L.A. TO CATALINA GRVL RAID

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Rc
RAID cycling
  • Email address verified
18 reviews
Oct 17 - 22, 2020
Group size: 1 - 25
L.A. TO CATALINA GRVL RAID
Los Angeles, CA, USA

RAID cycling
  • Email address verified
18 reviews

Oct 17 - 22, 2020
Group size: 1 - 25

About this trip

THAT’S SO NOT-L.A.
SO-CAL GRAVEL RAID

RAID expeditionary force invites you to join them on a remarkable adventure to some of the best-kept secret gravel riding to be found anywhere! We'll venture into the remote San Gabriel Mountains behind L.A. for 2-days of steep & deep canyon riding before we hop over to the desert island of Catalina, 22-miles off the coast of Long Beach, for 2-more days of truly epic gravel routes. 


You won’t experience any of the aggressive drivers L.A. is known for.  Join us on our annual SO-CAL gravel ride. The weather is beyond dreamy, the food edgy and the riding is dazzling! 


This gravel grinder is designed for the intermediate and advanced gravel rider. Daily distances & elevation will average 30-55 mi & 2,500-5,000 vertical feet of climbing with optional longer routes available. Expect 90% of our routes to be on mixed terrain, gravel roads, some trail & pavement.

Available Packages

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

SHARED ROOM

$2,750
Deposit: $800
SINGLE OCCUPANCY

PRIVATE ROOM

$3,400
Deposit: $1,000


Itinerary

L.A. / CATALINA ISLAND
S0-CAL L.A. / CATALINA ISLAND GRVL RAID

Day 1: Oct 17 ARRIVAL PASADENA

22 Mi / 1,921 Ft  

A morning arrival into Burbank Airport will be followed by a transfer to Pasadena, the City of Roses. After we check into our hotel, we will take a short spin before heading off to dinner at Bone Kettle in Old Town Pasadena. O/N Vagabond Inn-Executive- Pasadena 


Day 2: Oct 18 THE VERDUGOS 

30 Mi / 3,500 Ft   

The Verdugos are a small transverse mountain range that parallel the San Gabriels and divide the La Crescenta and San Fernando Valleys. It is literally a small island wilderness in a sea of urban development. We ride up Hostetter Fire Road, following the twists and turns to the Verdugo Motorway which meanders along the ridge of the Verdugos and has great views of greater Los Angeles. On a clear day, you'll see downtown Los Angeles, the piers of San Pedro, and the Channel Islands. It is truly an amazing view to behold. O/N Vagabond Inn-Executive- Pasadena 


Day 3: Oct 19 MT WILSON AND DISAPPOINTMENT 

50 Mi / 6,800 Ft   

The locals will tell you this is possibly the best ride out of Pasadena. This loop takes in a number of steep climbs and technical descents. You'll suffer a bit as we ascend high above the city. We take in the majestic views that the San Gabriel mountains have to offer before we begin our flowing single track descent all the way back down to Pasadena. Enjoy a dip in the pool, relax with a cold beer or visit any number of galleries in Old Town Pasadena. 

Tonight we will take a short drive into the foothills to the small village of Sierra Madre. We will first stop at a mom & pop brewery for a  fine crafted ale or two, and then head to Yui Sushi for dinner. 

Yui Sush isn't just a sushi bar in Sierra Madre, it's a doorway to Tokyo, something very special, with a menu that changes daily. Be it blue fin tuna belly (honmaguro toro ), albacore toro and salmon toro, they're wonderfuly indulgent slices of  fish, arguably as good as anything we've had in the stalls surrounding the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Which is serious praise, indeed. O/N Vagabond Inn-Executive- Pasadena 


Day 4: Oct 20 CATALINA ISLAND / AVALON LOOP

14 Mi / 2,410 Ft   

This morning we will transfer to Long Beach to catch the AM Catalina Express ferry to Avalon, the main town on Catalina Island. Crystal clear blue waters & sandy beaches await our arrival. After lunch, we climb steeply on a narrow double track road up the tall peaks behind Avalon. We cruise along the spine of the ridge taking in stunning views of the island and mainland in the distance, and keep an eye out for the island fox and bald eagles. Some may want to ride out & back to the airport for their famous chocolate chip cookies. With a fast descent back into Avalon, we will go for a swim before checking into our hotel & enjoying a night out on Avalon. O/N Holiday Inn Resort Catalina Island    


Day 5: Oct 21 AVALON TO TWO HARBORS

46 Mi / 5,300 Ft  

We will ride the entire length of the island today, from south to north. The start sees us climbing steeply from Avalon through a Eucalyptus-lined road. We continue along the ridge lines exploring the craggy dirt roads in the remote and exposed interior. Adventurous types have always favored Catalina's wide-open interior and we love its labyrinth of mountainous dirt roads -- traffic free and perfect for gravel bikes. Long climbs are welled earned with panoramic 360 degree views of the mountainous island. Keep an eye out for the wild bison that have called this island home since 1922. We finish the morning outing with a gorgeous ride with a sweeping descent into Two Harbors for lunch. A slightly different route takes us back to Avalon.  We will dine beach-side tonight before heading to Luau Larry's to get your wiki wacked. O/N Holiday Inn Resort Catalina Island 


Day 6: Oct 22 MAINLAND 

We will depart the island this morning back to Long Beach, from where we will provide a shuttle to Burbank Airport (45min) Book your return flights after 3pm this afternoon. You can also depart from L.A.X airport as well. 

Your Organizer


Rc
RAID cycling
18 reviews
Brad Sauber | Owner Brad brings 25+ years’ experience creating and running cycling and cultural trips around the globe. From Bolivia to Bhutan, the Himalayas to the Alps, New Zealand to the Rockies, Brad has a passion for helping guests uncover the magic of destinations, their people and culture. In addition to guiding all over the world, Brad was a founding partner at inGamba and the founding Head of Rapha Travel in 2012. When you get to know Brad, you understand cycling just isn’t part of his job, it’s a key aspect of his life. Raised in Washington State, Brad now lives in Mill Valley, California – with his wife, Dawn, and undisclosed number of bikes. Let him know if you’re passing through as he’s always up for a ride down the road or up the mountain. @bsauber

Reviews

Mj
It was a great trip. We stayed in awesome traditional Japanese locations with hot natural pools. The food and company were the best
By Mary joyce K for JAPAN -The Southern Islands 2023 (SEPT) on Sep 28, 2023
A truly spectacular riding experience with a lot of time on beautiful obscure roads. One of my favorite bike trips. I’ll admit to being happy afterwards to get back to an American breakfast 😉
By Jonathan G for JAPAN -The Southern Islands 2023 (SEPT) on Sep 27, 2023
We had a great time, unique biking routes, spectacular scenery, excellent guidance. Rich cultural experiences every day.
By Ann W for JAPAN -The Southern Islands 2023 (SEPT) on Sep 26, 2023
Brad and his team are amazing! They are truly passionate about what they do. I really enjoyed the mix between cycling and the cultural outings. Great choice of accommodations and food! Would love to travel with Raid Cycling again to other locales.
By Serge K for JAPAN -The Southern Islands 2023 (SEPT) on Sep 26, 2023
A trip of a lifetime, never to be forgotten. Everything went like clockwork despite a challenging area to cycle. 5 star and some
By Michael S for ALASKAN GRAVEL EXPEDITION on Aug 17, 2023
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