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Fish Rock 2025 – Rated

Name: Fish Rock 2025 – Rated
Start: 2025-03-29T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-03-29T23:59:59-04:00
Location: Boonville, California

March 29

Updated December 23, 2024

The Fish Rock gravel cycling event in Boonville, California, offers an unforgettable experience for gravel enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of road racing intensity and rugged off-road challenges. Organized by Bike Monkey, and billed as a "road bike race for people who aren't afraid of a little hardcore gravel," this 70-mile journey with 10,507 feet of elevation gain is a test of endurance, skill, and strategy. Strambecco rates Fish Rock as one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in the Northwest, Best NorCal Gravel Grinders, and Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in California, the ride is named after the fabled Fish Rock Road in a stunning region of Northern California.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide if Fish Rock deserves a spot on your race calendar.

Event & Course Info

There's only one route for Fish Rock, and it's around 70 miles with +10,000 feet of elevation gain. Fish Rock isn’t your typical gravel race—it’s a road bike race with a hardcore gravel twist. Starting in Boonville, the route begins with a punchy 1.9-mile climb and quickly escalates into a rollercoaster of steep ascents, thrilling descents, and the fabled Fish Rock gravel section.

The course rolls over rural roads to the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, offering a brief, smooth respite before turning inland for a brutal 14-mile gravel ascent. The final leg brings you back to Boonville on pavement, with a mix of moderate climbs and fast, shoulder-less highways to keep you on edge.

Highlights include:

Mile 25-28: Smooth, fast highway pacelines along the Pacific Coast.
Mile 40-55: The infamous Fish Rock section, featuring relentless gravel climbs and tricky descents.
Mile 64-70: The final highway stretch—dig deep for this last push to the finish.

Choose your weapon wisely - the Fish Rock course is all about personal preference when it comes to your ride. With 70% paved roads and a 14-mile gravel section, both road bikes and gravel bikes are viable options.

Road Bike: Opt for a 700c with 32mm or larger tires with edge tread for smoother rolling and grip.
Gravel Bike: Provides better control on the loose gravel descents but may feel slower on the pavement.

The course’s varied terrain demands a setup you feel comfortable riding all day. And trust us—you’ll feel every mile of those 10,507 feet of climbing.

Four aid stations are strategically placed to provide fuel, hydration, and moral support:

Mile 15: Full service with M&Ms, bananas, chips, and more.
Mile 38: Fuel up before the critical Fish Rock turn.
Mile 43.5: A much-needed water station atop the first gravel pitch.
Mile 54.7: Your last pit stop at Signal Ridge before the final stretch.

Here’s how race day unfolds:
7:30 AM: Packet pickup at Anderson Valley Jr-Sr High.
9:00 AM: The race begins with a mass start.
1:00 PM: Fastest racers start finishing.
3:30 PM: Awards at Anderson Valley Brewing Co.

Fish Rock celebrates the top performers with awards for the top five men and women in each age category and the overall top three men and women. Podium finishers receive a one-of-a-kind commemorative poster and a range of cool prizes.

New this year is the "First to the Climb" preme, recognizing the first male and female to conquer the day’s opening ascent. But don’t blow all your energy here—you still need to finish the race to claim the title.

Area Accommodations & Things to Do

Boonville is a small town in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County, California. It is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities, and laid-back atmosphere. Boonville is nestled among rolling hills and oak trees, surrounded by vineyards and forests. It is situated in a valley part of the larger Coastal Range mountain system and is approximately 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

Outdoor sports are a major draw to Boonville. The town is home to many hiking and biking trails, including the Anderson Valley Trail, which winds through the valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Navarro River, which runs through Boonville, is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. Additionally, the nearby coast provides opportunities for surfing, beachcombing, and whale watching.

Accommodations in Boonville range from charming bed and breakfasts to rustic campgrounds. Visitors can stay in cozy cabins, historic hotels, or modern vacation rentals. Several wineries in the area offer lodging and wine-tasting experiences. Overall, Boonville is a great destination for those exploring Northern California's natural beauty and enjoying outdoor activities.

Related Events

Bike Monkey is a well-known professional events management and services company specializing in cycling events, primarily in Northern California and Nevada, renowned for organizing high-quality cycling races and adventure rides while also focusing on community engagement and charitable efforts. The company was founded with the mission to combine a passion for cycling with philanthropy, using its events to raise funds for various causes. Bike Monkey events range from gravel races to road cycling, offering diverse challenges for cyclists of all skill levels. Their cycling events consistently make our "Best" lists and include events like Heart of Gold Gravel, The Hammer Road Rally, The Bovine Classic, Fish Rock, Stetina’s Paydirt, Truckee Tahoe Gravel, Boggs MTB, and the infamous Levi’s Gran Fondo.

If you are looking for other great Spring gravel events, consider the famed Belgian Waffle Ride California (San Diego), part of the highly respected North American Belgian Waffle Ride Series and the final leg of the Tripel Crown of Gravel Series.

For multi-sport endurance athletes looking for other events in the state of California, NorCal, and the broader Northwest and Southwest regions, be sure to check out our full list of Strambecco Best in Class rated races and events: