mendocino, ca

09.07.25

 
 

  • Location: California

  • Type: Biking

  • Distance: 81 miles

  • Elevation: 5,069 ft

  • Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

  • Date: 09.2025

 

The week we were supposed to go to King’s Canyon for our one-year anniversary, our plans changed—somehow, for the second year in a row—because of a wildfire. William is a big fan of Jay’s Best Rides, and Mendocino is in his top 10 overall. We had a wedding to attend in Mendocino in two weekends, but decided to go for two weekends in a row.

We drove 3.5 hours from the Bay to Mendo, passing multiple trucks hauling freshly cut redwood logs along the windy road. On the way, we stopped at Jumbo Win Win for a delicious smash burger—pro tip: in the back, there’s a free Big Buck Hunter arcade game.

There was still plenty of sunlight when we made it to our Airbnb in Albion, CA, so we decided to ride. We headed across the Albion Bridge and cut inland. We had some amazing descents into Comptche before reaching Highway 128. We flew through the redwoods and experienced the cathedral effect of light streaking through the branches. At Navarro Point, we caught the sunset and then biked home in the dark to a dinner of lightly smoked canned salmon and bagels. We bathed under the stars, satisfied.

Day 2 was Mendo Gravel Camp. We stocked up on some sandos in town, then made our way to the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. On the climb up, we alternated between fire roads and narrower trails through the trees. Since we’re still in our beginner gravel phase, whenever we couldn’t make it up a hill or over some roots, we hopped off and hike-a-biked.

While descending, we missed the turnout for Observatory Hill Trail. I was hesitant to go back up, but William convinced me by pushing both of our bikes uphill while I snacked on a Cajun chicken sando. We found the trail, and wow—it was worth the backtrack. There were flowy ups and downs with berms, the ground was full of soft-packed dirt, and we entered our flow state. We popped out and rode cobbles down to the Big River. That river portion was serene, flat, and long. Near the end, we hustled so we could sneak in a dinner at Princess Seafood in Fort Bragg.

I was a little tired after dinner, but William mentioned he wanted to visit the Krenov School of Fine Woodworking nearby. We pulled up expecting to just peek through some windows, but instead were greeted by three second-year students who happily gave us a tour (thanks again to Greg, Patrick, and Sacha!).

The bench room was like Project Runway or Great British Bake Off meets woodworking. Everyone had their handmade planes lined up on their shelves. The school has a massive wood collection, and you need sign-off from multiple teachers if you want to use the rarer species. The machine shop featured a beautiful green bandsaw with a gorgeous pattern. It was inspiring to be back in a communal maker space, and it was worth the pit stop. I didn’t feel tired anymore.

 

William and I struggled to pick which bike route was our favorite. The road ride was majestic, with redwoods flying past us. The gravel ride felt like it had chapters full of new experiences. It makes sense why this place is on Jay’s top 10.

Mendo truly does have the best rides.