gravel bikepacking routes california gravel bikepacking routes california

We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Read more The itinerary. I was over the moon to see my personal project of 2021/22, the 185km East Devon Trail bikepacking loop, was named in Bikepacking.com's 2022 Awards. Cycle through the best terrain the Peak District has to offer, from gravel tracks to country lanes and stargaze from a giant tepee The route consists of small rural roads, stoney tracks, flagstone paths and ancient trails used by packhorses and drovers. / 180 km 3-4 days SF Peninsula Traverse comment 137 time Oct 27 compose Guest Routes USA 146 mi. I hear the section through Nevada is tough and very sparse on water and resupply options; research before attempting! Freins disque vlo route; Kit de purge route/cx/gravel; Liquides de freins; Patins de frein vlo; Plaquettes de freins route . Skip to content. Two alternative tracks are included for making the route shorter. Both routes go through Truckee. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route: The biggie, the classic, the route that this style of bikepacking bike was basically designed for. Its the foundation of the modern culture of bikepacking. Perhaps, we now realize how much we take for granted. A few of the climbs are almost definitely too steep to ride, but this is a generally doable ride, even having marker posts in many places. We have everything! Bikepacking Boise to Elko: Big Skies and Endless Gravel in Idaho and Nevada. Historical signage en route explains how the railroad was established to support the logging and mining industries. Refresh Page Error: af0040c3b0ef48c89f828c7fc0d69813 Sign up to get the latest Ride Gravel news! Climbing is plentiful and sometimes steep, and surfaces are varied. I came across this Catalina Bikepacking route while looking for a solo overnighter route during my winter trip out west. Sean has old school cycle touring in his blood, with a coast to coast USA ride and a number of month-long European tours in his very relaxed palmares. If you have a great route to suggest, please comment below! Between Borrego and Idyllwild, there is the hike-a-bike through two miles of densely packed willows (think canyoneering but through branches), desert pedaling past abandoned bandit hideouts, ascending Coyote Canyon to cross the Pacific Crest Trail and then the long climb back to the where the route started. The Anza-Hapaha Loop is a 2-3 day bikepacking route that connects several of Anza-Borrego Desert State Parks magnificent dirt and sand roads, explores its wildflower, ocotillo, and cactus-rich desert, and snakes its way through the badlands of two geologically mesmerizing canyons. Distance: 40 miles. For 2-3 days of bike packing, look into linking the trails from Cuyamaca the Cleveland National Forest to Noble Canyon, and the Mount Laguna Recreation Area. October 9, 2020. The full 500-mile version traverses five mountain ranges and three distinct biomes, always choosing the more challenging option at each junction. Upcoming Rides No upcoming events at the moment It evokes the freedom of multi-day backcountry hiking, but with the range and thrill of riding a mountain bike. Thanks again! The road plateaus and the pavement ends under the East Summit and the rest of the island is dirt roads or singletrack. Though remote in some places, it also takes in a bit more civilization than the Baldy Bruiser, including quirky desert communities and sights like Joshua Tree, Salton Sea, and the unforgettable Slab City. Unlike the familiar coastal route, this trek takes you through the San Bernardino Mountains, Anza Borrego Desert, Joshua Tree National Park, and Cleveland National Forest. The next day we rode the smooth gravel on Isthmus Road to our campsite at Little Harbor. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. On the next highway stretch before the steep Mesa Grade, an oncoming pickup truck passed on a double line and came within a foot of our handlebars. This is as much a tour of Vermonts fine smalltown eateries and microbreweries as it is a meander through its countryside. Cycling the Alps 2 Ocean Trail in New Zealand: Overview + 4 Day Itinerary. 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 Julian Bikepack Challenge (JBC) is worth noting because Cuyamaca is at the heart of the mountain bike sectors of the challenge. This 168 mile route is a great multi-day touring option. Animals abound, including elk, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and antelope, and red tail hawk and even golden eagles may soar above. One of the really great things about bikepacking is the online community, so theres often plenty of opportunities to find out about the logistics and trails in detail, including conditions on the ground and potential diversions. Read More Rothrock Gravel Overnighter An 80% gravel loop in the forests and farmlands of central Pennsylvania. Excited to try bikepacking but need help getting started? The wide elevation range, from around 1500 feet up to nearly 8000 feet, means this route is best ridden in fall or early winter when temperatures arent too hot and snowpack at the high points is manageable. The bikepacking routes in southern California take you through the mountains and peaks, forests, high and low deserts, and badlands. Pretty much any long ride is sure to involve some pavement and at least a bit of busy road riding. 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. 