Saturday, June 8, 2019, bicycle 
through the redwoods and along California’s Lost Coast on the Tour of the Unknown Coast and Avenue of the Giants Century Rides, plus shorter 100 kilometer, 50 mile, 22 mile, and 8 mile bike rides perfect for families. The Tour of the Unknown Coast “has been touted as one of California’s toughest century rides, and among the most beautiful rides anywhere.” The ride is challenging, but for 2019, road conditions have improved in several of the most difficult stretches of the route.
New for 2019 is a second Century Ride, the Avenue of the Giants Century. This route offers smooth pavement and significantly less climbing that the traditional Tour of the Unknown Coast. Post ride festivities for all rides include a catered meal from 12:30 pm until 5:00 pm at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds and entertainment by “Ghost Train”, a local band whose style mixes pop, R&B, rock, and country music, with vocalist Rachel Beccaria.
The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel is conveniently located in Fortuna, just 8 miles from the Fairgrounds in Ferndale. We are Humboldt County’s TripAdvisor-certified GreenLeader Hotel, offering guests a small-scale, independent hotel grounded in the sense of place created by our surroundings in the California redwoods. Expect “boutique hotel” service and exceptional hospitality from everyone on the Redwood team, and amenities including our Swimming Hole indoor pool, Launderette, plus books and games to enjoy during your stay. You won’t need to arrange for breakfast before your ride, because we’ll serve you our complimentary full breakfast buffet at The Canteen. Choose from yogurt, local jams and honey, fresh, seasonal fruit or even biscuits and gravy daily beginning at 6:00 am. Gluten-free options are available, of course.
The Tour of the Unknown Coast website includes detailed information about the routes for the different rides, maps, starting times, registration fees, FAQs, etc. Here is an overview of the different rides:
- TOUR OF THE UNKNOWN COAST CENTURY RIDE travels the Eel River Valley to the Avenue of the Giants and the newly paved Bull Creek Flats Road. The route then climbs to Panther Gap, downhill to the most southern ppoint of the route at Honeydew, then north through the Mattole Valley. Riders bicycle along the coast to reach the Wall, then traverse the Endless Hills to reach the finish at Ferndale.
- AVENUE OF THE GIANTS CENTURY RIDE is easier and less hilly than the Tour of the Unknown Coast, with smooth pavement throughout and about 5,000 feet of climbing on the route. For the first 30 miles, riders follow the Tour of the Unknown Coast Century’s route. The ride then continues through the redwoods on the Avenue of the Giants along the South Fork of the Eel River. A rest stop near Phillipsville is the turnaround point.
- 100 KILOMETER RIDE takes riders through the Eel River Valley to Rio Dell and Scotia to reach the Avenue of the Giants. There are rest stops at Rio Dell and then at the Immortal Tree on the Avenue of the Giants. At the Dyersville Overlook, riders turn around and return to Ferndale by the same route.
- 50 MILE RIDE follows the same route and return as the 100K, except that the turnaround is at the Immortal Tree rest stop.
- 22 MILE RIDE traverses the Eel River Valley, with only gentle climbing. The turnaround is the rest stop on Price Creek Road, 11 miles from the start at the Fairgrounds.
- 8 MILE RIDE is very family friendly, following a safe, scenic route through farmlands around Ferndale. Riders stay on main roads and flat terrain. The rest stop at the turnaround will have snacks and beverages (eitght-mile ride not available after 2019).
Registration is available online (until June 5, 2019), by mail (until June 1, 2019), or at the event. Fees vary by ride and include:
- Friday Hospitality Night with complimentary hors d’oeuvres provided by the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce and beer from Lost Coast Brewery available for purchase.
- Refreshments at rest stops; first aid and mechanical support at designated rest stops
- Radio Communications & Support Vehicles on courses
- Saturday post-ride catered meal (included for Century, 100K and 50 mile riders; 22 and 8 mile riders may purchase the post ride meal when registering, as quantities allow.
The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel is proud to be associated with the Tour of the Unkown Coast and Avenue of the Giants Century Rides, and will continue it’s support in 2020. Let us pamper you before and after the challenges of your Bicycle Tour of the Unknown Coast and Avenue of the Giants – just go online and reserve your stay with us when you register online for the ride of your choice on June 8, 2019!
Image courtesy of Humboldt Lodging Alliance
