Norcal Bicycle Touring

Here's an approximate map on Google Maps, based on a similar ride I did last year: Pinnacles Bike Packing 2025.

The route is all paved. I try to do as much on creek trails as possible, but most of the ride is on road.

I have campsites booked for Coyote Lake, Pinnacles and New Brighton. My plan for San Juan Bautista is to stay at the Best Western near downtown. The max in one of the campgrounds is 6 people, so that limits the group size, unless someone is able to get a second site.

COST:
I've booked spots at the three campsites. We will share the cost between us ($165 is the total for the three sites).

Please arrange your own accommodation in San Juan Bautista. I booked my room at the Best Western already, it was around $150 for the night.

Last year I made lunch stops on the ride, I expect I'll do something similar this year. You might want to factor that into your budget. For example, on day two last year, I stopped for lunch at the Hollister Airport Eatery (it's en route).

Hi Folks, this is a 6 day tour I am planning in June. It will be a big and fun tour! Proposed route is here: RideWithGPS link
DESCRIPTION:
The route includes 6 challenging days of very scenic riding. The total distance is 278 miles with over 21,000 ft. of elevation gain. 58 miles will be unpaved (gravel), which adds additional difficulty.
I have split up the route so that each day is doable in 6 hours of riding by a relatively fit rider, 7-8 hours if you are slower.
Among the sights we'll get to see:

• Lake Sonoma (camp - night 1)
• Healdsburg / Russian River
• Cloverdale
• Clear Lake State Park (camp - night 2)
• Low Gap Road to the coast (camp - night 3)
• Van Damme State Park (camp - night 4)
• Sea Ranch
• Salt Point State Park (camp - night 5)
• King Ridge area and Cazadero

There will usually be water available near where we are riding, though you may need to filter it. Should also be some good swimming opportunities.
We'll ride the SMART to the start and from the end point of the loop (Santa Rosa - check the map link above).
Please comment below if you can't see the map or if you have questions.
It should be a great adventure. Please no beginners.
TRAINING:
This will be a physically challenging tour. Make sure to do at least 2 rides in excess of 50 miles and 4,000 ft climbing in the 2 months leading up to this tour. It would be great if you did a separate bike tour before this tour, but since I won't be doing that myself, I won't hold anyone else to it. I'll be in touch with everyone who signs up to check in about their training.
REQUIRED GEAR:

• a solid gravel bike or bike with wide tires (minimum 32 mm, preferred 36+ mm)
• tent and sleeping bag
• water filtering device
• 2L water capacity (carry min 1L at all times in back country)
• bike computer or paid navigation app on your phone that will function without internet
• enough food for 3 full days (we can supplement on the road)
• plenty of snacks (nuts / dried fruit etc.)
• frame bags to carry all your stuff

MISCELLANEOUS: Thurs 6/19 is Juneteenth, and no matter what the White House says, we will celebrate it!

Thanks!

Mandatory trip coordination/planning Zoom session on June 1, 7 pm.
This 5-day GRAVEL/MTN bike packing/camping tour is on the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway in SW Idaho. 5 days total. 4 days of riding and 1-layover canyon hike day along the way. Daily riding mileage around 25 miles per day. We will have plenty of time for side hikes and relaxing at camp to soak in the vibe of this amazing SW Idaho and SE OR volcanic plateau landscape.
This will be a relaxed tour for nature explorers who enjoy the high desert experience. If you enjoy botanizing, geology pondering, bird watching, and being in awe, this trip is for you. The trip requires participants have bike touring and camping skills, bike handling skills on gravel roads, and a safety first commitment to staying together with the group and willingness to cooperate with group consensus and trip organizer decisions that reduce risks for injury or searching.
Description from The Owyhee Canyonlands guidebook (2013) – “The Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway, also known as Mud Flat Road, is the primary public access road for the core of the Owyhee Canyonlands. It runs from Grand View, Idaho, to Jordan Valley, Oregon, covering a total of 104 miles. The road is paved at the beginning from both portals, but it’s mainly dirt most of the way. As roads go in the Owyhees, this one is very well-maintained -- suitable for 2WD vehicles when it’s dry and snow-free. The road normally is snowed-in from late November through March/April”.
The guide has a mile-by-mile mixture of notes and observations, plus general notes from an informative BLM brochure. Organizer has not scouted this road or conditions; we will explore together and conduct the trip in a safety first manner mindful of weather, riding, and participant conditions. The road is passable for 2-wheel drive vehicles.