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. Bikepacking.com and others have already developed several routes in this area, and there are many more options waiting to be explored. bikepacking roots and our logo are registered trademarks. Described by Logan Watts as an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac, youll never forget the rocky, technical climbs, the sand, the canyons, the views and the nights under desert stars. To help share our favorite local routes Rockgeist will be publishing single overnight trips in the Blue Ridge Mountains and other areas on the East Coast. We watched dolphins surfacing in the harbor before cooking dinner over a campfire as the sunset. If youve learned a few things or have been entertained, consider becoming a Patreon member. The Bay Area Triple Crossover weekend bikepacking route highlights the diversity of bay ecosystems, where each day feels distinct from the next. Wild plains, jaw-dropping mountain views, classic desert, pine forests and snowy passes its all here. And because its full of deep forests and ridges, you can expect fallen trees and washed-out segments of the trail to add some hike a bike to proceedings. The Baldy Bruiser packs in some of the finest dirt roading in and around Los Angeles. Awesome! Starting and ending in Borrego Springs, the Anza-Hapaha Loop covers 83 miles of canyon, desert, and badlands. Share your location with friends and loved ones during an activity. Green Mountain Gravel Growler (opens in new tab). Looking for route recommendations within a day's drive of SF for a 2-4 night trip. The route today starts abruptly with a climb up a quiet mountain road, but the reward is a . Some Ive ridden, and many are still on my wishlist. Youll also find simple campsites more often than in the UK. You need to be logged in to use these features. Vakantie tijd, ruimte om het hoofd leeg te maken! 400 gravel routes? Your source for gravel and bikepacking routes in eastern and central Ontario, western Quebec, and Beyond! The official notes describe the trail as strenuous, technical, challenging, complicated and barely existent in some sections. It will certainly be a ride of a lifetime. Southern California is known for its perpetual perfect weather, but it can get hot in the summer. Its also about adapting safely on the fly when you are forced to reroute by massive rockslides, quagmires, deep sand or impassable rivers. The Baja is the finger of Mexico that extends 800 miles south of the border with the USA, with the Pacific on its west, and the Gulf of California to the east. on relatively low-traffic road and trail, this newly developed route might be just the thing. Whether you want to be out for ten days or just an overnighter, these routes will give you some idea of exactly whats out there. The Stagecoach is serious. Idaho has great terrain for riding, including long distance bikepacking, (Image credit: smokenfire420.wordpress.com), Not many people think of North Dakota as having good riding, but the Maah Daah Hey Trail proves that it does, Arizona's Black Canyon Trail features the iconic southwestern desert, (Image credit: Bureau of Land Management), The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route travels a large amount of alpine terrain, five-part account by Tom and Sarah Swallow, Woman chased by a pack of wolves escapes on her e-MTB, Ass Savers Win Wing review a simple, effective clip-on solution, Pro bike Cameron Masons 2023 British Nationals winning Specialized S-Works Crux, Tifosi Rail Sunglasses review huge coverage and three interchangeable lenses, POC releases two new Omne helmets, one for performance and one with cargo capabilities. These routes are all rideable throughout the year thanks to a moderate coastal climate, though its best to avoid riding during or right after heavy rain. Baldy Bruiser 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. October 12, 2020. Also check out my review of the Apidura bikepacking gear I road on Santa Catalina, Cuyamaca, and the Stagecoach 400 HERE. Go in spring, and you may see the desert bursting into flower. 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 101 Bikepacking Routes The source for original bikepacking routes, guides, and dirt touring itineraries from off the beaten path. More here. The island has about 40 miles of mostly dirt roads and trails open to "mountain biking," but I noted in pictures that several were riding their gravel bikes. 90 mi. I absolutely love the Lost Sierra region for outdoor adventures of all kinds. The resort town of Avalon at the islands southern tip would make a posh place to relax before, during, or after your ride. You may not have heard much about the southern US state of Georgia, but its seven times the size of Wales, and spans a tantalizing mix of coast and mountains. Combining urban trails and tarmac, the route turns due south through metropolitan San Diego area and then veers east, climbs steadily for a day along the Sweetwater River up to Alpine before derailleur destroying descents through Oriflamme Canyon and there the riders meet the desert sands. Sandwiched between the misty beaches of the Pacific and the urban sprawl of the San Francisco Bay, stand peninsula mountains that beckon. The ambitious Trans North California is technically an underground race, though it would make an interesting touring route too. The debate was short-lived. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. Im Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality. The edition The Wolf Bikepacking 2023 will take place on Friday 21 July 2023 with departure in Two Harbors, County Lake, Minnesota. Gravel Routes - BikepackingPA Gravel Routes Map Gravel Routes List The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon The deepest gorge of the Keystone State. And the ride to Pamo Road was some of the best night riding ever. The switchback road ascends for three miles through eucalyptus forests with gradients reaching 14%. The Caldera 500 is a rugged and endlessly beautiful route that immerses riders in the Eastern Sierra. We arrived just in time to catch Catalina Express back to Dana Point. