The Lost Coast is the most remote part of the entire California Coast. The famous Pacific Coast Highway had to be built inland to go around the rugged contours and steep coastal mountains. Not only will you ride the only paved segment of the Lost Coast on this trip, you’ll also cruise through some of the last remaining old growth redwoods, along the Eel River, and back over the coast range to rejoin the Pacific Coast Highway.
With Comova’s support you can ride these remote corners of California without worrying about mechanicals, whether you can get a cell signal, or where to find water. We’ll transport you to the start in Miranda and then shuttle your luggage each day so you can ride keep your ride light and your focus on the challenging terrain.
From cozy cottages in Miranda to ocean view hotels in Fort Bragg and Gualala, all of your accommodations will be comfortable and take advantage of the beautiful locations we’ll be riding through.
Breakfast will include options ranging from oatmeal, eggs and pancakes to fruit, cereal and yogurt. Ride nutrition will be provided as well as lunch on days with no services. Riders will make their own choices for evening meals from a variety of restaurants in each location.
Sure, you could ride a skinny tire road bike, but wider tires at lower pressure will be much more forgiving on the rough pavement and occasional gravel. Our VAAST A/1 gravel bikes are available for rent with 38mm GravelKing slicks or 37mm WTB Riddler tubeless tires.
We’ll gather at Comova and begin our shuttle up to Miranda at 9am. After arriving at your accommodations, we’ll head up Avenue of the Giants for your first taste of cycling through the majestic giants. During dinner we’ll discuss logistics for the trip and go over the next day’s route.
Today you’ll discover how the Lost Coast got its name, After a shuttle to Ferndale, you’ll climb and descne, then climb some more before finally descending to the only paved stretch of road along the Lost Coast. The scenery is stunning. The riding is challenging. But don’t worry. With SAG support you’ll have the option to shorten your ride by taking a lift up the road at the start. Dinner and a comfortable bed in Miranda will be well-earned.
We’ll need to get back across the Coast Range today, which means more climbing. But compared to yesterday, today’s main climb of 1,700′ at an average of 5% will feel easy. A second modest climb is followed by a descent to the coast and some very fun rollers down the coast into Fort Bragg.
Leaving Fort Bragg, we’ll pass through the quaint town of Mendocino before crossing the Navarro River on our way to a lunch stop in the town of Elk. The views continue as we ride the coast down through Point Arena to our finish in Gualala.
