Spring 2021
California Sonoma Weekender Ride
Spend six days cycling through Southern California’s beautiful desert landscapes
About the Ride
Join us for a weekend spin through the beautiful wide-open spaces of Sonoma County’s rugged coast, the Russian River Wine Country, and California’s soaring redwoods
Join the interest list for next time!
Near Monte Rio, CA
We’ll be based for two days out of a secluded retreat center just south of Monte Rio and enjoy pedaling the idyllic back roads that roll past vineyards, redwoods, and the magnificent Russian River – all packed into one exciting weekend.
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
On Climate Ride’s newest weekend adventure in Sonoma County, we’ll spend 2 days exploring some of the best this picturesque area has to offer. The ride starts and ends at a summer camp near Monte Rio in the sublime Russian River Valley (camping and cabins available!). From there, we’ll spend two days cycling – one day up to the quaint town of Healdsburg and one day out to the coast.
Riding on quiet back roads and remote byways, this Climate Ride weekend will challenge, inspire, and surprise as you pedal and connect with like-minded people dedicated to advancing sustainability. Climate Ride charitable events bring together bright minds, breathtaking routes for all cycling abilities, and an unforgettable combination of passion and purpose.
Our Climate Ride staff takes care of all the details, so you can focus on riding carefully-planned routes on scenic roads. It’s challenging yet achievable, and you have all day to make it to the next rest stop. Meals, snacks, bike support, and all of the logistics are included when you reach the fundraising commitment. 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. Proceeds from this event will support Climate Ride directly (no beneficiary selection for this event). Please learn more in the FAQ below.
If you’re ready to sign up and ride, click above to register! Space is limited to 25 people.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
DAY 1 – Arrival at Camp
Camp will open tonight at 5:30 pm at our base camp on the Bohemian Highway between Occidental and Monte Rio. You can choose to camp or upgrade to an on-site cabin at our classic summer retreat. We’ll meet up tonight for an outdoor socially-distanced reception to welcome riders to the weekend, then we’ll turn in to get some rest under the stars before two days of epic cycling. Dinner is not provided on Friday night, so grab something on the way, or bring dinner to camp to enjoy! We’ll have some snacks out for our evening gathering on Friday night.
DAY 2 – Healdsburg Loop ~65 Miles
(If you are arriving today, please check in by 7:30 am.)
Today we’ll head out on a gorgeous loop ride on the forested roads of the Russian River Valley. We’ll pedal past manicured vineyards along the river before turning north to the classic Dry Creek Valley. After a quick ride through Healdsburg’s historic plaza square (1857), we’ll turn our wheels toward camp. Tonight we’ll enjoy an outdoor celebratory dinner catered by Climate Ride icon Yvette Troyna, owner of Sweet Basil Catering (her 10th ride providing amazing food for us!).
DAY 3 – Coastal Loop ~40 Miles
This morning we’ll fuel up with a hot breakfast, pack some snacks, and get ready for one of our favorite Northern California coastal rides! From camp, we’ll begin by heading south to Valley Ford where we’ll make a hard right and head for the coast! The scenic town of Bodega Bay welcomes us to this rugged, secluded coastline. After a quick water stop, we’ll turn inland at the mouth of the Russian River and head back to camp to complete our morning loop. Then, we’ll enjoy a farewell lunch before saying our goodbyes until the next Climate Ride event.
Ready to get started?
California Weekender FAQs
The Ride Start and End
START
Camp opens at Westminster Woods at 5:30 pm on Friday (you can book a cabin through our store at an additional cost.) The event officially begins at 8 pm with a socially-distanced welcome reception.
There is free parking at camp for the weekend.
Registration is Friday evening, 5:30-7:30 pm and then join us for an evening socially distanced gathering starting at 8 pm.
***If you are arriving on Saturday, please arrive by 7:30 am for registration.
The cycling route officially opens at Westminster Woods on Saturday at 8:30 am.
END
The ride ends at 3 pm on Sunday afternoon, May 16 after lunch at Westminster Woods.
