The Lost & Found Gravel Festival returns to Portola on June 13. Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship hosts the event, sponsored by Evil Bikes and part of the Gravel Earth Series.
About 800 racers and supporters will gather for the weekend. Organizers highlight the quality of the gravel routes, calling them some of the best in the West.
This year features three courses: 99, 58, and 40 miles. All routes are new and include sections of the SBTS-built Lake Davis Trail singletrack. Riders will also travel parts of Beckwourth-Genesee and 24N10 forest roads, offering fresh scenery around Lake Davis not seen since the race began in 2014.
The courses have less elevation gain and more dirt than before. The Full Bull route is 84 percent dirt, Mid Moo 70 percent, and Half Calf 60 percent—double last year’s amount. Organizers say the routes will be smoother and faster.
Two new electric bike categories appear this year for Mid Moo and Half Calf. The finish moves to Baldwin Park to avoid the final headwind on the return to City Park.
All races start at City Park but finish at Baldwin Park on Portola’s north side. After crossing the finish line, riders will roll back to City Park for the festival. The celebration includes a post-race meal, podium presentations, live music, food trucks, a beverage garden, and kids’ races.
The event supports the local economy and highlights the area’s outdoor offerings. Proceeds fund trail maintenance in the Lost Sierra, including the Beckwourth Peak Trail currently under construction.
Race roadways remain open to the public during the event, but drivers should watch for racers between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Roads used include State Route 70, Lake Davis Road, Beckwourth Genesee Road, and several forest service and county roads.
Volunteers play a key role. Those interested can sign up online and receive event gear, lunch, and a beverage ticket.
Local racers from Plumas and Sierra counties get a $50 discount on any race category.
Questions about the event can be sent to [email protected].
Are you ready to take on the new routes and experience the Lost & Found Gravel Festival?
