Welcome to Henry Coe State Park, largest park in the Bay Area and pretty much the only place around where you can camp without having a reservation. Mostly because it’s so large, but also because it’s hot, dry and dusty.

Henry Coe is also a popular destination for mountain biking. One of the IMBA epics can be found here. So we can say we went on an IMBA-approved epic ride!

After a little warmup on dirt roads, we hit the trails. The descent towards China Hole was one of the most beautiful singletracks I’ve seen (although I haven’t seen a lot). Winding along the side of a steep hill, with fast straights followed by sharp turns, it was a thrill. I managed to fall only three times and I consider myself lucky. Going too fast or breaking too late would probably send you flying off the trail.

We reached China Hole and went on a “shortcut”, as recommended by the park ranger. A short flat hike on a river bed, instead of a climb on a dirt road. Only inconvenience – the hike was not that flat and it required not only pushing, but also carrying the bikes over some rocky areas.

After this section, our roads split. The guys returned to the park headquarters, I went further in, towards my campsite. I continued with a climb on a narrow trail, through overgrown bushes, then on dirt roads on the other side of the hill.

A little before sunset, I arrived at my destination – Coit Lake. The campsite featured a picnic table (with a view over the lake) and a toilet. I set up camp and prepared dinner. Food tastes better when it’s the only edible thing on a few miles radius.