NORTH FORK — The Grizzly Century Bike Run will return this year after missing last year due to smoke and fires.
One of the premier 100-mile rides in the state, it includes challenging climbs, the spectacular scenery of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway and the High Sierra, quiet roads, and the some of the best food and friendly support to be found.
The 23rd annual ride takes place on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., leaving from the North Fork School. Besides the classic 100-mile ride, there is a 26-mile Loop the Lake, the Metric Century, and a Grinder, which circles the entire byway including 10 miles of gravel.
THE GRIZ (100 miles) Over 10,000 foot elevation gain. Pass Mile High Vista, Jackass Rock, Arch Rock, the red fir forests of Cold Springs Summit, speedily descend to Bass Lake and back to North Fork.
THE METRIC CENTURY (100k = 63 miles) A 5,000 foot elevation gain. North Fork to Mile High Vista and back. Tremendous views of conifer forests, rock formations, and the high Sierra.
LOOP THE LAKE (24 miles) A 1,000 foot elevation gain around Bass lake, the Pines Resort. Beautiful pines and quiet roads. Then return to the staging area along Road 274.
THE BYWAY GRINDER (about 100 miles) A new addition to the Griz. 19 miles of new route, with a 9.5 mile grinder section of road beyond the Arch Rock Turn off.
The Byway Grinder bypasses the Grizzly Road and includes 9+ miles of dirt/gravel/rocky road that is half paved and half a combination of gravel, oil, native surface, etc. that goes from Arch Rock to Cold Springs Summit. It includes new vistas, Portuguese Creek Overlook and Globe Rock. 25 – 28 mm tires are highly recommended if you choose this route. It will NOT be supported by SAGs (support and gear), so be prepared! That said, it should be a great experience.
North Fork will also be featuring it’s Fall Festival, with food, crafts, and historical displays on the day of the ride and the Lion’s Club will be cooking one of it’s great Pancake Breakfasts.
Entry fees include breakfast, dinner, great rest stop food, including fresh cinnamon rolls and sushi. Register before Tuesday, Sept. 20 to get a free T-shirt. Free souvenir water bottles will be given to the first 100 to register.
Preregistration cost: (includes breakfast, dinner, T-shirt, support and more)
- $50 single/$95 tandem for 100-Mile and 100K
- $35/$65 for Loop the Lake
Past year’s jerseys are being offered for sale both online and at the ride. Check out the gorgeous designs, and reserve yours now. Click here for images and ordering information.
The money raised by the Grizzly Century helps beautify and improve our community. Some of the projects and organizations that have been supported include the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, North Fork Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, school assemblies, town restoration and the Redinger Lake Overlook.
See grizzlycentury.org for more information and registration.
