WILSEYVILLE, Calif. — For decades, the Wilseyville Hare Scrambles / Cross Country race has been a crown jewel of Northern California’s off-road motorcycle racing calendar. Known for its challenging terrain, thick dust, slick mud, and deep community roots, the event hosted by the NorCal MC as an AMA District 36 Championship Rac clubs ad has long drawn hundreds of racers and spectators every season.
However, organizers have officially announced a major setback: the iconic Wilseyville event has been canceled after losing access to its longstanding private property venue.
A Sudden Loss of Private Land Access
While District 36 race Clubs and Promoters often rely on a mix of SVRA’s, US Forest Service land, and private acreage, private property access is the lifeblood of many signature Northern California cross country courses.
Changes in property ownership and land-use agreement concerns have increasingly put pressure on private land leases across the region. Unfortunately, the Wilseyville venue fell victim to these shifting circumstances, forcing event coordinators to cancel the scheduled race when land use permissions could no longer be secured.
“Wilseyville is more than just a date on the race calendar—it’s a tradition for generations of District 36 riders,” noted club members and local racers, expressing widespread disappointment across the off-road community. “Losing access to terrain like this is a massive blow, but it’s a reality many off-road clubs are facing today.”
The Hunt for a New Home
While the immediate race is off the calendar, organizers are refusing to let the spirit of the event die. Club officials and District 36 representatives are actively seeking new private property leases or public land permits capable of hosting a proper cross-country layout.
To host a District 36 level cross-country race, organizers generally look for:
- Acreage: Large contiguous parcels of land (ideally several hundred acres or access to adjoining trail systems) to construct a proper 8 to 15-mile loop.
- Staging & Parking: Ample flat area capable of accommodating hundreds of race rigs, toy haulers, and spectator vehicles.
- Terrain Variety: A mix of elevation changes, singletrack, and woods suitable for all skill levels—from youth and beginner classes to Pro/AA riders.
How the Off-Road Community Can Help
Off-road racing relies heavily on grassroots support and landholder relationships. District 36 and host club organizers are calling on the riding community, local landowners, and ranch owners who may have suitable property—or leads on potential land in Calaveras County and surrounding Northern California areas—to step forward.
If you or someone you know owns acreage and is interested in partnering with a registered non-profit motorcycle club (complete with event insurance and land-restoration protocols), please reach out directly to AMA District 36 or the host club officials via their official website at ama-d36.org.
For now, District 36 racers are encouraged to keep an eye on the official D36 CC schedule and social media channels for updates regarding replacement dates, new venues, and upcoming series points adjustments