Bear Growl Gravel Grinder

Tucked in the base of Northern California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, a stone’s throw from Reno and Chico, the Bear Growl Gravel Grinder is truly a celebration of gravel riding at its best and a one-of-a-kind cycling experience. Bear Growl Gravel Grinder offers three ride options, all surrounded by old barns and pummeled (in the best way) with fantastic views, these rides will not disappoint!

The Bear Growl Gravel Grinder is an exciting and challenging gravel and paved event showcasing the most amazing roads in Indian Valley. Bringing the good ol’ fun of gravel riding with a laid back atmosphere, the event features distances for all riding abilities.

EVENT DISTANCES

Gravel Events: 50 mile & 90 mile gravel routes

Road Events: 60 mile paved route

The courses feature a perfect blend of pavement, dirt road, gravel road with historic Sierra Nevada elevation grades and is 2-hours from Reno, Nevada Airport (RNO), 3-hours from Sacramento, California Airport (SMF), and 4.5-hours from the Bay Area.

Down-Home Goodness

A frontier experience where the air is crisp, the creeks are clear, and the food is homemade and top-notch. Experience gravel riding as it should be – open spaces, good vibes and fun people! Social distancing to us is no crowds, no lines – just a good time.

Staggered start times within each group to support social distancing requirements.
Increased level of safety and hygiene support including hand sanitizer, more gloves, bottled drinks, spacious finishes & more to keep participants safe.
Packet Pick-Up: Sierra Nevada Connections office: 96 S. Main Street, Greenville, CA 95947

Race Day: There is plenty of free parking. The ride will feature 7 different aid stations that will be shared by the various rides and are represented on the course maps by the picnic table icon. For all the details about the race and the course, visit the course details.

Stay for the Weekend

Come early and stay late and enjoy this amazing region! A variety of camping and cabins are available for nighttime chill-axing and recovering as daytime is for riding, swimming, hiking, fishing and even boating!

Top 10 reasons to join our one-of-a-kind charity cycling event:

-Consistent July temperatures
-Fully Supported event with fun Aid Stations
-Quiet and rambling country roads
-Post-ride party!
-Fewer rules: No time limit. Period.
-Incredibly beautiful course(s) in the quiet and rural part of Northern California
-Super-duper awesome swag bags – it’s undeniable
-A down-home atmosphere will make you feel right at home
-Because being on the bike is good for the mind, body and soul!
-Your fundraising efforts unabashedly make a big bear difference in the lives of our foster youth and their families (but don’t worry – our bears won’t bother you!)
-100% of event proceeds go to support children and youth in foster care served by Sierra Nevada Connections.

Bear Growl Gravel Grinder is managed entirely by Sierra Nevada Connections staff, volunteers, and foster families, and is the largest fundraiser for our organization.

Bear Growl Gravel Grinder is an annual fundraiser for Sierra Nevada Connections, an established non-profit, community-based family services agency that provides foster and adoption services throughout Northern California as well as Reno, Nevada.