Every mile of Heart of Gold Gravel tells a story. As you wind through the forests, ridgelines, and backroads of Nevada County, you'll ride past places that helped shape California's Gold Rush history. From historic mining sites to iconic landmarks and hidden local gems, these routes offer more than epic gravel—they're a journey through the heart of the Sierra foothills.
Take a look at what you'll discover along the way.
As you set off on your tour of Nevada County in the Heart of Gold Gravel race, you'll experience what our founder, Hardy, calls “a blend of tight, hamlet-style climbs and wide-open dirt roads.”
To help you take it all in, we’ve put together a quick guide to the many interesting sights along the way. This article covers the first leg of the race—shared by all course options.
Leg Overview: Scenic procession through historic streets and forested ridges
The Heart of Gold bike race begins in the tranquil setting of Pioneer Park, where riders are immediately immersed in the natural beauty of Nevada County. Towering pine trees—some as grand as coastal sequoias—frame the sky in deep green against a brilliant blue backdrop. It’s a breathtaking start to an unforgettable ride.
As the race begins, cyclists glide through the charming streets of Nevada City, passing Victorian-era homes that have stood for over 150 years. Their ornate architecture and timeless elegance offer a glimpse into the region’s rich Gold Rush heritage. Soon, riders enter the vibrant downtown district, where the National Exchange Hotel and Exchange stands proudly on the left. This historic landmark has hosted notable guests like Ulysses S. Grant, Mark Twain, Jack London, and even modern celebrities such as Andy Samberg and Crispin Glover. Keep an eye out—you never know who might be watching the race from the balcony! At the top of the hill, the Nevada Theater comes into view. With performances dating back to the pre-Gold Rush era, this cultural gem continues to be a beacon of artistic expression in the Sierra foothills.
Before getting swept up in the rush of the race, take a moment to appreciate the history behind Edwards Crossing—one of Nevada County’s most iconic bridges. In the early 1850s, this area buzzed with Gold Rush activity as miners flooded in, hoping to strike it rich. The land changed hands many times, with families and fortune-seekers coming and going. In 1862, a massive flood washed away the original bridge, but it was rebuilt and eventually named after William Edwards, who owned the crossing following its restoration.
Today, Edwards Crossing is both a historical landmark and a natural marvel. As you coast past, take in the roar of the Yuba River and the smooth, rounded boulders shaped by centuries of rushing water. It’s the perfect place to slow down, take a breath, and reflect on how this spot has remained vibrant for nearly 200 years.
And while the Gold Rush is long past, a few modern-day prospectors still pan the river in search of treasure. Who knows—maybe you’ll spot a nugget of your own… or even one shaped like a heart, perfectly suited for the Heart of Gold Race.
Just beyond the bridge, the courses begin to separate. Riders tackling the short course turn onto Grizzly Hill Road, one of Nevada County's classic backroads. The narrow, winding climb meanders through oak woodland and pine forest, passing old homesteads, forgotten mining sites, and quiet rural ranches. It's the perfect introduction to the peaceful gravel roads that define the Heart of Gold.
Riders on the medium and long courses continue climbing along North Bloomfield Graniteville Road toward the tiny historic community of Lake City. Despite its name, there isn't a lake here today. Founded during the Gold Rush, the settlement once supported miners working the rich hydraulic mining claims that transformed these hillsides. Today, only a handful of historic buildings remain, offering a glimpse into Nevada County's boomtown past.
Lake City also marks an important milestone in the race. It's here that the medium and long routes head deeper into the High Sierra, where the region's remarkable hydraulic mining history becomes even more apparent as you ride toward North Bloomfield.
This is just the beginning of the adventure. Continue reading through the remaining leg guides to discover the history, scenery, and hidden gems waiting around every corner of the Heart of Gold Gravel.
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LET'S GO GET THAT GOLD!
