DAY ONE: From Bakersfield to the Backcountry

We rolled out from the shop in Bakersfield with bikes loaded and spirits high. After a gourmet pit stop at the Oakhurst Taco Bell (fine dining, obviously), we made our way to Fish Camp where the real adventure began. Bikes were packed, straps tightened, and we started the climb.

The ascent was steep, but the views—towering pines, granite outcrops, and that crisp mountain air—made every pedal stroke worth it. By evening, we reached Grey’s Mountain Campground and set up for the night. Dinner was shared, stories swapped, and laughter echoed around the campfire.

Day Two: Cold Springs, Jones Store, and River Magic

After breakfast and a bit of riverside water filtering, we hit the trail again. The climb to Cold Springs Summit was no joke, but the reward? A fast, flowing descent to the legendary Jones Store.

A bit of history: Jones Store, perched at 6,800 feet on Beasore Road, dates back to the early 20th century. Originally founded by Tom Beasore to supply cowboys on their seasonal drives, it was later passed to Tom Jones, who turned it into a rustic outpost for adventurers. With no electricity or phone service, it’s a true time capsule—still serving up burgers, pies, and cold drinks to this day.

After lunch at the store, we rolled past the iconic Globe Rock and made our way to a favorite riverside campsite. Some of us cooled off in the water, while others explored beyond camp. As the sun dipped low, we gathered again for dinner and more tales around the fire.

Day Three: Pie, Plunges, and the Final Push

The final day was all about soaking it in. A slow morning with coffee, cold plunges, and a warming fire set the tone. We made our way back to Jones Store for one last slice of pie before tackling the final stretch.

Rolling hills and fast descents carried us through meadows and forests. After regrouping at the summit, we dropped into a 7-mile descent down Beasore Road—some riders clocking 40mph, hoots and hollers all the way. One last climb brought us to a river for a celebratory swim before the final push to the cars.

The last descent mirrored our first climb, but this time gravity was on our side. We bombed down the familiar stretch, dodging ruts and laughing through near-miss crashes. Back at the cars, we packed up and headed to a local pizza spot to relive the weekend’s highs and lows over greasy slices and cold drinks.

This trip had it all—grueling climbs, riverside naps, pie-fueled descents, and the kind of camaraderie that only comes from sharing miles off the grid. Each of the 13 riders faced their own challenges, but we all came away with stories, smiles, and memories of places most folks never get to see.
If this recap has you feeling a little left out, don’t worry—we’ve got more adventures on the horizon. Keep an eye out for our upcoming bikepacking trips, and if you’re catching a case of FOMO, now’s the time to start planning. Trust us, you won’t want to miss the next one.