California Mountain Biking Tour
By Samuel Mascarell
© copyright by bikecyclingreviews.com
For those who want a more challenging and interesting vacation there are three must see trees that are found in abundance on the West Coast of the United States. These are the Joshua, Sequoia, and Giant Redwood
Each of these is found in a specialized ecosystem which is preserved by the parks and forestry service. It just so happens that taking a bike and car tour of these will result in covering a pretty good area of California.
The Parks and Their Trees
About 100 miles northeast of San Diego is the Joshua Tree National Park--an arid desert. The park is visited by one million people every year.
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| Typhical Joshua road |
Mountain bikes are welcome on unpaved paths but not off trail. Ruts from nearly anything become permanent features to this landscape. Twenty-nine miles (46.4 km) of recently developed mountain bike trails are not yet open but may be soon. This enormous park is often over 100 degrees and provides no drinking water. About 1 gallon per person per day is needed and 2 gallons is better for active pursuits. It must be brought in with your other gear. Dehydration can kill very quickly in this low humidity. Watch out for desert critters. Snakes, spiders and scorpions can get in your tent or shoes.
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| nice view from the Yosemite valley |
Circumnavigate the Los Angeles traffic. Travel back to I-5 and head north to route 99. Travel to Tulare and veer onto route 63 until route 198 is reached. Turn left and follow to the SequoiaNational Park, home of the largest living thing on earth-- the General Sherman Tree. From there take a northerly route through Yosemite--location of the largest water fall in North America. Return to I -5 and follow to Route 20 and backtrack along highway 1 and 101 to Mendocino. After a look at this slice of New England on the west coast follow along the coast to explore the Redwoods. One of the places you'll pass through is Eureka, with 100 or more Victorian buildings heralding back to the mid-nineteenth century gold rush.
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| Riding through the giants |
The Redwoods are to be found in four separate parks; three of them are state and one is federal. There are 50,000 acres of these giants which create an awe inspiring affect. Mountain bikes are used here. Be bear cautious in these mountain parks. Don't carry food on your person unless absolutely needed. Never, ever feed a bear. The parks service once had the motto "Leave only footprints". They now prefer that you don't. Make no impact at all on this environment.
It would probably be better to view each of these three main trees as separate trips. Still, if inclined to make one vacation out of exploring the ancient trees of California; it can be done. It's about 600 miles (960 km) drive from San Diego to Redwood National Park so this is a trip that will take many days just to drive. After allowing for some mountain biking it could take two weeks at a steady and rapid pace to see the whole area.
Bike Tours
California has varied riding conditions and terrains. Its many communities have a number of bike riding clubs which keep current lists of paths and their conditions. These are the best source for information in each area of the state. A quick Google of the subject should be enough to find contacts who will help with planning tours in any part.
It would probably be better to visit each of these three main tree habitats as separate trips. If inclined to make one vacation out of exploring the ancient trees of California; it can be done. It's about 600 miles (960 km) drive from San Diego to Redwood National Park and hundreds more to drive to Joshua and Yosemite. This is a trip that will take many days just to drive. After allowing for some mountain biking it could take two weeks at a steady pace to see the whole area.
Equipment
- Picking the proper highway vehicle will be as important as picking the mountain bike for this trip. A six or eight cylinder heavy four wheel drive is best. Perfect breaks, charged-up air conditioning and functioning heater are important. RV's or trailers can't be maneuvered over many of the roads in Northern California.
- Snow in spring and fall are common in these northern mountains. Chains or spikes may be needed for tires. These ancient trees are located in extremely rugged wilderness conditions. Check weather and highway conditions; equip accordingly.
- Sun screen and zinc oxide may be as important as a helmet in southern California. A light gauze or sheer layer of clothing may feel cooler than bare skin and will offer some sun protection. Wear absorbent and loose fibers.
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