A collection of news, stories, videos and adventures written by Gravel Bike California focusing on Northern California Gravel.
Just the name itself of the “Avenue of the Giants” should be enough of a calling to ride. Our redwoods are a national treasure and to cycle within them in solitude is the only way you want to experience them. This was another of Dirty Freehub’s Five Star Routes I was eager to try even …
Mendocino County may sound familiar to us, but unless you experience it in person you can’t truly appreciate all it has to offer. Yes, many Californians have an idea about it perpetuated by the craft chain restaurant, but this area acts independent of that image. This region has an ecosystem all of its own, independent …
When planning out your gravel calendar, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is the type of place we all aspire to visit. Riding between those colossal trees, skimmering by the Pacific Coast and circling past the mouth of a major river are three things you don’t expect to check boxes all on one ride. I’ve always …
The Sierras are a tricky lot and there’s very few places that can compete to unleash its secrets by bike other than Truckee gravel. While these mountains are nestled with a number of small towns, Truckee stands out clearly from its history for those making their way across the west. Even with the tragedy of …
There are some sectors of dirt that belong in every cyclist’s lexicon and conquering Old Caz Gravel is a ride that should be in everyone’s vocabulary. Starting off, Sonoma County is a special place to explore itself. It seems just far enough off the grid from the Bay Area that keeps its country charm without …
Getting lost in the Sierras is a great experience nowadays, but for those pioneering in the mid 19th century, maybe not as much… We’ve come too accustomed with our modern highways to easily overlook how difficult it was to transverse a mountain range when a stagecoach was your primary mode of transport. Ten percent grades …
Gravel Bike California has been excited to venture into Gold County and exploring around Yankee Jims and the Auburn State Recreation Area is a proper start. When you think about the early pathways built into the Northern California Sierras, a lot of them had to do with the explosion of mining in the mid 1800s. …
Gravel Guide: Yankee Jims & Auburn State Rec Area Read More »
If there’s a Mount Rushmore of iconic rides, Mount Tam Gravel would be one place striking a pose. It’s hard to compete not only with the trails and views from the area, but the history as well. You can go back to labeling Mount Tam as the birthplace of mountain biking or even further to …
Santa Cruz has always been an area I’ve always wanted to grasp, but have always been outside my comfort zone on visits. I like understanding the order of the place I’m in which is easy to do in smaller towns, but in larger places like Santa Cruz I’d like to have more of a focal …
As a reshaped calendar has brought gravel grinders a busy fall, Grinduro California Registration 2020 opens at this Tuesday, May 12th at 7pm (PST). This year’s ride moves to a new location in Mount Shasta while keeping the same festival experience that goes beyond the ride, including camping, a showcase of handmade bikes, live music …
Grinduro California Registration 2020 Opens Tuesday, May 12 Read More »
