Pacific Coast

Bike, kayak, and explore the Pacific Coast.

A beautiful coast, a famous bridge, a great three weeks.

Ride through cool, misty mornings and stop for sunny picnics on rugged beaches. At trip end, experience the exhilaration of riding across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Biking point-to-point, as we do on the Pacific Coast, lends a wonderful simplicity, a clear focus to the trip. “What are we doing today?” Riding south. “Where are we going?” San Francisco. “What’s our goal?” The Golden Gate Bridge.

Along the way, it’s non-stop beauty. Staggering beauty, actually. The vast blue Pacific. Towering dark redwoods. Tiny charming towns. It’s incredible — just about every day offers some new take on coastal beauty.

The riding is challenging, but not overly so. You have to work hard (you’re going all the way to San Francisco!), but there’s a wide range of terrain, frequent stops (for rest and water and snacks and lunch) and a group of like-minded peers who will cheer you on and on and on. And when you cross into California, you’ll take a break from the bikes to kayak on the tranquil waters of Noyo Bay.

When you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, you will have succeeded. But you won’t have done it alone — you’ll have done it with the newest, closest friends you might ever have and the most wonderful leaders you’re ever likely to meet.

Have a question about availability?

Duration

3 weeks

Trip Fee

$5,095

Pacific Coast is open to students finishing grades 8-11 in June 2022. We plan to have two groups at each departure date, and groups typically have 8th-9th graders or 10th-11th graders.

Grade

8-11

Level

Group photo by the pacific ocean on a teen summer biking trip

Exceptional Role Models

The Golden Gate Bridge!

Single file for safety on a teen summer biking trip

Fun & Friends

A stunning view of the Pacific coast in the background of a teen summer biking trip

Big Views

The wildflowers are blooming on this teen summer biking trip

Bright Colors, Big Smiles

Need to Know

Included in Trip Fee

Meals
Group gear
Accommodations
Activities

Not Included in Trip Fee

Personal gear and clothing
(see what to pack)
Airfare to and from the trip start and end
Travel protection (recommended;
learn more about the benefits)
Bicycle (bring your own or rent a bike and panniers from us for $400 plus tax)

Itinerary

Three weeks of biking and beauty, of friendship and fun.

Day 1: Trip Start

We’ll meet in Portland, Oregon, and travel to a campground on the Pacific Coast. In the evening, we’ll build our bikes, practice riding as a group, and prepare for the journey ahead.

Days 2-6: Oregon

As we pedal through Oregon, we will see the beautiful coastline up close. Our ride will take us through farmlands and forests and gradually more challenging terrain. We’ll take time to appreciate amazing vistas, lush green forests, weathered and tide-beaten cliffs.

Days 7-10: The California Redwoods

Entering California, we will ride through farmland that soon gives way to a climb out of Crescent City and into the redwoods. For three days, we will bike through shady, cool redwood groves, marveling at these ancient and remarkable trees.

Days 11-13: Northern California

From the Redwoods, we’ll continue our journey to San Francisco. We’ll skirt the wilderness of California’s Lost Coast, then return to the Pacific to find a coastline punctuated by large golden buttes and steep cliff faces.

Day 14: Kayak on the Mendocino Coast

We’ll spend a day resting our legs and sea kayaking with experienced guides on the pristine waters of Noyo Bay. We’ll spend several hours on the water, exploring coves, looking for seals, and taking in the breathtaking coast.

Days 15-18: Marin Headlands

After enjoying our time on the water, we’ll bike south into the Marin Headlands. We’ll pedal through rolling hills, enjoying ocean breezes and scenic views. We’ll begin to see glimpses of San Francisco in the distance as we cherish our remaining time together.

Day 19: The Golden Gate Bridge

On our final day of biking, we will triumphantly cross the Golden Gate Bridge! We’ll look back on three weeks of friendship and fun, of challenge and accomplishment.

Accommodations

18 nights of frontcountry camping. Campground facilities will vary and may include flush toilets, showers, and/or laundry.

1 night in a hostel in San Francisco.

Itinerary may vary by group and is subject to change.

Testimonials

"Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge was my favorite part. I felt so accomplished and happy to have biked more than 900 miles with my best friends. "

Sydney Morrison

Wayland, Massachusetts

"This was Libby's fifth trip with Overland; we love the opportunity it provides her to grow physically and emotionally over a few short weeks. "

Todd Simkin

Richmond, Virginia

What to Pack

Download PDF

Questions about what to pack? Email trip planner Will Parmacek.

Luggage

Medium-Sized Duffel Bag or Pair of Panniers

Panniers are saddlebags sold in pairs that attach to either side of your rear rack. If you are renting panniers from Overland, pack your belongings in a collapsible bag (3,000-5,000 cubic inch/ 50-80 liters). We will have your bag available at the end of the trip for travel home. The cost of renting panniers from Overland is included in a bike rental (or they can be rented separately for $50). If you are bringing your own panniers you will want large panniers, 2,400-3,000 cubic inches (40-50 liters) total, designed for bike touring. One large pannier has internal dimensions of approximately 17" x 13" x 7". You should be able to fit all of your belongings, besides your sleeping bag and pad, into your two panniers and have some space for group gear. If flying to trip start, you can tape your panniers together so that they count as a single piece of checked luggage.

Clothing

Navy Overland T-Shirt (1)

We will send every student an Overland T-shirt prior to the trip. Please wear this T-shirt to trip start.
Synthetic High-Visibility T-Shirts (3) & Vest (1)

A high-visibility outer layer is required at all times while biking (high-visibility is a neon or fluorescent color, typically yellow, orange or pink). On warm days a high-visibility T-shirt will be sufficient. The vest should be large enough to wear over warm layers while riding on cooler days. High-visibility bike jerseys are acceptable but not necessary.
T-Shirt (1)
Lightweight Long-Sleeve T-Shirt (1)
Bike Shorts (2)

Biking-specific shorts with a padded seat.
Shorts (1)

Comfortable shorts to wear around camp.
Fleece Pants (1)

Please do not bring cotton sweatpants (they are heavy and bulky and will not keep you warm if wet).
Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom (1)
Underwear (5)
Athletic Socks (4)
Wool and/or Synthetic Socks (1)
Winter Hat (1)
Swimsuit (optional)

If we swim, many students will wear shorts (and a sports bra for girls).

Outer Layers

Fleece Jacket or Pullover (1)
Raincoat (1)

Waterproof material (e.g., Gore-Tex, or similar) is required. Your jacket should be large enough to allow layers underneath. Ponchos are not acceptable. Choose high-visibility if available.
Waterproof Rain Pants (optional)

General Gear

Sleeping Bag

A lightweight, compact sleeping bag rated to 30 degrees Fahrenheit or less. We recommend either synthetic or treated down material. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack no larger than 20" in length.
Sleeping Pad

¾-length or full-length closed cell foam (thin and firm) or lightweight, backpacking style inflatable pad.
Bowl, Mug & Utensils

6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top, insulated plastic mug, spoon, fork, and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils (a Tupperware dish and regular utensils are fine).
Headlamp
Water Bottle

A 24-ounce bike bottle is ideal (on arrival you will receive a second bottle from us).
Hydration System (optional)

A small backpack with a bladder inside (e.g., CamelBak or Platypus) works well. If you bring a backpack, it must be a high-visibility color; if the bag is not hi-vis, you must cover it with hi-vis fabric or tape. The backpack should be designed primarily to carry water (if it is too big or filled with other items, it will be uncomfortable to wear all day).

Bike Gear

Touring Bicycle & Rear Rack

You may choose to rent a bicycle and rear rack from Overland to use during your trip or you can bring your own. Please see the Right Bicycle for Your Overland Trip for more information about acceptable bikes and traveling with your bike. Please note: the American Challenge, European Challenge and Canadian Rockies & Montana 2-week require specific bikes—keep this in mind if you are buying a new bike now and plan on doing one of these trips in a future summer.
Clipless Pedals or Toe Cages (optional)

The bikes we rent come with flat pedals appropriate for biking in running shoes. If you are renting a bike from Overland, you should bring your own "clipless" pedals (and bike shoes) or toe cages to attach to the flat pedals.
Bike Helmet

If you are flying to trip start, carry your helmet on the plane with you.
Rear Bike Light

A rear bike light is required—both when you train in the spring and once you are on your Overland trip in the summer. The light can be USB or battery powered with a variety of mounting options (clipping on to a pannier or a rear rack, for example). There are a wide range of bike lights available; we recommend the Bontrager Flare R or Flare RT, which are available from Trek bike dealers and on the Trek website. Note: if you are renting a bike from Overland this summer, please bring your bike light (your leaders will help you mount it on your rental bike).
Bungee Cords (4)

