Bikepacking Catalina Island

Part 3: Little Harbor to Avalon via Middle Ranch Rd.

A bison stood between the picnic tables of my camp somewhere in the wee hours of the morning. What to do, I thought. Uh, well, I figured I should not run because why and well, it was cold outside and I was warm in my sleeping bag. Wide-eyed, I was awake laying in my tent hoping he wouldn’t stumble into me. He didn’t, but he did graze outside of my tent, close enough that I could hear grass ripped from the earth.

Up at the crack of dawn, I surveyed my surroundings for Mr. Bison and did not see him. I did get some pictures of his hoof prints to prove to myself that I was not dreaming.

I made overnight oats with instant coffee and ate that with an apple while I packed up my bike. I set out a little before 8 AM with the plan to take Middle Ranch Rd. back up to the Airport Rd.

It was more spectacular scenery and riding. I did not see anyone, except for a total of 3 pick-up trucks between camp and the connection with Airport Rd.

Middle Ranch Rd. was up and then down and then up. It was perfect for warming up the legs. I was in a mindset of complete contentedness and here/now.

I figured that I’d get back to town before 11:00, having the rest of the day to wander with my wife. If it ended up being afternoon, that would be fine, too, I reasoned.

Middle Ranch turned away from the ocean and into the interior of the island. I descended a good bit before a long slow and gradual climb that included a sizable stretch into Quail Valley and Middle Ranch areas that was a blast. I turned cranks and stopped here and there for photos.

The final push to Airport Rd. was steep but short in length. I dropped the gears and slowly pedaled. Why add labor, was my mindset.

From there, I knew it was cross-country riding for a bit until I reached Stagecoach Rd. for the fast descent down to town. My goodness was that a beautiful and fun way to end an overnighter!

Numbers: around 15 miles, with some 2000 feet of elevation gain.

I was in the hotel room before 11:00 and looked forward to a blue sky and mid-70s day walking around town. We ate, went to the museum, had a beer, ate some more, walked and wandered and laughed and smiled.

There is no doubt, I am going back to do it again and when I do, I’m going to camp two nights at Little Harbor and spend a long day doing an out and back to Two Harbors and beyond.