Route Photos:
Thanks to everyone who showed up in 2026!
If you would like to ride the route on your own timeframe as an ITT rider, MapProgress tracking map registration will be available until the end of May.
Please fill out this short questionnaire.
Trail work or a donation to one of our local trail advocacy organizations is mandatory for all participants.
2026 FINAL Routes:
Proper Route
Proper Route GPX File Download (includes track and waypoints)
Tour Route
Tour Route GPX File Download (includes track and waypoints)
How many days it will take to complete either route will vary by rider. As a guideline, please allow 4 to 5 days to complete the Proper Route, and 3 to 4 days to complete the Tour Route.
It is strongly advised that you train hard and show up prepared no matter which route you decide to tackle. Do not underestimate the Tour Route just because it is shorter!
Here are several shorter bikepacking routes that are excellent training rides.
2026 MapProgress Tracking Map
2026 Start Location (both routes): Ventura Pier, 668 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001 (meet at the end of the pier)
Public Transportation:
There are plenty of flights to and from LAX and SBA
Amtrack Train
Greyhound Bus
Have a question? Please use the 2026 public discussion forum
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:
If you can't start with the group and you plan on riding either route on your own timeframe or as an ITT rider, please contact us at [email protected] for route details and other important information (we don't want you to die or cry out there!!!).
This is not an organized race or event of any kind; nor is it sanctioned by any group, person, or organization. Participants assume all responsibility for themselves, just as if they were going out on any other mountain bike ride. Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous activity. Participants assume all risks of injury, death, or damages to their equipment.
The group start will be limited to 70 riders for both routes. ITT riders must start a minimum of 24 hours before or after the group start.
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.
A riders should use a GPS navigation device (Garmin or equivalent). The routes are impossible to navigate without one). The device should be mounted to your handlebars (using a RAM GPS mount or equivalent) and be able to load GPX files into their device.
This is a mountain bike ride. A hardtail or full suspension bike is highly recommended. If you choose to ride a gravel bike and you don't have a good time out there, that's on you!
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). Stopping at your own home (or your friends home) during the ride is considered support and you will not be counted as a finisher.
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 local trail advocacy organizations, and/or other non-profit organizations.
Encourage trail work and trail advocacy throughout the Los Padres National Forest and the central coast region of California.
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.
If you would like to ride the route on your own timeframe as an ITT rider, MapProgress tracking map registration will be available until the end of May.
Please fill out this short questionnaire.
Trail work or a donation to one of our local trail advocacy organizations is mandatory for all participants.
2026 FINAL Routes:
Proper Route
Proper Route GPX File Download (includes track and waypoints)
Tour Route
Tour Route GPX File Download (includes track and waypoints)
How many days it will take to complete either route will vary by rider. As a guideline, please allow 4 to 5 days to complete the Proper Route, and 3 to 4 days to complete the Tour Route.
It is strongly advised that you train hard and show up prepared no matter which route you decide to tackle. Do not underestimate the Tour Route just because it is shorter!
Here are several shorter bikepacking routes that are excellent training rides.
2026 MapProgress Tracking Map
2026 Start Location (both routes): Ventura Pier, 668 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001 (meet at the end of the pier)
Public Transportation:
There are plenty of flights to and from LAX and SBA
Amtrack Train
Greyhound Bus
Have a question? Please use the 2026 public discussion forum
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:
If you can't start with the group and you plan on riding either route on your own timeframe or as an ITT rider, please contact us at [email protected] for route details and other important information (we don't want you to die or cry out there!!!).
This is not an organized race or event of any kind; nor is it sanctioned by any group, person, or organization. Participants assume all responsibility for themselves, just as if they were going out on any other mountain bike ride. Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous activity. Participants assume all risks of injury, death, or damages to their equipment.
The group start will be limited to 70 riders for both routes. ITT riders must start a minimum of 24 hours before or after the group start.
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.
A riders should use a GPS navigation device (Garmin or equivalent). The routes are impossible to navigate without one). The device should be mounted to your handlebars (using a RAM GPS mount or equivalent) and be able to load GPX files into their device.
This is a mountain bike ride. A hardtail or full suspension bike is highly recommended. If you choose to ride a gravel bike and you don't have a good time out there, that's on you!
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). Stopping at your own home (or your friends home) during the ride is considered support and you will not be counted as a finisher.
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 local trail advocacy organizations, and/or other non-profit organizations.
Encourage trail work and trail advocacy throughout the Los Padres National Forest and the central coast region of California.
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.