These should be 18-24" in length. Bungee cords are included with an Overland bike rental.
Bike Gloves

Well-padded for comfort.
Water Bottle Cages

Two cages, attached to the bike frame. Some smaller-sized bike frames cannot accommodate two cages. If this is the case, you will be able to carry water bottles in your panniers or on your rack. All Overland rental bikes come with two water bottle cages.
Spare Bike Parts

If you are bringing your own bicycle you will need to bring: four spare spokes (two rear & two front); one spare tube (matched to the size and diameter of your bike's tires); one spare set of brake pads; one tire patch kit; and one set of tire levers. These items are included with an Overland Bike Rental.

Footwear

Shoes for Biking

Bike touring or mountain biking shoes with bottom treads and "clipless" recessed cleats. A popular style of clipless shoes and pedals are SPDs. You may also ride in running shoes and bring toe cages to attach to your pedals. Please do not bring racing shoes as they have hard soles that are uncomfortable to walk in.
Water Shoes

Closed-toed sport sandals, water shoes or old sneakers to wear on the water. Sandals must have a heel strap for activities such as kayaking, rafting, or canoeing (flip flops and Crocs are not acceptable).

Miscellaneous

Synthetic Camping Towel

A medium-size synthetic camping towel (synthetic camping towels dry much faster than regular towels).
Travel Size Toiletries
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Large Trash Bags (5)

To waterproof your gear.
Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags (10)

To organize and waterproof your gear and small items.
Personal Journal or Book (optional)
Camera, Charger & Extra Batteries (optional)

A digital or disposable camera.

Important Documents

Health Insurance Card

Please bring an original or copy of your health insurance card.
Photo Identification

If you are not flying: Overland does not require photo identification. If you are flying within the U.S.: The TSA website has two relevant pieces of information. (1) “TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.” This language indicates that TSA staff can insist that an under-18 year old who does not have a companion (we interpret this as a companion who is 18 or over traveling with them—not just checking them in) must have TSA-compliant identification. Our experience is that this requirement is inconsistently enforced but, since it might be enforced, we recommend that all Overland students who are flying to/from their trip have TSA-compliant identification. (2) “Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.” This is always smart to do as airline policies vary widely and change frequently.

Spending Money

Spending Money & Miscellaneous Expenses

Each student should bring a debit card, an ATM card, or a prepaid Visa card to cover spending money and miscellaneous expenses. Spending Money: While all meals and activities are included in the trip fee, we recommend $25/week for spending money (for example: for souvenirs or an occasional drink or snack beyond what is provided to the group as a whole). Miscellaneous Expenses: Most Overland students will incur some expenses while traveling (for example: an equipment repair or baggage fees at trip end). Please add $100 to the debit/ATM/Visa card (in addition to spending money), to cover these expenses.

Things to Know

Students should bring at least two reusable face masks on their trip. Overland will provide one additional mask.
Your group will have access to laundry periodically.
Please do not bring your smartphone (or any other electronics).

Please visit the FAQ tab for more information on our cell phone and electronics policy.
Do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (such as a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool).
A high-visibility outer layer is required at all times while biking. See packing descriptions for more details.
If you are flying to your trip, pack your sleeping pad and bike shoes in your bike box or checked bag. Take your helmet and sleeping bag with you on the plane as carry-on items, in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time. Pack all remaining items in your checked duffel bag or in your checked panniers.
There are no reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen items.

Please schedule expensive items—phones, cameras, bicycles, etc.—on your homeowners insurance policy.

If you’re looking to purchase a backpack, fleece layers, etc., for your child, we encourage you to consider borrowing, renting, or purchasing lightly used gear. Especially for children who are still growing, using pre-owned gear can reduce both waste and cost.

Please note that some items wear out over time, and are best to purchase new (for example, a GORE-TEX raincoat). As with any gear, please make sure the items fit your child well. If you have any questions, please give us a call (413-458-9672) or email us (info@overlandsummers.com).

Here are a few reliable places where you can purchase used items:

FAQs

How challenging are Overland's bike trips?

Overland’s bike trips increase gradually in difficulty–from two weeks on Cape Cod & the Islands to our six-week American Challenge.

