 Topic Name: Vapor Trail 125 for my first Bikepack?
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on: January 27, 2012, 01:09:51 PM
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Nova11
Posts: 4
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« on: January 27, 2012, 01:09:51 PM » |
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Hey guys -
I am planning my first 3-4 day bikepacking trip. I am from western new york and plan to head to CO for my first trip this summer. I was looking at the Vapor Trail 125 (touring pace, not racing). Mainly because I planned on doing the monarch crest shuttle run anyways. Thoughts? Is it too much to take on for the first time out? Would doing part of the CT be easier to get my feet wet? I will be staying in Denver and have drop off/pick up wherever needed.
Any advice based on your experience riding in that area would be helpful.
Mike
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Topic Name: Vapor Trail 125 for my first Bikepack?
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Reply #1 on: January 27, 2012, 01:49:44 PM
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Done
Posts: 1434
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« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2012, 01:49:44 PM » |
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Have you ridden at altitude before? If not, I might suggest someplace lower for your first effort--especially since riding with extra bikepacking gear is just that much harder. Not to mention that you really don't want to get stuck up high in the mountains with altitude sickness, which is more likely if you're coming from the low-lands of New York. But if you're familiar with riding in the high country of Colorado (or someplace similar), it sounds like fun to me!
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"Done"
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Topic Name: Vapor Trail 125 for my first Bikepack?
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Reply #2 on: January 28, 2012, 06:57:54 AM
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jeremy11
Location: Grand Junction, CO
Posts: 263
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« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2012, 06:57:54 AM » |
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what time of year?
a few days before pushing hard at high elevation can help.
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Topic Name: Vapor Trail 125 for my first Bikepack?
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Reply #3 on: January 28, 2012, 08:36:12 AM
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Nova11
Posts: 4
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« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2012, 08:36:12 AM » |
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I am thinking late August.
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Topic Name: Vapor Trail 125 for my first Bikepack?
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Reply #4 on: January 28, 2012, 08:41:26 AM
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aaron w
Location: Salida, CO
Posts: 171
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« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2012, 08:41:26 AM » |
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The VT route would be great as a bikepack.
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Topic Name: Vapor Trail 125 for my first Bikepack?
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Reply #5 on: February 02, 2012, 04:21:26 PM
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SlowDave
Posts: 247
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« Reply #5 on: February 02, 2012, 04:21:26 PM » |
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The rule of thumb for high elevation is to allow one day for each thousand feet to adjust. I go back and forth from sea level to 8,000 often. The first few days are rough if I try to run or ride. Some people get physically ill. Drink lots of water while you are getting used to it. Also get some hand cream and use it often, skin dies out quick at higher elevation and the last thing you want is dry cracked painful hands.
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Topic Name: Vapor Trail 125 for my first Bikepack?
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Reply #6 on: February 06, 2012, 01:01:25 PM
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warofattrition
Posts: 17
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« Reply #6 on: February 06, 2012, 01:01:25 PM » |
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Nothing wrong with that, especially if you are taking your time. The terrain is unbelievably awesome with plenty of water and two or three stores to grab food so you do not carry too much. I would suggest being ready for altitude and hike a bike but the views and the obscurity will be well worth it. Just ask in Salida at the myriad of bike stores for furthe info.
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Topic Name: Vapor Trail 125 for my first Bikepack?
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Reply #7 on: February 06, 2012, 04:36:47 PM
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mtnbound
Posts: 258
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« Reply #7 on: February 06, 2012, 04:36:47 PM » |
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While I am a newbie too, I would suggest that if you want to try bikepacking that route (that is a beautiful area!), come at least 3-4 days early and spend it riding around Salida/BV/Gunnison/CB to get some adjustment to the altitude before you head out on a bikepacking trip. And remember to stay hydrated and the skin lotion cream is also a good idea - it is a lot drier in CO than you may think (if you don't have any experience with the area).
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