Accommodations & Meals
This charitable biking trip is primarily a camping trip but indoor options are available for every night as an additional expense. You can request a cabin after you register. The camp has many cabins available.
Amenities in camp include hot showers, a first-aid station with 24/7 ice, clean restrooms, and a great spot to set up your tent.
All dietary restrictions will be accommodated on this cycling trip by our staff and caterer. There will be a variety of hot breakfasts, picnic lunches, hearty dinners and plenty of snacks in between to fuel you for both days of riding.
Camping in California doesn’t get better than on Climate Ride!
What’s included:
- Camping at Westminster Woods which includes shower facilities.
- Full route support including bike mechanics.
- If you would like to stay in private cabins, you can book those through our online store at an additional cost. More information will be available in the Ride Guide.
- Good food: Saturday: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner and snacks at aid stations along the routes. Sunday: breakfast and lunch and snacks at aid stations along the route.
- Really awesome people to spend the weekend with!
Not included:
- Cabin Upgrade – An extra cost. More information will be in the Ride Guide. You’ll be able to book a cabin option in our online store.
- Alcoholic beverages and soda – We’ll have a cooler with ice for your in-camp drinks. Bring your own!
- Dinner Friday Night – grab something on the way, or bring dinner to camp to enjoy! We’ll have some snacks out for our evening gathering on Friday night.
What do I need to bring on the ride?
All riders need to have their own bike or a rental bike, helmet, gear, and a suitcase or duffle containing clothes, toiletries, and anything else necessary for the weekend. After you register, we’ll email you The Ride Guide which will contain a more detailed packing list. If you have a non-perishable personal favorite snack or electrolyte brand please feel free to bring it along!
Road bikes are required for this trip as we’ll be riding on paved roads.
If you don’t have a bike handy, we will have a recommended bike rental outfitter in place before the ride. We recommend renting a bike near your home or bringing your own bicycle. If you have any special parts that fit only your bike, be sure to bring them.
IF BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: Have your bike tuned up before the trip and have any worn-out parts replaced.
What precautions are being taken for Coronavirus?
Please visit our Covid-19 Policies and Procedures Page.
What safety protocols and procedures are our camp putting in place?
We want to keep everyone as safe as possible during this trip, so we recommend being very cautious and following the recommended protocols for coronavirus during the two weeks before this trip. We recommend getting a COVID-19 test, self-isolating as much as possible, and taking extra care when traveling to the Ride start.
How will meals be handled on this trip?
Our catering staff will be serving breakfast and dinner individually (touchless) and lunches will be pre-packed for each individual.
What happens if this event has to cancel?
No worries, we will hold your fundraising for a future event in 2020 or 2021.
What are the routes? Are the roads open to the public?
You will find maps of the various route options in your Ride Guide which you receive after registering. All of the routes are held through roads that are open to the public (there are no roads closures). In order to minimize additional drivers on the roads, please do not invite your friends or family to drive the routes.
What kind of support can I expect on the ride?
Climate Ride’s expert leader staff are some of the most experienced and friendliest professional guides around! We’ll have rest stops each day with snacks and water, a mobile mechanic, and a medic along with us. You can also expect an unlimited supply of camaraderie and encouragement from the Climate Ride staff, and your fellow riders!
Getting your bike to/from the event & bike rental
If you wish to ship your bike to the event, we will recommend a local bike shop where you can ship your bike and have it re-built. And, the end of the ride, your bike can be packaged and shipped home. We recommend using Bike Flights for shipping.
We will soon recommend a local bike shop for bike rentals. Stay tuned!
Can I bring my friends/family/pets?
We’re sorry, but we cannot allow companions or visitors.
What does my fundraising support and why is it so important?
This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work. Your fundraising on Climate Ride will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. Because of this, you cannot select from the beneficiary list. All donations are tax-deductible.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines
All registrations fees and donations are non-refundable.
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 to be raised by: | TBD |
| $1,000 to be raised by: | TBD |
More Questions?
More Questions?
Email us at [email protected]!