Redwoods 2 River: The Ultimate Santa Rosa Ride and Campout

Sunrise and Scooter Time

If you’re an adventurist with a scooter looking for the perfect mix of coastal curves and community, the annual Redwoods 2 River Ride and Campout in Santa Rosa, California, delivers the ultimate weekend escape.

Leaving the flat Sacramento farmlands for the rolling hills of Wine Country, the route through Novato led straight to the heart of Sonoma County. Since I wasn’t camping, after a quick stop to drop off my gear at the Sandman Hotel and unload my Lambretta, the high-octane weekend was ready to unfold. Ready to ride into an exciting recap? Let’s go!

Background on the Campout

Working Class Scooter Club, founded by longtime scooterist and DJ Dan Sarencini to merge good friends, classic rides, and epic music, has quickly become a prominent force in the West Coast vintage scooter community, especially with their signature event, the Redwoods 2 River Ride and Campout.

Arriving at the Working Class Scooter Club’s headquarters on Saturday morning, the energy was already buzzing with friends greeting each other warmly and the sweet aroma of two-stroke exhaust.

While some attendees like me opted for hotels, the true spirit of the weekend was found on the adjacent meadow, where rally-goers pitched tents and parked camper vans to stay closer to the action.

High-Fidelity Club Headquarters

Most people would agree that the members of the Working Class Scooter Club are incomparable hosts. They generously welcomed everyone to their spacious moto-lounge, complete with a large outdoor patio and long, canopy-covered tables for sharing meals.

The indoor space features sofas, a kitchenette, and an incredible DJ room stocked with equipment and vinyl records, where club member Dan Sarencini broadcasts his unique, vinyl-spinning show, Working Class Radio.

Coastal Twists and Winds

Upon departing from the WCSC’s outpost, a group of about 40 vintage scooters took off for Saturday’s main event: a spectacular, day-long ride winding through the rugged mountains and tracking the dramatic Pacific coastline near Bodega Bay and Jenner, California.

The ambitious, well-planned route took riders through breathtaking landscapes, from deep forest canopies to wide-open ocean vistas. It is a bucket-list route for anyone who loves dynamic, scenic riding and testing their vintage machinery.

White Knuckles and Dappled Light

The route on Saturday was the ultimate test of skill but also the highlight of the weekend. Riders unanimously agreed that sweeping down long stretches of road and carving through sharp curves on vintage scooters was pure adrenaline.

While the ride started warm and sunny, the path out to the coast grew windy and cold, throwing a barrage of dappled light, sharp curves, and a few cattle grades our way. The terrain shifted from smooth asphalt to bumpy gravel to gritty views leading towards the ocean.

Several riders admitted white-knuckling their hand grips for part of the ride, it was remarkably scenic, and being a large group meant safety in numbers.

Post-Ride Tacos and Two-Strokes

After enjoying the coastal loop, the triumphant return to the WCSC HQ was sweet, rewarding us with a festive, relaxed evening. We filled up on tasty tacos cooked over an outdoor grill: the perfect fuel after hours of riding.

The evening was spent socializing, catching up with old friends, and, of course, admiring rows of vintage scooters.

Evening in a Restful Oasis

After a long day in the saddle, my cozy room at the Sandman Hotel was the perfect retreat, noting the details added after the establishment completed a stunning, modern renovation in 2023.

Beautifully merging classic, mid-century motor lodge roots with vibrant, upscale boho interiors, the result felt stylish, clean, and welcoming: the best kind of home base for a fast-paced weekend exploring Sonoma County.

Retro Roots and Echoes

Many vintage scooter enthusiasts know The Sandmand as the busy epicenter for the Lambretta Club USA‘s 2022 Lambretta Jamboree and the Vespa Club of America‘s 2023 Vintage Vespa Days.

Walking the landscaped property again felt instantly familiar, and I could still sense the echoes of past rallies, with their reverberating kickstarts and impromptu wrench sessions. It was definitely a great choice for the weekend.

Sunday Glow and Recovery

Sunday morning was all about unwinding and soaking in the weekend’s success. Still at The Sandman, I enjoyed their complimentary hot breakfast and delicious coffee before spending some time relaxing by the pool in the sunshine.

It was a peaceful moment to reflect with gratitude for a weekend filled with perfect weather, phenomenal friends, and legendary vintage scooters.

Thrift Treasures and Retro Finds

Before heading back to Sacramento, I explored the local neighborhood, visiting Pick of the Litter Thrift Store: a massive treasure trove benefitting stray cats, located inside a decommissioned Joann Fabrics.

I scored a few gems, including a like-new Spanish workbook from 1986 – the perfect companion to my current classes at Sacramento’s Casa de Español.

Highway Hazards and Tumbleweeds

The drive home from Santa Rosa was an adventure of its own, proving that California weather always keeps you guessing!

A series of sudden, crazy windstorms blew spiny tumbleweeds, empty cardboard boxes, and giant plastic tarps across highway lanes, even snapping a few trees down as I arrived closer to home.

Endless Summer Horizons

California is a great state to explore, with endlessly variable terrain and many travel options. In a single weekend, you can transition from towering Redwood forests to sweeping mountain peaks and dramatic, rugged ocean cliffs.

I’m already counting the days until my next rally and planning another amazing road trip. How about you? Are you ready to chase your own horizon, plan out a route, and discover your own open-road magic? Abracadabra, let’s GO!

Many thanks to Dan Sarencini and the Working Class Scooter Club for the additional information on Redwoods 2 River Ride and Campout, and especially, for a great time at the event!