It’s considered one of the Top 10 gravel challenge rides for bicyclists in the nation. The annual Heart of Gold race is coming up on Saturday, starting at Pioneer Park. It was created with the impetus of youth mental wellness. One of the riders each year is Nevada County Supervisor Hardy Bullock. He says there are three course options with varying difficulty. He says the most popular one, which he’ll also be on, is the Medium Route, which is 42 miles. Bullock says the Long Course, of around 70 miles, is very tough, with the steep climbs and elevations in the Tahoe National Forest…

 

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The Short Route is 28 miles. One of the longtime riders is Justin Phaffinger…

 

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Phaffinger is also a promoter of the All For 1 Ride, which takes the challenge to an even higher ultimate level on Saturday November sixth and also starts in Nevada City, on Maidu Avenue, with course choices ranging from 45 to 80 to 125 miles. It also raises money for charitable causes. And there’s still time to register for either event on the website or the day of the races. Bullock says normally around 250 to 300 riders participate in Heart of Gold. All Heart of Gold courses also end at Pioneer Park, if you want to greet the riders when they get back. There’s a Postride Festival from noon to 4pm, with food drinks, live music, a bike wash, and more.