THAT’S SO NOT-L.A.
SO-CAL GRAVEL RAID

RAID expeditionary force invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey to unveil some of the most exclusive and undisclosed gravel riding gems out there! Immerse yourself in a 4-day exploration of the secluded San Gabriel Mountains, where steep and profound canyon rides await. Then, leap over to the desert haven of Catalina, just 22 miles off the Long Beach coast, for an additional 2 days of genuinely epic gravel adventures.

Say goodbye to the notorious aggressive drivers of L.A. as you join us for our SO-CAL gravel ride. The weather is nothing short of dreamy, the cuisine is daringly edgy, and the riding promises to be absolutely dazzling!

What kind of bike do I need for this trip?

This expedition is exclusively tailored for gravel riding enthusiasts and the proper care of gravel bikes. As such, only authentic gravel bikes equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and 700 or 650 wheel sets will be permitted on this thrilling adventure.

L.A. & Catalina weather in February

In the heart of February, Los Angeles, maintains its cool composure, reminiscent of January but with a touch less rainfall and a dash more sunshine. The thermometer reads highs of 18°C (approximately 64°F) and lows of 8°C (roughly 46°F), keeping the average temperature at a steady 13°C (around 55°F). It's a cool and collected vibe as the city navigates through the mid-winter scene. And embrace the magic of Catalina Island during the cozy winter season with less crowds & quiet streets.

D1 ARRIVAL PASADENA

19.1 mi / 1,844 Ft
30.8 km / 562 m
25.4 Km pave
5.4 Km grvl

Touching down in the morning at either Burbank Airport or LAX, we'll swiftly transfer to Pasadena, the City of Roses. Once settled into our hotel, a brief ride awaits us before we embark on a delectable dinner at Bone Kettle in Old Town Pasadena.

O/N Hotel Dena- Pasadena

D2 MT WILSON AND DISAPPOINTMENT

49.5 mi / 6,799 Ft
80 km / 2,071 m
61.8 Km pave
17.9 Km grvl

Gear up for the ultimate Pasadena gravel ride, a local secret whispered among the bold. Brace yourself for a loop that's not for the faint of heart, boasting steep climbs that'll push your limits. Prepare to embrace the burn as we ascend to the city's highest peaks, treating ourselves to majestic views from the rugged San Gabriel mountains and the valley below.

Once we've conquered the heights, it's a heart-pounding descent down Angeles Crest, a rollercoaster ride back into the heart of Pasadena. Post-ride, bask in the victory with a refreshing pool dip or savor the triumph with a cold beer. The evening, however, holds more in store.

We're taking a detour into the foothills, rolling into the quaint village of Sierra Madre. Our first pitstop: a hidden gem of a mom & pop brewery, pouring finely crafted ales to toast to our conquests. Then, it's off to Yui Sushi for dinner – but this isn't your ordinary sushi joint. Yui Sushi isn't just a spot in Sierra Madre; it's a portal to Tokyo's culinary soul, something extraordinary. The menu dances with daily delights like bluefin tuna belly (honmaguro toro), albacore toro, and salmon toro – slices of piscatorial perfection.

O/N Hotel Dena- Pasadena

D3 THE VERDUGOS

45.3 mi / 5,230 Ft
72.8 km / 1,595 m
50.9 Km pave
22 Km grvl

Today we conquer the Verdugos – a defiant range standing tall, slicing through the La Crescenta and San Fernando Valleys. An oasis in the midst of urban sprawl, these mountains are our ticket to a different kind of wilderness.

Strap in for a ride up Hostetter Fire Road, navigating the twists and turns while taking in the views. Feel the rush as we hit the Verdugo Motorway, a rugged path tracing the spine of these prickly peaks. Brace yourself for breathtaking panoramas of the vast Los Angeles expanse – downtown's towering skyline, the industrial piers of San Pedro, and even the distant Channel Islands if the day favors us.

This ain't your average city view; it's an unfiltered, unapologetic spectacle that'll leave you awestruck. So, saddle up and join us as we ride the edge, conquering the Verdugos and claiming views that are nothing short of magnificence.

O/N Hotel Dena- Pasadena

D4 MT LOWE & MOUNT LUKENS

49.5 mi / 6,799 Ft
80 km / 2,071 m
61.8 Km pave
17.9 Km grvl

Today's cycling journey kicks off just outside Altadena, conveniently starting from Loma Alta Drive. The initial ascent takes us up the Chaney Trail to Mt Lowe Road, a mix of pavement and rough, steep stretches that challenge even the most seasoned riders. The 10-mile climb, with double-digit gradients, demands effort, especially on the steeper, paved lower section. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Millard Falls along the way. As we hit Sunset Ridge, a 2-mile stretch at an 11% grade leads us to the dirt section.

