The California Ride
General Information
September 9-13, 2012
Climate Ride California is a gorgeous cycling adventure that begins in California's historic Redwood Empire near Eureka, travels along the scenic coast, and ventures into the famed Russian River Valley before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Climate Ride California is more than a bike trip – it’s an inspiring journey with like-minded people who are united by their passion for sustainability, renewable energy, and bicycles - the ultimate carbon-free form of transportation.
On the California ride, you’ll experience epic biking, amazing scenery, and dynamic speakers that all combine to make this charitable event exciting, informative, and fun. There are five days of riding and each one is a new adventure. You’ll pedal under towering redwoods along Humboldt’s Avenue of the Giants, climb the infamous Leggett Hill on your way to spend two full days on California’s rugged North Coast, then take a spin through verdant wine-country vineyards on your way to the City by the Bay - San Francisco. Each evening, our expert speaker series will provide information, opinion, and discussion on topics such as renewable energy, climate science, and bicycle infrastructure.
Our professional Climate Ride volunteer staff takes care of all the details, so you can focus on riding the 40-60 miles per day of carefully planned routes on scenic back roads. It’s challenging yet doable, and you have all day to make it to the next rest stop. Meals, snacks, bike support, luggage transport, and all of the logistics are included when you reach your fundraising minimum. On the road, the Climate Ride support team is always nearby to assist you, keep you happy and healthy, and make your ride worry-free and memorable.
Click the tabs above for more about each day. If you're ready to sign up and ride, click below to register!
Day 1
61 Miles
Climate Ride's Pacific adventure begins in the heart of Northern California's Redwood Empire. We pedal south from ‘The Friendly City' Fortuna and turn our tires toward the towering redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Once in the park, we ride past the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world, and eat a picnic lunch in their massive shadows. After lunch, we pass through several small northern California towns that once boomed in the heyday of the northwest's logging era. Tonight we camp nestled under a soaring canopy of hundred-foot tall redwoods.
Day 2
66 Miles
This morning brings more redwoods and stunning vistas of the surrounding Northern California countryside before we tackle the famous Leggett Hill, with a stout climb of 1400 feet. Once at the top, we catch the views before descending through manzanitas and moss-covered oaks to the spectacular coastline, dotted with sea stacks and sparkling azure lagoons. We continue along the rugged ribbon of Highway 1 to the coastal town of Ft. Bragg, where an afternoon beverage and tasty treats await. A few more quick miles and we arrive at our campsite for the evening, still within earshot of crashing waves.
Day 3
65 or 100 Miles
All day today, we wind along one of the most remote stretches of seaside highway in California. Small twists and turns in the road give way to dramatic vistas of the seemingly endless Pacific, with windswept beaches and twisted Cypress trees. We pedal past the scenic lighthouse at Point Arena and historic Fort Ross, through tiny seacoast villages, before turning inland at the mouth of the mighty Russian River where our camp for the night awaits.
If 65 miles is enough for you, you can hop in our shuttle at Stewarts Point, and get a lift to camp. Or if 100 miles is more your style, this is your day to go for a century!
Day 4
60 Miles
After two days along the coast, we head east to enjoy a taste of California's world renowned wine country. We depart Duncans Mills and ride inland as the redwoods thin out and wineries become more plentiful. A dazzling patchwork of fall reds and oranges, the vineyards will be nearly ready for harvest. Stop in for a tasting, or visit the charming, quaint town of Guerneville and with its boutiques and cafes. In the afternoon, we head back toward the coast over rolling hills to Tomales Bay, where quiet roads wind along the idyllic bay past oyster beds and seafood shacks. Our day ends at our campground home for the night, near Point Reyes Station.
Day 5
40 Miles
We begin our last day with a hearty camp breakfast before making our way back to civilization. We pedal along the coast through the seaside town of Stinson Beach, before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Here we will celebrate our successful ride, and our contribution in helping our beneficiaries work toward sustainability, green innovation, and renewable energy.