coastal all-road retreat
At the confluence of land and sea along California’s western edge, exists an area of contradictory forces. The landscape and scale of the North Coast makes one feel miniscule in size while offering up larger than life experiences. It’s small coastal communities of Fort Bragg and Mendocino are seemingly trapped in time, where the clock spins a little slower regardless of how hard you pedal. Here, New England charm and architecture merge with the laid-back western lifestyle. And with an impressive amount of gravel routes stitching together old growth redwood forests with the shoreline of the Pacific, it’s a region that holds a special place in our hearts.
Our Coastal All-Road Retreat will show you that you can absorb more from life’s experiences when you pump the brakes on the cadence of the day. Featuring stunning rides that are certain to excite the senses, call upon your muscles and rejuvenate the spirit, there’s no shortage of options to nourish any cyclist’s soul. There’s more to this trip than the riding, however, and opportunities to kayak, surf, hike and stroll the small towns will round out your afternoons. We’ve arranged a communal, nature-inspired lodging experience at a private Victorian farmhouse situated on 36 acres, where you’ll seamlessly reconnect with the earth and have the chance to enjoy the local cuisine, culture and camaraderie.
​
OVERVIEW
START & END LOCATION: SANTA ROSA, CA
TRIP LENGTH: 5 DAYS
LODGING: HOTELS
INTENSITY INDEX (click for details):
AEROBIC - BLUE , TECHNICAL - BLUE, OVERALL - BLUE
GROUP SIZE: 5 - 12
$2,800 PER PERSON
Dates
-
Offered as a private group departure only in 2023 due to permitting restrictions. Contact us with your group's preferred dates
​
No Status = Date confirmed, no sign ups. TOUR OPEN = seats booked, minimum not yet met. TOUR ON! = tour is a go, minimum has been met. SOLD OUT = tour is full, rider maximum met
Itinerary
DAY ONE
The tour begins with a morning pickup of guests and gear in Santa Rosa. We’ll travel just over an hour north to Willits and setup for our first venture into the woods on bike. A nice warm-up on pavement allows us to stretch the legs out before we transition to dirt for a journey towards the coast. The forest landscape evolves as we make our way west and coastal redwoods welcome us with open arms. The endpoint for today’s ride is our favorite brewery in town, where a cold pint is sure to make the conversations unfold with ease. You’ll be brought to our accommodations with ample time to get settled and sorted before a welcome dinner in town.
ride details: from 25 - 40 miles & 2,000'-3,700' climbing
DAY TWO
Take a stroll to the beach harbor from the front door this morning while we wait for the temps to climb. Today’s objective on two wheels is a nice circuit that starts with a coastal cruise into the town of Mendocino. We’ll have time here to enjoy the tranquil vibe that resonates from the eclectic mix of art galleries and bohemian underbelly. Then it’s a lovely ride inland along Big River into the heart of the Mendocino Woodlands. Our return leg comes in the form of a climb and descent back towards the Pacific where our accommodations await us. We’ll pay a visit to the Mendocino Botanical gardens this afternoon to experience their impressive assortment of colorful coastal flora. Dinner tonight will be enjoyed in town.
ride details: from 20 - 47 miles & 2,200'-3,900' climbing
DAY THREE
We’ve got the biggest ride slated today, but you’ll be well looked after by your guides to ensure you can comfortably tackle as much of it as you desire. A lovely mix of tarmac and dirt encompass this all-road adventure around the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. The mid-ride picnic is sure to put some life back into the legs for the return to our coastal base camp. Dinner tonight is on your own, so choose what cuisine calls to you and refuel after your heroic effort.
ride details: from 45 - 74 miles & 4,200'-7,800' climbing
DAY FOUR
Another day and another dose of that delicious dirt and gravel awaits. You’ll set out and explore Hare Creek and Little Valley by bike on this remote and quiet loop that explores some unique ecological zones. Returning to the coast, you’ll have a chance to stop by Glass Beach and see what the erosive forces of nature can do. After lunch in Fort Bragg take time to spend the last afternoon of the tour as you choose. This evening your guides will host a cocktail hour at the hotel before heading to one of our favorite restaurants for a final dinner featuring the freshest regional offerings of the area.
ride details: from 30 - 55 miles & 2,200'-3,900' climbing
DAY FIVE
For those interested in one final ride, we’ve got a nice spin planned this morning before packing up. Otherwise, partake in a tranquil paddle along Big River in a hand carved outrigger canoe. After lunch in Mendocino, we load up and make the return trek to Santa Rosa, where you’ll bid the team farewell and continue on your own way.
ride details: 22 miles & 1,300' climbing
Lodging
Harbor Lite Lodge, Fort Bragg - 4 nights of double occupancy lodging (single rooms avail)
Pricing
-
$2,800 per person (+ $345 single room suppplement)
Details
-
Seasons
o For private departures, the above sample itinerary can be generally offered late April - October, when the weather is most ideal for riding. Contact us to arrange a private or customized Coastal All-Road Retreat around your preferred dates
-
Inclusions
o Guided & fully-supported rides​
o Professional expertise and regional knowledge of 2 cycling guides
o 4-nights accommodations
o Ground transportation during the trip in our air-conditioned passenger van
o 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners
o Daily ride nutrition (bars, gels, powders, fruits & snacks)
o Post ride beers
o Mechanical support of your bicycle throughout the duration of the tour
o Park entry fees, permits and activities including canoeing and botanical gardens
o Pre- and post-tour transport from/to Santa Rosa
o Dirt Gypsy Adventures t-shirt, socks and cycling cap
-
Exclusions
o Bicycle rental (carbon gravel bikes can be added for an additional $200)
o Airfare​
o Travel costs to/from trip start
o Pre/post trip lodging
o Travel insurance
o Personal purchases
o Passport / travel Visa requirements
o 1 dinner
o Alcoholic beverages with meals
o Guide gratuities
-
Getting Here
o Trip begins and ends in Santa Rosa at a central location​
o Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport (STS) is the closest airport with flights serving areas across the nation
o Pre and post tour lodging available at a variety of hotels in the surrounding area
o You will receive a comprehensive itinerary & trip planner after booking your tour and paying your deposit
o Our staff is happy to provide additional travel suggestions to maximize enjoyment on your visit to California's North Coast
Dates
-
September 24 - 28, 2023 (Book Now)
-
Contact us for a private trip if you have other dates or lodging preferences in mind
​
No Status = Date confirmed, no sign ups. TOUR OPEN = seats booked, minimum not yet met. TOUR ON! = tour is a go, minimum has been met. SOLD OUT = tour is full, rider maximum met