NORTH FORK — It’s one of the most beautiful times of year in the Central Sierra, and a couple of great things are happening on the same day — so plan accordingly for lots of fun.
The community of North Fork and the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway Association are partnering with the Fresno Cycling Club to bring back the 24th Grizzly Century Bike Ride on Saturday, Oct. 6, and everyone is invited to celebrate the beauty of the season with friends and neighbors at the North Fork Fall Festival.
The Grizzly Century ride will be based at the North Fork Elementary School, located at 33087 Road 228, with plenty of parking. Check-in starts at 6 a.m. Meanwhile, organizers in town are gearing up to provide lots of activities, great food, and a taste of the local history, as the Fall Festival is presented by the cooperative charities and volunteer organizations of the North Fork community.
Known fondly as The Griz, this ride and the festival which follows are the major fundraiser for the North Fork Community and the Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway.
One of the premiere 100-mile rides in the state, the Griz 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. Riders spend the day taking in scenic vistas from the unique vantage point that only a cyclist can claim. Proceeds go toward promotion and improvement of the Scenic Byway, to town restoration, and other projects that benefit our mountain community.
Before you ride, stop by the Lions Club breakfast to get your carbohydrates topped off. Starting at 7 a.m., the breakfast is open to everyone — not just riders — conveniently located at the North Fork Elementary School gym next to check-in. All riders’ meals are included with registration. For all others, breakfast is $6 presale and $7 at the door.
During the fall festival, the North Fork History Group will present “South Fork—Qohnihina,” a free exhibit on local history in the Scout Building across from Town Hall. Craft and flea market vendors will be on-hand selling wares — with music all day long.
Everyone is welcome to cheer the riders on throughout this spectacular pedal in the mountains. Later in the day, the Bass Lake Ranger District Employees Association will serve up a great barbecue. Stop by for a meal at the North Fork Town Hall just below the school from noon to 2 p.m. Dinner will be served from 2 to 7 p.m. The North Fork Boosters Club will provide dessert. $14 per person at the door only — kids meal is $8.
Proceeds from this event support local charities.
Grizzly Century Bike Ride
Register here for the Grizzly Century Bike Ride
Route Descriptions
- 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 BYWAY GRINDER (about 100 miles) A new addition to the Griz – 19 miles of new route, with an 8-mile grinder section of road beyond the Arch Rock turnoff. The road is half paved and half a combination of gravel, oil, native surface, etc. Bypasses the Grizzly Road.
- THE METRIC CENTURY (100K = 63 miles) A 6,587 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 1,836 foot elevation gain around Bass lake, the Pines Resort. Beautiful pines and quiet roads. Then return to the staging area along Road 274.
Registration
Prices include:
- Pre-ride pancake breakfast provided by the North Fork Lion’s Club
- Lunch stop at Mile High Vista
- Post-ride BBQ dinner
- Rest stops and SAG support
- T-Shirt for those who register by 9/23/18
On or after 9/1/2018
- $105 for 100 Mile and Gravel Grinder
- $85 for 100K
- $50 for Loop the Lake
The Griz takes place rain or shine!
