How to plan an extraordinary bicycle trip through the island of Catalina

When I fell asleep in a tent to the sounds of the waves that crash on the beach and there is no cell phone service anywhere in the vicinity, I thought, This is the respite I needed. That is, until the early hours of the morning when I heard something rumble.

Slowly unbuttoned the door of the store, I pushed my head and I saw it: a lonely bison that hits a picnic table, lifting an end in the air with alarming ease. I quickly slipped into my hiding place and I was silent, listening to the twisted sounds of this massive animal that grass a few meters from me.

A bison in North America wanders free and pasta near Little Harbor Campground in Catalina

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The experience of bike packed by Catalina Island was more than I expected, both in its natural beauty and in its surprises. In two days, more than 40 miles and about 5,000 feet of elevation, the views attacked me, the morning light in the cannons and loneliness in the camp, apart from the abundant wildlife.

While it is not an “easy” trip (I mentioned 5,000 feet of elevation?), The route from the east end of Catalina to Little Harbor and back to Avalon is one that would recommend both the experienced adventurers and the newest to the muces, a mixture of cycling and backpack. It only requires some planning. This is what you should know, since your bicycle goes to plan your stops.

Before the trip

The bicycle of the author of choice for this trip: a sullen pugsley.

Make reservations for your bicycle, camping and Catalina Express

All cyclists on the island of Catalina must have a free wheel bicycle pass, which can be obtained by buying a membership of Catalina Island Conservancy. The cheapest membership of $ 50 gives you a bicycle pass for the year, along with the free admission to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, discounts in the camps of Catalina Island and other advantages.

Once you have a pass, you must reserve a reservation to mount Land. (You will get your physical bicycle pass when you arrive in Avalon and visit the Visitors Center of the Path or two port visitors services).

Camp reserves are also made through the Catalina Island Conservancy website. I reserved one night at Little Harbor Campground, but if I did again, I would book two nights.

To get there and from Catalina, take Catalina Express, which makes multiple trips a day from three locations in the Los Angeles area. When buying your ticket, you will pay a “additional article” rate to take your bike to the ferry.

What to pack

The essential elements in Little Harbor Campground.

Your bicycle I decided to bring my fat bike of Pugsley Surly simply because I love my mental state when I am in it. I feel that I go with the current, stopping and taking photos and having a good time. Time is not of the essence. A gravel or mountain bike will work well in Catalina. Electronic bicycles with pedals are also allowed and hard shell helmets are required for all cyclists.

Bicycle bags, a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag. Just keep in mind that you are allowed two pieces of luggage in Catalina Express.

Clothes. Bring what you want to ride and sleep at night. I would suggest a light fans if there is no rain in the forecast, and thermal pants and leggings to keep the cold. If rain is expected, packaging properly, but also knows that conservation turns off the trails and roads if the conditions seem dangerous.

Food. The livelihood for an overnight can be covered using the Sky Airport restaurant, near Catalina Airport, as a power station. You can also fill your water containers there. Take a good size food in coffee and buy what you need to eat while on your bike. I had the coffee that packed a sandwich to camp that night. You can also carry food supplies or pass vons on the island to get what you need. In Little Harbor Campground, there is drinking water, along with Porta Porta and cold showers.

Note: Fuel/containers are not allowed in Catalina Express. When you arrive in Avalon, Chet hardware offers small boats. If you buy one and do not end up using it, they will allow you to return it if the seal is intact. I ended up without using my stove. Oatmeal during the night and the cold instant coffee launched me.

My cycling trip and what you could expect

Day one

The island of Catalina has 40 miles of open paths and open roads for mountain cycling.

I woke up in Avalon and pedaled my fat bike along Pebbly Beach Road to the deviation of Wrigley Road. Going to Wrigley, I turned left in Renton Road, circling through the door and ascending the double double track. I had not seen another person for quite some time, since by bicycle more deeply in the interior areas of the island, connecting to East End Light Road. Throughout the “rear” of the southern end of Catalina, he felt even more remote. East End offered impressive views of the ocean and the island of San Clemente to the south.

East End Road met with Divide Road, as the path of the path showed. The ocean shone in the distance, small crystals dancing on its surface. I scanned whales but I didn't see this time.

A view of the ships in the port of Avalon.

The beginning of the Route on East End Road.

Divide Road merged with the airport road at the Wrigley reservoir, which was empty of water. However, there was a slight challenge here, since I reached a breath fence with an opening for people to pass. Fortunately, a tour group was passing in an outdoor truck and the driver said he could walk around the right -wing, where there was a clear path to do so.

The airport in the sky was my lunch destination. My wife took a transport bus from Conservancy to the airport and met with me. After lunch, I left the airport in the descent mostly of six miles to Little Harbor Campground. The hidden ranch Road had a lump or two on the road, breaking the driving downhill with a little climbing. I turned right at Little Harbor Road and headed to my camp. My campaign and food store safely in the metal boxes provided, I went to the small beach and sat on a floating wood trunk, relaxing under the warm sun's rays.

1. The airport of the island of Catalina at the Sky Restaurant is a great place to replace. (James Murren) 2. The island at dusk. (James Murren / For the Times)

In the middle of the night, as I mentioned earlier, a lone bison visited my camp. Fortunately, nothing happened to me (apart from not sleeping from that point to dawn), but the officials of the island of Catalina warn visitors that there is no safe distance from the large animal. “Never approach, touch or try to feed the bison. If you feel threatened, identify an escape route,” says conservation. “Place a large object between you and the bison (tree, rock, vehicle), and give the bison a path to avoid it.”

Day two

A stop at Cottonwood Beach. During the rainy season, you can see a small waterfall here.

From the camp the next morning, I went to Middle Ranch Road. The most impressive views of the Pacific marked the first miles when I went up, then descended and uploaded a little more. It was somewhere around 8:30 in the morning and felt as if I had the whole place for me.

Finally, Middle Ranch became an inland. The land was gradual in its rise and once I reached Quail Valley and Middle Ranch, the recently graduated road was a fast backpack that allowed the miles to tear. I was in a great ringing and navigating. Entering a pedaling cadence was great.

Middle Ranch met with Airport Road, where I turned right and asked Stagecoach Road. Stagecoach descended to Avalon, the hard road quickly fell with views forever from the great blue ocean.

My overnight came to an end and thought at times during both days when I was surprised by the beauty that surrounded me: I could even see San Gorgonio snowy in the continent. I thought of friends that I wanted to bring next time. Yes, without a doubt, there will be next time.