Heavy Desert Bikepacking story in Wend Mag

[Bikeabout]

I saw a mag in REI today. Went online to find it:
http://www.wendmag.com


There're a few hoops to jump through to get it, but you can get it free online.

The story is of a drug-beer-and-guns fueled bikepacking trip in the Utah desert. Very little in common with the way I do it. But a cool story and cool pics.

Thought this might be of interest.

--Greg

[joeydurango]

It's really weird to stumble upon feature articles about friends.  The written word and sepia-toned photography can sure bring out the romanticized version of whatever an author is writing about... I wasn't on the Canyonlands Pugs trip, but I was on the subsequent one in the La Platas this last October.  Plenty of drugs, beer, and guns, to be sure, but we did precious little bicycle riding and nothing in the way of survival, unless you consider eating and sleeping survival.  Fun (even though I only partook of the guns segment of the above three), but to say we were preparing for apocalypse or transcending anything (besides common sense) during our sojourn is to bypass simple exaggeration and land squarely in gross hyperbole.  Hell, it was just a slow bike ride in the woods, complete with some of the better and worse aspects of our culture.  (Better: Friends.  .22 tracer rounds.  Bicycles. Homemade titanium slingshots.  Worse: PBR. Oh, and freeze-dried backpacking food.)

I guess one of the following is true:  1. The author must lead a really boring life, or 2. We here in Durango (and the rest of the Mountain West) must lead crazy, romantic, existentially satisfying lives of transcendence and really have no idea that we do, or 3. Making things seem way cooler/deeper/different than they really are sells magazines.

Mostly I write this for those who may read the article and feel disappointed in their own day-to-day, who may buy the romanticized version as reality.  Your own life is probably badass too.  Go out and enjoy it!  In any case, I still enjoyed the article.  Thanks for the link!

[DaveC]

I guess one of the following is true:  1. The author must lead a really boring life, or 2. We here in Durango (and the rest of the Mountain West) must lead crazy, romantic, existentially satisfying lives of transcendence and really have no idea that we do, or 3. Making things seem way cooler/deeper/different than they really are sells magazines.

[Chad B]

Saw it at Whole Foods awhile back. Thumbed through it for a few minutes, laughed and put it back down. I only wish I could bikepack like those guys...

[DaveC]

On a related note, I've been scheming a way to make a rifle scabbard that will interface with my frame bag for hunting season next year.

[joeydurango]

Actually Steve Fassbinder (aka Dr. Doom) makes some killer leather rifle scabbards.  He has one on his Pugs, made another one for Russell at Durango Cyclery, and I believe there are a few others lurking about... they are really nice.  Riveted leather with understated tooling and secure attachment points.

You probably like to make your own stuff.  But if you'd like some ideas, try Googling "Republic of Doom", which is Steve's clothing/accessories business.  Not sure if he still has a website or not.

[DaveC]

Steve's photos on FB gave me the idea.  Seems like I should be able to sneak up on some deer on the singlespeed.

[Mathewsen]

Steve's photos on FB gave me the idea.  Seems like I should be able to sneak up on some deer on the singlespeed.

Hmm. In the East, i believe you must be handicapped/disabled in order to hunt from your vehicle...and as much as some riders like to lean on it, SS is not a legit handicap. Better check your regs!

[Done]

...and as much as some riders like to lean on it, SS is not a legit handicap.

[ScottyJ]

On top being one of the first inductees to the solo 24 hr hall of fame and his killer gear Doom happens to be a tremendously nice guy. He, Baily and their ilk are welcome in our parts any time.