Many students start on Cape Cod & the Islands (averaging 20 miles of riding per day) or Vermont (averaging 25 miles per day). Nova Scotia & Acadia offers daily rides that are in the 30 to 35 mile range. For students looking for a three week West Coast bike trip, Pacific Coast groups ride 45 miles per day. High school students looking for a challenging summer experience can choose from European Challenge, Canadian Rockies & Montana, and American Challenge. These three trips vary in length and location, and on average ride 70, 75, and 85 miles per day, respectively.

We’d be happy to talk with you about each trip and the best fit for you: please email us at info@overlandsummers.com.
Does my child need to have previous experience?

While no previous experience is required, we have high expectations of our students.

We expect your child –with your help– to select a trip that is appropriate for their interests and abilities. You should spend some time familiarizing yourself with the details of the specific trip and help your child understand what to expect.

We also expect our students to prepare ahead of time: to review the packing list, gather clothing and gear, and complete whatever training the trip requires (for recommended training please see the Before You Go tab).

Once the trip begins, your child should be ready –and excited– to contribute to a wholesome and enthusiastic group in which each member feels welcomed and valued.
What are meals like at Overland? Can Overland accommodate allergies and intolerances?
Meals at Overland
Good food (and plenty of it!), excellent nutrition, and fun are the goals of Overland’s meals. Each group buys, prepares, and eats all of its meals together. Our students, with their leaders’ supervision, prepare all meals. A typical breakfast has cereal, milk, juice, and fruit; most lunches are sandwiches (or wraps) with a variety of fillings, plus chips, and fruit; dinners reflect easily prepared group meals like pasta, burritos, and stir-frys (all of which will typically have a selection of sauces and fillings). At Overland, meals are a group experience, an important way to foster connection with and consideration for other group members.

Allergies & Intolerances

We recognize there are many young people with food allergies or intolerances. We welcome these young people’s interest in joining us, and we ask parents of a prospective Overland student with an allergy/intolerance to please consider the following important information.

Most meals at Overland are prepared in basic kitchens (or outdoors), and groceries are typically purchased from small stores with limited choices. As a result, meals are prepared and served in what may be allergen-contaminated environments, and on many trips allergen-free/gluten-free foods are not readily available. While we cannot guarantee allergen-free meal settings, we will do what is reasonable to provide allergen-free/gluten-free foods on those trips where available.

In all things, our top priority is to help maintain all students’ well-being; to this end, all Overland leaders are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, including administering antihistamines and epinephrine (both are carried in every trip’s first aid kit); leaders carry cell phones, and in some cases, satellite phones, so that should the need arise, emergency personnel can be contacted and their services requested. It is important for all prospective parents to understand that many groups travel in remote areas where emergency services may not be easily or readily accessible.

Our Admissions Process is Collaborative

During our admissions process, we will review all submitted Allergy Questionnaires to understand the applicant’s allergy/intolerance. We will then consider whether or not the applicant’s allergy/intolerance may be reasonably accommodated. If our admissions team has any concerns, they will contact the parent. In this conversation, we will seek to learn more about the allergy/intolerance, and we will discuss the available grocery stores, emergency services, and medical facilities on the applied-for trip. These conversations generally have one of three outcomes:
1. The applicant is placed on the applied-for trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
2. We offer a different trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
3. We recommend waiting a year and re-applying.
Managing Food Allergies/Intolerances is a Partnership

Our commitment is to the health and well-being of each of our campers. Our goal is to partner with parents and campers—a partnership in which:
- We clearly describe our trips and policies;
- Parents clearly describe their child’s allergies or intolerances and their child’s maturity level and capability to self-manage their allergy or intolerance.
- We work together with parents in a collaborative and interactive process to determine if there are reasonable accommodations that can be made so that otherwise qualified applicants can participate in our trips.
- Students on an Overland trip take an active role in managing their allergies, including reading food labels as needed, eating only those foods with known ingredients, and seeking a leader if a reaction is suspected.
Meals: Vegetarians & Specialized Diets

Every summer there are many vegetarians who join our groups and who enjoy meat-free meals. We are happy to welcome these students as long as they understand they will share in the group’s meals but will simply have the meat portion withheld. For example: sandwiches at lunch with hummus, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (while the rest of the group has sandwiches with sliced turkey or ham); pasta at dinner with a tomato sauce (while the rest of the group has pasta with a meat sauce). We sometimes have requests from applicants with specialized diets—vegans, for example—to provide separate, specialized meals. As much as we might like to accommodate these applicants, the limitations of our kitchens, the size of available grocery stores, and the importance of group meals make it impractical to provide separate, specialized meals.
How often will there be access to showers and laundry? Will my child have to bring quarters and detergent for laundry?

