Sand Hill Ranch – NorCal’s Mountain Bike Playground

Feb 24, 2006
by Luc 'Acadian' Albert  
It's not often that I recycle stories – but I feel this one is worth it. Back in 2003 I wrote this little article about Sand Hill Ranch, this little riding paradise riding spot located in Brentwood, California. I use to hit that place up on a regular basis during the winter, but last year I neglected SHR in favor of more trail riding. A few weekends ago I went back, and it made me realize how much I missed that place.
2006 racing season is under way so make sure to check their web site at www.sandhillracing.com for DS and MTX race dates.

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Aerial view of Sand Hill Ranch

Here is the original story I ran back in 2003 - enjoy!

Words: Luc Albert & Shawn Spomer
Photos: Shawn Spomer, Pete Fagerlin, Chris Hanna
While most are currently dusting off their ski/snowboard equipment and are in the mist of getting buried under layers of snow, NorCal’s mountain bikers are getting ready for some tight winter action at Sand Hill Ranch.

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Renee and Phil Anderson have been working really hard, mostly on their own free time, transforming and shaping this little NorCal oasis into a mountain biker’s paradise.

There are 4 types of high action riding opportunities to choose from at Sand Hill. Dual Slalom, BikerCross, Modified Downhill and a trials section. Last year’s Gravity series races attracted many riders of all ages and skill levels from all over the state. The fall gravity series are about to end with only one Dual Slalom (November 22nd) and one BikerCross (November 8th) remaining on the calendar. Each year Renee and Phil run a pre-Sea Otter Dual Slalom series, which usually happens in the February/March timeframe. So keep an eye on their web site for the exact dates.

So if you live near by, or plan on visiting the Bay Area anytime soon I urge you to take the time and go ride at Sand Hill Ranch. You will not be disappointed!!

Dual Slalom
Sand Hill has an amazing groomed Dual Slalom track!!! The course is about 1100 feet long. The course has no less than 16 jumps and every single turns are carved berms. It has setp-ups, tabletops, double-doubles and a tight rhythm section. This track is LOADS of fun!! I spend most of my winters there riding and racing. If you can excel on this track, you can pretty much excel on any dual slalom track out there.

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Modified Downhill
The Modified DH courses are short, but extremely technical and challenging. After organizing their first Modified DH race, participants that competed had nothing but positive things to say about this new form of downhill mountain bike competition!

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Sand Hill does not have a large amount of elevation to work with. However, the Sand Hill crew does have huge amount creativity, and this is evident in their short course DH format. Owner, Phil Anderson and dirt moving genius, Stephen Cleeton, have developed 4 individual downhill style courses. Each course is littered with debris. Rocks, logs, jumps, stumps, holes, turns and even a car or truck to jump over! In the Modified DH race, a competitor takes a timed run down each course, jumping, smashing, pounding and speeding their way through and around the obstacles. The fastest combined time from the 4 runs wins. Got it? Good.

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Modified DH racing is a unique format, and during its test run back in February, it proved to be quite successful. Times were close, and the racing was exciting. Carnage was had by some, victory by others! But in the end, everyone had a blast riding their bikes. It’s an innovative format that provides a competition outlet for the elevation deprived.

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BikerCross
The BikerCross is basically gravity fed BMX for people on mountain bikes. The Sand Hill BikerCross course is LARGE and full of enormous jumps, rollers and turns. 4 to 8 people on the same course makes for some exciting racing. Intentional contact is not allowed, but elbows are always rubbing! Due to the length of the course, the holeshot doesn’t necessarily mean a win. Stamina and bike handling skill plays a vital role in taking home the gold in the BikerCross!

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Not a Competitor? Go to Sand Hill anyways
You don’t have to be a competitor to enjoy Sand Hill. The beauty of the facility is that even if a race is going on, there is still plenty to ride. If there’s a Dual Slalom race, you can ride the BikerCross course. If there’s a BikerCross race, you can ride the one of the four modified DH courses.

Tired of the dirt? Ride the halfpipe or dabble on the trials course. Pretty convenient, isn’t it? In addition to the fantastic Mountain biking area, Sand Hill offers acres of Motocross riding. They have races and events for the horsepower junky too!

Phil, Renee and the Anderson family have made Sand Hill Ranch a Mecca for 2-wheeled enthusiasts. A quick jaunt from the hustle and bustle of the city, Sand Hill Ranch is one of a handful of places that ENCOURAGES speeding and jumping bicycles.

For information on how to get your wheels off the ground, check out www.sandhillracing.com or call the track hotline at 925.240.6247. Open year round, weather permitting. There’s even talk of a night race series during the summer, so you can get your fix in the cool of the evening air!

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What Riders have to say about Sand Hill
If you can rip Sand Hill, you can pretty much successfully ride any DS tack on the NORBA Circuit! That place has something of everything for every level rider! A little NorCal paradise!
- Luc Albert

I love the fact that on any given weekend, I can go to Sandhill, and I am sure to meet up with a few friends... and MORE than a few guys that can make me look like a fool on the trail
-Jeff Ittel

On any given weekend riders that will blow your mind are on the same hill as weekend warriors with house payments and 2.5 children. Regardless of background or ability they have two things in common. They are being tested at a truly challenging facility, and they all have huge smiles on their faces.
- True Tourtillott

Sand Hill truly has something for every rider and any ability level. Whether it be DS, Mtn-X, or the new short-course-DH runs, Sand Hill will get you ready to knock out the competition "like two fat girls in dodge ball"!
- Steve - SWD Racing

Having Sand Hill Ranch as a resource for NorCal riders makes for an almost unfair advantage over the rest of the country's racing populous. When they're all working their thumbs out on a playstation, I'm getting the opportunity to practice my gate starts, pinning berms, and getting comfortable on 20-30ft race doubles. It gives me an unfair advantage when Sea Otter and Big Bear roll around because I have had the ability to ride for the previous three months on pro-level race courses, while everyone else is just sitting on their arses.
- Mark Stone

I was 100% prepared for Sea otter last year because I was able to ride mtx and DS every weekend on perfectly groomed courses.
-Mark Stone

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Vital Stats:
Sand Hill Ranch/PRSports
601 Fourth Street
Brentwood, CA 94513

Track Address:
50 Camino Diablo
Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: 925.240.6247
Email: prsports@silcon.com
www.sandhillracing.com
www.prsports.com

Call hotline for practice schedule and seasonal closings. Helmets are mandatory at all times. Bikes must be in good working order! Riders under 18 years of age may not be left unaccompanied.

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