Hey Mountain Biking Enthusiasts!
Are you ready to embark on the ultimate mountain biking adventure? Mark your calendars for the 2024 Mother Lode Epic, happening on a June 15, 2024! Founded in 2017 by pro mountain biker Clint Claassen and his wife Jennifer, this event promises a unique and thrilling point-to-point race across the stunning trails of California’s gold discovery route.
Point-to-Point MTB Stage Race with a Boat Transfer
This isn’t just any race – the Mother Lode Epic is a single-day stage format endurance race featuring four timed stages over a total of 39 miles (32 miles of pure racing). What makes it even more epic? A boat transfer across Folsom Lake between the last two stages! You’ll start at the Magnolia Ranch Trailhead near Coloma and finish in Historic Folsom, with every mile offering breathtaking views and heart-pounding challenges.
Race Day Schedule
Here’s how the day unfolds: All racers park in Historic Folsom and catch the shuttle to the start line at Magnolia Trailhead. The shuttle leaves at 6:45 am SHARP, so don’t be late!
2024 Course Updates
We’ve got some exciting updates for this year’s race. Due to levee construction delays in Granite Bay and high lake levels, we’ve made changes to the second half of the course that will make the 2024 race truly unique:
• Transfer 2: Now shorter, taking riders from the end of Stage 2 at Acorn Creek to the Salmon Falls Ranch Aid Station.
• Stage 3: This stage will be extra epic, starting near the Salmon Falls Ranch aid station and featuring the Salmon Falls Ranch climb and descent from 2022, as well as the Chaparral Ridge climb and descent from 2023. It finishes at a brand-new location, “Land’s End” at the Peninsula Tip. Total distance: 12 miles with 1,500 ft of elevation gain.
• Boat Transfer: Now longer, taking riders from the Peninsula Tip to the 5% launch ramp at the south end of Granite Bay. Racers have until 2:30 pm to get on a boat.
• Stage 4: Shortened to 3.1 miles from the 5% ramp to Beals Point, making it more of a sprint to the finish line in Historic Folsom.
Safety and an epic race experience are our top priorities, and we’ve worked closely with Folsom Lake SRA to ensure everything is set for an unforgettable day.
So, dust off your bikes, gear up, and get ready for the ride of your life. The Mother Lode Epic is waiting for you!