Staying clean and comfortable is important at Overland!

Most trips have frequent access to hot showers. This ranges from nearly every night on some of our Introductory trips and our shorter biking trips, to every couple of days on many hiking trips, to longer stretches–three to five days, sometimes a little longer–on some of our more challenging trips. The goal on every trip, however, is to take showers when they are available!

In general, on every trip we do laundry once a week— this is typically in a laundromat with funds and detergent provided by Overland (and it’s usually a lot of fun!).
My child doesn't have experience being away from bathroom facilities. Will Overland's leaders teach and support the group?

Yes. We want each of our students to feel completely supported.

Every one of our trips will spend some of their time in areas with access to bathroom facilities, many of which include flush toilets, running water, and trash receptacles. Our youngest students, and most of our bike trips, will spend most of their time in settings like these.

All of our hiking trips will spend time away from areas with bathroom facilities. In preparation for a day hike away from facilities, or for a longer backpacking section, our leaders will teach the group about backcountry bathroom practices. In most cases, this will include digging a cat hole (a shallow six-inch hole) in a private location away from water sources. Leaders will also provide every group member a small bag to pack out toilet paper (and other paper products, e.g., pads and tampons).

Our leaders will also make sure that group members are supported with menstruation information, needs, and supplies (i.e., pads, tampons). We recommend sending your child with a supply of these items. If your child needs additional pads or tampons, the leaders can provide them.
What are Overland’s policies on phones, electronics, and communication?

Phones
To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails, or text messages to or from our campers. Your child will call home on arrival and departure with our phones and assistance, and in the case of an emergency. If your child brings a phone for use while en route to Overland, please do not send an expensive smartphone. Instead, an inexpensive prepaid cell phone will do. All phones will be collected on arrival and returned at departure. While we will take reasonable steps to prevent damage, theft, or loss, we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged, or stolen phones.

Electronics
Cameras are welcome but please do not bring any other electronics (e.g., iPods, iPads, Kindles or other readers, GPS or similar devices). All electronics (except cameras) will be mailed home on arrival (at your risk and expense).

Communication: We’ll Be In Touch With You If Needed
Our leaders in the field check in with our office regularly; they carry cell phones (and in some cases satellite phones). Anytime a camper is treated for an injury or illness by a doctor or other medical personnel, parents are notified by our office. A director will call the parents to explain the nature of the injury or illness, the sequence of events leading up to the injury, and/or the steps leading to the treatment. Parents are typically able to speak with the medical personnel, with the leaders, and with their child.
Can I send mail to my child during a trip?

Getting a letter, card, or postcard while on an Overland trip is always exciting.

Please keep in mind that sending mail to your child on an Overland trip is different than sending mail to a traditional camp because your child will be on the move. Our experience has been that mail often does not arrive on time, and sometimes even when it does, post offices, campgrounds, and other mail stops do not reliably deliver mail to our groups.

For these reasons:

1. Please do not send anything valuable – please send letters, cards, or postcards only. If mail is late, lost, or misdirected, Overland’s leaders and staff are not able to return to the post office (or other mail stop) to collect it.

2. Please use the US Postal Service first-class mail only; do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL (many of our mail stops accept US Postal Service mail only).

3. Please do not send overnight letters: many overnighted letters arrive before or after we arrive and are sent back. For this same reason, please do not send mail that requires a signature upon delivery.

4. Please allow one week for delivery to U.S. mail stops.

5. Please allow two weeks for postal delivery to international mail stops.
My child’s birthday is during the trip — can I send a gift?

We recommend that you send a letter, card, or postcard instead and save the gift for when your child returns home at the end of the trip (and, don’t worry; your child’s trip leaders will make sure there is a celebration!).
Can I send my child a care package during the trip?

We recommend letters, cards, or postcards instead of care packages. If, however, you send a care package, bear in mind that many don’t make it to the intended recipient (because we’re moving), and that many aren’t returned to the sender.
Where does this trip start and end?

