Spring 2022
Mendocino Gravel Weekender – Interest List
Spend six days cycling through Southern California’s beautiful desert landscapes
About the Ride
Join us for a weekend ride on the beautiful dirt and gravel roads of Mendocino
Join the interest list for next time!
Mendocino, California
You’ll pedal some of the best sections of the North Coast of California on this mixed-terrain adventure. We’ll spend two days exploring the coastal redwood forests that are sustainably managed and often car-free! We’ll visit the traditional lands of the Pomo people and ride from the rugged Mendocino coast to the nearby peaks, soaking up smooth roads in beautiful remote areas.
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
On Climate Ride’s newest weekend adventure in Mendocino, we’ll ride a mix of pavement, gravel roads, double tracks, and even some smooth singletrack! We’ll get in some nice climbs and enjoy the quiet routes in the mountains just outside of the charming town of Mendocino. Each day will have a short and long option so that you can practice your gravel riding on a very dynamic mix of surfaces while moving at your own pace. We’ll visit the town of Mendocino, ride short sections of the prettiest parts of the California coastline, and ride through the biodiverse estuaries and riparian areas of the Mendocino Headlands.
Climate Ride Mendocino Gravel brings together bright minds, breathtaking routes for all cycling abilities, and an unforgettable combination of passion and purpose in a new format that allows us to leave the pavement behind and explore off the beaten path.
Our Climate Ride staff takes care of all the details, so you can focus on riding carefully planned routes. It’s challenging yet achievable, and you’ll be supported throughout each day’s ride. Our camp for the weekend is unlike any Climate Ride campground we’ve stayed at. It is surrounded by trails and swimming holes and was built by the California Conservation Corps back in the 1940s. 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.
If you’re ready to sign up and ride, click above to register! Space is limited to 40 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 5:00 pm at our base camp Mendocino, CA. You can choose to camp in your own tent or stay in one of the already set up wall tents with cots and sleeping pads. We’ll meet up tonight for an outdoor reception to welcome riders to the trip, then we’ll turn in to get some rest under the stars before our epic cycling begins.
DAY 2 – Big River Loop ~30 or 50 Mile option ~2,000- 3,500 feet of climbing (mileages and elevation gain are approximate and may change)
Today we’ll head out on a gorgeous loop ride out of our New Deal-era California Conservation Corps camp. First, we’ll warm up on a mixed-use trail along the Big River. We’ll ride through the forest on a variety of roads before reaching the coast near the town of Caspar, CA. After lunch, riders will have an opportunity to grab a beer or an ice cream in the adorable coastal town of Mendocino. Today there will be opportunities to take a dunk in a swimming hole and take a hot shower at our camp. After the ride, we’ll refuel with a hearty dinner and get to know our fellow riders.
DAY 3 – ~25-45 mile option, ~2,000-3,000 feet of climbing (mileages and elevation gain are approximate and may change)
This morning we’ll fuel up with a hot breakfast, pack some snacks, and hit the trail. From camp, we’ll start climbing on a variety of surfaces into the old-growth redwood forest. We’ll seek out some flowy singletrack, and ride to the top of some amazing vistas overlooking the rugged northern California coast in the Jackson Experimental State Forest. This area is mostly closed to cars so you can focus less on the traffic and more on the beauty of the ecosystem. Back at camp, we’ll have a final picnic and say our goodbyes until the next time!
Ready to get started?
California Mendocino Gravel FAQ
The Ride Start and End
START
Camp opens at Mendocino Woodlands Camp at 5:00 pm on Friday. The event officially begins at 8 pm with a casual welcome reception. There is free parking at camp for the weekend. Registration is Friday evening, 5:00-7:30 pm and then you join us for a mellow evening shindig starting at 8 pm.
END
The ride ends at 3 pm on Sunday afternoon after lunch at Mendocino Woodlands Camp.
Accommodations and Meals
Accommodations and Meals
This charitable biking trip is primarily a camping trip but there are several hotel options that you can book on your own in Mendocino. The camp has a limited number of glamping-style wall tents that sleep 4 (you can book at an additional cost). You’ll be able to request a wall tent to share with a teammate, partner, or friends, or you can pitch your own tent for the weekend.
Amenities in camp include showers, a first-aid station with 24/7 ice, clean restrooms, and beautiful hiking trails through the forest.
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 Mendocino Woodlands which includes shower facilities.
- Full route support including bike mechanics.
- Good food: All meals and snacks included from breakfast on Saturday morning through lunch on Sunday afternoon.
- Really awesome people to spend time with!
Not included:
- Private Wall Tent Upgrade – An extra cost. More information will be in the Ride Guide.
- 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 gravel 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!
Gravel bikes with at least 35mm tires are required for this trip. 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 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. On sections of the route where vehicles can’t go, we’ll have support riders making sure you are well supported. You can also expect an unlimited supply of camaraderie and encouragement from the Climate Ride staff, and your fellow riders!
Fundraising 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 benefit through the Climate Ride grants program. 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
All registration fees and donations are non-refundable.
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 To Be Raised By: | TBD |
| $1000 To Be Raised By: | TBD |
More Questions?
More Questions?
Email us at [email protected]!