September 1, 2017 – This year Cannon’s team of cycling enthusiasts, the Cannon Coasters, will traverse the scenic California State Route 254, also known as the Avenue of the Giants, where groves of sequoia tower above the roads of the “hidden coast”. For a total of 182 miles, Coasters will commence the first day of their three-day trip in Myers Flat, riding their first 80-mile segment to Fort Bragg. On the second day, the team will head out from Fort Bragg to Sea Ranch for 70 miles, ending the third day by riding from Sea Ranch to Jenner in a final stretch of 32 miles before driving home to San Luis Obispo.

Along the way, Coasters will be followed by a Support and Gear (SAG) vehicle toting baggage, extra bikes in an enclosed hanger trailer, emergency supplies, and provisions. The Coaster SAG team will provide sUAS (small unmanned aircraft systems/drone) footage and photography as the team journeys south from forest roads back onto the 101 Pacific Coast Highway.

The route won’t be without its challenges–in a segment from the town of Leggett to the 101, extremely narrow shoulders with almost no bike lanes along a dense forest tunnel await the first 40 miles. Along with the cell phone app “Glympse”, a locator to track the SAG vehicle and lagging members, Coasters will have access to emergency lighting and other high-visibility features to keep the group safe along this precarious section.

The Cannon Coasters are a branch group of the Loose Cannons, an in-house group of staff members and their friends and family who participate in often extreme sports and recreational activities together. Along with the annual Cannon Coaster ride, other events the Coasters take on include the California Death Ride, SLO Triathlon, and Mojave Death Race.

If you have questions, are interested in becoming a Cannon Coaster, or want to meet the team somewhere along their trip, please contact John Evans at [email protected] or (805) 544-7407.