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California North Coast Ride
Redwoods to San Francisco
About the Ride
journey with like-minded people who are united by their passion for sustainability, renewable energy, and bicycles!
May 5 – 9, 2024
Fortuna to San Francisco, California
A gorgeous charitable cycling adventure that begins in California’s historic Redwood Empire near Eureka, travels along the scenic coast, and ventures into the beautiful wine country of the Russian River Valley before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco.
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
Climate Ride California is a gorgeous charitable 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.
This 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. Participants may select their beneficiaries from our list of more than 100 extraordinary non-profit organizations.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
*There are shorter options available each day with shuttles.
Day 1
Bike 61 Miles
Climate Ride’s Pacific adventure begins in the heart of Northern California’s Redwood Empire. We cycle south from ‘The Friendly City,’ Fortuna, and turn our bike tires toward the towering redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Once in the park, we ride our bikes 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
Bike 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 on the bike and we arrive at our campsite for the evening, still within earshot of crashing waves.
Day 3
Bike 65 or 100 Miles
All day today, we wind our bikes 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. But if 100 miles is more your style, this is your day to go for a century! You choose which option is best for you that day.
Day 4
Bike 60 Miles
After cycling 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 our bikes inland as the redwoods thin out and wineries become more plentiful. Stop in for a tasting, or visit the charming, quaint town of Guerneville and 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
Bike 40 Miles
We begin our last day on bikes with a hearty camp breakfast before making our way back to civilization. We pedal along the coast through the seaside town of Stinson Beach, then complete an epic crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Here, we will celebrate our successful bike ride, and our contribution in helping our beneficiaries work toward sustainability, conservation, and renewable energy.
Ready to get started?
FAQs and More Info
The Ride Start
*The majority of Climate Riders sign up to take the Climate Ride Shuttle from San Francisco to Fortuna the day before the ride start. Please keep reading below for more information about this option.
This cycling event begins in Fortuna, CA at 8:00 AM on May 5th. Please arrive in Fortuna ready to ride your bike and with your luggage. If you plan to arrive on the morning the bike ride starts, please arrive no later than 7:00 AM to check in and register. Early Registration and bike drop-off will also be open from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM on TBA, at the Riverwalk Campground – the event start location.
The Climate Ride Shuttle from San Francisco to Fortuna
A special Climate Ride Shuttle will be available from San Francisco to Fortuna the day before the ride. The shuttle is a safe and efficient way to transport you, your luggage, and your bicycle to the bike ride start. The shuttle fee includes camping the night. (Dinner is a la carte that night.) Fortuna is about a 5-6 hour drive north of San Francisco and isn’t serviced by many transportation options, so this shuttle is probably your best bet to get to the bike ride start unless a friend or family member is willing to drive you. Information on booking the shuttle at an additional cost will be made available to you once registered.
After the Bike Ride in San Francisco
Climate Ride will end in San Francisco at approximately 5:00 PM. There, we’ll celebrate the end of the charitable bike ride with a group photo, before packing up our luggage/gear and departing. We recommend not making flight arrangements from SFO before 8:00 PM.
Recommended Bikes
We recommend road bikes or gravel bikes for this ride.
It’s possible to bring an e-bike. We’ll have charging available in the camps at RV spots. But you must have enough batteries and power to get from camp to camp (we cannot charge batteries mid-day). If you book hotels (at additional cost) you can charge in your room.
Bike rental information (in The Bay Area) will be available soon.
Accommodations & Meals
This charitable biking trip is primarily a camping trip but hotel options are available for every night as an additional expense. Please request a hotel list ASAP if this interests you. Accommodations book quickly.
Amenities in camp include hot showers, a first-aid station with 24/7 ice, a merchandise table, restrooms, and a great spot to set up your tent. Three of the camps on this ride have general stores with supplies, and several have laundry facilities.
All dietary restrictions will be accommodated on this cycling trip by our staff and caterers. There will be a variety of hot breakfasts, picnic lunches, hearty dinners, and plenty of snacks in between to fuel you for multiple days of riding.
On Climate Ride California, the camp becomes a traveling village and dynamic community. Camping in California doesn’t get better than on Climate Ride!
Fundraising for Beneficiaries
Cyclists can choose from the more than 100 incredible beneficiary organizations in our network! One of the things that make Climate Ride such an effective charitable event is that you can select the organization(s) you wish to fundraise for from our extensive list of beneficiary organizations. Our beneficiaries were selected for their work on the environment, conservation, sustainability, climate education, and active transportation advocacy. At the end of the year, Climate Ride grants the proceeds from our events to these hard-working organizations.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines: TBD
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry — we’re here to help you get up to speed, so reach out to us!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