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. The Doing Miles ride report, 2022 TDLP, and my Central California loop all include parts of this area. 103 mi. This route offers stunning views from Mt Lukens and the Mt Wilson Observatory and there are camping options near both those areas. Completed in 1997, the GDMBR was developed by Adventure Cycling Association, who continue to maintain highly detailed route maps and a guidebook. 364. If you like variety and dont mind mixing some civilization in with your nature and trails, this is about as good as it gets in the bay area. Riding through the ashes of the catastrophic wildfires that plagued California in Summer 2020, this overnight bikepacking route takes in a contrasting variety of charred and unburned ridgelines through Henry Coe State Park that will inspire your spirit and test your legs Set within the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the Tahoe Twirl circumnavigates the vast and mesmerising Lake Tahoe. Its not a pushover though youll need to plan your logistics well, there are a couple of significant river crossings, and its worth planning to avoid rainy periods the regions infamous bentonite clay is death to drivetrains. la mise en route a t laborieuse avec un beug persistant ncessitant une assistance de Sigmasupport. Southern California, specifically the area to the east of Santa Barbara, LA, and San Diego, is an obvious place to start. 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. Camp high if you can and be sure you never set up camp in a wash due to potential flash floods. Find event and ticket information. Astonishingly almost all rideable, it takes you on dirt roads and jeep trails from Banff, in Alberta, Canada, to the Mexican border in New Mexico, via British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. Its resolutely low-key, with an emphasis on overcoming your own challenges as they arise. From our sponsor; more content below. The Bay Area Triple Crossover links up a lot of the best options in the north and east bay, and includes three bridge crossings! It is split up into 4 tiers and 10 segments. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Thank you for your site and blog. All rights reserved. Bikepacking in Central California is dominated by the extensive Los Padres National Forest. Here are the two well-established options: Tahoe Twirl: 187 miles, 19,300 feet of gain, Bones to Blue: 250 miles, 31,000 feet of gain. It's well worth descending from the trail to towns along the way for coffee and snacks, and stocking up for the less populated second half. Hi, Im Phil. I only recommend and link to products I know and love. Wikiloc. It heads out of Fruita on stunning singletrack in the high La Sal mountains and heads towards the martian red-rock vistas of Utah. Thebikepacking routes in southern California take you through the mountains and peaks, forests, high and low deserts, and badlands. The LA and Southern California bikepacking trips are best for riding in the spring or fall. 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. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. Henry Coe State Park, down south near Gilroy, is the only Bay Area park where true backcountry camping (outside designated sites) is allowed. BT 700 BIKEPACKING - Home Situated in Southwestern Ontario, the BT 700 is a 798 km loop (used to be 700) in southwestern Ontario designed for any rider who revels in unpaved backcountry roads, testy climbs and trails through thick forests. 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. I havent had a chance to explore these yet, but here are some other areas of northern California that look intriguing: More of those backcountry discovery route ideas here. Brendan Collier, the founder of the Stagecoach 400, and Meg Knobel, who has taken over the reins as Master of Stoke, decided to move ahead with the race, though with a warning. Microwave Pizza Pockets, dill pickles, and hot chocolate were on the Chevron Station menu. 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. There is some overlap between the two routes, and plenty of places where they run parallel to each other. For even more ideas based on trip journals from other riders, see the California page on BikeSleepBike (another project of mine that aggregates bike travel blogs). Hello! I decided not to continue the Stagecoach because I felt unsafe on the highway. California Gravel Ride Recaps, Gravel Race Recaps, Gear Reviews | Ohio Gravel Grinders. You experience a diverse set of geographical features along this route from alpine elevations of 11,913', wide-open grasslands, and remote desert in New . Sardine Lookout Tower Overnighter is a mini adventure that gives riders a taste of the beautiful forests, meadows, and reservoirs around Tahoe National Forest. By Length (days) Overnighters & S24O; Weekend Routes (2-4) Week-long Routes (5-10) Odyssey Routes (11-30) "Freakouts" (31+) Local Overnighters. The loop nature of both routes, along with relatively easy food and water resupply, make both logistically simple. South of the highway, still in Tahoe National Forest, a vast web of dirt roads branch off from Henness Pass Road near the tiny town of Forest (which has some nice singletrack nearby). 