Mammoth Tuff: California is OPEN and the TUFF are invited, again!

With 2020 firmly in the mirror and Covid-19 rapidly dissipating, David Sheek and his partner Amanda Nauman, are looking forward to finally sharing the adventures they have cherished around Mammoth Lakes and as a thank you to the town that has given them countless memories.

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. On September 18, 2021, this iconic mountain town is hosting the gravel event, Mammoth Tuff.

With more than seven years of racing at gravel events across the country, and years of training and exploring the Eastern Sierra playground, Sheek and Nauman have built a TUFF adventure for all to experience. “2020 was turned upside down. We improvized and held the inaugural Mammoth Tuff as a virtual event, a tough decision to make. Moving forward to 2021, we are excited to share 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 45 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing and will circle the famous caldera. The long course is around 100 miles with 8,000 feet of elevation gain and travels through the Volcanic Tableland formed by the Long Valley Caldera.

Mammoth Tuff is partnering with the annual Oktoberfest Festival in 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, and the infamous “Bier Mile Run” on Friday. Of course, there will be a category for fastest beer mile and TUFF finisher, known as the BUFF, with the proceeds going to the Mammoth Track Club. The two available event distances on Saturday will offer a challenge for everyone. Concluding the event, when riders earn their TUFF badge, the Oktoberfest celebration will be waiting with open arms. Sunday morning will be a storytelling mingle and awards ceremony for the “tuffest” of folks.

Registration has reopened for 2021 and is limited to 850 participants. Entry fees will be $75 and $180 for the respective distances. Our great country has taken the 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.

Outstanding brands in the cycling and the outdoor industry have agreed to partner with the event in its inaugural year. Look out for sponsorship announcements and details on camp experiences to be offered in conjunction with the event.