Climate Ride California

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.

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 Victorian village of Mendocino, where an afternoon beverage and a tasty treat await at one of the many picturesque cafes. 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 71 miles is enough for you, you can hop in our shuttle at Fort Ross, 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. 


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This morning we begin our last day with a hearty camp breakfast before making our way back to civilization. We pedal though the shady Samuel P. Taylor State Park and follow bike paths through classic Marin towns such as Farifax, San Anselmo and Kentfield, before approaching a highlight of the trip - crossing the famed Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. The final leg into the city takes us past the Marina and Crissy Field to the ride's end at the Tour de Fat bike festival in Golden Gate Park!  Here we will celebrate your huge contribution to help our beneficiaries fight for climate action, innovation, and renewable energy.

Read more about Getting There and Away from Climate Ride here.