The Redwood Empire Endurance Riders invite you to join them at this year’s Redwood Ride in Orick, CA, 45 minutes north of Eureka on scenic Highway 101.

RIDER LIMIT: This ride is limited to 70 riders, combined for all distances. Entry requests will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Historically, the ride has filled to its limit. Please plan accordingly and submit your ride application early.
TRAIL: There will be both a 50-mile endurance ride and a 35-mile Limited Distance AERC ride. We will use the same trail as the well-received 2019 ride – which included never-before used trail and minimal repeat trail. Redwood Ride is special because it is held in the spectacular Redwood National Park and its awesome old-growth redwood forest. You will ride through enormous Redwood stands and peaceful alder groves. You may even spot a few late-blooming Rhododendrons above you, or some Tiger Lilies, Violets, or Monkey Flowers on the floor below. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife. The most frequent sightings are elk, bears, grouse, bees, banana slugs, frogs, and osprey.

The trail is made up of soft single-track, old logging roads, and maintained service roads. The weather is usually foggy and cool in the mornings with sunny afternoons. Conditions within the forest for the horse and rider teams are not usually hot; however, they can be quite humid. This ride is a moderate-to-difficult rated ride. The technicality of the footing, undulating topography, and high humidity requires a fit horse and rider team.

This is not a good trail to race; please ride carefully and responsibly in the park. Good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and respect for volunteers (this includes ride management) is paramount for REER. The focus is always friends, fun, and fairness to the horse.

The ride will climb from sea level in camp to around 1,200 feet, with a total elevation gain during the ride – due to many changes in elevation – of approximately 7,000 ft. The vet checks will be away from camp. Find a link to the ride map below.

DIRECTIONS: From either direction, follow Highway 101 to the center of the town of Orick. Coming from the south, just before the Redwood Creek Bridge, turn right at the Orick School and follow Drydens Road to the Orick Rodeo Grounds and Horse Camp. Coming from the north, just as you drive over the Redwood Creek Bridge, turn left at the Orick School and follow Drydens Road to the Orick Rodeo Grounds and Horse Camp. (Web site: https://orick.net/orick-horse-camp)

RIDE RULES: Redwood Rides comply with all AERC and REER ride rules. Dogs are allowed in camp if on a six foot leash at all times. No dogs in the vet in, vet check, or dinner areas. Open fires are not permitted. Those who bring extra horses (horses not participating in the ride) must pay a fee of $5 per horse per day. Ride management is responsible for a per-horse fee paid to Orick Rodeo Grounds. All riders and volunteers must complete and sign a COVID-19 Release form, in addition to the general release on the rider entry form.

RIDE CAMP: Opens at noon on Friday and closes at noon on Sunday at the Orick Rodeo Grounds. Additional camping days are usually available; contact the Orick Horse Camp at 707-601-4129 for reservations. Friday and Saturday night’s camping fees are included in the ride entry fee. Pay the Orick Chamber of Commerce (Orick Horse Camp) directly for additional nights. There are a small number of corrals available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. We charge a fee for use of a corral, Friday and Saturday night, $50.

FOOD: There will be NO potluck Friday night before the ride meeting. A catered dinner Saturday night is included for each rider. Extra dinner tickets are available at check-in (note on the entry form). All registered volunteers eat free! Wrist bands identify riders and volunteers.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Friday Afternoon: Present your horse to the veterinarian for a pre-ride exam at your scheduled appointment time. (Get your time when you check-in for the ride.) Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we have changed procedures to eliminate vet cards.
Start times: Saturday, August 14 (Ride Day): 6:00 am – 50 mile ride. 8:00 am – 35 mile ride. In order to maintain social distance, rides on both distances will begin with a controlled start.

ENTRY FORM NOTES: Download adult and junior rider entry forms from the REER web site (www.redwoodendurance.com: Forms & Entries). Limited Distance and 50-miler riders must show proof of current AERC membership or pay a $15 non-member fee. Checks are cashed after the ride.

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: Full refund prior to 14 days before the ride. $30 fee withheld for cancellation within 14 days of the ride date. Cancellations (including no-shows) after the Tuesday before the ride receive no refund. Full refund less $30 for entrants whose horse did not pass the pre-ride veterinary examination by the attending ride veterinarian/s. Cancellation notice must be received by Ride Secretary, Donna Biteman, either in-person, by email at donna@biteman.com or by phone at (707) 498-3221. This policy is non-negotiable.

Head Veterinarian: Dr. Dan Chapman

CONTACT INFO: Questions/concerns? Would you like to bring a volunteer or help on ride day? Please contact:

Ride Manager, Jim Biteman: james@biteman.com

Ride Secretary, Donna Biteman: donna@biteman.com or 707-498-3221

MAIL SIGNED ENTRY FORMS with FEES TO:

(Make checks payable to: “REER/Redwood Ride”)
Redwood Empire Endurance Riders
P.O. Box 292
Bayside, CA 95524