Route Photos:
Thank you to everyone that showed up for the 10th Annual Tour de los Padres in 2023!
2024 Start Date: Saturday, April 20th, 2024. Time and location TBD.
TRAIL, ROAD, AND WATER CONDITIONS:
hikelospadres.com and/or trailforks.com has the most up to date reports for campsites, trails, forest roads, and water sources.
GUIDELINES:
This is not an organized race or event of any kind; nor is it sanctioned by any group, person, or organization. Riders assume all responsibility for themselves, just as if they were going out on any other mountain bike ride.
Please respect all cultural and ecological resources you may encounter along the route.
If you want to be counted as a finisher, please ride the route(s) as they are intended to be ridden, use a tracking device, and sign up on www.mapprogress.com
Absolutely no entry fee or prizes of any kind. This ride is purely for the love.
This is a mountain bike ride. A hardtail or full suspension bike is highly recommended.
This is a self supported ride. There will be absolutely no aid stations, support/ sag vehicles, or other methods of pre-arranged support. Practice self sufficiency, outdoor skills, and be comfortable taking care of yourself while in the backcountry. There will be no one there to save you if something goes wrong. Carry everything you need, and/ or stop for support only from the stores and restaurants you will ride by. Water sources along the route are provided in the GPS waypoints (a filter/pump is required to treat most water sources).
If you are a beginner to bikepacking and have not yet completed any bikepacking trip over 200 miles, please ride the shorter "tour" route first.
Bring a bikebell and use it on all singletrack trails. Be friendly and say hello to all other trail/ road users you might see along the way.
Go at your own pace, whether it takes you 2 days or 2 weeks to complete. Remember it is about the journey, not the destination.
The route is not rideable due to mud during or a few days after a significant storm event. Please don't try.
Please no use of cell phones for any purpose except to take photos during your ride and for emergencies. Please no posting to social media during your ride. Save that for after you are finished. Turn off your phone and tune into your natural surroundings!
If you plan on starting at the group start, then please start with the group. Do not start riding ahead of or before the group starts riding. If you want to start your ride on your own time schedule then please sign up as an individual time trial (ITT) rider.
E-Bikes are not allowed on most of the route, as a lot of the route is non-motorized (open for hiking and non-motorized mountain bikes only).
If you have a bad attitude or like to complain, please stay at home. Don't be a kook and don't break the law!
GOALS:
Raise money for charity. All riders are encouraged to start their own crowd funding charity of their choice. It is amazing how much money you can raise for a good cause when your friends and family see you doing something challenging. Plus, you will be more likely to push yourself to finish! Remember, your experience on the trail can be more meaningful than just a bike ride.
Make some new friends!
Stay off pavement as much as possible. This is first and foremost an adventure. If you are looking for a paved road biking tour, this route is not for you.
Provide several different routes and options so that more riders of all abilities are included.
Stay out of wilderness areas. Show local hikers and backpackers that we are legitimate and responsible users of these trails. Encourage more mountain bike use of fireroads and non-wilderness trails in the Los Padres National Forest.
2024 Start Date: Saturday, April 20th, 2024. Time and location TBD.
TRAIL, ROAD, AND WATER CONDITIONS:
hikelospadres.com and/or trailforks.com has the most up to date reports for campsites, trails, forest roads, and water sources.
GUIDELINES:
This is not an organized race or event of any kind; nor is it sanctioned by any group, person, or organization. Riders assume all responsibility for themselves, just as if they were going out on any other mountain bike ride.
Please respect all cultural and ecological resources you may encounter along the route.
If you want to be counted as a finisher, please ride the route(s) as they are intended to be ridden, use a tracking device, and sign up on www.mapprogress.com
Absolutely no entry fee or prizes of any kind. This ride is purely for the love.
This is a mountain bike ride. A hardtail or full suspension bike is highly recommended.
This is a self supported ride. There will be absolutely no aid stations, support/ sag vehicles, or other methods of pre-arranged support. Practice self sufficiency, outdoor skills, and be comfortable taking care of yourself while in the backcountry. There will be no one there to save you if something goes wrong. Carry everything you need, and/ or stop for support only from the stores and restaurants you will ride by. Water sources along the route are provided in the GPS waypoints (a filter/pump is required to treat most water sources).
If you are a beginner to bikepacking and have not yet completed any bikepacking trip over 200 miles, please ride the shorter "tour" route first.
Bring a bikebell and use it on all singletrack trails. Be friendly and say hello to all other trail/ road users you might see along the way.
Go at your own pace, whether it takes you 2 days or 2 weeks to complete. Remember it is about the journey, not the destination.
The route is not rideable due to mud during or a few days after a significant storm event. Please don't try.
Please no use of cell phones for any purpose except to take photos during your ride and for emergencies. Please no posting to social media during your ride. Save that for after you are finished. Turn off your phone and tune into your natural surroundings!
If you plan on starting at the group start, then please start with the group. Do not start riding ahead of or before the group starts riding. If you want to start your ride on your own time schedule then please sign up as an individual time trial (ITT) rider.
E-Bikes are not allowed on most of the route, as a lot of the route is non-motorized (open for hiking and non-motorized mountain bikes only).
If you have a bad attitude or like to complain, please stay at home. Don't be a kook and don't break the law!
GOALS:
Raise money for charity. All riders are encouraged to start their own crowd funding charity of their choice. It is amazing how much money you can raise for a good cause when your friends and family see you doing something challenging. Plus, you will be more likely to push yourself to finish! Remember, your experience on the trail can be more meaningful than just a bike ride.
Make some new friends!
Stay off pavement as much as possible. This is first and foremost an adventure. If you are looking for a paved road biking tour, this route is not for you.
Provide several different routes and options so that more riders of all abilities are included.
Stay out of wilderness areas. Show local hikers and backpackers that we are legitimate and responsible users of these trails. Encourage more mountain bike use of fireroads and non-wilderness trails in the Los Padres National Forest.