Upon reaching the Cape of Good Hope, we enter the Alpine Division of the railway, covering the next 3 miles at a 5.5% grade until we reach Alpine Tavern. Take a moment to appreciate the historical signage that breathes life into Mount Lowe's past. Don't miss the sign detailing the 19th-century Circular Bridge. A brief detour to Inspiration Point adds to the experience before navigating the increasingly challenging and rough terrain along Mt Lowe Road. The entire route spans 10 miles and boasts a climb of 4,000 feet.

Descending down the Angeles Crest Highway from the Mt Wilson Toll road, we brace ourselves for one final significant climb – Mount Lukens road. This ascent leads us to the highest peak in Los Angeles at 5,074 feet, covering a formidable 7 miles with a gain of 2,400 feet. Looping back down, we face a rugged descent into Altadena, where a well-deserved coffee break awaits at Unincorporated Coffee Roasters. Alternatively, for those craving a heartier meal, Side Pie offers a variety of intriguing, thin-crust pizza options that are sure to satisfy your appetite.

A bit of history. The Mount Lowe Railway project, initiated in 1894 by visionary Thaddeus Lowe, was a groundbreaking endeavor that aimed to extend mountain lodging into the rugged terrains surrounding Echo Mountain. Lowe's vision was to create a transformative railway system that would make the mountain retreat more accessible, providing new opportunities for adventure in the heart of nature. The project led to the construction of a scenic railway that carved its way 7-miles through the side of the mountain, becoming a testament to engineering prowess. The Mount Lowe Railway not only opened up the mountains to visitors but also laid the foundation for a resort that stood as a beloved destination for those seeking refuge and recreation amidst the scenic beauty of the area.

O/N Hotel Dena- Pasadena

D5 CATALINA ISLAND / AVALON LOOP

14.5 mi / 2,754 Ft
23.3 km / 840 m
9.6 Km pave
13.7 Km grvl

Gear up for a gritty morning as we ditch the mainland hustle for the untamed allure of Catalina Island. Our journey kicks off with a transfer to Long Beach, setting the stage for a ride on the AM Catalina Express ferry bound for Avalon, the island's beating heart.

As we make landfall, brace yourself for the sight of crystal-clear blue waters and sandy beaches, a stark contrast to the urban grind left behind. Post-lunch, the real adventure begins as we tackle a steep ascent on a narrow double-track road, carving our way up the towering peaks that loom behind Avalon.

Cruising along the razor's edge of the ridge, prepare for panoramic views that stretch from the island's rugged beauty to the distant mainland. Keep those eyes peeled for the elusive island fox and majestic bald eagles soaring overhead.

As we plunge back into Avalon with the wind in our hair, a refreshing swim awaits. Afterward, it's time to kick back in our hotel digs, soaking in the island vibes before hitting the Avalon scene for a night of fine dining.

O/N Catalina Canyon Inn

D6 AVALON TO TWO HARBORS & BACK

59.3 mi / 7,142 Ft
95.5 km / 2,177 m
24.3 Km pave
71.2 Km grvl

Get ready to conquer Catalina in true style as we embark on a no-nonsense journey from the southern reaches to the northern tips of the island. Our adventure kicks off with a gritty climb from the quaint streets of Avalon, navigating a Eucalyptus-lined road that dares you to push your limits.

Traversing the rugged ridge lines, we delve into the heart of Catalina's wild interior, tackling craggy dirt roads that wind through remote landscapes, exposed and untouched. This is no place for the faint-hearted; it's a haven for gravel bike enthusiasts seeking the thrill of traffic-free mountainous terrains.

The ascents are demanding, but the payoff is a visual feast of 360-degree panoramas, showcasing the untamed beauty of this island sanctuary. Keep your senses sharp as we encounter the wild bison that have roamed Catalina since 1922, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to our journey.

As the morning ride unfolds, brace yourself for a breathtaking descent into Two Harbors, where a well-deserved lunch awaits. A slightly altered route beckons on our return to Avalon, promising fresh perspectives and new challenges.

Come evening, beach-side dining sets the stage for a night of revelry, culminating in a visit to Luau Larry's, where the infamous wiki wacker awaits.

O/N Catalina Canyon Inn

D7 MAINLAND

Gear up for departure as we bid Catalina farewell, setting our sights on Long Beach to kick off the next leg of our journey. Once there, a shuttle ride awaits, hurtling you to LAX or Burbank Airport in a 45-minute dash.

Now, here's the lowdown: Book those return flights for 3 pm or later this afternoon. Choose your departure point and time, and we handle the rest.