Ride to Fort Bragg

Welcome to the annual ride to Fort Bragg, CA! Fort Bragg is nestled between the redwood forests and Pacific Ocean along California’s beautiful Mendocino coast region. This ride affords us the opportunity to ride the Pacific Coast 150 miles from San Francisco to Fort Bragg, almost always right along the coastline through some of the most breathtaking views and scenery in California. And side trips into the redwood forests are a breeze. We do this ride each fall over a Saturday & Sunday, usually in early – mid October. We’ll confirm the dates this summer.

The day usually starts with folks converging from around the west coast via various scenic routes on Tomales Bay where we meet for lunch at Tony’s Seafood in Marshall, home of the best BBQ’d oysters anywhere! We'll meet here for lunch at 11:30 a.m. They will open early to seat us so we don't have to wrestle with the regular lunch crowd. BTW, bring some cash because Tony’s doesn’t take credit cards. From there folks ride up the coast to Fort Bragg, sightseeing, checking out the coastal towns and shops, and enjoying 150+ miles of some of the best motorcycling California has to offer.

Dinner that evening is at the North Coast Brewery’s Tap Room and Grill, which has a great dinner selection and all of the brewery’s beers on tap for your sampling. Normal deal here, they'll stick us in the banquet room to avoid scaring the locals and we'll be able to order from the full menu. I did mention they may want to stock up on prime rib if they offer it that night. We'll meet at 6:30pm. Lodging will be provided by the Travelodge (707-964-4787), which is a short walk from the Tap Room for dinner.

Fort Bragg, once a booming logging town, is now a hub for state parks and reserves. The area's Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are the only ones in the continental U.S. fronting directly on the ocean. The famous Skunk Train from Fort Bragg to Willits takes visitors on a route through the redwoods that is accessible only by railroad.

Those looking for special adventures will find that Fort Bragg's location offers an array of appealing activities, including whale watching, sports fishing, kayaking, and beachcombing, along with bird-watching, horseback riding, hiking and biking. Art galleries showcase local artists and craftspeople and antique shops offer unexpected finds.

Rides To and From:

Everyone pretty much does their own thing going and coming. Some folks get together and ride up and/or back, but this isn't an organized group ride where we all meet and go together in a big gaggle. This gives folks the flexibility to choose routes, stops, etc., and ride at their own pace, which keeps everyone safe and happy. Basically you know when and where lunch is, and when and where dinner is, and the riding part you get to choose and enjoy as you see fit! I'll be happy to post a Garmin file with the various stops and even some suggested routes if folks would like some suggestions. Just let me know.

NCB Tap Room and Grill

Yelp Review of Tony’s Seafood

Travelodge

Skunk Train

Questions? David Taylor

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