about us
The Stalley Family founded the Cache Creek Ridge Ride in 2009. They graciously passed the ride onto our new management team in 2026. The new ride manager is John Brain, a long time endurance rider and farrier.
The course takes place on BLM land near the junction of Highways 16 and 20 (18 miles west of Williams, CA). Ride Camp is located at the Cowboy Camp campground.
The event will host a 25 and 50 mile AERC sanctioned endurance ride this year (2026). There may be options to add on a second day, or intro ride in the future!
For more information about the sport, you can visit AERC.org.
Join us!
Ride entries will be live on February 1st, 2026 at 12pm
If you are having trouble with your entry, please email courtneygbrain@gmail.com
- Cancellations must be emailed by the rider; you cannot cancel for anyone else. For juniors, the parent or guardian who signed the application must cancel on his/her behalf.
- No refunds after April 20th at midnight.
- If you decide to drop your course distance down to the LD or increase mileage to the 50 mile ride after this drop deadline, you may do that after April 20.
getting there
directions
To Base Camp:
From I-5
At Williams, take Hwy 20 West 18 miles to the intersection of Hwy 16. Turn left (South).
Cowboy Camp will be on the right in about a mile.
From Capay Valley
After Rumsey, continue 18 miles North on Hwy 16.
Cowboy Camp will be on the left. If you reach Hwy 20, you have gone too far.
From 101:
Take Hwy 20 East at Ukiah. Take Hwy 16 South towards Rumsey (it will be a right turn). Ride camp is on your right in a mile.
Directions to Vet Checks:
Confluence (50’s only, 1st vet check–NO CREWS allowed)
From Cowboy Camp, travel 5.9 miles South on Hwy. 16. The veterinarian checkpoint parking will be on the right. Pass through the restricted access pipe gate and park in the flat area near Bear Creek. Parking: GPS: N 38.926692° W 122.333013°
Grab your gear, walk up stream and then cross the creek to the veterinarian checkpoint area. Follow Ride Management staff for the best creek crossing..
High Bridge (50’s only: 1 hour lunch hold)
From Cowboy Camp, travel 3.2 miles South on Hwy. 16. The parking lot is South of the bridge, on the right side of the road. The veterinarian checkpoint is in the flat area, down the bank, between the parking lot and Bear Creek. Parking GPS: N 38.956807° W 122.343751°
Judge Davis (50’s: 3rd vet check, LDs: lunch vet check)
From Cowboy Camp, travel North on Hwy 16 to Hwy. 20. Turn left (West) and travel 6 miles to the Judge Davis Trail Head, on the left. Parking GPS: N 39.008725° W 122.415662°
Volunteer
Volunteers are the life blood of the sport. This sport could not exist without the support of many many volunteers (both horsey and non-horsey).
The ride needs volunteers of all skills in order to operate. Please reach out via the Volunteer Form and we can find something interesting and fun for you.
volunteer roles
| Pulse & Respiration Up close and personal with the horses taking heart rate and counting respiration | Vet Scribe Work aside the veterinarians recording scores on rider cards and learning from the best | In/Out Timer For the mathematically inclined to record in or out times and release riders onto the trail post stop |
| Volunteer Dinner Help assemble the volunteer dinner Friday night at 5:30 pm | Spotter Track horses and riders out on the trail. Bring a book, chair & water to enjoy a day in nature | Awards Distribution Distribute awards Saturday afternoon to finishers |
The trail
The trail is well maintained with beautiful footing. You will experience vistas from the ridge of surrounding mountains and of Bear Creek and Cache Creek. It is challenging and the weather can be hot. There are creek crossings periodically along the trail depending on the amount of spring rain. Feel free to water or cool your horse in the abundant ponds. Ride Management hauls water into the middle of the ranch to fill the troughs at key intersections and along the trail, so it is critical that you are only using the water for drinking and do not splash or drench your horses.
There are three out vet checks on the 50 mile ride–the first is at the Confluence (crews are not allowed here), light snacks for the 50 milers a one hour hold at High Bridge, and the last check is out at Judge Davis.
The 25 mile ride has one out vet check at Judge Davis. Light snacks and drinks are provided for riders. Hay, carrots, and mash are provided for horses.
There may be number takers on any of your loops to track your progress. Always state your number loudly and clearly.
Maps
25 Mile Ride
50 Mile Ride
control judges
veterinarians
We love our veterinarians! These vets will see you at check-in, at the veterinary check points along the trail, and back at camp for the final completion exam. They are knowledgeable, experienced, and kind humans who will help you and your horse throughout the day. The rest of the team of vets will be announced as we are closer to ride day.
Head Vet, Jeannette mero, DVM
Schedule/ride info
Tuesday (4/28):
Virtual Ride Meeting: (Click HERE for link)
Thursday (4/30):
Camp Opens: BYO horse water (camp water arrives Friday) and shade
Friday (5/1):
Registration/Check In: 11am-6 pm, located at ride management camp. If you are planning to arrive after registration time, please let ride management know in advance.
Vet In Starts: 2 pm until dark
Potluck Dinner/Optional Q & A: 6 pm at Ride Management Area
Volunteers: Check in at Ride Management Area
Saturday (5/2):
Start Times:
50 milers start at 6:30 am
25 milers start at 7:30 am
Awards:
Riders may pick up your award after completion as you exit the vet out lane
1st, BC, and Top Ten awards at Ride Management Camp at 4 pm
Dinner: 2-6 pm
About
Ride rulES
1. Dogs/animals must be under control at all times.
2. No camp fires.
3. Weed-free or local hay only.
4. No sponging out of water troughs.
5. Generators off by 9:30 pm.
6. No electric fencing for horse pens.
Please park pinwheel style when positioning your rig in base camp.
All AERC rules and regulations apply.
sponsors
If you are interested in sponsoring the Cache Creek Ridge Ride, please reach out to Courtney Brain at 530.906.0235 or courtneygbrain@gmail.com.
We couldn’t do this ride without our amazing sponsors!
Some of the beautiful scenery you will see on ride day!
Cache Creek Ridge Ride 