I’m very excited about this for a number of reasons, including a wonderful place like Big Basin being opened up for a bike race, the organanization throwing the event, the sponsors, and the list goes on. You can read more about the Big Basin Old Growth Classic below!
SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. – Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC) has partnered with Ibis Cycles to introduce the Big Basin Old Growth Classic, the first bike race ever in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This event is a full weekend experience featuring a 55-mile mixed terrain race, two nights of camping, live music, delicious catered meals, and more summer camp fun. The Old Growth Classic is being held as a benefit for State Parks, and a significant portion of the proceeds will go directly to State Parks. The event takes place the weekend of August 24-26, 2018, with the race held on Saturday, August 25.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park was established in 1902 and is California’s oldest State Park. It is home to the largest continuous stand of old growth redwoods south of San Francisco, with elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,000-feet. The many paved and dirt roads that wind through this iconic terrain make Big Basin a very special place for a bike race.
“I have been riding my bike in the Santa Cruz mountains for many years, and I’ve dreamed about a bike race in Big Basin the entire time,” said Ibis President, Tom Morgan. “Finally, it’s happening. All of us at Ibis are thrilled to help MBOSC make the Old Growth Classic a reality. With our recent launch of the Hakka MX, we’ve got gravel fever, and we can’t wait to race that bike on the incredible Big Basin terrain. Now we just need to decide what will be the ideal bike setup for this course…”
The Old Growth Classic race course is a challenging 55-miles with 8,000’ elevation gain taking riders on a mix of paved and dirt roads through Big Basin’s amazing scenery, with well-stocked aid stations along the way. The route features many of Big Basin’s classic roads, such as China Grade, Chalks Road, Gazos Creek, and Middle Ridge. It also takes riders on a loop through Butano State Park on Butano and Olmo fire roads.
MBOSC worked closely with State Parks officials while planning the Old Growth Classic. “MBOSC is a valued partner of State Parks, and we have enjoyed working with them on this event,” said Scott Sipes, Supervising State Park Ranger. “Not only do they do the hard labor required to build and maintain trails within the State Parks system, but they also organize impressive fundraising efforts to support State Parks, all while hosting events that make it possible for more people to enjoy everything our Parks have to offer. The Old Growth Classic is the first of its kind here in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and we look forward to hosting the participants at this inaugural event in August.”
The Old Growth Classic will be a full weekend experience that emphasizes a community atmosphere and environmental consciousness. The event has exclusive use of Little Basin Campground, and this will be the location of the start/finish, camping, and all festival activities. Race entry is $200 and includes two nights of camping, four catered meals, live music by Take 1 and Miss Lonely Hearts, an event t-shirt, and more. Participants will arrive Friday afternoon to set-up camp, and that evening will be spent relaxing by the bonfire while enjoying a State Parks interpreter presentation before sleeping amongst the redwoods. After a tasty breakfast Saturday morning, riders depart for the race. They’ll be welcomed back to camp with refreshments and delicious food. That evening will be a festive celebration with live music and a group bonfire, before crawling into tents satisfied with exhaustion from a fun-filled day. Participants depart Sunday after an unforgettable weekend.
Sustainability is a key focus of the MBOSC mission, and the Old Growth Classic will have a minimal environmental impact. A carpooling signup program will reduce the number of automobile trips, and waste will be minimized by providing racers with reusable cups, plates, and utensils to use throughout the weekend. Little Basin’s “Crumb Clean” initiative will also be promoted to educate campers on the dangers and ramifications of exposing wildlife to human foods.
“The Old Growth Classic is a perfect opportunity for people to experience the wonders of Big Basin Redwoods State Park,” said MBOSC Marketing and Events Director, Amanda Schaper. “MBOSC has a proven history of hosting successful events with State Parks, and we are honored to add this special new race to our calendar. Since 2016 we’ve hosted the Old Cabin Classic, which is a cross-country mountain bike race that benefits Wilder Ranch State Park. Over the last three years we have sustainably grown that event while raising many thousands of dollars to support trails in Wilder Ranch. The continued success of the Old Cabin Classic gave State Parks great confidence in our ability to make the Old Growth Classic an instant hit. We look forward to hosting this event for many years to come, all while promoting responsible bike riding and sustainable trail development.”
Due to capacity limitations at Little Basin Campground, the Old Growth Classic is a closed event restricted to racers and volunteers. Registration is open now, and participation is limited to 325 racers. Anybody interested in racing, volunteering, or learning more can visit www.oldgrowthclassic.com.
Key facts:
- About: The Big Basin Old Growth Classic is the first bike race in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and it is being held as a benefit for State Parks.
- Presented by: Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC) and Ibis Cycles
- Date: Weekend of August 24-26, 2018, with the race on Saturday, August 25, 2018
- Race headquarters: Little Basin Campground
- Number of racers: 325
- Course stats: 55 miles with 8,000’ elevation gain on a mix of paved and dirt roads
- Registration fee: $200
- Registration includes: Race entry, two nights of camping, four meals (Saturday breakfast/lunch/dinner, Sunday breakfast snacks), live music, two drink tickets, event t-shirt, reusable cup/plates/utensils, and other swag
About Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz: Since 1997, Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC) has worked to support, preserve, and expand trail access and responsible mountain biking in Santa Cruz County. The rapidly-growing non-profit organization is driven by passionate volunteers and high-caliber professional staff who promote legal and sustainable mountain bike access through trail building, races, events, and collaboration throughout the county. Strategic partnerships with land managers, other trail users, and the local bike industry help MBOSC build new trails and support sustainable mountain biking. www.mbosc.org
About Ibis Cycles: Ibis is a design and engineering driven manufacturer of carbon fiber bicycles based in Santa Cruz California. Founded in 1981 by a young hippie named Scot Nicol, Ibis offers five different mountain bike and gravel models, plus a full range of carbon fiber and aluminum wheelsets. You’d think there would be a lot of beer in the fridge, but there isn’t. www.ibiscycles.com
