I ride all over, but my favorite spots are the famed trails and roads of Nevada County—especially the Yuba River corridor and San Juan Ridge. Fifteen years ago, I started this ride to push riders’ limits, blending tight, hamlet-style climbs with wide-open dirt roads. Just when your legs need a break, you’ll be greeted by a sweeping vista, a flat respite, or a fully stocked aid station. I ride a Specialized Diverge with 40 mm tires, but 42 mm or larger works great too. The short course is pure fun, the medium course is a solid workout, and the long course is burly—think Fish Rock, Lost & Found, or Death Ride for old-school roadies. This year we’ve added two extra water/fuel stops, so you’re never far from support. Watch for moto-traffic on the descent into Washington—it demands both caution and strength. The medium course is buttery smooth, and I love the paved sections for a chance to recover before the next dirt stretch. We’ve got neutral moto support, rescue personnel, and volunteers ready to cheer you on. Temperatures usually stay warm but manageable; long-course riders, prepare to finish in the heat of the afternoon. We’re timing every route—excluding our mass‐start downtown Nevada City neutral section, a throwback to the old Tour Nevada City Classic criterium. Roll through town with the whole group and soak in the energy. If your bike needs a tune, Tour of Nevada City Bicycles and You Bet Bicycles have the finest mechanics anywhere.
Ride with grit. Ride with heart. See you in October.
— Hardy