Climate Ride 2011 Recap
For the first time this year the East Bay Bicycle Coalition has partnered with Climate Ride, the largest environmental cycling event in the county, for the second annual California Climate Ride. This year’s ride, in the first week of October, was an epic undertaking as we rode through several unseasonal storms on the 320 miles from Eureka to San Francisco. Despite the rain our team’s spirits stayed high. 
This year the ride kicked off with a beautiful 61 mile ride heading out from Fortuna, just south of Eureka. The Climate Riders cruised through the Avenue of the Giants under sunny skies. One day two everyone woke up to pouring rain, which didn’t let up all day. Our riders made it over the grueling Leggett Hill drenched to the bone, as the organizers worked behind the scenes to find everyone dry accommodations for that night. The next day was our century day, with the option to shuttle at 66 miles, or ride all the way from Mendocino to Duncan Mills on the Russian River. Day 4 was a lovely ride through the Sonoma wine country with only a few showers. On the final day we hit the road from Point Reyes in another downpour.
When we got to Stinson Beach for our water and snack stop suddenly the sun came out. The SAG truck was blasting the tunes, and everyone spontaneously started dancing. One rider led everyone else, in their soaking wet gear and helmets, through the electric slide. This really encapsulated this year’s ride – though we all rode through some of the toughest weather you get here in Northern CA – nothing could stop the joy of riding together for a common cause that we all believe in. The spirit of the 2011 Climate Ride “Storm Riders” could not be kept down. 
We rode up to City Hall in San Francisco to the cheers of the waiting crowd. All the way down Polk Street our group of 120 Climate Riders was chanting “Climate Ride” at every stop light.
The feeling of accomplishment of completing 320 miles from Fortuna to San Francisco through storms, over major climbs and after having tents blow away in the middle of the night was palpable as we completed the ride. We will be a part of next year’s California Climate Ride and would love to have you on Team EBBC. Each rider has to raise $2,400 for the charity of their choice, and you can choose the East Bay Bicycle Coalition. When you choose us as your beneficiary a portion of every dollar you raise for the Climate Ride will go to support the East Bay Bicycle Coalition’s work to make your ride better everyday.
Climate Ride is a 5-day, fully-supported bicycle ride from Fortuna to San Francisco under towering redwoods, through the Russian River Wine Country, and along the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route – one of the most scenic coastlines in the world. This ‘green conference on wheels’ also features nightly speakers who focus on bicycle advocacy, sustainability, and renewable energy. Find out more at www.climateride.org.