Bikepack Catalina!

Discussion in 'Trailhead' started by BonsaiNut, Jan 11, 2016.


As a former Amazon Associate I continue to get screwed trying to stay qualified as an Amazon Affiliate. So I quit!


Want to donate to imtbtrails?

  1. BonsaiNut

    BonsaiNut iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Troutman, NC
    Name:
    Greg P
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower CC XX1
    Anyone up for a bikepacking trip to Catalina? I'm all geared up with no one to ride with :) Actually, sad story, one of my old biking buddies and I were planning a trip, and he had to bail due to unexpected health issues.

    I was the planner for the trip, so I know everything about what you need to bring, how to get the permits, where the campsites are and how to order wood and water, etc...

    Thinking late Spring? Catalina getting plenty of rain right now so late Spring could be amazing...
     
    CarlS, ridinrox, riiz and 4 others like this.
  2. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    @BonsaiNut I'd like to hear more. Route, itinerary, costs, etc...
     
    riiz likes this.
  3. BonsaiNut

    BonsaiNut iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Troutman, NC
    Name:
    Greg P
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower CC XX1
    Cool, let me pull a rough outline together...
     
    Cyclotourist likes this.
  4. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    I gotta prop this idea. It's a hella-fun place to spend a few days on a bike.

    BN, if I had not done this outing previously, I'd be on board for sure. Anyone who has not done it, this is a golden opportunity to have some fun in a unique setting. And with a cool and mellow cat. Planning is a bit of a project for this one, so having that all set up makes this an additionally sweet offer.

    Stoked for ya!
     
    riiz, DangerDirtyD and Danmtchl like this.
  5. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    I hear there is some climbing involved... :)
     
    Danmtchl and Runs with Scissors like this.
  6. BeyondTheLens

    BeyondTheLens Newbie with Hope!

    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Name:
    Carl
    Current Bike:
    SC Bronson CC v1
    I'm fairly new to this forum and haven't met anyone but this sure sounds like a great trip. I'm very interested if you're willing to meet a new stranger. If you share the details, I'd like to see how it'd work w/ my schedule and join you. If you like whiskey/scotch, I'll be sure to bring that along! Thanks.
     
    CarlS and Danmtchl like this.
  7. Danmtchl

    Danmtchl iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Bakersfield
    Name:
    Dan
    Current Bike:
    2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.7
    I would be up for it, if my ankle is well enough. What is late spring? May? I have a brand new Kona Explosif still in the box, that I bought for bikepacking.
     
  8. BonsaiNut

    BonsaiNut iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Troutman, NC
    Name:
    Greg P
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower CC XX1
    The itinerary I was working with was two and a half days. Looking at summer boat schedule, which starts March 11 and runs through the rest of the summer.

    Friday:
    Leave Dana Point at 12 PM
    Arrive Avalon 1:30 PM
    Check in, pick up camping passes, have lunch in Avalon
    Head out on trail 3 PM
    Bike 14 miles / 2300 feet elevation to get to Black Jack camp ground
    1st night - water and firewood at site, but need to pack in food

    Saturday:
    Breakfast in camp
    Bike 12 miles / 1650 feet elevation to get to Two Harbors. Eat lunch.
    Bike 11 miles / 2200 feet elevation to get to Parson's landing. 2nd night - water and firewood at site but need to pack in food.

    Sunday:
    Leave camp early.
    Bike 11 miles / 2200 feet to get to Two Harbors* (this is the long way - we can take the coast road which is faster/easier if we want). Eat breakfast.
    Bike 20 miles back to Avalon. Elevation depends on route. Eat late lunch in Avalon.
    Leave Avalon at 4:45 PM
    Arrive Dana Point 6:15 PM

    Working budget:
    Parking: $12 per day at Dana Point ($36)
    Boat Ticket: $76.50 round trip Dana Point to Avalon* (note this is full retail - there are often discounts like at CostCo)
    Camping: $21 per night ($42 total) plus $14 per night for water and firewood (divided by everyone going)
    Food and gear - on your own

    So somewhere around $160 plus food per person... Less if you can get dropped off at Dana Point and don't have to park.

    Map attached.
     

    Attached Files:

    • TCT.pdf
      File size:
      1.6 MB
      Views:
      439
  9. Faust29

    Faust29 Moderator

    Location:
    irgendwo
    Name:
    B. Bunny
    Current Bike:
    I gots some bikes.
    I have all of one ride on Catalina, and it was sort of a death march, but it was amazing... You can't beat the setting!
     
    abuck55, Danmtchl and mike like this.
  10. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
  11. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    Sounds do-able and a pretty unique experience! Please subscribe me to your mailing list!
     
    abuck55 and Danmtchl like this.
  12. BonsaiNut

    BonsaiNut iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Troutman, NC
    Name:
    Greg P
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower CC XX1
    Here's a detailed map:
     

    Attached Files:

    • TCT.pdf
      File size:
      1.6 MB
      Views:
      375
    abuck55 likes this.
  13. BonsaiNut

    BonsaiNut iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Troutman, NC
    Name:
    Greg P
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower CC XX1
    I've camped there a lot of times... I would guess 8 or so... but I have never bike-packed. I've done some hiking on the trails as well.

