Granite Bay Grinder Coming to Placer Valley

Mud will be flying, gears will be shifting and the trails around Folsom Lake in Granite Bay will be packed with high school mountain bikers on March 19-20 as nearly 1,200 student athletes will be competing in their second official race of the season.  Placer Valley Tourism is thrilled to be teaming up with NorCal High School Cycling League to bring this incredible race, the Granite Bay Grinder, to Placer Valley now in its twelfth year.

Woodcreek High School Cycling Team Director, Michael Tronnes explained that they are excited to be hosting 72 race teams and more than 1,000 racers on one of the best mountain biking courses in the state. "The lake is looking great with all of the recent rains so the setting couldn't be better and the rain has also firmed up the sometimes sandy course so it should be quick and ideal for racing," added Tronnes. 

The teams will be coming from as far south as Fresno up to as far north as Arcata and there will be 11 categories of competition for girls and boys. Both Division I and Division II teams will be competing and locally Woodcreek and Granite Bay High School's teams are expected to dominate in their divisions as they did phenomenal at the season opener in Monterey on March 5-6.  

"Woodcreek Cycling Team closed the weekend in Monterey at the top of the podium with a first place Division I finish and I couldn't be prouder of our student athletes," Tronnes stated.   "It was a strong day overall for South Placer with our Granite High School neighbors standing beside us on the podium with a first place Division II finish." 

Clearly the local talent is outstanding so come see what these student athletes are capable of as you are sure to be impressed.  Folsom Lake State Recreation area charges a $12 fee per vehicle at the gate, admission to the race is free and food truck vendor Tear It Up Gourmet will be on-site.  Saturday, March 19 the first race will start at 9 a.m. and on Sunday at 10 a.m.  

Placer Valley Tourism (PVT) is made up for the 23 hotels in Roseville, Rocklin and Lincoln, California.  PVT recruits and supports hundreds of annual events with grants, marketing, volunteers and other services as needed. To learn more about how PVT can help bring your event here, visit www.playplacer.com or call 916-773-5400.