THAT’S SO NOT-L.A.
SO-CAL GRAVEL RAID

RAID expeditionary force invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey to unveil some of the most exclusive and undisclosed gravel riding gems out there! Immerse yourself in a 4-day exploration of the secluded San Gabriel Mountains, where steep and profound canyon rides await. Then, leap over to the desert haven of Catalina, just 22 miles off the Long Beach coast, for an additional 2 days of genuinely epic gravel adventures.

Say goodbye to the notorious aggressive drivers of L.A. as you join us for our SO-CAL gravel ride. The weather is nothing short of dreamy, the cuisine is daringly edgy, and the riding promises to be absolutely dazzling!

What kind of bike do I need for this trip?  

This expedition is exclusively tailored for gravel riding enthusiasts and the proper care of gravel bikes. As such, only authentic gravel bikes equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and 700 or 650 wheel sets will be permitted on this thrilling adventure.

L.A. & Catalina weather in February

In the heart of February, Los Angeles, maintains its cool composure, reminiscent of January but with a touch less rainfall and a dash more sunshine. The thermometer reads highs of 18°C (approximately 64°F) and lows of 8°C (roughly 46°F), keeping the average temperature at a steady 13°C (around 55°F). It's a cool and collected vibe as the city navigates through the mid-winter scene.  And embrace the magic of Catalina Island during the cozy winter season with less crowds & quiet streets. 

Embark on our 7-day RAID, a testament to our profound expertise in  gravel cycling and our love for the unique terrain of Los Angeles and  Catalina Island. Our meticulously crafted routes unveil the finest  experiences this part of L.A. has to offer.

Our departures are all-inclusive. All prices include hotel accommodation on a single-occupancy basis, professionally guided rides, on-road vehicle support, limited laundry & recovery, all meals (excluding alcohol), and ride nutrition/food (hydration, energy bars, etc.). Baggage transfer, porterage and all gratuities at restaurants and for the RAID team are also included.  

Airfare is not included and personal expenses. Bicycles are not included on this departures but may be available for rent. 

RAID strives to ensure our guests have the most flexibility when signing up for a cycling adventure. Deposits: Deposits for this special departure are NOT refundable.  But balances are refundable up up to 30 days before the trip start date. Refunds: You can request a refund up to 30 days before trip start. Once within 30 days from the start of the trip, there are no refunds of any kind. Trip Transfers: You may transfer 100% of your payment or deposit to another trip 60-90 days before your trip departure. 

*A cancellation administration fee of $75 applies to all cancellations from 60-120 days prior trip departure.

The effective date of a cancellation will be the date on which your cancellation notice is received.

Note: Cancellation policy for certain longer voyages and Holiday departures may vary due to high demand for these tours. Our Group cancellation policies vary.  Also, please review our Terms and Conditions. We stress the importance of purchasing a travel protection plan to protect yourself from fees in the event you need to cancel your reservation.  

IN THE EVENT THAT WE CANCEL YOUR TRIP

We will provide you with a $150 credit to use on another RAID trip departing over the proceeding two years. You will also be entitled to: (a) book any other available trip; or (b) receive a full refund of all monies paid; and we will not be liable for any flight or insurance costs you have incurred (it is for this reason that we recommend you delay booking flights and arranging insurance until your trip is confirmed). We reserve the right to stop you from participating on your trip if you: behave in an abusive and/or threatening manner; or engage in illegal activities.

TRANSFERRING YOUR TRIP

Should a business or personal emergency cause you to not be able to go on your trip, you may transfer to any other trip, which: has space available on it; and is scheduled to depart within two years of the trip you originally signed up for. There is no charge for transferring all of your payments to another trip. Transfers made 60 days or fewer in advance will be considered a cancellation, and our standard cancellation policy will apply.

Vaccination and COVID-19 Testing Requirements

RAID Cycling is actively monitoring and implementing guidelines recommended by health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as local authorities where applicable.

RAID Cycling will require all guests to be fully vaccinated prior to the trip start.

*Our policies may change as new information becomes available. Any updates to our itineraries will be communicated promptly via our website and email.

Vaccination: RAID Cycling will require all guests to be fully vaccinated and to carry proof of their vaccination with them for 2024 departures*. (*If you qualify for a medical exemption, please contact our team.)

• A hard copy, digital copy, or picture of your vaccination certificate will be accepted. We’ll also accept a medical certificate confirming recovery from COVID-19 dated no more than 90 days before departure.
• Please note that many regions (including most international destinations) have additional requirements and/or documents needed for entry. See details on France entry requirements HERE
• Your guides will check your documents at the start of the trip. For the health and safety of the group, if you are unable to show proof of vaccination, you will be unable to join the trip and our standard cancellation policy applies.
• You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. See  HERE for CDC vaccine guidance.
• We encourage those who are eligible to get a booster dose. At this time we are not requiring it for travel with us but are closely monitoring what the CDC considers “fully vaccinated.”

COVID-19 Testing: As of June 12, 2023, most European and Western nations stopped requiring a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the country. The CDC is still recommending testing before all air travel, however. 

• Guides can help facilitate getting tested locally if guests become symptomatic while on trip with us. In Europe, guides will also facilitate testing in accordance with current and local regulations.
• Please note that many regions (including most international destinations) have additional requirements and/or documents needed for entry.