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Bike-packing

A Beginner's Guide to a New Form of Exploration

By SF AdahyPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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Photo by Emmanuel Maceda

Bike-packing... sounds pretty miserable, right? I mean, biking hurts your legs more than walking. Why would I want to load up a bike and hit the road for miles of unbearable leg pain? If you have the chance to overlook the leg pain, you will be in for one of the the best rides of your life and a new hobby that will take over your every thought. Feeling alone in the wilderness on two wheels can be a scary thought. My hopes with this post is to help the beginner to get started mountain biking long distances. Below is a guide to the best form of exploration.

The Perfect Bike

It is no secret that the start-up costs of bike-packing are not cheap. Look through any company that sells mountain bikes and you will see that they can range anywhere from $500 to $3,000. My advice to you, go cheap. Yes, it's nice to have a nice shiny new bike that everyone will see, but your wallet will hate you for it. Every bike will have trouble on the road, cheap or expensive. It is a good idea to go cheap especially if you are not sure this is an option of travel you would enjoy.

Another tip I would give is to find a bike that's practical. No need for a full suspension downhill Mountain bike that can cruise through technical terrain. Most of the miles that you will pedal will be uphill and wide double-track. I would recommend a solid hardtail that is lightweight so you can load up the gear you need.

Personally, I have an old 2005 Salsa hardtail that was passed down to me from my dad. The bike has its problems but the conversations that I have had with people on the road tells me that even new bikes have their issues. Better to go cheap and use that money on other needs while traveling.

Bike Accessories

Think of your bike as a two-wheeled home. You will need to load everything you need either somewhere on your bike or on your back. The name of the game is packing light. Leave the spare clothes at home because you won't need them. The best thing to do is to buy accessories that allow you to attach necessary items to your bike. The more you attach to your bike, the less you will have to put on your person. I prefer to put all my heavy camping equipment on to my bike. This includes my tent, water, sleeping bag, and the majority of my food. All other equipment is strapped to my back. If you already have a backpacking pack and don't want to spend money on the bike packs, packing everything on your back is also an option but I don't recommend it.

You will also need equipment for bike repairs somewhere on your person. Depending on how long your trip is, you will experience a flat or a punctured tube. It is ALWAYS a good idea to have a couple spare tubes and a bike pump handy, as well as a set of allen wrenches handy to tighten any loose bits on your bike. I would also recommend a spare chain in case yours snaps. If you don't know how to replace parts on your bike, please learn how to do so before hitting the open road. There is no worse feeling then being stranded in the middle of the woods and having to hike it out to a road.

If you are looking for a good checklist to see what all you will need for a trip, REI has created a great list of all the things you will need. Although you may not need everything on the list, it is good to see it all in writing.

Where will I go?

This is one of the most important questions when starting bike-packing. The problem people have is trying to go on a set route. Bike-packing is really meant for exploration. The point is to go places you wouldn't normally be able to go by car or on foot. Do your research. The best advice I was given was to know your limits. If you are a beginner and just going for a weekend, it is smart to start with 10- to 15-mile days. So, plan your rest stops and your sleep spots accordingly to those 15-mile days.

Basically, there are two types of routes you can take and both are pretty simple to follow. You can either do a loop or a straight route. For beginners, I would recommend a loop. A straight route would mean that you would have to figure out some more logistical plans to make the trip happen, most of which include getting a ride back to the house after the trip.

To figure out a route, use tools like MTB Project and Singletrack. These websites have extensive trail maps that allow you to map out a true route. After finding a route, always have a navigation tool handy on the trail in case you do get lost. I recommend an old fashioned map so that you don't have to worry about charging a GPS or smartphone. The most important thing to remember is finding places where you are able to stay the night and set up a tent. Most trails will not allow you to camp on the side unless it's a remote trail like the Appalachian or Colorado Trail.

Final Advice

HAVE FUN!! The best thing about bike-packing is the ability to get away for a weekend. Whether you are going by yourself or with a group of friends, enjoy your time in the wild. There is nothing more satisfying than looking at your phone and seeing "no service." Life can get hectic, so slow down and take in every inch of the wilderness.

travel tips
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About the Creator

SF Adahy

My laptop is the one thing I don't have in common with a homeless man.

Enjoying the outdoors. Dirtbag lifestyle

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