hOPERATION FERRY-GO-ROUND

2026_8/29-8/30

hOPERATION FERRY-GO-ROUND

This summer we’ll be staging a weekend overnight #specialhoperation around the San Jaoquin Hills with a stay at Newport Dunes.

Total riding distance: 52 miles between

6 Breweries

3 Restaurants

1 Ferry Ride

1 Merry-Go-Round

CLICK TO REGISTER

Transportation

$22.25 Round Trip

We recommend going car-free by taking the Metrolink with us to/from Irvine Station ($10 each way) but you may also leave a car there overnight. On our way we will also be taking the Balboa Island Ferry which will cost $2.25 per person with bike.

Lodging

Options $40-$300

For frugal travelers who want to keep it simple, we will endeavor to book at least one oceanfront cottage in the historic district with multiple beds which can be claimed for $40 each while supplies last. Anyone willing to carry their own camping supplies is welcome to book themselves a site at Moro Camprgound which is just down the street from the cottages or book one at Newport Dunes and ride 5mi to catch up with us for a beachside brunch in the morning. Alternatively, you could book a room at Balboa Inn which is conveniently on our way to the Balboa Island Ferry.

How to Prepare

If you plan on staying at the cottages, or Balboa Inn all you really have to bring is your overnight necessities and you can even leave your towel at home as they are provided at either lodging. If you’re planning to camp, you’ll need your own tent and sleeping bag.

Luggage

Your toiletries and an extra layer won’t take up that much room so a good sized messenger bag or backpack should work fine if you’re staying at the cottage but if you have them, we recommend on-bike bags for comfort and convenience.

Attire

We recommend that you style your wardrobe for comfort on and off the bike with a spare set of undergarments and an extra layer for when the sun sets.

Meals

We always recommend keeping some small snacks with you just in case but every brewery we stop at on this trip serves food so you’ll be able to order up a bite anytime you feel peckish. There are 2 eateries in Crystal Cove where we plan to wrap up the first day with dinner and kick off the second day with brunch and we will cap off the trip with the happy hour menu at Paul Martin’s near the station before boarding our return train. Check out all the menus ahead of time to have some idea of what you might want to order.

Bedding

Linens are provided at the cottages but it’s not a bad idea to bring a stuff-sack pillow or packable blanket in case it gets cold. Campers will need to bring their own tent and sleeping bag. Let us know if you’d like to borrow one of our tents.