This 497-mile route takes you from San Bernardino, near Los Angeles to San Diego on the Mexican border. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams. The 2020 Stagecoach 400 almost did not happen, not because of the coronavirus (we were a week before the stay at home order) but because of the biblical levels of rain, flooding, and landslides on the course. Some Ive ridden, and many are still on my wishlist. For this area I can only offer a few general leads, since I have yet to explore it much outside of Mendocino National Forest. October 17, 2020. This 376-mile route has it all. Beginning in Reno, it blends burly desert jeep roads with classic Tahoe singletrack. The Baja Divide connects the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, historic Spanish mission sites rich with shade and water, remote ranchos and fishing villages, bustling highway towns, and every major mountain range in Baja California on miles and miles of beautiful backcountry desert tracks. I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. After years of riding and evaluating 650b it became clear that, like on the mountain bike, the one set up that was more confidence . Recommended itinerary: Day 1: 70 miles | 3,500 feet. By contrast, the Trans-America is little more than the annually-updated GPS file of a no-prizes race which has a seven-page website and a small Facebook page. Add mellow bike paths, remote forest roads, fantastic camping real estate, and an abundance of swimming spots and it makes a wonderful introduction to this beautiful area. Soledad Paso Robles Coalinga Loop: This 260 mile loop is primarily pavement, but includes a few excellent sections of gravel and the closed dirt Arroyo Seco Indians Road mentioned above. So Im a little surprised that while most other states in the western US are collecting established bikepacking routes at a rapid rate, bikepacking in California still seems to be in its infancy. From our sponsor; more content below. Record your own trail from the Wikiloc app, upload it and share it with the community. If the 2,700-mile North-South Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (above) seems too tame, the East-West Trans-America Trail route will give you plenty of scope for dreaming. Having been re-directed around Sandy Bandy and Rapture Ridge dirt, I road on Highland Valley road. Animals abound, including elk, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and antelope, and red tail hawk and even golden eagles may soar above. Gravel or mountain biking. But beyond the famous singletrack, Ive explored a few of the areas dirt roads on shorter rides and I believe this would be a fantastic if challenging and steep area for bikepacking. A gravel bike for extensive trips. "Fans of 650b gravel wheels may ask why the wheel size was removed from the scope of the MOG. A great time for this ride would be in the springtime when the temperatures are cooler and the wildflowers are in bloom. There are even occasional stretches of a disused railway, for when your legs are about to burst, and plenty of wildlife too, not least wild turkeys and coyotes. Desert rides should be planned in the spring or fall due to the extreme heat. For routes with desert riding, consider your tire setup carefully. 90 mi. Sometimes my posts contain affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I hear the section through Nevada is tough and very sparse on water and resupply options; research before attempting! A great hint to help you choose your outdoor gear and clothing! You can email me for my GPX file. Entdecke die schnsten Orte, lade GPS-Tracks herunter und folge den Top-Routen auf einer Karte. Mountains, sea, lakes, beach, rivers and forest, this route has all the nature you could want, with plenty of epic climbs and remote gravel tracks. Your obvious solution is to base yourself in Moab for at least a fortnight and immerse yourself in the endless riding opportunities. Bikepacking Central Oregon: High Desert and Volcanic Geology from K Falls to Bend. The Stagecoach 400, originally established as a bikepacking race of the same name, is 380-ish mile loop out of San Diego. Bikes are permitted on a majority of the trail, with a notable exception through Desolation and Granite Chief wilderness areas and a few smaller sections. Its crisscrossed by gravel tracks so you could break it down into day-rideable chunks, but the opportunities for sleeping under the stars, and the campsites along the way make this cry out as a classic bikepacking adventure. Weather is often sunny year-round, and wide-open desert landscapes are good for the soul. One of these days Ill get back to the area and try out some bikepacking routes! It is very well waymarked but that's no excuse not to take some backup navigation. This is as much a tour of Vermonts fine smalltown eateries and microbreweries as it is a meander through its countryside. Completed in 1997, the GDMBR was developed by Adventure Cycling Association, who continue to maintain highly detailed route maps and a guidebook. Starting and ending in Borrego Springs, the Anza-Hapaha Loop covers 83 miles of canyon, desert, and badlands. I bivyed in tall brush along the Coast to Crest trail and broke camp early the next morning. It offers an all-around, Powered by red Starbursts and Fat Tire Amber Ale, 11 of the Most Popular Bikepacking Trails in the US, Colorado Bikepacking Trails A Bikepackers Dreamland, How to Prepare For the C&O Canal and GAP Trail. Not that the countryside is to be sniffed at: this sparsely populated state right near the Canadian border is home to quiet and stunning New England landscapes, quintessential red barns, extraordinary fall foliage and some