1. Summer, not surprisingly, will fry you. I just bought a tour/gravel bike and am stoked for the bikepacking adventures to come. bikepacking roots is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization (ein 81-2622394) all content and route data copyright 2022-2023 bikepacking roots. For those who want to venture even further off the beaten track, plenty of jeep tracks and even singletrack motorbike trails can take you nearly anywhere you want to explore. Amazingly, as well as cactus and juniper, the route takes you through a lush canyon of walnut and oak trees, and you may encounter a number of river crossings. The Three Bikepacking Gems of Southern California Gravelstoke Cuyamaca Bikepacking Route View Full Version Send to Device 158.7 mi + 21,293 ft / - 21,294 ft RWGPS BESbswy Stagecoach 400 Bikepacking Route View Full Version Send to Device 375 mi + 27,422 ft / - 27,419 ft RWGPS BESbswy Cackling Carnivore 2 years ago The COLT bikepacking loop is a 450-km mix of rail, ATV and snowmobile trails with some good climbing on loose gravel roads. Having been re-directed around Sandy Bandy and Rapture Ridge dirt, I road on Highland Valley road. About . Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). All rights reserved. The SF Peninsula Traverse is one of the standout local routes and includes a lot of the best bike-legal trail on the peninsula. The Owens Valley Ramble is an overnight loop that highlights the complex environmental, geological, and political history of California's Owens River Valley. A match made in heaven. Still, there is a lot of potential for bikepacking in the Sierra Nevada. The five-part account by Tom and Sarah Swallow (opens in new tab) of riding the route before it became a race gives you an evocative picture of stunning landscapes, wild weather and human kindness. Sometimes it feels a bit claustrophobic. The herd grew to over 4000 in the subsequent decades and decimated the islands vegetation. Depending on recent weather and use, the dirt track can be fairly smooth, or quite rocky. Whats not to love? There are also a few restaurants along the way you can stop at for a meal or snack. I completed the 2019 edition of the Stagecoach, and wrote about it here, in just over 4 days. There is also a variety of wildlife in the region, such as grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. Three years ago, Johan Cronje, a local bike packer, created the 300-mile JBC that takes in the mountains of Cuyamaca (and beyond), the trails to and from the Pacific Coast, and the sands of the Anza-Borrego Desert. Learn more or say hi. Either way, planning your water stops is vital as there is very little drinkable water on the route. This 146-mile route starts at Big Bear Lake and takes you on some diverse terrain like forest roads, ATV trails, sandy two-track, and even some unused paved roads. We all gave double thumbs up for trail etiquette. Bath Wild camping is plentiful, and hosted options including cyclist-only lodgings! Its only 25 miles from Avalon to the north tip but the scenery is great and adding a visit to Avalon, maybe with an overnight stay is always fun. Pack the Coast (bikepacking) - Morro Bay 10 - Truckee Dirt Fondo, Truckee. Still, were lucky to have many open space preserves here in the bay, and motivated local bikepackers have managed to link them up in some creative ways. It was tough deciding between this and the 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park just west of Moab. 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. 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. 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. Think of bikepacking as a camping trip you take with your bike. Check back regularly. 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. Its relatively straightforward (and memorable, if you havent done it) to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, for anyone who wants to add a visit to San Francisco into their trip! . Les diffrences entre le vlo Gravel, vlo de route, vlo de voyage traditionnel : Les caractristiques techniques qui distinguent ces types de vlos, notamment au niveau des pneus, des portes bagages, du poids total, et de la philosophie du choix de matos. I've read about SF Traverse but am hoping for something a little farther away from home. And, those more astute noted that should there be an injury on the bike, the time of vital health care professionals and a hospital bed might be taken at a time needed for those critically ill from COVID-19. Your obvious solution is to base yourself in Moab for at least a fortnight and immerse yourself in the endless riding opportunities. Gravel or mountain biking. It also features in the above-mentioned Tour de los Padres route as well. Bikepacking Central Oregon: High Desert and Volcanic Geology from K Falls to Bend. I was donemy legs said yes, but my head was saying no. It travels through breathtaking mountain ranges, unusual volcanic landscapes, towering forests and picturesque lake vistas. Hi there, Im Alissa. Carrizo Plain National Monument: Flat-ish gravel roads and wildflowers in the spring, with opportunities for wild camping in a vast landscape. If youre anywhere near Phoenix, Arizona, and you want a taste of desert bikepacking, this one-nighter through the Sonoran Desert is your go-to. Soon after Californias stay-at-home order was first announced, the bikepacking community began debating its consequences on planned adventures. Find our growing list of California bikepacking routes and content below. 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. It seems like we currently have a wide-open slate on which to scout and explore our own routes. Or wed load our bike onto Amtrak train for a few hours and then spend the weekend riding back home down the Pacific Coast. I bivyed in tall brush along the Coast to Crest trail and broke camp early the next morning. Elevation: 4000 ft. Start/End: The Lost Abbey, San Marcos, CA. Im looking back to those trips with more fondness than usual. Spring and fall are excellent times to bikepack in the southern California desert.