Course Description:

You will begin at the border of Nevada and California, just west of Boomtown Casino/hotel in Verdi and head right into the Sierra Nevadas, home to the largest trees in the world, the giant sequoias.  Do not underestimate this section of the route.  The course follows ungraded, less traveled forest service roads, old stage coach routes and a couple hike a bike sections.  Streams are plentiful to filter water.  Forest City has some great single track in the middle of the Seirras.  Camptonville is your next food source close to 100 miles away from the start.  As you head out of Camptonville, Oroville is the only large town along the route.  It has a Wal-Mart, chain food, groceries as well as an Ace Hardware (closes at 5:00pm on Sat & 4pm Sunday).  The route travels through the Oroville Wildlife Area. that has a reputation for goat head thorns.  The cruise across the Sacromento Valley is a nice respite from the torturous Sierras however, 5'k Goat mountain looms on the horizon like a menacing bully.  Maxwell has a gas station and Mimi's taco's to fill up on.  West of Maxwell, you'll head  into the Mendocino National Forest. Goat mountain is a hors  category climb.  It is California's only  national forest not crossed by a paved road or highway.   Out of the Mendocino National Forest, you drop down into Potter Valley then onto fun single track along Mendocino Lake.  A few miles to the south  is Ukiah, where you'll find hotels, chain food, and Dave's bike shop if repairs are needed.  This is the last resupply stop.  Your final destination is Mendocino 80 miles away through the coastal mountians where the temperatures and scenery change dramatically from inland.  With permission, we cross through The Conservation Fund land.  This is the only private property along the route.  It is stunningly beautiful.  Next, into Jackson Demonstration Forest where the old growth redwoods tower and humble one to the core.  The last of the primo single track awaits you along the edges of The Woodlands camp.  Loamy, swoopy, hoot'n & holler'n fun! The total route is 392 miles with 30,000+ft of climbing.  Trackleaders will be handling SPOT tracking. 

Start line: 

For people flying in  1) look at doing a multi city flight, for example, fly into Reno out of SFO/Oakland/Santa Rosa (STS). Santa Rosa is a gem of an airport if you live in Portland, Seattle, LA or San Diego. Or look into flying in/out of Sacramento.  In this scenario you would need to rent a one way car (or catch a ride) from Sac to Reno and from Mendo back to Sac.  Reno airport is about 17 miles from the start.  Cabs can be used if needed to get from the airport to the start.  You can also look into one way flights or Amtrak from the Bay Area. 

Finish line:  

Mendocino is a very small coastal community that does not offer many services but has sandwich shops, lodging and camping .  Mendocino has a bus system that runs through Mendocino MTA.  Each bus is equipped with 2 bicycle carriers (I don't think fat tire bikes fit the rack!) and using the bus system can get you to Santa Rosa where more transportation options exist.   

Additional Notes:

There are bears, don't be stupid.  Be bear aware.  There are rattlesnakes.  There are mountain lions.   Bring a way to purify water, you will need it.  There are places that do not take credit cards or debt cards, cash is king.  Spot Tracker.  Buy one or rent one from Trackleaders. Yes, it is so blue dot stalkers around the globe can drool, but it does give your family and friends a little more peace of mind, and it is a good way to track everyone fairly.  Cell service is random to non-existent throughout a vast majority of the route.  Do not rely on a cell phone.  In the event your device has any issues, or you have to seek support off route for any reason, is  highly recommended that you have paper maps of the areas with you, ones that you have studied and are familiar with.  No responsibility can or will be accepted for riders becoming lost or stranded.  

The classes are as follows. Ladies Geared Gentlemen Geared Ladies Single Speed/Fixed Gentlemen Single Speed/Fixed Tandem   

Read: are completely on your own.  If you do not agree that you are on your own, that you are responsible for yourself, and that this is being undertaken of your own volition, then do not start.  Those interested must email a Letter of Intent and or use other signup methods no later than one week before an attempt.  Along with your declaration of intent to attempt the Trans North California Route; include your full name, address, phone number, class, and date of departure.  Email intent to sign up here: tnca400@gmail.com or fill out registration link Once your email has been received, we will send you the gps file, any course or information updates, and the Trackleaders link. bikepacking bikepacking route bike adventure