really evil gradients on its endless miles of unpaved roads and tracks. Sardine Lookout Tower Overnighter is a mini adventure that gives riders a taste of the beautiful forests, meadows, and reservoirs around Tahoe National Forest. Riders embark from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and then cross the San Francisco Bay three times on a multi-day journey through coastal prairie, chaparral, redwoods, rolling hills, and marshland. Here are a few good places to start when looking for a bikepacking route in Central California: Tour de los Padres: This is a bikepacking event held annually on a variety of different routes in the region. Descending Black Canyon in the darkness and waves of orange blossoms scents was glorious. Two alternative tracks are included for making the route shorter. The route mostly follows the Old Boboyan Road, which is a management trail through the area. Starting in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains, this path will take you all the way to the Pacific Ocean before circling back through Cleveland National Forest and the Anza Borrego Desert. This scenic 80-mile lollipop loop winds through parts of Joshua Tree National Park and can be completed in 2-3 days. We passed bison, deer and fox along the way. The new Pony Express Trail is hardly just a California bikepacking route; it extends all the way to Missouri! The combination of these two historic routes takes bikepackers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, all the way to Washington DC. Arroyo Seco Indians Road / Coast Ridge Road / Fort Hunter Liggett: The northern part of Los Padres National Forest features some nice options for short bikepacking trips. Oregon is blessed with ancient forests dripping with moss, stunning volcanic peaks, prairies, swimming holes and hot springs, and this route gives you them all. I had prepared my legs, and perhaps more importantly, I felt like my head was in the right space. Theres a varied mix: dirt and pavement, seat bags and panniers, races and leisurely tours, short and long, solitude and good company. Difficulty Challenging Accommodation 4* Nights 2. We visited Catalina Conservancy to pick up our Freewheeler Bike permit ($10 plus a $35 membership to the Conservancy) and talk with the ecologists about their successful programs for protecting the island fox and bald eagles as well as bison contraceptionyes, bisonin 1924 fourteen buffalo were left on the island after the cinema shooting for The Vanishing Americans. Youll also find simple campsites more often than in the UK. Pulling into the harbor at Avalon felt like arriving in a Mediterranean village though most of the people walking off the boat with us were humming Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville. The area is remote, rugged, and surprisingly mountainous with plenty of long climbs. Ranging from 25 to 150 miles wide, it's a stunning landscape of rugged coastlines, beaches, and inland mountains, and this route showcases it spectacularly. A few brave folks have circumnavigated the whole bay using parts of the trail and some busy road riding, but I wouldnt consider that a relaxing bikepacking trip. BikePerfect is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Or toss some spare change inthe PayPal tip jar. 157 views, 5 likes, 1 loves, 0 comments, 4 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from La Baroudeuse Bikepacking: En route, . Cut out the climb over to Susanville (and the Bizz Johnson Trial). Brian and Dave continued to the coaston highway. The Baldy Bruiser is a burly 150 miles of dirt road and 44 track through the San Gabriel Mountains in the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests. More flag On KUMEYAAY, COCOPAH, CUPENO, Agua Caliente & Serrano Land Distance 497 Mi. Planning a bikepacking route involves a lot of maps, trail knowledge and more. Length: 364 miles Style: mostly gravel Difficulty: intermediate When to ride: spring, fall, early or late summer Learn more: route description and ride reports If I had to recommend an ambitious but accessible "intermediate" bikepacking route, one that packs a big punch of adventure but requires no technical or super-remote riding, the Oregon Outback is at the top of my list. Both routes have a fair bit of singletrack, though Bones to Blue has more, and its ratio of climbing to miles is higher. / 800 km 10 days The SoCal Desert Ramble, Southern California comment 146 time Mar 10 compose Cass Gilbert USA 112 mi. It heads out of Fruita on stunning singletrack in the high La Sal mountains and heads towards the martian red-rock vistas of Utah. Carrizo Plain National Monument: Flat-ish gravel roads and wildflowers in the spring, with opportunities for wild camping in a vast landscape. Be sure to think about where you will sleep each night and how you will get food and water. Short description. Our dense population and tightly regulated public land make it nearly impossible to set off on a multi-day ride without careful planning and hard-to-get campground reservations. bikepacking roots is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization (ein 81-2622394) all content and route data copyright 2022-2023 bikepacking roots. Henry Coe State Park, down south near Gilroy, is the only Bay Area park where true backcountry camping (outside designated sites) is allowed. YEP, Join the free Ride with GPS club account p/b paradise garage. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. If youre interested in bikepacking in California, you might also find these helpful: Or, visit the bikepacking resources center for more pedal-powered info and inspiration. Triathlon and adventure racing fit into his meandering cycling past, as does clattering around the Peak District on a rigid Stumpjumper back in the day. For Issue 08, we invited several contributors to return and pick up where earlier trips and ideas left off and also feature a handful of first-timers whose perspectives weve long been eager to share Issue 07 Issue seven is a celebration of courage and discovery of what were capable of when we dont let others expectations define us Issue 06 examined a diverse range of topics, including embracing aloneness, rekindling a sense of adventure, grappling with failure, and many more Theres loads of gold in the hills and mountains of California. The SF Peninsula Traverse is one of the standout local routes and includes a lot of the best bike-legal trail on the peninsula. Its fire roads can be devilishly steep though, and summer temperatures can soar, so dont expect easy riding. Hi, Im Phil. We arrived just in time to catch Catalina Express back to Dana Point. Bivvying spots and campsites are plentiful, and you'll dip into a number of welcoming points of civilization, including the mountain biking hotspot of Oakridge around halfway you really might want to take your time and linger. I came across this Catalina Bikepacking route while looking for a solo overnighter route during my winter trip out west. Its accessible by ferry, crisscrossed by dirt roads (heres a map), and has several campgrounds and primitive campsites (reservations likely needed). garmin varia, bike radar system, varia rvr315, varia rtl515, ride with gps, spurcycle, compact bell, flat bar gravel bike bell, best bike bell, spurcycle compact bell, The Year In Routes 2022 - Best Gravelstoke Rides of the Year, Restrap Bumper Bar and Full Frame Bag Review, Happier Bar Bags with the Restrap Bumper Bar, New Top Tube Bag For Gravel Gets Everything Right. Hi there, Im Alissa. These bikepacking routes in southern California and loads of others can be found at bikepacking.com. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. To learn more Click Here. After heavy rain there can often be pitted sections of trail, so take care. Reaching over 5,000ft at times, it offers bouts of flowing singletrack and a medley of abandoned dirt roads, set to one sweeping panorama after another. The 50mm gravel tires are made-in-France and sell for 50 for the smoother Overide, or 53 for the more knobby Touareg & Tundra. The descent from Idyllwild was frozen, the ascent over Thompson Mountain was steep, and the hero-dirt descent towards Anza gave us all ear-to-ear smiles. Pack the Coast (bikepacking) - Morro Bay 10 - Truckee Dirt Fondo, Truckee. Expect to climb several long passes, including the day-long hike-a-bike up Mt. We all gave double thumbs up for trail etiquette. From Aqua Caliente the route follows the old stagecoach route to Ocotillo Wells passing parched cattle skulls and wind-carved sand dunes, eventually arriving for the requisite burritos in Borrego Springs. Copyright 2023 Exploring Wild, All Rights Reserved. The bikepacking routes in southern California take you through the mountains and peaks, forests, high and low deserts, and badlands. Summer is the best time to bikepack in the Tahoe area, since high-elevation areas will be blocked by snow through winter and spring (theres a reason the area is famous for its ski resorts!). It's easy to see why the national capital region has emerged as a bikepacking hot spot. While cycling on Catalina is steep in all directions, the amenities available make it very comfortable, even decadent by bike packing standards.. On the morning of our third day we road 17 miles from the West side of the island ascending 2,400 feet on fire roads through the central valley eventually connecting to the coast and the steep descent into Avalon. (800 KM) Days 10 % Unpaved 65% % Singletrack 3% % Rideable (time) 98% Its resolutely low-key, with an emphasis on overcoming your own challenges as they arise. You can find routes created by adventurers across the globe on bikepacking websites. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. We all know that to connect all the amazing mountain, desert, and coastal dirt, there needs to be some highway connectors. Mountain biking enthusiasts probably know it for the Downieville Classic race. Day 3: 76 miles | 6,900 feet. There are several ways to approach bikepacking around Lake Tahoe, but all are based at least partly on the famous Tahoe Rim Trail. Highlights: Fun singletrack, river crossings, beautiful roads, remote canyons, steep climbs. As I was thinking about how much pavement lay ahead of menearly 100 detour miles on highwaya large truck passed by me and its rear-view mirror almost clipped my head. Perhaps like many of you reading this, Ive come to deeply appreciate a time just weeks ago when we could roll out of our front door, or drive to a trailhead, and meet a couple of buddies to ride to a campsite. Historical signage en route explains how the railroad was established to support the logging and mining industries. All the maintained campsites in Cuyamaca and Mount Laguna require reservations, but you can also find camping along the streams and meadowsbring your water filtration devices. Gravel Bike with Shimano Dura Ace 6 years warranty & 30 days Return Policy Bikes directly from the manufacturer Discover here! If youre looking for spectacular scenery, this may be the route for you. California Gravel Ride Recaps, Gravel Race Recaps, Gear Reviews | Ohio Gravel Grinders. The Stagecoach 400 is an all-together different undertaking than the chill pace that I road Catalina Island or the bike camping in Cuyamaca. Keep in mind theyre designed for driving, so dont contain any singletrack and could include sections of busy highway. This is meant to be a growing list, and I add reader suggestions from time to time. It seems like we currently have a wide-open slate on which to scout and explore our own routes. It brings race competitors to tears, but when youre not riding it against the clock, its all just part of the adventure, right? It is split up into 4 tiers and 10 segments. Canada. To bypass the bike-illegal sections and extend the route, several folks have mapped out variations that incorporate a mix of jeep roads, pavement, and other local trails. Climbing is plentiful and sometimes steep, and surfaces are varied. If youre bikepacking in California and have a route to recommend, please leave a comment at the bottom. 