It’s tough to imagine which would be more exciting: traversing the Sierra Nevada mountains on a nearly unexplored stretch of singletrack, or doing it aboard a bespoke bicycle built for you for free.
Believe it or not, that’s the deal on the table as part of the Builders for Builders fundraiser. From now through July 2, you’ll receive an entry to win a custom handmade bike from one of four acclaimed frame builders for donating at least $10 to Sierra Butte Trail Stewardship (SBTS).
But the primo ride is only the cherry on top. Every donation helps support trail building and upkeep in the Lost Sierra, a region that encompasses far northern California and western Nevada. With enough support, the SBTS hopes to complete an epic 564-mile trail network, dubbed the Lost Sierra Route, that connects 15 mountain towns throughout a region that’s historically significant to riders.
“The Lost Sierra is home to Downieville, the birthplace of American mountain biking,” said Billy Sinkford, vice president of ECHOS Communications and pro bono PR for SBTS. “It is so rich with recreation, but the loss of timber and mining industries unfortunately left the area very poor.”
Sinkford noted that the mining and timber boom long ago vacated the area, and the region lost numerous jobs that never returned. The giveaway is just a piece of a greater plan to resurrect the Lost Sierra into a thriving outdoor rec community.
He noted, “Having a sustainable recreation economy is the answer, and the Sierra Butte Trail Stewardship is working to bolster this — not just through cycling, but by welcoming moto, equestrian, kayaking, camping, hiking — basically recreation opportunities for just about everyone.”
Here’s everything you need to know to enter the giveaway and support the Lost Sierra Route project.
‘Builders for Builders’ Bike Giveaway
Now in its third official year, the fundraiser and giveaway period went live this week on the heels of the Lost and Found Gravel Festival, one of an array of bike races and events that take place across the region. So from now until July 2, you can pitch in toward the $30,000 goal, all of which goes to support trail stewardship.
If you donate at least $10 (no purchase necessary, but c’mon), you’re automatically entered to win a handmade frame from your choice of frame builder: Caletti Cycles, SyCip Bicycles, Mosaic Cycles, or NeuHaus Metal Works.
You’ll also work with the builder of your choice on a custom paint job, and you’ll walk away with a ride finished off with the help of Paul Components, White Industries, and WTB.
Lost Sierra Route
To date, the Builders for Builders giveaway has helped raise more than $100,000 for the SBTS and Lost Sierra Route. Since 2020, the ambitious trail project has steadily pressed toward its 2030 completion date.
When complete, it will create an unbroken, interconnecting web of singletrack that links Downieville, Sierra City, Graeagle, Sierraville, Portola, Truckee, Loyalton, Reno, Quincy, Taylorsville, Greenville, Jonesville, Chester, Westwood, and Susanville.
Small portions of the project are complete or have broken ground. The rest is moving through planning stages and environmental study.
Of course, you don’t have to be part of the Builders to Builders giveaway to take part. You can donate to SBTS anytime you like. You can also volunteer if you’re in the area — and if you’re not, just plan a visit and spend your dollars in the community directly.
