NEVADA CITY, Calif. – Hundreds of experienced bike riders will compete Oct. 5 in the fourth annual Heart of Gold, two challenging gravel-course races through Gold Country that will increase awareness and raise funds for mental wellness programs for children and young adults in Nevada County.
The Heart of Gold race starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Eric Rood Administration Center, 950 Maidu Ave. in Nevada City, about 60 miles northeast of Sacramento. Both races also finish at the administration center, where the Heart of Gold Festival will be held from 12-4 p.m. featuring food, vendors, live music, a raffle and more.
Racers can sign-up in advance online or in person the morning of the Heart of Gold. Race-day registration and packet pick-up starts at 6: 45 a.m.
More than 250 racers, many from the Bay Area and Southern California, competed in the Heart of Gold in 2023. Heart of Gold organizers expect more riders this year, especially with two challenging and competitive gravel-race courses, ranging from 36-70 miles.
The first race is a 70-mile course with a climb of almost 10,000 feet, with riders enjoying the fall colors on old-growth trees, historic parks, and the hamlets of North Bloomfield and Washington. The second race is a 36-mile course with a gain of about 5,700 feet in elevation. Both courses are for experienced riders. Both races have timed segments.
“The Heart of Gold is an opportunity to compete against some of the best riders in the state while increasing awareness for mental wellness in Nevada County,” said race event chair Hardy Bullock, a Nevada County Supervisor and avid bike rider. “The race also showcases how our community comes together for an event that helps promote the region and improves the lives of others.”
Registration https://www.heartofgoldgravel.com/register is $168, regardless of the course. Riders are also asked to donate at least an additional $15.
All proceeds support local organizations that provide mental wellness services for teens in Nevada County: Bright Futures for Youth, Child Advocates, Heart of Gold Teen Therapy, Truckee, and Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County (YBONC).
“Teens are faced with so many challenges, from anxiety and depression to bullying and loneliness,” said Jennifer Litton Singer, Executive Director of Bright Futures for Youth. “The proceeds from the race will help us meet the needs of youth in our community while also increasing awareness to the issue.”
The Heart of Gold will include an all-ages festival featuring food, live music by youth bands youth, family-friendly games and vendor booths at the Eric Rood Administration Center from 12-4 p.m. Whether you are competing, supporting a rider or just enjoying a good time, you can enter a raffle for a Blackbirds Bolton Area 13 e-bike or season pass to Sugar Bowl Resort at Donner Summit. Advance raffle sales are available until Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. Purchase here. (https://bffyouth.org/heart-of-gold-raffle/). Raffle tickets may also be purchased at the event.
The raffle winners will be announced at the Heart of Gold Festival. (You do not need to be present to win.)
Race sponsors are the County of Nevada, Enterprise, One Toyota of Oakland, PG&E, KNCO 830 AM/Star 94 FM, Dignity Health, Tahoe Forest Hospital System, The Event Helper, City of Nevada City, Town of Truckee, Northstar Vail Resorts, YubaNet and Wilmor Plumbing.