Are you ready to discover the adventurer within you? Find it with Bikepacking Series 2024 presented by Upshift Cycles! Whether you’re a curious newbie, budding bike enthusiast or a seasoned campeur, this series offers a tour of events in the bay area. This series of rides isn’t just about riding and camping in the Greater Bay Area, it’s also about camaraderie and fun! There will also be a few goodies sent to us by some of our partners in crime (more on that later). If you’re curious, please come to our Info Night to ask all your burning questions.
Safety is our main concern!
CLICK ANY EVENT BELOW TO SIGN UP!!!INFO NIGHT – April 12th from 5p-7p DONE!
RIDE #1 – Joseph D. Grant Sleepover – April 27th & 28th 2024 DONE!
RIDE #2 – The Return of the Return of Uvas – May 24th & 25th 2024 – Limited to 12 people DONE!
RIDE #3 – Solstice Ride into the Portola Redwoods – June 21st & 22nd 2024 – Limited to 12 people
RIDE #4 – Sanborn Party Barge – July 20th & 21st 2024– Limited to 25 people DONE!
RIDE #5 – Mt. Madonna Fun – A True Gravel Grinder – August 24th & 25th 2024– Limited to 12 people
RIDE #6 – New Brighton Beach – September 27th -28th 2024 – Limited to 12 people
I want to go!
What do I do?
- Choose the ride you want to attend.
- Click on the link to the ride’s event page.
- Review the information provided.
- Click the event payment link provided and reserve your spot.
- Sign our shop waiver HERE.
- Save the Strava map to your devices and show up at Upshift Cycles as the designated time!
- If you’re concerned about what else to bring, look below!
What to bring/pack:
Your bicycle! This might go with out saying, but also make sure it is in fine working order. Feel free to schedule service with our shop in the weeks coming up to the trip!
If you don’t have a bicycle, Upshift Cycles does offer rental of our demo bikes! Please inquire with us for more information.
Bag/Rack set-up: On some of these rides, it could be doable with a backpack, however, on some of the longer rides that might lead to pain. There are myriad ways you can set your bike up for carrying all the things you need. Here are couple options:
- Bikepacking bags: frame bag (half or full), large seat bag and a handlebar bag/roll.
- Rack set up: rear or front rack, a basket in front, any either panniers or some other kind of bag that affixes to a rack/basket set up.
- Some combination of the above examples, there is no right answer.
Shelter/sleep system: This can be a car camping sleeping bag or tent. An air mattress or pad will probably make sleeping on the ground easier. These could even be brought in a back pack on our first trip, as it is fairly short. We will also offer a shuttle for things you don’t feel comfortable carrying up to the site. Eventually you will probably want some bike bags/racks of some sort to move the load to your bike.
Food/Water: water bottles, some food to sustain you on the way up, and some snacks/dinner/breakfast for the evening and next morning.
Camp mug/cup: After our experience doing these last year, we highly suggest everyone bring their own mug or liquid receptacle of some sort.
Fork/Knife/Spoon/Spork: Pilfer this from the cutlery drawer in your kitchen, bring what you already have. That said, a handy stainless or titanium camp utensil can be a handsome, and relatively inexpensive (like these ones) addition to your camp accoutrements.
Camp Stove: A camp stove is handy if you would like to make your self coffee/oatmeal/tea/rehydrated prime-rib/hot cocoa.
Clothes: It is possible that it will be cool/cold in the evening, night and early morning on all these trips. Things to consider bringing would be a jacket of some kind, clean warm clothes to change into if you like.
Headlamp/lantern/small flashlight:As it will be dark at some point in the evening, this will be an incredibly handy tool to help you move about on the site after dark. On some of these trips it is a bit of a walk to the nearest restroom. Our favorites are the Nebo Galileo Air 500 battery lantern and the Nebo Mycro RC 400 Rechargeable Headlamp. Steph and Eric wear theirs religiously!
Upshift is Providing:
- Campsite & amenities
- Firewood
- Snacks
- A larger water cooler
- Some cold beverages
- The finest of camp chairs
- Dinner and Breakfast (what, you want to eat?!) – A vegan option will always be provided.
- First aid supplies
- Good times & Good people
What we’re not Including:
- Any kind of extra camping equipment or personal gear
- Transportation to and from Upshift Cycles
- Road Bike and Helmet (We DO have rentals, please talk to us)
- Biking Clothes and Shoes
- Insurance of any kind – rain, sleet, snow, cars, bears, act of god, etc.
You’re REQUIRED to bring:
- Road/Gravel Bike
- Helmet that fits you properly
- Saddle Bag with an Extra Tube that fits your tires
- 1-2 Water Bottles that fit your Bike Cages
- Sleeping Bag Rated 15 to 25 Degrees
We recommend you bring:
- 2 Cycling Jerseys or Tech Tops
- 2 Pairs of Padded Cycling Shorts
- Cycling Shoes & Clipless Pedals (optional, but highly recommended)
- 2 Pairs of Cycling Socks
- Sunglasses
- Bags for Personal Gear
- Change of clothes to wear at camp, including Boots or Sneakers, Down Jacket/Fleece, Sleeping Clothes
- Sunscreen and Personal Toiletries
If you wanna get fancy:
- Towel
- 2 Person, 3-Season Tent (share it with a friend!)
- Inflatable Sleeping Pad
- Headlamp
- Cot
- Camping Pillow
- Ear Plugs
- Fancy Inflatable Sleeping Pad
- Camera/Phone (limited cell service at times)
- Phone Charger/Battery Pack
- Shower Shoes (flip flops)
- Book
Do NOT Bring:
- Drones, fireworks, firearms, or anything else not permitted in national, county, or state parks.
- A bad attitude. You’re going to have fun, and you’re going to like it!
