the Sierra Mountains (Foresthill). Routes are laid out on backcountry roads to minimize the number of cars that riders will encounter.
SuperPro events are known for savory rest stop treats, like hot grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh pancakes. The routes will offer riders two to three well-stocked stops on routes that are typically around 75 miles in length. Some of the events offer a shorter route for riders not wanting to go 75 miles in a single sitting.
2016 SuperPro Racing Gravel Gauntlet 5-Event Series Kicked off Saturday, Feb 20th. The next event in the series in March 20th.
As always, each ride will feature a fun-filled after-party with a SuperPro-style buffet to reload all those spent calories, and flowing libations for enhanced story swapping with friends old and new.
More details on the individual events:
A five event series to determine who will be the King and Queen of North American gravel scene.
#1: Saturday, February 20th – The Tainthammer – COMPLETED
Los Banos, CA. 130 miles of the amazingly worst California Central Valley roads we could find. Horrible pavement, compressed sand, gravel, washboard, potholes, headwinds and a whopping 350 feet of climbing, total. Tainthammer: it’s more than just a clever name. Rumor has it Ted King and Laurens Ten Dam will be in attendance. More info.
#2: Saturday, March 5th – Menso’s SLO Ride to Hell – COMPLETED
Santa Margarita, CA. California Pro racer Menso de Jong takes you a journey of self-discovery and introspection.* A 75-mile route with massive views, screaming descents, and twists and turns on backcountry mountain tops that will leave you dizzy. Bring the camera for this one as the scenery promises to be spectacular. More info.
* Introspection will occur when you’ve been putting out 500w for eight minutes on the first climb with Menso.
The SuperPro Racing Gravel Gauntlet series features routes that cover amazing terrain and offer killer views. © Zack Cunningham
#3: Sunday, March 20th – Rumble in the Ranchlands
Mariposa, CA. A 82-mile rolling route through the Sierra foothills not far from Yosemite Valley. Guitars and Cadillacs, hillbilly music for sure. This is the event featured in the video above.
We’ll sling you up and down scenic dirt roads and double tracks, in and out of steep river valleys. You may have to yield to cows.
#4: Saturday, April 2nd – Panoche Desert Hills
Firebaugh, CA. Mostly dirt double track through treeless, arid desert in the rain shadow of the San Benito Mountain Wilderness. A couple of tiny hike-a-bikes for the weak of leg and gigantic (200 ft +) G-out rollers going down. Spectacular views all the way across the central valley to the Sierra Mountains and less than a dozen cars all day long. Much of the route is closed to motor vehicles. You’ve never been here before, trust us on this.
Great food and prizes, SuperPro support. Each ride have will two or three fully stocked aid stations with hot food and beverages and fresh bottles pre-loaded for those of you who only want to mid-air-refuel. More info.
Don’t miss the remaining events in the SuperPro Racing Gravel Gauntlet series. © Zack Cunningham
#5: Saturday, June 11th – Shevock’s Sierra Surprise
Foresthill, CA. Fun Sierra Mountain forest roads and backcountry lakes. Steep pitches here and there so bring low gears and good shoulder knobs. Pine trees, black bears, eagles and badgers abound. More details as they become available. More info.
Series Pass & Spring Classic
Save money through a series pass here. SuperPro also offers its legendary, mysterious Spring Classic on April 23, 2016.
You’ll have a wheelie good time at the SuperPro Racing Gravel Gauntlet series. © Zack Cunningham
