Oh, what fun it is to ride: 53rd annual HI-San Diego Christmas Bike Trip

Posted by Sherezada on Oct 22, 2009

If your idea of a "one-horse open sleigh" is a ten-speed mountain bike, then San Diego may be the place for your winter holiday.

For 53 years, the San Diego Council of Hostelling International has hosted a Christmas-time bike ride through one of California’s sunniest regions. This year, the bike ride is a six-day, 400-mile odyssey across deserts, up mountains, and along seacoasts, held in memory of the event’s founder, Dr. Clifford Graves (former president of the San Diego Council).

You’ll want to make sure both you and your bicycle are in good shape for this adventure, as each day includes 50-100 miles of riding with long steep grades, hills, and challenging roads in many spots. A "sag wagon" will follow the group and carry the baggage from stop to stop, and help out anyone who’s falling behind.

Breakfasts and dinners are included (participants must provide their own lunches), with riders pitching in to help prepare and clean up. Accommodations are provided in church multi-purpose rooms, recreation centers, and gymnasiums along the way, though space for free-standing tents is available at almost every location.

Fees for the trip are $325 for current Hostelling International members, and $350 for non-members (HI membership included in fee). Cost includes overnight accommodations, breakfasts and dinners, sag wagon support, leadership, and a commemorative T-shirt. Participants can also earn a $50 discount for every new rider they refer to the ride (limit six), so grab your friends and get ready for a memorable holiday break!