Biking on Catalina Island
Many tourists and residents alike prefer biking in the Catalina Island area. Why? First, it’s important to understand that traffic is a problem here. The Conservancy organization maintains control over most of the land and prefers to keep it true to nature and very undeveloped. The few roads that are paved tend to be small, so biking on Catalina Island is often the logical choice. This immediately creates a problem for motorists. In fact, the situation reaches a critical stage several years ago, when local officials required all motorists to get a permit for their vehicles.
Biking Popularity
The restrictions for motorists along with the lovely scenery of the island has prompted many people to cycle their way to work and for recreation. The island itself is only 22 miles long, and very easy to get around. Although the terrain across the island can include many steep hills, many people find biking on Catalina Island the best way to go.
What are some popular spots on the island in which you can see bicyclers traveling? The Avalon area has Pebbly Beach, the Catalina Casino and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, all of which are ideal for biking. You can also try some longer excursions all across the island. These include some of the most breathtaking view you can imagine. The Catalina Island Conservancy offers a great bike map detailing the entire layout of the island including all the changes in elevation.
Biking on Catalina Island is great exercise and fun
If you wish to bike on Catalina Island out of town then you will need a Bike Pass from the Conservancy Office on 125 Clarissa Avenue. Once you do this, you are free to travel into the hills. There you can see such sites as Chimes Tower and Hogsback. You can also include some camping near these sites and elsewhere on the island.
Where are some stores that rent bicycles? Brown’s Bikes on Pebbly Beach charges low prices and offers group rentals and baby seats. For electric bike rental, our featured choice is Catalina Bikes. However, you must keep the bike within Avalon unless you join the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Bikes are allowed on the roads and each boat company does handle bike transport. Before attempting to bike on Catalina Island a long distance, make sure you are in good shape. Also, always have plenty of water and perhaps a few energy snacks. Biking is fun but it can be exhausting if you plan on traveling long distances.
Mountain Biking
On of the best areas to bike is at Two Harbors and the surrounding hills. This is more of a mountain biking experience and truly gives you the flavor of the island. There are numerous trails providing fantastic views. Due to the rough terrain, mountain bikes are required with there knobby tires and rugged frames. Bikers are also required to wear helmets approved by either ANSI or Snell Memorial Foundation for safety.
Visitors can take a long ride from the Avalon area to get to the Two Harbors area. This, however, is mostly for the expert rider who is physically fits. Others prefer to find transportation to this are and rent mountain bikes at the Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center.
No matter which area you want to explore, Catalina Island biking is the most popular way to travel. Come see the full beauty of the island on a bicycle. Feeling that Mediterranean breeze through your hair is worth the extra effort!
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