Climate Ride NYC - DC: 2012 Dates TBA Climate Ride California: October 2 - 6 2011 Get News & Updates: Climate Ride Blog

Climate Ride California 2012

September 9 - 13 | 5 Days | 320 Miles

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 verdent vineyards in the Wine Country on your way to the City by the Bay - San Francisco. Each evening, our expert speaker series will inform and enlighten you 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 exceptionally memorable. Click the tabs below for more about each day.

Page through the tabs below for more information and be sure to visit the FAQ; then register here!
  • Day 1
    61miles
  • Day 2
    66 miles
  • Day 3
    65 or 100 miles
  • Day 4
    60 miles
  • Day 5
    40 miles
  • Arrival & Departure Info
ride in redwoods for charity
The charity bike ride 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 enjoy lunch in the shady shadow of these rare trees. After lunch, we pass through several small northern California towns that once boomed under the jagged saws of the logging industry. After a hearty first day's ride, tonight we camp nestled under a soaring canopy of hundred-foot tall redwoods.


california charity bike ride
Today's morning brings more redwoods and stunning vistas of the surrounding Northern California countryside before we tackle the famous Leggett Hill with a hearty climb of 1400 feet.  Once at the top, we descend 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 a tasty treat awaits. A few more quick miles and we arrive at our campsite for the evening, still within earshot of crashing waves.
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!
After two days along the coast, we head east to enjoy a taste of California's epic Wine Country. We depart Duncan's 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- 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. 


Want to help? Become a fan of Climate Ride on Facebook and write a comment on our Wall. Thanks!


charity bike rider
This morning we begin our last day with a hearty camp breakfast before making our way back to civilization. We pedal along the rugged coast to the idyllic seaside town of Stinson Beach, where we'll enjoy a picnic lunch. Then it's back along to coast to cross the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Here we will celebrate your huge contribution to help our beneficiaries fight for sustainability, green innovation, and renewable energy.

Once you register for Climate Ride you will begin to receive ample information about trip details in the Travel Planners. In the meantime, visit our FAQ to learn more about the ride.

ARRIVING 
Climate Ride offers a very convenient shuttle option for riders and their bikes that runs from San Francisco to Fortuna on the day before the ride begins. We call it the Pre-Ride Package. It includes bike transport, a shuttle bus for the riders, a wholesome pack lunch, and a stop at the very inspiring Solar Living Institute in Hopland, CA along the way. The Pre-Ride Package costs $150. Or you can choose to fundraise an extra $300 to help cover the cost. This is definitely the cheapest and best way to get you, your luggage and bike to Fortuna.

If you need advice or have questions about how to get to the ride start in Fortuna, CA please email Blake Holiday, ride director, at blake@climateride.org. 

Email Geraldine Carter at Geraldine@climateride.org to reserve your pre-ride package.

DEPARTING 
Climate Ride arrives in San Francisco on the last day between 3-4pm. Your luggage will be available at the trip end. When you receive your Travel Planner before the ride, you will find bicycle shipping information on how to get your bike home from the event.

QUESTIONS:

I'm driving to San Francisco. Is there long-term parking? 
Yes, there are many long-term parking options. Email us for recommendations. We recommend that you leave your car in SF, and then take the Pre-Ride Package to the trip start in Fortuna.