SO-CAL GRVL GRINDER
L.A. & Catalina Island
6 Days (4.5 ride days)
Thursday, October 17th - Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019
Studio Velo's expeditionary force invites you to join them on a remarkable adventure to some of the best-kept secret gravel riding to be found anywhere! We'll venture into the remote San Gabriel Mountains behind L.A. for 2-days of steep & deep canyon riding before we hop over to the desert island of Catalina, 22-miles off the coast of Long Beach, for 2 more days of truly epic gravel routes.
Enjoy carefully planned daily routes set to showcase the best gravel that So Cal has to offer in the span of 4.5 days of riding, in addition to the expert care and support SV Travel is known for.
This gravel trip is designed for the intermediate and advanced gravel rider. Daily distances & elevation will average 30-55 miles and 2,500 to 5,000 vertical feet of climbing. Options to extend routes will also be available. You can expect 90% of the routes to be on mixed-terrain, gravel roads, some trail and pavement.
RIDE A MOOTS!
For this special trip we have partnered with one of the industry leaders in the gravel market, Moots. We are excited to present you with an opportunity to ride a dream bike while exploring the best gravel Southern California has to offer.
WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO I NEED FOR THIS TRIP?
This journey is designed specifically for gravel riding and the support and maintenance of gravel bikes. Therefore, we request you only ride true gravel bikes with hydraulic disc brakes and 700 or 650 wheel sets on this adventure. If you don't have a gravel bike and would like to discuss options, please call or visit Studio Velo; we are the local experts and are happy to help you explore options to properly prepare for this trip.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TIRE CHOICE & GEARING
Most of the riding for this trip will be on fire roads, two track and single track. The surfaces are likely to be dry and loose. Larger tires (35mm -- 42mm) designed for these conditions are a must. We also recommend you have fresh tires on your bike for the trip start. Gearing that affords a 1:1 ratio is also advised. Studio Velo is happy to provide help on tire and gearing choices.
TRIP DETAILS
Luggage/Gear: Our Sprinter vans will depart from Mill Valley ahead of the trip. Let us help transport your gear and bikes to and from L.A. The vans will return to SV just after the trip.
Transportation: All ground transport included and on the road vehicle SAG support.
Airport: Burbank Airport (Bob Hope Airport) IATA: BUR
Guides: Our SV ride leaders will be on the front each day assisting you throughout each stage of this remarkable journey.
Accommodations: All-inclusive 2-3 star, single and double occupancy rooms included. The hotels for this trip are not luxurious, rather, they will be clean and simple.
Road Food & Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners are included, as are ride nutrition, hydration & rice cakes.
The trip logistics will be delivered by 25-year veteran trip designer and local Mill Valley resident Brad Sauber. Brad brings a deep passion and many years of experience in facilitating remarkable cycling tours for many notable companies. Brad has spent more than a decade riding on Catalina Island and leading trips in the San Gabriel mountains. His experience and love for this remarkable region will provide us with an outstanding and memorable gravel adventure.
Double Occupancy: $2,350
Single Occupancy: $2,950
Includes hotel, on-road vehicle and guide support, ride nutrition, recovery and most meals (excluding alcohol).