 Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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on: July 08, 2017, 08:24:31 AM
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jenfectious
Posts: 3
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« on: July 08, 2017, 08:24:31 AM » |
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I cycle for fun/workout currently, but want to ride the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska next year. I've never been bikepacking, or camping, so I could use tips for both. Packing is one thing I'm not very sure of yet as to how that will work., I've got to fit clothes, tools, bike tires, and a freaking tent on two bicycles! And food of course. (What to eat and drink besides granola bars and water??) What are things you find work best for you? We're planning on doing the 192 miles in 3-4 days, so the days won't be too terribly rough.
Gear: do you recommend bicycle shorts, gloves, and so on, or is not worth buying all of it? Could I do four days on a bike without padded shorts?
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Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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Reply #1 on: July 08, 2017, 06:26:22 PM
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offroute
Posts: 326
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« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2017, 06:26:22 PM » |
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I would start with some car camping to try out some overnight gear and food options. Decide if you want to carry a stove (most don't). Check out REI or your local outdoor store for some ideas, methods, products for camping and cycling. Same with your local bike shops. Pile up your gear on the floor and start figuring out where it can be stored on your bike and person. Be creative! Gear made for riding is often worth buying, but not mandatory. Contact points (hands, feet, butt) have to be taken care of well, so don't scrimp on a good saddle, shorts, etc. Quick-drying synthetic or wool garments made for general outdoor activity work well as base and light layers. Try to rely on services en route rather than loading up your bike with days of provisions. Taking as little as you can get by with pays you back. Have fun with it!  |
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Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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Reply #2 on: July 09, 2017, 08:42:03 AM
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JellyRoll
Posts: 15
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« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2017, 08:42:03 AM » |
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READ READ READ! Read all you can about it. Search YouTube for "bikepacking" and you'll get more than you possibly could digest. Study up, and good luck!
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Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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Reply #3 on: July 11, 2017, 05:02:53 AM
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trail_monkey
Posts: 116
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« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2017, 05:02:53 AM » |
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Ramen is my friend on overnights. A little pepsi can alcohol stove and a small pot and nothing tastes better than hot ramen on a chilly night. Also Jerky is good.
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Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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Reply #4 on: July 11, 2017, 05:08:52 AM
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JellyRoll
Posts: 15
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« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2017, 05:08:52 AM » |
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Ramen is my friend on overnights. A little pepsi can alcohol stove and a small pot and nothing tastes better than hot ramen on a chilly night. Also Jerky is good.
I don't carry a stove and cooking gear anymore. I mix my own gorp and trail mix and take food bars, and when I roll past a store I stock up. I also take foil packets of spam and tortillas. I have a flask of Blanton's for those chilly nights! *wink* |
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Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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Reply #5 on: July 11, 2017, 05:31:24 AM
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trail_monkey
Posts: 116
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« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2017, 05:31:24 AM » |
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I mix my own gorp What do you mean by mixing your own "gorp"? I am stoked because I sent my wife a link for the "down under bag" last night and I bet she will be getting it for me for our anniversary. Been wanting one of them bags for a while. The thought of carrying 4 cans of beer under my downtube sounds awesome! |
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Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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Reply #6 on: July 11, 2017, 07:53:26 AM
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JellyRoll
Posts: 15
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« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2017, 07:53:26 AM » |
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What do you mean by mixing your own "gorp"? Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts. GORP. A hiker food that got its start in the 1970's I believe - well at least that the first time I heard of it. I make mine with raisins, peanuts, broken-up Nature Valley granola bars - or some kind of granola clusters I get at Trader Joes. Sometimes I add chocolate chips. Sometimes dried cranberries instead of the raisins. Its pretty calorie-dense, and sometimes I like to take a ton of mixed nuts, which are VERY high calories. Good stuff. I've tried it all ways I can think of, and none of it bad. When I look back at hiking the AT with a 50 pound pack, and stove and cooking gear it seriously sucked all the fun out of it. Nowadays all I take is sustenance. I ride to experience new places, not to dine out. Its okay for those that like to cook outdoors, and its a source of accomplishment and pride. I just can't be bothered anymore. |
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Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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Reply #7 on: July 11, 2017, 07:11:59 PM
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trail_monkey
Posts: 116
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« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2017, 07:11:59 PM » |
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Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts. GORP. A hiker food that got its start in the 1970's I believe - well at least that the first time I heard of it. I make mine with raisins, peanuts, broken-up Nature Valley granola bars - or some kind of granola clusters I get at Trader Joes. Sometimes I add chocolate chips. Sometimes dried cranberries instead of the raisins. Its pretty calorie-dense, and sometimes I like to take a ton of mixed nuts, which are VERY high calories. Good stuff. I've tried it all ways I can think of, and none of it bad. When I look back at hiking the AT with a 50 pound pack, and stove and cooking gear it seriously sucked all the fun out of it. Nowadays all I take is sustenance. I ride to experience new places, not to dine out.
Its okay for those that like to cook outdoors, and its a source of accomplishment and pride. I just can't be bothered anymore.
You and I are alot alike. I will remember this idea for GORP on my next outing. |
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Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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Reply #8 on: July 12, 2017, 11:48:37 AM
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jenfectious
Posts: 3
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« Reply #8 on: July 12, 2017, 11:48:37 AM » |
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Yea, cooking is something I specifically want to avoid for this outing. Granola and fruits purchased at stores along the way should suit just fine.
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Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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Reply #9 on: July 12, 2017, 05:03:42 PM
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RunRig
Location: Disneyland
Posts: 21
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« Reply #9 on: July 12, 2017, 05:03:42 PM » |
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Gear: do you recommend bicycle shorts, gloves, and so on, or is not worth buying all of it?
I remember my first all-day mountain biking experience many years ago...no gloves, and then blisters. Bought gloves the next day. |
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Topic Name: Newbie Bikepacker looking for tips
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Reply #10 on: July 12, 2017, 06:09:00 PM
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JellyRoll
Posts: 15
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« Reply #10 on: July 12, 2017, 06:09:00 PM » |
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You'll feel better and look better with proper clothing. Remember: Clothing IS gear.
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