Winter Solstice Campout Dec. 18th-19th 2022
The Winter Solstice campout is part of our quarterly campout series that will coincide with the seasons, particularly the solstices and equinoxes. Each campout will be in a different location and somewhere along or close to the Stagecoach 400 route.
For this years Winter Solstice Campout we are driving out to Borrego/Ocotillo desert and camping at Bow Willow Campground off the S2. The plan is to drive to camp, then ride through the beautiful desert washes, slot canyons, explore some caves, stand on the edge of Diablo drop-off and end the shortest day of the year sitting around a fire under the desert night sky.
The Campground: Bow Willow Campground
Amenities:
-Pit toilets
-Non potable water
-Fire pits
-Covered picnic tables
-Grills (only at some sites)
***We have AT&T and had little to no cell service there so be prepared***
This is a remote, first come first serve campground with limited amenities and spectacular views. We are planning to drive out Saturday the 17th after we close up the bike shop, so probably around 4pm if anyone wants to caravan. However the official campout night is Sunday the 18th. We are hoping to grab site #16 (south loop) and add sites as needed. It's a small campground, so finding the group will not be a problem. The campground is off a dirt road that is manageable with most 2-wheel drive vehicles, there can be sandy sections so if you're concerned about your vehicle please reach out.
CAUTION: There are two possible entrances to Bow Willow and if you are driving in from the south the first road is VERY DEEP SAND and we recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle for this entrance or simply drive a little further north to dirt road. The only water there is one non-potable spigot, so definitely make sure and bring at least 3 gallons per person, per day/night.
Location of campground: Click Here
The Route:
We want to try and roll out around 8:30am on Sunday morning. The drive out there is over two hours so you're welcome to head out that way Saturday night and make it a two nighter. We are leaving from the shop on Saturday after close and hoping to get to camp around 7pm. If you want to head out there earlier and grab some sites please let us know and we'd be happy to coordinate with you.
This is a truly beautiful route through the desert washes and temperatures can definitely vary between very cold and pretty warm. In actual degrees: Low of high 20s at night and maybe 60s-70s during the day. This is a 100% self-supported ride, you must have your own tools, tubes, food, water, etc... Be sure you and your bike are up to the task. This is a party pace, no drop ride, however it is your responsibility to keep up with the group's pace. Don't let the milage/elevation fool you, desert riding can be very slow and very taxing and we require at least 2.5" tubeless tires. If you've never ridden sand or washboards, don't let the campout be your first go at it, do a recon ride (see suggestion below).
Sundays Route: Click Here
Recon/Practice ride in town: Proctor Valley Road usually has lots of good wash boards and some sand to practice on.
You can park at the Proctor Valley Road Trail
Food and Beverage:
We will not be providing full meals, but will have a limited amount of food and beverages to share with the camp and we invite you to bring some of your camp favorites! Last year we all kinds of goodies including campfire cooked waffles!
Shuttling Gear and Carpooling:
Since this is a drive to camp and ride we aren't offering gear shuttling. If you are looking to carpool please let us know if you have room in your car or if you need a ride. Most of you know each other but we can try to help link people up.
***There is a signup sheet in the shop or call and let us know you're coming***
Highlights from the event...
