Trail Mix for March 25: Big Sandy, California Classic on deck next week
The epic Big Sandy Race returns for its ninth year next Sunday, April 3.
The event offers three courses for mountain bikers to choose from: 15, 23 and 38 miles. The two shorter routes start at the San Joaquin River Gorge and end at Finegold Bay while the 38-mile pro/expert route starts and finishes at Finegold.
The point-to-point race is more than 90 percent single track and offers stunning views of the San Joaquin River in the peak of spring.
Entry includes three food/drink/raffle tickets. Registration starts at $48 for the short course, $55 for the 23-miler and $65 for the long course. Juniors range from $30-$40.
Online registration is available through Sunday, March 27. There will be race-day registration, though sign-up fees will increase $10.
Details: www.bigsandyrace.com
California Classic – The California Classic bicycle races, half marathon and 5K will takeover downtown Fresno next weekend.
The event starts Saturday, April 2, with the bike races of 35 (mini-metric), 60 (metric) and 100 miles (century) and ends Sunday with the half marathon, half-marathon relay and Rock & Run 5K.
Registration for the bicycle races costs $70 for the mini-metric and $75 for the other two. The half-marathon costs $80 per person, $75 per person with a relay partner and $45 for the 5K.
The expo and packet pickup will be held Friday, April 1, from noon to 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Bicycles at 284 W. Shaw Ave. in Clovis.
For details and to register, go to www.californiaclassicweekend.com.
Turkey hunt – Spring turkey hunting season opens Saturday statewide and continues until May 1. Archery season runs May 2-15.
Spring Fling on the Kings – The Kings River Conservancy is hosting its fifth annual Spring Fling fundraiser on April 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lapp River House at 26210 Elwood Ave. in Sanger. Details: www.kingsriverconservancy.org.
Leave no trace – The Yosemite Conservancy is offering a Leave No Trace certification training course April 15-17. Details: 800-469-7275 or www.yosemiteconservancy.org.
Birding classes – Three birding classes are being offered this spring through collaboration between the Fresno Audubon Society, Sierra Foothill Conservancy and Bureau of Land Management.
- April 2, springtime birding at San Joaquin River Gorge
- April 9, 3-mile birding hike at Fine Gold Creek Preserve
- May 7, hike at Black Mountain Preserve
The hikes are free, but spots are limited so online registration is required at www.sierrafoothill.org. Birders of all skill levels and children are welcome. No pets.
This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 7:14 PM with the headline "Trail Mix for March 25: Big Sandy, California Classic on deck next week."