Bikepacking Catalina Island
Part 2: Avalon to Little Harbor, the Long Way
Morning came and I was is no rush. I had all day to ride, with a 2 pm lunch date with my wife at the Airport in the Sky cafe/restaurant as the only thing on my day’s timeline. She made arrangements to take a shuttle bus to the airport. Then she’d shuttle back down to town/the hotel and get work done and chill and have some “me” time.
From Avalon town, I pedaled out Pebbly Beach Rd, taking the long route to the airport. On the road, service workers biked into town to get their day started. At Wrigley Rd., I turned right and ascended up, the 8:30 am, or thereabouts, sunshine lighting the way. Tourists in golf carts were on their way up to a viewpoint, too, some cheering me on as I climbed.
At Renton Rd., I turned left and walked around the gate and headed up. At this point, it would be another couple of hours before I saw anyone. Two-track that was easy to pedal lay out before me. Again, I had no real timeline to think about, knowing I’d easily make it to the airport before 2 pm. I sat back in the lower gears, stopped when I felt like it and enjoyed the views.
Renton Rd. met up with East End Rd., which would take me to Divide Rd. and then seamlessly connect into Airport Rd. I had 360 views of the ocean in some places and there were shaded viewpoints/stops along the way. Looking south, I could see San Clemente Island. Looking east towards Los Angeles, I could see snowcapped San Gorgonio Mountain in the distance.
Airport Rd. was graded well, with sections of actual blacktop, though old, here and there. It was a cruise fest to the airport.
I was there in 4 hours, about 12:30 in the afternoon. At this point, some 17-18 miles and a little under 3000 feet of elevation were the numbers, according to Google Maps.
Trans Catalina Trail backpackers were hanging out on the back patio/porch, enjoying burgers and fries. My wife arrived a little over an hour later, having seen the bison that inhabit the island on her way up to have lunch. Chatting with the person at the register, she commented that very few people bike the way that I went. Why? It’s too difficult.
Huh? I dunno. It was not that difficult, at all.
Belly full, I had the café staff pack up a turkey/avocado/tomato sandwich, thinking it would be good enough for my evening meal and then I’d not have to fire up the camp stove. A little before 4 pm, as my wife was about to head back down to town, I set out for Little Harbor campground, a mostly 6 mile descent to the beach.
It didn’t take an hour to get there, even with stopping to take in the views and grab some photos.
I set up camp and stowed my food in the metal box.
I then went over to the beach and relaxed. There was no cell phone service.
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Looks like a beautiful day and a nice workout. 3000 feet is pretty impressive to me.