peloton Cyclocross & Gravel Mob: Come Ride With Us!

Head to Ojai, California, Nov. 1-2, to enjoy an epic weekend of racing and riding in one of the most beautiful settings in the US.

peloton ‘cross presented by Panaracer

Coming back for its second year. peloton ‘cross will once again feature a course designed with US ‘cross legend Tim Johnson.

It’s a fast, flowing roller coaster with big rewards for every effort.

On the shore of Lake Casitas near Ojai, California, the race provides plenty of great viewing and a fantastic atmosphere for friends and family to watch the race.

peloton, The Mob Shop, and numerous industry partners have come together to offer the best prizes in all of SoCal ‘cross.

Wheel sets, helmets, components, tires. And you don’t have to win a race to win a prize.

Every registered racer will be entered in our raffle to win a SRAM Force CX1 group!

We’ll announce the winner after the elite men’s race. You must be present to win.

Of course there will be cash prizes for the elite men and women too.

There will be food, beer, and an industry expo right in the center of the course.

SCOTT also provides prizes for the SCOTT Hole Shot in every race, so get out of the gate fast!

There is plenty of camping at Lake Casitas, much of it on the course, so make a weekend out of it and ride the Gravel Mob Sunday. Head to CasitasWater.org for camping info.

Look for Site G to be near the action. Check in at Site G begins at 5 p.m. on Friday.

Click here to check out the categories and register at socalcross.org. No license necessary.

Check out a hot lap of last year’s course here.

Gravel MOB

Big climbs, stunning views, groomed fire roads, rutty, rocky dirt roads, single track , creek crossings (could be wet, could be dry), rewarded with a sweeping 10-mile road descent down Rose Valley back to Ojai.

The first 8 miles are on pavement and is a neutralized roll. After that we hit the Sulphur Mtn climb on a groomed fire road that’s almost 10 miles long, then we’re back on pavement for about 7 miles for the transfer to the next section of dirt. The descent off of the first climb is paved, narrow, tight and technical. Always stay far right and be prepared for traffic

The second dirt climb, Sisar, is rutty and rocky for the first 3-4 miles then gets a bit smoother for the next 4 miles. After the official climb, the dirt continues along a rolling (sometimes steep) section until it meets loose, dirt single track descent called Howard for the last 2-3 miles of dirtiness. This descent will be neutralized and a 10mph speed limit will be in effect. The final 15 miles is paved and includes a long, sweeping rewarding 10 mile descent down Highway 33 back into Ojai.

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 of Sisar, simply turn left on Highway 150 after the road descent from Sulphur Mountain and it’s a quick five miles back to Ojai and The Mob Shop for a total ride of less than 40miles. You also get to descend Dennison Grade, which has featured in the Tour of California many times. A sign denoting this short cut will be placed at the intersection of Sulphur and Highway 150.

Please note: The shortcut will not be timed. 

We’ll finish at The Mob Shop where food and beer will be available. We’ll also be giving away another SRAM Force CX1 group to a lucky rider. You must be present to win.

Be aware, from Sisar to the Rose Valley decent you will be riding in pristine Los Padres National Forest. These trails and roads are not closed for the ride. Always give right of way to horses and hikers. Please do not litter. Our three aid stations will be happy to take any trash. We are very grateful for the opportunity to ride in this beautiful area, please give it the respect it deserves. The event is being held under special permit from the Los Padres National Forest.

Sulphur: 16k, 2200 feet of climbing
Sisar: 13k, 3100 feet of climbing
Howard: 3.5 KM, 1000 foot descent

Oh … and the views from both climbs are stunning!

From the ridgeline look left and the Channel Islands lie on the horizon; look right and the vast Sespe Wilderness beckons.

We’re recommending a ‘cross or gravel bike with compact road gearing, but you could probably swing it on a road bike with a wider gravel or dirt tire.

Just plan on walking/running a bit and/or really picking your lines through some sections. Of course a mountain bike will get the job done as well.

Click here for the detailed route on Strava, including many segments.

To sign up for the Gravel Mob, hit BikeReg.com/gravel-mob.

Cyclocross photos: Jeff Clark

Ridgeline shot: Tim Rhone