spons23

Hello

I am planning a mini bike tour the weekend of April 15-17 on Catalina Island. I have never been there and was wondering if anybody had any advice.

We are camping at little harbor. I found a ferry that is doing half price ferry to Avalon. We plan to ride the fire road to little harbor.

It seems there is something about a mtb permit? Also it says you most have a mountain bike. Who determines this? I took my long haul truck on the fire roads of the Great Divide Route and did fine. Any info would be much appreciated.

If anyone would like to ride along it looks like there are plenty of camping sites available.
Cheers
Luke

spons23

Catalina definitely exceeded expectations. Logistically it is a little difficult for a bike tour but well worth the effort. I will definitely be going back to either do more biking or to do the Trans Catalina Trail.

We rode from Avalon to Little Harbor Campground on Friday. The ride is about 16 miles long. The first 3.2 miles are a very difficult climb that probably took us an hour to do. From there you ride along the Island's ridge with breathtaking views. It is quite a surreal experience being on a sparsely populated island and then coming upon an airport. We got to watch planes take off while enjoying some much needed libations. After the airport you descend (with always a few climbs for good measure) into Little Harbor. The campsite has to be a top 10 in America.
On Saturday we rode from Little Harbor to Two Harbors which is about 7 miles. It was another strenuous climb with a steep descent. On the way home we took Middle Ranch Road which allowed us see more of the island.

All in all it was a wonderful trip. The riding was very strenuous yet rewarding. I used a BOB trailer and my friends all used panniers. The rode was pretty bumpy at times and the BOB was bouncing around but held up.

I would suggest looking for discounts before you go over. We were able to save a lot of money on our ferry ride. The Free Wheeler biker pass is a little egregious at $35 just to ride a bike across the island, but at least it will get me back out there this year. Also it gives you 50% off camping.

If anyone one has any specific questions I would be happy to answer them.

luke

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MKIV987

Sounds (and looks!) like a great trip. Where's Catalina Island? I'm guessing from your pictures it's in California somewhere.

spons23

Yes indeed California. 40 or so miles off the coast of Newport Beach in Southern CA

mtndragon

I have a few questions, as this is on my to do list. Do you have to stay in the campgrounds or can you camp in the "wild" on the island? Are you required to provide a destination once you purchase the bike permit for the island, or can you just ride about? Are bicycles allowed on the Trans Catalina Trail?

Thank you for your help-

PeregrineA1 

There is camping at the Ithsmus and some interior, also Little Harbor. All by permit, which is available on the island. Google search. Also, you will need a permit for the bike(s). Prepare to climb and prepare to be stunned by the scenery. Super nice.

Note, the only water in the interior is at the airport. There is also water at Little Harbor. The airport is at the top of the island, as in altitude, you will climb alot to get there. Have a Bison burger-it's not the best example of same, but it's unique. Little Harbor is down hill all the way, of course then you climb out.

Did I mention you will climb alot.

No legal single track to my knowledge.

spons23

Do you have to stay in the campgrounds or can you camp in the "wild" on the island?
I believe you have to stay at a campground. There seem to be a several choices. We were at Little Harbor on the weekend and there was still of plenty of open spots. I bet there would be even more on a weekday.

Are you required to provide a destination once you purchase the bike permit for the island, or can you just ride about?
You can just ride about. I believe you can pay a ranger once you get to the campground if a ranger shows up. You can also make reservations online.

Are bicycles allowed on the Trans Catalina Trail?
Bicycle are not allowed on the TCT to my knowledge. Not sure it would even be possible. Too steep and narrow, probably dangerous.

All in all the Island is quite regulated. If it weren't so beautiful I would be way too much.

mtndragon

Spons23-
Thanks for the answers to those questions. This information helps a lot.

djb

I've gotta ask, where the heck did you get the 126 slide film developed!!??

;-)

simplygib

What timing. My gf and I were just talking about riding there at the end of our tour this summer. Question- I noticed you all had off-road tires. In your opinion, would touring tires work on those roads (I have 26x2", my gf has 700x40)?

PeregrineA1 

No road tires. In fact, I believe the Catalina Island Conservancy inspects your tires before issuing a permit.