Start date: 11/11/2023
BIG CLIMBS, STUNNING VIEWS, groomed fire roads, rutty, rocky dirt roads, creek crossings (could be wet or dry), exposed double or single-track* and a sweeping ten-mile road descent down from Rose Valley back to Ojai!
*(Depends on the condition of the Single-Track section and permission from the US Forest Service. See * below for additional information.)
Ride Descriptions:
THE GRAVEL MOB FULL PULL: First several miles are a neutral roll. Before we hit the 10-mile Sulphur Mountain fire road climb, we will regroup to ensure equal Strava start times. After Sulphur Mountain, we're back on pavement for about 7 miles before transferring to the next dirt section. The descent off the first climb is paved, narrow, tight, and technical. Always stay far right and be prepared for oncoming traffic.
The second dirt climb, Sisar Canyon Road, is typically rutty and rocky for the first 3-4 miles. After the official 8-mile climb, the dirt continues along a rolling (sometimes steep) fire road until it meets Rose Valley Fire Road, a loose + exposed 2.5-mile dirt double-track descent. The descent from Nordhoff Ridge will be neutralized, and a 10 MPH speed limit will be in effect. The final 15 miles are paved and include a long, sweeping + rewarding 10-mile descent down Highway 33 back into Ojai.
Our backcountry can be unforgiving, and the route is rough in some areas - especially the Sisar to Nordhoff Ridge to Rose Valley section. We recommend at least a 35mm tire with decent tread, and you wouldn't be wrong if you went bigger!
There will be three support stations - the top of Sulphur, the middle OR** top of Sisar, and the top OR** bottom of Rose Valley. Plenty of hydration + calorie options will be on hand for your dining pleasure :-).
**(The position of our aid stations depends on permission from the US Forest Service. Access varies with current conditions.)
THE MINI MOB: Two monster dirt climbs is a big ask, so no one will dispute the desire to head back into Ojai for a coffee or some R&R a bit early. To skip the second climb on Sisar and complete the Mini Mob, turn left on Highway 150 and follow the signs back to Ojai. Please keep your eyes peeled for updates + the official Strava route!
Gear: We recommend a cross or gravel bike with compact road or gravel gearing and at least 35mm tires. A mountain bike that's a solid climber will work, too, but a gravel bike is the faster choice in this course. Please bring at least two tubes and everything you need to repair a flat.
Links to 2022 Strava Routes (subject to change):
Featured Climbs + Descents
Sulphur Mountain Road (Dirt)
Length: 10 miles (16 km)
Elevation Gain: 2200 ft (670 meters)
Notes: Groomed fire road with views of Ojai Valley + Nordhoff Ridge to the North, Ventura + the Channel Islands to the South
Sulphur Mountain Road (Paved)
Length: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Elevation Loss: 1200 ft (365 meters)
Notes: Tight, technical + fast paved descent - please be careful!
Sisar Canyon Road (Dirt)
Length: 8 miles (13 km)
Elevation Gain: 3100 ft (945 meters)
Notes: Rocky, rough + steep fire road with views of the Ojai Valley, Sulphur Mountain, the Oxnard Plain, Ventura + the Channel Islands to the South, and the vast Sespe Wilderness to the North (from Nordhoff Ridge).
*Rose Valley Fire Road (Double-Track Dirt)
Length: 2.25 miles (3.5 km)
Elevation Loss: 1000 ft (305 meters)
Notes: Loose, exposed double-track with tight turns. Please be careful, do not pass unless invited, and abide by the 10 MPH speed limit!
OR
*Howard Creek Trail (Single-Track Dirt)
Length: 2.8 miles (4.5 km)
Elevation Loss: 1100 ft (335 meters)
Notes: Loose, exposed single-track. Please be careful, do not pass unless invited, and abide by the 10 MPH speed limit!
Highway 33 (Paved)
Length: 10.4 miles (16.75 km)
Elevation Loss: 2565 ft (780 meters)
Notes: Fast + sweeping descent back to Ojai through Los Padres National Forest - your reward for all that hard work!
Links to 2022 Strava Routes (subject to change):
Pre-Ride Details: We are tentatively planning to offer registration packet pickup at The MOB Shop on 03/11 - 03/12/23, the weekend before the event, and Friday, 03/17/23, at Soule Park Golf Course, Zaidee's Bar and Grill. You can also pick up your packet at Soule Park Golf Cours on the morning of the 2023 Gravel Mob. Please stay tuned for the official pickup dates + times.
There will be coffee and fruit available on the ride morning.
After-Ride Festivities: There is a reason our ride isn't 130 miles! Join us after the ride for all the tacos you can eat and a beer, included with every entry (21 and over)! We'll be holding the world-famous Gravel Mob Raffle and a Swag Toss with some outstanding prizes, but you must be present to win!
Ojai is a great location not just for riding but for family members that don't ride. There is plenty to do in town while you suffer on the bike, so bring the family and make it a weekend!
Refund, Cancellation, and Transfer Policy:
- Full-Refund through 01/31/2023
- 50% Refund through 02/18/2023
- No Refunds after 02/18/2023
- Transfers allowed through 02/28/2023
- If you are on the Full-Pull Waitlist, you will be transferred and charged automatically if a spot opens - no refund
- Sorry, no deferrals
Another important note: This ride runs through the beautiful Los Padres National Forest and is held under a Special Use Permit from the United States Forest Service. The forest is a sacred resource that depends on our protection. Please give it the respect it deserves.
Please be cautious about your COVID exposure risk before this event, and do not attend if you are experiencing symptoms!