21 days off, no plans

[Matthew]

From June 1st to the 21st, I took time off of work to originally bikepack across Georgia and Armenia. Since the Iran war started, flights have gotten very expensive and the possible threat of the nextdoor neighbors of Iran maybe possibly joining the war to some degree might occur. For that reason, I've called off those plans but have been brainstorming something else to do during that time. I'm open to suggestions!

Below are some ideas
- hike the JMT
- (if it's legal) bikepack and fish along the Kern river north of lake Isabella to see if there's really any fish.
- bikepack the domelands or maybe make a big climbing trip there
- bike a 21 day loop starting at home and ending at home

[Sean]

I asked the Magic 8 Ball...

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[Taco]

I think you should do option 4. It would be life changing, so to speak. Changed my life. Ride the whole thing (but don’t worry if you don’t ride every single mile).

Since it’s gonna be warm, may I recommend the coast. One way to do this that doesn’t fit option 4 but makes a lot of sense is to take the train to the Bay Area or just north of it and ride south. If I take my road bike and do big miles I can do that in 2-3 days, but at a fun pace that could be a week and a half or so. It’s ballpark 500mi so if you do it in a week, that’s an average of 71mi per day. It’s an easy route so that’s easier than it sounds, and if you don’t make 71mi/day, doesn’t matter, you have time. Don’t set a hard goal of miles or days, just be free. You have 21 days. Could go south, see Big Sur by bike which is beautiful (try to get there during weekdays, easy at a chill pace), then when you get to just south of Ventura, you can go up through the Santa Monica range and avoid the 1 and Malibu, which is less pleasant dodging Range Rovers and trash cans. Take Mullholland home. Time to spare to chill at home and maybe do a chill overnighter or go to that one cool spot with the mountain lions and view of Baldy . I recommend going south on the coast as the prevailing winds blow that way. One trip I rode from home to the Bay Area and back, and I was only going 3mph into a strong headwind while cyclists were doing 30 south past me without much effort. Also, the coast is on the right going south so the views are the best.

Or, take the MTB and do something more challenging with fewer miles. Could go to Bakersfield and ride up into the southern Sierra. Or, take the train to San Diego and go up into the mountains east of there and ride home. You could also just ride to Idyllwild, maybe scramble up some rocks, then bomb down into Hemet and ride to the Metrolink in Perris to avoid a lot of city miles.

I would be down for a long weekend in Kennedy Meadows with climbing gear.

Again, since it’ll be hotter out, the coast or somewhere at higher elevation (above 4kft) are the best.

The western Sierra are awesome for bike touring, with lots of quiet roads and nice temps. Many of the roads are paved where you’d expect dirt. Could pack light and take the Soma on that route easily. You could also start this by taking the train to Lancaster, then the bus to Pearsonville ($40 or so), then take Nine Mile Canyon Road up to Kennedy Meadows. Weather should be nice up there. Bomb down Sherman Pass and climb up to the 190 and go north/west to more great roads. Lotta fun climbs and descents.

Personally I think the coast is the best option. If you wanna use more of those 21 days, just take the train or whatever a bit further north of SF and chill down the coast. Light sleeping bag, tarp shelter for the light rain/moisture, have a blast.

[Nate U]

Sorry to hear the Armenia thing can't happen, that was a bold, brilliant idea. stupid war!!!

If my schedule allows (not sure yet) I'm going to invite you to Ogden and we can rip up the 'satch for a few days with free room, board and meals!!!

[mikeywally]

One way to do this that doesn’t fit option 4 but makes a lot of sense is to take the train to the Bay Area or just north of it and ride south. If I take my road bike and do big miles I can do that in 2-3 days, but at a fun pace that could be a week and a half or so. It’s ballpark 500mi so if you do it in a week, that’s an average of 71mi per day. It’s an easy route so that’s easier than it sounds, and if you don’t make 71mi/day, doesn’t matter, you have time. Don’t set a hard goal of miles or days, just be free. You have 21 days. Could go south, see Big Sur by bike which is beautiful (try to get there during weekdays, easy at a chill pace), then when you get to just south of Ventura, you can go up through the Santa Monica range and avoid the 1 and Malibu, which is less pleasant dodging Range Rovers and trash cans. Take Mullholland home. Time to spare to chill at home and maybe do a chill overnighter or go to that one cool spot with the mountain lions and view of Baldy . I recommend going south on the coast as the prevailing winds blow that way. One trip I rode from home to the Bay Area and back, and I was only going 3mph into a strong headwind while cyclists were doing 30 south past me without much effort. Also, the coast is on the right going south so the views are the best.

Doing SF to LA is great. Going south like Taco said is the way. be free, stop at whatever corn maze, pie shop, weird little trail near the beach, truck trail bypass. i would also recommend, if you have the cash, to stay at a random rural cheap motel or two or the entire way. shower in the kit and dry the kit in the sun set. i like to mix up camping with funky motels, some people swear off motels/hotels as too much aid.

[dima]

Yes. All that is correct. I will also say that the CA coast ride north of the bay is better than the ride south of the bay. Think about it. With 21 days you can probably go to Portland, and ride all the way back. It's chill and great and there will be tons of other riders doing it, if you're riding South.

[Nate U]

Purely curious - why is cycling in the south direction along the coast better than cycling in the north direction?

[dima]

More favorable winds usually, and you're on the side of the road with better views of the ocean. All that said, I rode it S -> N (because I liked the idea of leaving from my house) and it was glorious

[Matthew]

Thanks taco and dima, I shall bike California from north of the bay and head south! Trip planning and shit will go down in this thread

[dima]

Honestly, just take the ACA map, and do what it says. This is a very straightforward trip, and you'll have plenty of company in the summer. Remind me, and I can lend you a copy of the map.

[Taco]

Now I wanna go.

[dima]

The dirt road to Usal beach and then up to Timber ridge and then the stuff around Honeydew and the coastal road above Petrolia. Ooof. Now I want to go.

[Matthew]

You all are invited! I think I'm gonna get a dynamo on the gravel (mountain) bike and maybe slightly knobier tires and I should be good. I wanna make the southern bit from slo to ventura a much more gravel centric trip and explore the Los padres more! If you guys join me up by the bay at least, we can visit my brother in Santa Cruz and ride his venicular rail car elevator thingy up to his house from the road!

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[Taco]

I doubt I could get the time off during busy season. I recommend you take yer roadish bike on this trip.