The Lost Coast
My close friend from San Francisco took me on this ride in 2015. Since then I’ve always wanted to take my wife back for a second trip. So July 11 - 13, 2019 we made it happen. The route is a loop that is highlighted by backroads through the Redwoods and desolate coastal road along the Pacific.
We started both tours in the small, northern town of Ferndale, CA. It’s easy to leave your vehicle on a side street and gather any supplies at the local market. The route is doable from either direction - it all depends on what you’re looking for. Our plan was to drive up from Oakland that day (5 hours) and then start late afternoon. There’s a small chunk of riding on the 101 so we wanted to get that over with leaving the highlighted sections for the next 2 days. The late start also allowed us a relatively flat warmup to the entrane of the Avenue of the Giants.
Things to note: There’s a dirt road called “Stafford Left” one exit before Pepperwood on Highway 101 - it looks like it connects and saves you from riding on the Highway. It doesn't! Plus if you decide to bushwhack it, you’ll be greeted by a chain link fence with a couple feet barbed wire on the top. Stay on the 101!
Ferndale, CA
Ferndale, CA
Avenue of the Giants; Pepperwood, CA
Rio Dell, CA
Night 1 camp; Pepperwood, CA
Arriving at the Pepperwood exit you will find the entrance to the Avenue of the Giants. This road is incredible! We opted to find a camping spot right away so we could enjoy the road in the daylight the following morning. While I’m sure the rangers would prefer you camp in a designated spot, being on bike, we followed a trail a few yards off the road and were well hidden to setup out camp for the night.
Day 2. Our first full day of riding. The plan was to ride the Avenue of the Giants until we connected with Lower Bull Creek Flats Road then onto Mattole Road to Petrolia. Massive redwoods line both sides of the Avenue of the Giants shading the road (bring lights) and proving eye candy everywhere.
Avenue of the Giants; Redcrest, CA
Avenue of the Giants; Redcrest, CA
The route also features the first big climb. Right after leaving the tiny town of Bull Creek the road will start to ascend pretty quickly and continues for what feels like forever. Eventually we reach the summit and descend (almost all the elevation we just climbed) to the town of Honeydew. After crossing the wooden bridge there’s a general store and burger joint to refuel. From there the roads were rolling until we hit Petrolia.
Just on the outskirts of Petrolia before the bridge is Lighthouse Road which heads west to the coast. This road dead ends into an amazing campground which was an ideal stopping point for night 2.
Night 2 camp; Petrolia, CA
Day 3. The Coast. The day’s plan was to ride Lighthouse Road back to Petrolia, continue on Mattole Road to the Lost Coast and then climb our way out and descend back in to Ferndale. There’s a small general store in Petrolia to re-up any supplies.
Things to note: The general store in Petrolia is cash only!
Leaving Petrolia the road is rolling hills until you descend into the a desolate stretch of road that runs along the coast. This is the Lost Coast. It’s breathtaking views, ocean air and smells are basically flat and rewarding. The only issue can be a headwind.
The headwind was insane, but with views like these it only meant we could enjoy them a little bit longer.
The Lost Coast Highway
The Lost Coast Highway
The Lost Coast Highway
This may be one of the most beautiful stretches of road I’ve ever ridden. But. It comes with a price. The Lost Coast highway is flat and runs along the coast. But when it “ends” it ends with a bang. They call it “The Wall.” It’s intimidating looking and it should be. It climbs and climbs and climbs at grades over 15%.
The Wall
At the top of The Wall there’s an equally as steep descent into the town of Capetown which is the base of the next monster climb. The beginning is super steep, but tapers off after the first couple miles. The best part of this climb is that from the top it’s a long descent (with 2 minor hills) back to Ferndale to complete the loop.
Firefly Allroad with Enve AR4.5s, Schwalbe G1s (40s), Apidura Expedition Saddle Pack + Handlebar Pack + Accesory Pocket
Why is this one helluva ride? Either stretch through the Redwoods or on the Coast would be individually make for an incredible ride - but on this loop you get both.