    Black Jack:

    camp1.jpg

    Parson's Landing:

    camp2.jpg

    It's important to go in the Spring - while everything is still green. When the heat of the Summer rolls around, it can get hot, dry, and dusty. In the Fall it is all brown... but the water is warm and the snorkeling is normally very good.
     
    Kreature, abuck55, ridinrox and 3 others like this.
  14. BonsaiNut

    BonsaiNut iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Troutman, NC
    Name:
    Greg P
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower CC XX1
    abuck55 and mike like this.
  15. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    More psyche fodder:

    mystery_ride1.jpg
    mystery_ride2.jpg
    mystery_ride3.jpg
     
    Derek13, Kreature, abuck55 and 4 others like this.
  16. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    Sheesh, how can someone say no here!?!?!? I need to check some details, but yeah, I think I'm in and need to start saving up for some gear!
     
    mike likes this.
  17. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    Moot post...please delete!
     
    Cyclotourist likes this.
  18. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    OK, never mind, I don't want to go now... ;)
     
    mike and Runs with Scissors like this.
  19. riiz

    riiz Member

    Location:
    Redlands, CA
    Name:
    Eric
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Heckler/Killmaleon
    I saved it and posted it to all my social media sites, its never going away.....
     
    Runs with Scissors and mike like this.
  20. riiz

    riiz Member

    Location:
    Redlands, CA
    Name:
    Eric
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Heckler/Killmaleon

    Oh, I'm in btw. Thats a trip I cant miss.
     
    Cyclotourist, BonsaiNut and mike like this.
  21. BonsaiNut

    BonsaiNut iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Troutman, NC
    Name:
    Greg P
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower CC XX1
    Yeah plenty of time needed to get gear. I'm geared up, but it takes a while. Primary thing is to get a bike rack and panniers (saddlebags) that will ride on a full suspension. I'll put together a gear list though I'm sure people will want to add to it...
     
    abuck55 likes this.
  22. BonsaiNut

    BonsaiNut iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Troutman, NC
    Name:
    Greg P
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower CC XX1
    I just realized... my elevation estimates were based on the hiking trail... the bike route will be less :) Good thing too - I've hiked some of those trails they can be straight up :)

    My issue... I bought my rack for my 26 inch... and now I think I want to bring my 29er :)

    bikepack.jpg

    What you are seeing... tent in the middle, panniers on either side. My sleeping bag would go on the bars or in a pannier...

    Bike repair kit and water in my backpack. Plenty of room for two days' worth of stuff. I pack MRE's for my meals (military meals) but there are tons of options. I think right now we are talking 3 meals in camp.

    FWIW... you gear up your bike and just roll it on the boat for the trip across.
     
    tortoise, abuck55, Faust29 and 2 others like this.
  23. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    Mostly fire road, right? If so, my Singular should be fine with bikepacking framebags for a three dayer.
    23152247533_fac123fff3_b.jpg
    I have have the frame bag in the pic, a seat bag I haven't used yet, just need to invest in the handlebar bag and should be able to go!
    And I have a spork I'm waiting to use!
    21476626950_a0dee599d4_b.jpg
     
  24. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    Greg, is there a limit on numbers that may at some point need to be taken into account? I can see this thing taking off!!!
     
  25. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    Carpool!!!
     
    mike likes this.
  26. BonsaiNut

    BonsaiNut iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Troutman, NC
    Name:
    Greg P
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower CC XX1
    I don't know there is a limit on numbers, per se... but too big of a group impacts the social dynamics. I'd like to be able to know everyones' name, for example :)

    I was initially thinking I'd be lucky to get one or two. I would probably want to limit the group to no more than 6... that way we can bike together, sit at the same table for meals, etc.
     
    mike, ridinrox and Cyclotourist like this.
  27. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    Good points, all! But I have a feeling you're going to get more than one or two... but maybe I'm biased! I have some friends that I think would want to go as well, just looks great!
     
    BonsaiNut and mike like this.
  28. riiz

    riiz Member

    Location:
    Redlands, CA
    Name:
    Eric
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Heckler/Killmaleon
    For sure!
     
    Cyclotourist likes this.
  29. CarlS

    CarlS Member

    Location:
    Temecula, CA
    Name:
    Carl
    Current Bike:
    Walmart $50 special
    Yes please! I have been wanting to go. I know some guys who have gone and say it is a very fun / scenic place to ride but bring your granny gear for the hills. Let me know if you have room for me on the boat. I have done a few backpacking trips, this one sounds fun. The itinerary / mileage sounds very relaxed and social / lots of photo stops? I got a steel hardtail set up 3x10 with frame and bar bags. I'm working on a large rear rack off of the seatpost right now.
     
    mike, abuck55 and ridinrox like this.
  30. ridinrox

    ridinrox Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Fullerton
    Name:
    Roxanne
    Current Bike:
    '16 Giant Trance Advance
    From the age of 12-18 I sailed over to Catalina w my parents every summer (they had a 32' Islander). Those were the best years of my life....

    I sure would like to make this trip, I just don't think I'll use the bikepacking gear all that much. :unsure:
     
Loading...


As a former Amazon Associate I continue to get screwed trying to stay qualified as an Amazon Affiliate. So I quit!


Want to donate to imtbtrails?