The past few weeks have seen the return of several gravel races in the U.S., but things are quite different in California, where permits are much harder to come by. This weekend, however, the Grasshopper Adventure Series returns with a two-day challenge and a gorgeous field.

L39ion of Los Angeles riders Sam Boardman and Tyler Williams will join former World Tour riders Ted King and Peter Stetina in the men's event, while Amity Rockwell and Kristen Faulkner are the women's category, leading an impressive field.

The 2-Day Adventure Weekend will take place on the dirt roads of Healdsburg, Calif. Michelin-starred chef Matt Acquarino will be there, Sportful will run the coffee shop, and since it's a gravel race, beer will be available.

"Some things are going well, some things are still difficult. Race founder and organizer Miguel Crawford spoke to Cycling News from his home the night before the event.

"This weekend is a food and wine event, but with a competitive edge on Saturday and a big ride on Sunday. Both of these routes have hosted Grasshoppers in the past, but the county we are in still won't give us a permit for a big event.

"And on May 22, we have a competition with quite a few riders, both men and women. Riders will form "pods" and take on the tough climbs of the Geysers/Pine Flat course on the first day in waves of four to six riders.

"Hundreds of people have signed up for this weekend's challenge, which runs four sections. Fifty people will take on the challenge on the same day and leave in small groups. Stetina, Ted King, and two riders from L39ion will participate.

The riders will be timed in four segments and their times will be added together to create a leaderboard. Riders may start at any time and upload their segment times before the results are finalized at a later date.

"There are two climbs, Geysers and Pine Flats, with two segments set for each climb, and the cumulative times are combined," Crawford said.

"There are still some fun aspects. We have a Michelin-starred chief of staff and Sportful has taken over the bakery stop. There are two weekends, so this weekend isn't everything.