Los Angeles - San Diego Raid Nov 1-8, 2020

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Rc
RAID cycling
  • Email address verified
18 reviews
Nov 5 - 11, 2020
Group size: 2 - 25
Los Angeles - San Diego Raid Nov 1-8, 2020
Los Angeles, CA, USA

RAID cycling
  • Email address verified
18 reviews

Nov 5 - 11, 2020
Group size: 2 - 25

About this trip

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, REIMAGINED. 

Welcome to the best American riding you’ve never heard of. The snarky, ironic hashtagged refrain from its denizens even reads “#LAsucksforcycling”. Indeed, it’s an untruth. Alternative fact. A lie. 

The Los Angeles basin, and points southwest, is one of the most accessible, stunning, and challenging cycling hotbeds in the country. While its diverse population stews in the broth at the bottom of the bowl, RAID’s Southern California skirts the rims, visiting jaw-dropping climbs from the coast to the famed Mulholland Highway, crests the towering San Gabriels, and exploring the untamed corners of the megalopolis. Mated to its unknown riding, this departure visits cultural and culinary diamonds in the rough, true gems most wouldn’t ever associate with the beaches-and-traffic reputation of LA. This fall, we’ll explore the truth behind the myth of Southern California.

  

Key Climbs:

Stunt Road, Piuma Canyon, San Gabriel Canyon Road, Glendora Ridge Road, Mount Baldy, Palomar Mountain Road

  • Total distance: 590 miles (950km)
  • Total elevation: 67,000ft      (20,400m)

RAID'S are a real challenge, often climbing the same cols used in the biggest races in the world. But because they’re fully supported, they can be enjoyed by everyone from veteran riders with years of experience to relative newcomers who have put in the training and committed themselves to achieving something special. 

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Our departures are all-inclusive. All prices 
include hotel accommodation on a double-occupancy basis (single-occupancy is available on most trips for an additional fee), professionally guided rides, on-road
 vehicle support, limited laundry & recovery (massage boots), most meals (excluding alcohol), and ride nutrition/food (hydration, energy bars, etc.). Baggage transfer, porterage and all gratuities at restaurants are also included. 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Airfare is not included and gratuities for our trip leaders and personal expenses. Bicycles are not included on this departures. 

Available Packages

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
$5,100
Deposit: $800
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$5,900
Deposit: $1,000


Itinerary

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, REIMAGINED.

Day 1: MALIBU - PASADENA 

98 Miles / 12,800ft  

Today we start along the famed Pacific Coast Highway 1, before climbing into the Santa Monica Mountains. We take in remarkable ocean views and have the chance to cycle many of the well-known cycling routes visited by many European pro teams for winter and spring training. We crest the mountains and descend into the San Fernando Valley, making our way past Studio City, the Hollywood Hills and through Griffith Park, before skirting around Burbank on our way towards our final climb of the day, Big Tujunga Canyon Road, in the Angeles National Forest.

Day 2 | PASADENA — CLAREMONT 

71.6 Miles / 8,000 Feet   

There isn’t an American pro cyclist that hasn’t trained on these roads.  The famed Montrose Bike Ride passes each week through Pasadena and along the Rose Bowl. Our ride starts out casually, as we head east towards Glendora before we attack Mount Baldy.

Day 3: CLAREMONT - LAKE ARROWHEAD

101 Miles / 14,060 Feet   

We depart early this morning, before the heat of the day, making our way back into the Angeles National Forest past the San Gabriel reservoir. We climb steadily for 25 miles before summiting the heavily forested mountain range high above the valley. We pass through the mountain village of Wrightwood, before our descent of Lone Pine Canyon Road at the summit of Cajon Pass. Cajon Pass marks the dividing point between the Mojave Desert and the Greater San Bernardino Area.  We climb gradually, stopping just shy of Big Bear, along the shores of Lake Arrowhead.   


Day 4: LAKE ARROWHEAD - IDYLLWILD

118 Miles / 12,000 Feet   

We leave the shores of Lake Arrowhead for the higher shores of Big Bear Lake. Surrounded by the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake sits at nearly 7,000ft and is exactly 100 miles from Los Angeles. Snow is common at this time of year so we will be prepared for cool weather. We then summit Onyx Pass, at 8,440ft, before descending into the San Gorgonio Pass. A gap on the rim of the Great Basin desert between the San Bernardino Mountains and the San Jacinto Mountains, it was created by the San Andreas Fault and is one of the deepest mountain passes in the US. From Banning, we begin our 30-mile approach to Idyllwild, along the Panoramic Highway.

Day 5: IDYLLWILD - JULIAN

101.8 Miles / 7,200 Feet   

We leave the San Jacinto Mountains and the Strawberry Valley, heading towards the warm desert along the Pines-to-Palms Scenic Byway. We veer north towards the small town of Hemet and pass through fragrant orange orchards. We will stop for lunch at the Shadow Mountain Winery for a needed break. Our last push up the Banner Grade brings us into our destination for the next 2 nights, Julian.  

Day 6: JULIAN - JULIAN

103 Miles / 10,340 Feet   

We gently climb out of Julian on the Sunrise Hwy, we then take a side trip up the remote Pine Canyon as we pass Lake Cuyamaca. We pass through downtown and through the iconic hillside mansion community overlooking old town.  We swing back through Julian before riding through Mesa Grande enroute to Mt Palomar. We then summit Mt Palomar, often compared to the great Alpe d’Huez. Palomar has 21 switchbacks and is similar in elevation, gaining 4,325ft in just over 12.5 miles, at an average of 6.5%. Then descend a different way off the mountain towards Lake Henshaw before our return to Julian via the apple orchards above Wynola.    


Day 6: JULIAN - SAN DIEGO & LAX

This morning we transfer to San Diego Int., airport and then onward to LAX/Los Angeles International Airport. 


NOV 1-8 2020

START/FINISH
Los Angeles / San Diego

TOTAL DISTANCE
590 miles

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN
67,000 feet

KEY CLIMBS
Stunt, Piuma Canyon, San Gabriel Canyon, Glendora Ridge Road, Mount Baldy, Palomar

 

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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