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The ambitious Trans North California is technically an underground race, though it would make an interesting touring route too. But if you do choose to ride, youll be completely on your own.. Note: these routes are rugged backcountry gravel roads without any services or along the way. A beautiful and challenging bikepacking loop through a mosaic of contrasting landscapes leads riders from remote mountains through a seemingly endless desert, into the city and along the sea. Wider handlebars: Gravel bikes intended for rougher terrain usually feature wide flared drop bars for better control. Wild rocky scrub, huge empty spaces, tough canyons, and hurrah singletrack that weaves through swathes of the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 12 meters tall, will see you on your way. Some riders may be more comfortable on a mountain bike with suspension than a drop bar rigid gravel bike. Theres no such thing as certainty in bikepacking, but the number of online resources around the GDMBR including regular maps addenda on trail conditions and closures from the Adventure Cycling Association means that you can totally nerd out on your preparation. Spring and fall are excellent times to bikepack in the southern California desert. The riding in Cuyamaca and the nearby wilderness areas weaves through oak and pine forests, across alpine meadows, sage-brush covered canyons, and frequent stream crossings. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, The northernmost section (Arroyo Seco to Gorda) and southernmost section (from New Cuyama to Santa Barbara) are the highlights in my opinion. The LA and Southern California bikepacking trips are best for riding in the spring or fall. This 168 mile route is a great multi-day touring option. We rolled our loaded bikes onto the ferry, secured them at the back of the vessel as choppy waters were forecasted, and found a bench on the upper deck for the 90-minute ferry from Dana Point ($75 round-trip + $8 for the bike). It evokes the freedom of multi-day backcountry hiking, but with the range and thrill of riding a mountain bike. I only recommend and link to products I know and love. The Bay Area Ridge trail, though a tempting concept, is still very much unfinished. Many parts of this route are in National Forest areas making dispersed camping pretty easy. on relatively low-traffic road and trail, this newly developed route might be just the thing. Highlights include Big Bear Lake, The Salton Sea, and the Pacific Ocean as well as other unique points of interest. Catalina Island is west of Los Angelos and accessible by ferry. Its seriously hilly - in fact, it averages more climbing per mile than the Colorado Trail (160ft vs 133ft) so its not for you if youre not on top form. Eventbrite - Trek Bicycle Fort Wayne presents Bikepacking Clinic-Trek Bicycle Fort Wayne - Tuesday, March 14, 2023 | Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Trek Bicycle Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN. Great Divide Bikepacking Route: Essential Q&A. Parsons Landing is the farthest north-eastern point on the island where bicycles are allowed26 miles from Avalon with 3,400 feet of climbing. Puis ces . I recently had the chance to do a quick overnighter in the southern portion and it did not disappoint. The Bikepacking Trip Planner Workbook can help you take the next step. Some of the best mountain biking trails close to my home are found in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (40 miles east of San Diego). Be sure to make reservations for campgrounds or accommodation in advance if needed, and be prepared to share the trails with plenty of hikers. October 12, 2020. The preferred route of accomplished endurance cyclist and Alaska native Lael Wilcox, the 92-mile Denali Park Road consists mostly of gently rolling, easy-riding gravel and is the habitat of a. Ive traveled over 17,000 miles by bike and still cant stop planning my next ride (and helping you plan yours). BA1 1UA. Find event and ticket information. Your experienced riding buddy in digital form: 140 mobile-friendly pages packed with how to's, problem solving tips, and hard-earned wisdom from the trail and road. Read more on the About Me page. You need to be logged in to use these features. Thanks! Zeichne deine eigene Strecke mit App auf, lade den Trail hoch und teile ihn mit der Community. Original AR700 Coleman to Hinton, Alberta Route Details: 6 Days | 5 Nights | 720 km (447 mi) | +9,148 m (30,013 ft) | Start: Coleman | End: Hinton Similarly, the second part along the C&O Canal Towpath will rarely require much gear changing, though as a former mule route, the surface will be a little rougher than the crushed limestone of the GAP. The Baldy Bruiser packs in some of the finest dirt roading in and around Los Angeles. It travels through breathtaking mountain ranges, unusual volcanic landscapes, towering forests and picturesque lake vistas.