Stagecoach 400 2025 Race Report

The Stagecoach 400 is a challenging bikepacking route that takes riders through some of Southern California's most beautiful and demanding terrain. This year's edition proved to be a true test of endurance, strategy, and mental fortitude.

Day 1: The Long Haul

The race started strong with a great ride to Warner Springs. However, the Nature Preserve section nearly got the best of me - a combination of calorie management and hike-a-bike (HAB) sections helped me push through. Julian was a crucial resupply point, though in retrospect, I should have fueled up more with hot food there.

The temperature dropped significantly from Julian to the lake, making for a chilly ride. The single track along the highway was a welcome change of pace, with a much-needed water stop at Oakanita Campground. Descanso provided another opportunity for hot food, though the descent into Alpine was challenging with cold and foggy conditions.

The truck trail and single track sections leading to Sycuan were particularly tough, as I found myself severely underfueled at the station. A burger and caffeine boost helped, but saddle sores were becoming a serious concern. The final push through Sweetwater Reserve to the hotel was a relief after a long first day.

Day 2: The Mental Battle

Day 2 started with some much-needed recovery - Aquaphor for the saddle sores and a proper bed made a world of difference. The slow roll through San Diego was a nice change of pace, and Del Mar's McDonald's proved to be a surprisingly effective refueling stop.

The road up to the Saddleback trailhead was a true test of mental fortitude - the hike-a-bike sections were absolutely brutal. A chance encounter with Thomas on these roads led to a crucial freehub check on Engineers. The descent on Oriflamme was both mind-blowing and challenging, with cold conditions adding to the difficulty.

Day 3: The Final Push

The desert section on the final day was particularly challenging, with deep sand and washboard roads making progress difficult. The highway out of the desert was a battle against both headwinds and heat. The Iron Door stop was a welcome respite, with a brat and cold drinks providing much-needed energy.

The headwind from Iron Door to Borrego Springs was relentless, forcing a 20-minute nap in the shade of a sign. After a burrito in Borrego, I made the strategic decision to lighten my load, ditching some extra food to make room for essential items like Red Bull.

The climb out was challenging, with route finding becoming increasingly difficult in the dark. The section before the willows was particularly nerve-wracking, but I managed to navigate through successfully. The final push to Anza and the subsequent road sections felt endless, though the map showed I was actually making good progress.

The final climb and descent were a blur of exhaustion and determination. After finishing, a shower and breakfast at Grandma's diner were well-earned rewards, though I was so spent that I managed to sleep through the winding drive down from Idyllwild.

Lessons Learned

This year's Stagecoach 400 taught me several valuable lessons:

• Hot food is crucial for maintaining energy levels
• Proper load management is essential - I definitely overbiked in several sections
• Strategic rest stops and refueling can make or break a long-distance effort
• Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation

Despite the challenges, the Stagecoach 400 remains one of the most rewarding bikepacking routes in Southern California, offering a perfect mix of beautiful scenery, challenging terrain, and personal growth opportunities.