If you are a local to San Francisco, getting to the start is simple. Since so many come from San Francisco, ALC facilitates for bike transport back from LA (you can arrange during the ride).

If you are not a local, you have to get your bike to San Francisco. Check-in is on Orientation Day, the day before the ride starts, so you have to organize at least one night in town. (Note: at other events, the organizers provide a room matching service, but ALC doesn't do any such thing.)

As far as transportation is concerned, you can either (a) join a group of people from your area that ship their bikes together, typically by truck; (b) ship your bike using UPS, FedEx, or other individual shipping service; (c) carry the bike with you on the plane. Costs for options (b) and (c) vary greatly, and you want to check prices before you arrange for a ticket.

While you must have overnight accomodation in San Francisco, you get to LA early enough that you can leave on the same day. Many, though, like staying a few extra pamper days, and ALC provides a list of hotels (on both ends) that have ALC rates.

Remember that you are allowed only ONE piece of luggage on the ride. ALC volunteers are usually generous as to what constitutes ONE piece of luggage. Rroutinely, sleeping bags attached to a suitcase are ok. Backpacks and shoulder bags are, too - as long as they are fastened. Don't push your luck, though - the volunteers will have to move your luggage every day into the truck and every day out of it.