You will need to arrange transportation for your child to Portland (PDX) and from San Francisco (SFO). We will provide more specific travel information once we have placed your child on a trip.
What is Overland's Covid-19 policy?

Our full Covid-19 policy can be found here.
Please tell me about safety at Overland.

Safety and risk management are at the forefront of our decision-making–from trip planning to leader training to supporting our groups in the field.

We cannot guarantee absolute safety–no program can. All recreational activities include inherent risks. Therefore, we strive to manage the risks that we can, knowing we cannot eliminate them.

We work hard to recruit, train, and support our trip leaders so they can create the kind of trips that have made us successful since the 1980s.

Please click here to read more about our approach to risk management and our accreditation by the American Camp Association.
What is Overland's admissions process?

When we receive your application, if your first choice is available, we will:

(1) call you to thank you for your application,

(2) send you an email with a link to our enrollment forms, and

(3) charge a deposit of $795 to your credit card.

If your first choice is not available, we will call you to discuss options.

For more information, and to access our application, please visit our Apply page.

Before you Go

Bike, kayak, and explore the Pacific Coast.

Students going on Pacific Coast should prepare for:

Full days of outdoor activities led by two caring Overland leaders
Camping out and cooking meals as a group
15 days of biking with an average of 45 miles per day
A fun, supportive, and wholesome Overland experience

We expect you to arrive to your trip fully prepared for all activities.

Preparing for the Biking

Daily rides on our Pacific Coast trip average 45 miles over varying terrain. Four or five days will be over 50 miles, and the longest day ranges from 55 to 70 miles. There are one or two buffer days included in the itinerary to allow for delays en route (most groups will find that they spend these buffer days partially or completely off of the bikes) and an additional day off the bikes to go kayaking.

Overland bicycle tours are self-contained — there is no van support. You will carry all of your belongings, plus some group gear and food, on a sturdy rack mounted over the back wheel of your bike. You will hang panniers (these are saddlebags, pronounced “pan-yers”) off the rack and attach gear like your sleeping bag and sleeping pad to the top of the rack using bungee cords. On average, you will carry about 40 pounds of equipment on your bike (not including the weight of the bike).

You should come prepared and recognize that some days will be more challenging and longer than others. Delays occur due to a wide range of variables — weather patterns change and road conditions vary. You, or someone in your group, might get a flat tire or encounter another mechanical issue that could delay your group. On some days your group will arrive at camp in the early afternoon, with plenty of time to explore, play games, or go swimming, while on other days your group will spend more time on the bike.

Every Pacific Coast participant should follow the below training schedule over the course of the spring, and, once on the trip, must be able to maintain 10 mph over challenging terrain on a fully loaded bicycle.

Pre-Trip Training:

4 weeks before your trip: two rides of 12-14 miles each.
3 weeks before your trip: three rides of 14-16 miles each.
2 weeks before your trip: four rides of 16-18 miles each.
1 week before your trip: five rides of 18-20 miles each.

All training rides should be at an average speed of 12 miles per hour. Fully-loaded, our groups average 10 miles per hour while riding. You will take multiple short breaks (five minutes or less) throughout the day—for water and snacks, to rest and stretch, to enjoy the view, and to relax.

Please keep the following responsible riding practices in mind as you complete your spring training rides.

Responsible riding practices

Wear a helmet and closed-toed shoes
Always, no exceptions.

Design a good training loop
To the extent possible, ride on bike paths, bike lanes, and bike routes.

Follow the law
You have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.

Be predictable
Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you before turning or changing lanes.

Be visible
Ride where people can see you and wear a hi-vis top. Ride with your rear light on and flashing. Make eye contact with others and don’t ride on sidewalks. When possible, ride with others.

Think ahead
Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.

Ride ready
Check that your tires are sufficiently inflated, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and quick release levers are closed. Carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride.

Preparing for an Overland Experience

Overland trips are wholesome, structured experiences with high expectations of each student’s behavior. You are expected to be enthusiastic, positive, helpful and supportive of your trip mates and your leaders. We ask that you leave your cell phone and electronics at home (cameras are always welcome), so you can fully engage with your group and your trip. Arriving ready for a challenge — and prepared to contribute to an enthusiastic group — will go a long way toward creating a successful trip. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss preparing for your Overland trip.

Overland

Pacific Coast