Inaugural Mammoth TUFF Gravel Race set for Mammoth Lakes, CA on September 17, 2022

News StaffSeptember 2, 2022

1 208 3 minutes read

Accompanying Beer Run, Mammoth BUFF presented by Shelter Distilling, set for
September 16, 2022

Mammoth Lakes, California – As John Muir said, “The mountains are calling,” and Mammoth Lakes is the gateway to mountain adventure. This famous quote is printed on an enormous sign at the entrance to town and reminds every visitor of the adventures that await.

The original event was announced in early 2020 and scheduled for September 19, 2020. The pandemic pushed the event to 2021, and then last year’s Forest closures forced another cancellation. Third time’s a charm for 2022 to have this iconic mountain town host the long-awaited gravel event.

David Sheek created this event with his partner, Amanda Nauman, to share the adventures they have cherished around Mammoth Lakes and as a thank you to the town that has given them countless memories. With more than eight years racing at gravel events across the country, during the pivotal rise of the discipline, and years of training and exploring the Eastern Sierra playground, Sheek and Nauman have built a TUFF adventure for all to experience. “These are the roads I’ve trained on to prepare for some of my biggest goals and I want to share the magic and see who’s “tuff” enough to join me,” said Nauman.

Tuff (tŭf) is a general term for all consolidated pyroclastic, volcanic rocks. The name, Mammoth Tuff, is a nod to the Long Valley Caldera and the volcanic stone that defines ‘gravel’ in the area. The caldera was formed about 760,000 years ago in a volcanic eruption from which the magma still underlies it, heating underground water and fueling hot springs the event will ride by. The short course is around 40 miles with 2,300 feet of climbing and will circle the famous caldera. The medium course is around 76 miles with 4,500 ft of climbing. The long course is around 106 miles with 7,500 feet of elevation gain and travels through the Volcanic Tableland formed by the Long Valley Caldera.

Mammoth Tuff is partnering with the Village at Mammoth to provide a full weekend of activities and an unforgettable party. The weekend will begin with a shakeout ride for those in town, registration, a stewardship presentation, and the infamous “Beer Mile Run” on Friday. Previously hosted by Oktoberfest, the beer run has been resurrected with the help of Shelter Distilling and everyone is welcome to take on this fun run as a weekend kick-off. Of course, there will be a category for fastest beer mile and TUFF finisher from each route, with the BUFF award for winners. The three available event distances on Saturday will offer a challenge for everyone.

Concluding the event, when riders earn their TUFF badge, the Village celebration will be waiting with open arms. Sunday morning will be a raffle, storytelling mingle and awards ceremony for the “tuffest” of folks. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation and Mammoth Lakes Recreation.

Registration for the gravel ride is open until September 9, 2022 at 9PM PST, and is limited to 700 participants. Registration for the beer run is open until the day of the event and will accept sign-ups until the start.

Our great country has taken liberty to protect the public lands throughout the Eastern Sierra and preserve the vast playground for future generations of explorers, naturalists, and visitors. Because of this, 10% of the entry fee will go directly back to the land. As riders wind through wide open roads on seemingly forgotten land, they will take pride in knowing they are giving back to the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. “This land is our land,” after all.