The Bizz Johnson Trail, stretching 25 miles from Susanville to Westwood, California, offers a uniquely immersive experience for mountain bike racers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This converted rail trail runs through dense forests, open meadows, and alongside the rushing Susan River, which seems to challenge riders with its relentless currents, urging them forward on this rugged journey. The route's gentle 1,500-foot elevation gain presents a steady test—never cruelly steep but always demanding focus and endurance.

Mountain bike racers on the trail encounter packed dirt and occasional rocky sections, framed by thick pine branches that occasionally brush against helmets, a vivid reminder of the trail’s living, breathing nature. The race’s flow ebbs and surges with the terrain, with smooth stretches that invite speed and narrow singletrack zones demanding control and technical skill.

Starting in Susanville, racers roll out from a town that supports their endeavor with accessible accommodations and bike-friendly services. The trail’s design—linear and out-and-back—allows racers to prepare for a steady return, doubling down on their hydration and energy management. Timing your race for early morning hours helps avoid midday heat, and clear skies allow the forest’s shadows to cool the dirt beneath your tires.

Essential gear includes a sturdy mountain bike with knobby tires, enough water in hydration packs or bottles to counter dry Sierra air, and layered clothing suited to mountain temperatures that shift quickly with elevation and time of day.

The race is more than just pushing pedals—it’s a dialogue with terrain and nature. The Susan River, washed over with relentless energy, dares riders onward, while the woods whisper ancient stories through the rustling of needles and the sudden call of a distant bird. Every mile asks respect, every climb asks persistence.

For first-timers, pacing is crucial. The undulating trail can invite an early sprint, but the race rewards those who read the landscape well. Practicing on sections of trail beforehand fine-tunes balance and handling, especially over rocky or root-laced stretches. And post-race, taking time to soak in surrounding views—the high ridges overlooking the Lassen National Forest—completes the experience.

The Mountain Bike Race on the Bizz Johnson Trail is well-suited for riders ready to test their mettle without confronting extreme technical hazards or sudden steep drops. It is an adventure grounded in the steady hardness of California’s backcountry, inviting you to meet its challenges head-on, dirt beneath tires and heart pounding in rhythm with the trail's flow.