Race Report: Jackson Forest – Jackson Demonstration Forest, Casper, California
Race: Grasshopper Series race #4 – Jackson Forest – Women 60+
Date: April 25, 2026
AVRT racers: Kathleen Bortolussi W60+
Top Result: Kathleen Bortolussi 1/2
Weather: 52°F and foggy at the start, sunny and high 60’s at the finish. No wind - perfect
Course: 32 miles, 4,138 ft., all off-road (35% singletrack, 65% gravel). The singletrack was interspersed throughout the course, and some sections that may once have been doubletrack had turned into tunnels of blooming yellow flowers (Scotch broom?). We rode through 3–4 of these nature-made tunnels, which was pretty surreal. We also passed close to a gun range — rifles actively firing while we shared the same fire road, just headed in the opposite direction. Definitely added a little adrenaline.
I’d never been to this forest, and it was gorgeous: ferns everywhere, spring irises in bloom, and fun singletrack throughout. Two of the final six miles were especially challenging rocky singletrack — tough on the grip and wrists, but beautiful riding through the forest floor.
Most racers parked at the venue and rode the two miles to the start, which made for a perfect warm-up and cool-down. The promoter had recommended a hardtail mountain bike, and judging by the field, about 95% of racers agreed. His pre-race videos, caution signs, and course guidance were spot-on.
The race started with a mass rollout up a fire road for several miles to spread things out before the singletrack. The opening section mixed roots, puddles, and punchy climbs, making for a fun challenge. I mostly focused on passing women near me on course while taking in the uniqueness of the venue.
One standout section was a swoopy singletrack trail called “The Observatory” (though there was no observatory in sight). It reminded me of the flow trail in the Santa Cruz Demonstration Forest — smooth, playful, and the kind of trail where you expect an Ewok to appear from behind a tree. Even the climbing was enjoyable until we reached the gun range. You could hear the shots clearly, though the people shooting were at least friendly as we passed.
The podium was a bit disappointing since only one other rider entered my age group and she DNF’d. Between the long drive and hotel stay, it wasn’t exactly economical, but I’d absolutely return to ride there again. Caspar sits in the beautiful stretch between Ft. Bragg and Mendocino and would make a great long weekend for exploring more of the trail system.
Nutrition: 2 Maurten Gel 160s, ½ banana, 1 caffeinated GU, 2 water bottles with electrolyte.
Strava: https://strava.app.link/onDM3SFb12b
Thank you for reading,
Kathleen