Samara Sheppard and Cole Davis won the 2026 elite races.
Jen Tavé and Cassius Anderson secured the 2026 overall Grasshopper titles at the finish.
[01]
Course Overview
A redwood-heavy series finale with 8,420 feet, private roads, and no free coast to the line.
76 mi
Distance
8,420 ft
Elevation
Ukiah, California
Location
May 23 (Sunday), 2027
Date
~2026
Field Size
--
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
A 68-percent dirt course that opens with a long climb, crosses private timber land, uses a tactical paved middle, and finishes over the classic Low Gap corridor.
Signature challenge: The top of the last major climb is not the finish: riders must still descend and manage a headwind-prone run back to Ukiah.
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MILE
Opening eight-mile climb
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MILE
Masonite Road to Highway 128
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MILE
Low Gap return
RACER
Racer Reviews
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[07]
Training
May 23, 2027 UKIAH MENDO GRAVEL EPIC
NEWS
Latest Coverage
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Ukiah Mendo Gravel Epic?
Late May usually brings cool mornings and mild-to-warm afternoons, with wind on exposed ridges more likely to matter than extreme temperature.[1]
How are the logistics for Ukiah Mendo Gravel Epic?
Ukiah has usable lodging and a compact event base, but separate staging plus access restrictions on private Mendocino Redwood Company roads require attention.[1]
How adventurous is Ukiah Mendo Gravel Epic?
One-day access through private redwood property and the long transition between Ukiah and the coast make the route feel larger than an ordinary regional loop.[4]
How prestigious is Ukiah Mendo Gravel Epic?
The event closes a 29-season Grasshopper series and receives national coverage as an elite tune-up immediately before Unbound.[2]
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Official Ukiah Mendo Gravel Epic — official event pagewww.grasshopperadventureseries.com/ukiah-mendo-gravel-epic
- Media & Press Cyclingnews — 2026 report and resultswww.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/racing/grasshopper-advent...
- Other Sources Alto Velo — 2026 age-group race reportwww.altovelo.org/race-reports/race-report-2026-ukiah-mend...
- Route Maps Trailforks — prior long-course route referencewww.trailforks.com/route/ukiahmendo-gravel-epic-2024-long...
- Video Veloworthy — 2024 event documentarywww.youtube.com/watch?v=be7tSKXtD8Y