Ride the Redwoods

Ride the Redwoods stands as a vibrant example of passion meeting outdoor recreation in the heart of Santa Cruz, CA, an area celebrated worldwide for its iconic coastal trails and towering groves. Founded with a deep reverence for the region’s sacred redwood forests and a dedication to the local mountain biking culture, Ride the Redwoods is more than just a tour operator, it is a mission-driven guiding and skills instruction enterprise committed to introducing people to the lesser-traveled natural beauty of the region. Through immersive trail experiences, the business helps riders of all backgrounds build technical confidence, learn essential skills, and foster lasting connections rooted in adventure, community, and respect for nature.

The spark for Ride the Redwoods emerged from a desire to share the energy, serenity, and world-class riding terrain of Santa Cruz with others in a way that extends far beyond the typical tourist outing. However, translating that passion into a sustainable guiding service proved to be a gradual and at times challenging endeavor. In the early stages, progress required navigating numerous moving pieces, from establishing streamlined operational logistics and safety protocols to developing a clear marketing strategy and building an authentic presence in the market. Beyond the day-to-day complexities of launching a new venture, the business faced the inherent volatility of outdoor recreation and regional tourism, where shifting seasonal demand and unpredictable coastal weather conditions routinely tested their adaptability, patience, and resilience.

Turning this vision into a resilient, growing business required structured guidance, and that is where the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) became an integral partner. Connecting with the SBDC provided Ride the Redwoods with access to practical tools and operational resources that made the process of building a small enterprise feel attainable, demystifying the path forward and offering steady support through every stage of development.

Among the various resources available, the targeted marketing guidance proved to be the most impactful catalyst for growth. Working closely with an SBDC marketing advisor, Ride the Redwoods received personalized, hands-on assistance in navigating the multifaceted modern media landscape. The SBDC helped the team prioritize and build out key outreach channels, translating high-level marketing concepts into tangible, sequential actions designed to increase brand visibility and effectively reach their ideal audience. Equally important, the relationship with the SBDC helped alleviate the isolation often felt by early-stage entrepreneurs, embedding Ride the Redwoods within a supportive local business network and reinforcing its identity as a flourishing, permanent fixture of the Santa Cruz community.

Reflecting on their journey and collaboration with the SBDC, the founders shared:

“The journey of starting and growing Ride the Redwoods has been gradual and at times challenging. In the beginning, progress was slow as we worked through the many moving parts involved in building a tour guide business. From operations to marketing to understanding how to establish a real presence, there has been a lot to learn. The SBDC has been an important part of that journey. They offer so many practical tools and resources that truly make building a small business feel possible, and it has been surprising to see how many people in the community are not aware of everything they provide. The marketing support has made the biggest difference. Our marketing advisor, Ramin, has been extremely helpful and supportive in helping us develop the numerous channels needed in the modern business landscape to get our name out there. That guidance has been especially valuable in turning ideas into practical steps for building awareness and reaching the right audience. One of the most positive changes has been feeling like we are more a part of a real business community. Working with the SBDC has made the process feel less isolating and more supportive. It has helped create a stronger sense that Ride the Redwoods is not just an idea, but a real and growing business with a place in the local community.”

To learn more about Ride the Redwoods and explore their guided tours and skills instruction, visit ridetheredwoods.com or follow along on Instagram at @ridetheredwoods.