FORT BRAGG TO SHELTER COVE – 63 miles

Fort Bragg makes the perfect start to your adventure with ample lodging and food options. Before you leave town, stop at Glass Beach for a short walk to this iconic spot where you can search for tumbled glass pieces washed upon the shore. As you head north along Highway 1 you’ll instantly get a sense for the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean that lay ahead as you meander along the breathtaking California coast.

Usal Road is the first taste of dirt as you ride along a primitive forested two-track with a few great views of the coast. While generally mild, this road can be particularly challenging at times, especially after a storm and is considered impassable when wet. Stop by Usal Beach, which features a campground, a wide sandy shoreline, and often a herd of elk. Be sure to park where the beach road is firm and not sandy. Take a side trip to the Needle Rock Visitor Center and keep an eye out for herds of elk in this wildlife preserve before the last stretch of primo riding into the quaint town of Shelter Cove.

Note: The northern section of the Usal Road is typically closed for the winter and usually opens for the season right before Memorial Day weekend, depending on weather conditions from the previous winter. Check the County of Medocino’s Department of Transportation website for road closures and delays.