Approachable Bikepacking: Sometimes One Night Is All You Need

By: Mike Pham

Sometimes, you don’t need a week-long bikepacking trip to scratch the adventure itch. Quick and easy overnight excursions are much more approachable and they can be just as rewarding as the biggest multi-day epics. The best part is that they require less planning, less gear, and most importantly, less money!  

Before 2024 wrapped, I decided to close out my year with one last overnighter in Ojai, California. With a bit of experience and initiative, this is the sort of trip you can pull off at the last minute. For most riders, overnighters like this are probably the best way to experience the joys of bikepacking. So strap on some bags and get out there! 

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The Journey Begins

This trip was born out of a need for something quick, fun, and accessible. I had just returned from two weeks in Northern California’s Lost Coast, and with Christmas approaching, I wanted to squeeze in one last overnighter. Ventura County, with its proximity to LA and stunning mix of mountains and coastline, made perfect sense.

I love the simplicity of bikepacking trips where you don’t need a car. The idea of starting at Union Station, taking the train to Ventura, and riding into the mountains felt incredibly self-sufficient. It’s about embracing adventure in its purest form—riding, camping, and connecting with the landscape without relying on anything but your bike and gear.

This one-day trip also fit into my philosophy of making the outdoors accessible. Through my work with Usal Project in LA, I’ve photographed stories that introduce newcomers to biking and camping. If you’re someone who has never done either, the idea of strapping gear to a bike and riding off into the wilderness can be intimidating. But this route is proof that it doesn’t have to be! It was beginner-friendly, stunning, and packed with little joys along the way.

The Team

The best adventures are the ones you share with the right people. For this trip, I rode with two close friends: Dani, the founder of Grin27, and Brian, someone I’ve known for years through our shared love of the outdoors.

Brian and I have done multi-day backpacking trips together in the Sierras, and he’s one of the strongest hikers I know. Whether it’s on foot or on a bike, he’s built for endurance and thrives on the challenge of pushing himself. He’s also a talented outdoor photographer, bringing his unique perspective to every adventure. Having someone like Brian along, who fully embraces both the physical and creative aspects of these trips, made the experience even better.

The Route: A Tale of Terrain

We started in Echo Park, riding down to Union Station, where we hopped on a train to Ventura. From there, we rode the local bike path to Ojai and climbed Sulphur Mountain before setting up camp at Dennison Park. The route was a perfect blend of urban, coastal, and mountainous terrain.

The climb up Sulphur Mountain was a beast—with about 4,000 feet of elevation gain that left me cramping near the top. For someone like me, coming from sea level, it was a challenge. But the views made it worth it: sweeping 360-degree panoramas of Ojai and Ventura, the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. The descent was just as rewarding—a fast, smooth, half-hour ride on pavement that felt like flying.

What made this route special was how it forced us to immerse ourselves in the local community. Without a car, you naturally stop at local cafes, restaurants, and markets, which brings you closer to the places you’re riding through. It’s a slower, more intentional way to explore.

The Gear: Trusting Your Equipment

Bikepacking is all about balance—packing light while still having everything you need. My OBED GVR gravel bike outfitted with FSA components, handled the terrain like a dream. I also have an OBED Boundary that makes it a bit easier to carry extra gear, but I thought the sportier GVR was a better fit for a quick trip like this. 

When you’re bombing hills with camera gear strapped to your bike, you need equipment you can trust. I make sure my gear is cleaned, maintained, and dialed before every trip so I can focus on the ride, not potential failures.

For camping, I kept it minimal: a 20-degree Sea to Summit sleeping bag paired with a Black Diamond Twilight Bivy, both packed into a handlebar compression sack. My frame bag held snacks, a stove, a power bank, and essentials like my ID and credit card. I also carried gels, granola bars, and other quick bites in snack packs attached to my top tube. My saddle bag held a down jacket, thermals, extra socks, and a lightweight breakfast of dehydrated granola and coffee.

For camera gear, I brought my Ricoh GR3, a Leica M6 with Cinestill 400D film, and a Hi8 Sony Handycam. The GR3 was a new addition, and this trip was a perfect opportunity to test it out. It’s compact, has a great flash, and lets me shoot one-handed while riding. The Leica, as always, captured those timeless film shots. And the Hi8 cam? It’s a nostalgic throwback that brings a raw, emotional feel to the memories.

Highlights and Memorable Moments

There were so many standout moments on this trip. The fried chicken sandwich at Frontside Cafe was an early highlight—Dani called it a “top five sandwich,” and I don’t disagree. The climb up Sulphur Mountain was tough but satisfying, and the camp at Dennison Park was pristine, with clean water and bathrooms.

One of the most memorable moments was Brian’s heroic firewood mission. After realizing we needed wood for the freezing night ahead, he descended to the market, loaded up a giant box of wood into a tote bag, and hauled it back up to camp like it was nothing. Absolute legend.

Lessons Learned

Don’t be discouraged when things get tough. I’s going to make you stronger. Riding a bike and staying active is so good for you, both physically and mentally. Getting out there, even when it feels hard or inconvenient, is always worth it in the end. Sometimes, the best memories—grinding up Sulphur Mountain or panicking over firewood—come from the challenges you didn’t expect. It might be “type two fun” at the time, but those are the moments that stick with you.

The Call to Adventure

If you’re planning a trip like this, preparation is everything. Do the necessary research—check the weather, study the terrain, and look up recent reviews of the route. Know where you can find water, food, or help if needed. Always have a plan B in case something goes wrong, and make sure you know how to fix your bike in a pinch. Being prepared will give you the confidence to get out of your comfort zone without worrying too much about the “what ifs.”

I’ve included the Strava route in this write-up so you can try it for yourself. Huge thanks to OBED and FSA for their support and to everyone who helped make this trip memorable. Until the next ride—get out there, take the leap, and enjoy the adventure.

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Like this story? Look for it in print in Spoke & Terrain Issue No. 2. - available May 2025.