After arriving at Devil’s Gulch group camp, we’ll unpack, stretch our legs, and settle into the quiet rhythm of the redwoods. The afternoon will be open for rest and exploration — take a short hike through the towering groves, rinse off in nearby streams, or simply kick back and enjoy the stillness of the forest.

As evening falls, the group will gather for a shared meal featuring hearty camp fare and local provisions, followed by drinks and stories around the fire. Music, conversation, and good company will carry us into the night beneath the canopy of stars.

On Saturday morning, we’ll wake to coffee and breakfast in camp before packing up for the ride home. The route back will include a visit to the Marin Museum of Bicycling in Fairfax — a chance to learn about the deep history of Bay Area cycling culture — before cruising south toward the city. We’ll finish our journey with a final meal together at Hook Fish Co., next door to The Last Straw, and, for those who want to keep the momentum rolling, we’ll end the day at the Outer Richmond Block Party for live music and community celebration.

Eli Utne (he/him) is an educator and musician based in Huchiun (Oakland) and the founder of Learning By Hand, a platform for practical community education. Originally from Minneapolis, Eli's work is rooted in place-based creations that explore the connections between deep ecology, expression, and education. When he's not organizing events or performing, he's probably riding his bike or playing beaver in a creek somewhere.

Mateo Paez (he/him) is an adventure cyclist, bikepacker and racer, based in Bend, Oregon. Forced to commute by bike following a Vespa accident while attending university in San Francisco, Mateo was enlightened by the freedom of movement the bicycle provides and hasn’t looked back. Having raced and toured all over the world, a wealth of knowledge gained by experience in the wild and on the move. Always eager to share the joy of travel by bike whether that is across town or across a continent, there are no dumb questions!

We’ll have 7 complete Ortlieb bikepacking setups available to lend — perfect for anyone looking to try out a dialed-in gear system for the first time. These will be distributed first come, first served. Each kit includes a saddle pack, frame bag, and handlebar bag — the essentials for carrying your overnight gear efficiently and comfortably. First come first serve.

The Ortlieb Seat-Pack is a standout: spacious, waterproof, and volume-adjustable, it’s designed to keep your essentials dry and secure, attaching easily to your seatpost with durable hook-and-loop straps.

We’ll be providing dinner on Friday, October 24 at Devil’s Gulch Campsite, followed by breakfast on Saturday, October 25 before we hit the road.
Expect simple, hearty camp meals — good food, shared together under the redwoods.

Bike & Essentials
Bring your own bike — something reliable and ready for mixed terrain. Pack a small fix-it kit with the basics to keep you rolling: spare tube, mini pump, patch kit, and multi-tool.

Sleep Setup
Bring your own sleep kit — tent, bivy, or tarp shelter — along with a sleeping bag, pad, and camp pillow for comfort under the stars.

Camp Layers
Bay Area weather can shift quickly, especially between coast and forest. Bring layers for warmth and comfort: a puffy jacket, hat, and wool baselayer are recommended, plus easy camp clothes for relaxing after the ride.

Ride Fuel
We’ll have food covered at camp, but you’ll want bike snacks for the road — bars, gels, fruit, or candy to keep energy high on the ride out and back to the city.