This summer we’ll be staging a weekend overnight #specialhoperation around the San Jaoquin Hills with a stay at Crystal Cove. Riding on the first day will be all on mostly flat paved roads but the second day will get climby in the middle with a trail section that may require some of us to hike-a-bike for a bit but we will make a point to regroup along the way.
Total riding distance: 52 miles between
6 Breweries
3 Restaurants
1 Ferry Ride
1 Merry-Go-Round
$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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cottages have electricity but backup batteries for your mobile devices and/or bike lights are strongly encouraged.
10:30a Meet in the lobby at LA Union Station
10:50-11:59 Metrolink OC1662 to Irvine Station
Ride 3mi
12:15-12:45p Left Coast Brewing Distillery Smokehouse
Ride 7mi
2:30-3:30p Hangar 24
Ride 11mi
4:30-5p Helmsman Ale House
Ride 2mi
5:15-5:30p take the Balboa Island Ferry
Ride 5mi
6p Check in at Crystal Cove
6:30p Dinner at Crystal Cove Shake Shack or Beachcomber
10:30-11:30a Brunch at Crystal Cove Shake Shack or Beachcomber
Ride 5mi
12-1p Laguna Beer Co
Ride 9mi
2-3p Stadium Brew Co
Ride <1mi
3-3:30p Webb's Distillery and Brewery
Ride 8mi
4:15-4:30p Ride the Carousel at Spectrum Center
4:30-6p Happy Hour Dinner at Paul Martin’s
Ride 1mi
6:15p Meet at Irvine Station
6:21-7:38p Metrolink OC1667 to LA Union Station
