12-1 Bikepacking

Part One: Warm Up

1. Do you have a bicycle? If so, what do you use it for? If not, why not?
2. How common are the following uses of bikes in your country?
   • for commuting
   • for exercising
   • for pleasure (riding around a park or kids playing)
   • for travel
3. Is it easy to get around your city with a bike? Why or why not?
4. Brainstorm some of the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by bicycle.

Part Two: Getting Ready to Read

Part Three: Reading / Taking it Further

Bikepacking

When most people think of traveling, they imagine packing their bags, fighting their way through a busy airport to catch an early morning flight, and either sitting on an overcrowded beach for a few days or waiting in line after line to visit tourist attractions. While there’s nothing wrong with that kind of travel, have you ever thought of doing something a bit different for your next vacation? If you’re tired of the same old trips and are ready to take your holiday to the next level, why not try bikepacking?

What is Bikepacking?

The word “bikepacking” is a combination of the words “bike” and “backpacking”. Basically it means traveling in nature by bicycle and camping along the way. Think of it like hiking with a bike! It’s a great way to get out into nature, get some exercise, and have a completely different kind of vacation experience away from the beaten path. If that sounds good to you, consider bikepacking on your next holiday.

The first thing you might be thinking is that bikepacking is going to take a lot of specialized equipment and a super expensive bike, but that’s not true. If you take the time to do some research and plan your bikepacking trip, you can be up and riding in no time. If you’ve never gone on a biking vacation before, the best way to start is by taking a short, overnight tour. That way you can see if bikepacking is for you without fully committing.

Let’s take a look at some of the things to consider before your first trip.

Where to Go

Once you’ve decided to take that first bikepacking trip, you need to start planning. The two most important questions to ask during this stage are where am I going? and what am I bringing?

To answer the first question, think about what you want from the trip. Are you looking for a relaxed ride along flat highways, or are you looking to get as far away from it all as possible? Do you want to ride under open skies, or through thick woods? Think about what you want to see, where you want to camp, and how much biking you want to do as you consider choices. Do some research to find a place that has the right mix for you. There are tons of websites that can recommend all sorts of places perfect for bikepacking.

Once you decide on a general area, you’ll need to plan your route. There are two basic kinds of bikepacking routes: loops and through routes. Loops are exactly that; you start at one place and ride in a loop until you get back to the beginning. Loop routes are great for new riders because they can be accessed easily and well-suited to short trips. Through routes are more suitable for longer trips and require more planning, so it’s probably best to save those until you’re a more experienced cyclist. Again, don’t be afraid to check out suggestions online.

What to Bring

Now that you know where you’re going, the next step is to figure out what to bring. The first rule of preparing gear for your first bikepacking trip is use what you have! Hopefully, your first trip is going to lead to many more, but you want to make sure before you run out and buy a whole bunch of high-quality and high-priced equipment. A lot of the things you’ll need you might already have, especially if you already ride a bike or like camping.

In the simplest terms, you’re going to need a bike, a bag, and camping gear. If you have a mountain bike you love that’s in good condition, great; you’re ready to go. If you are looking to buy a bike, you want one that is comfortable, reliable, and suited for the type of ride you’re planning. If you want to save some money, keep a close eye on classified sites as there are often good second hand bikes available at excellent prices. Also, make sure you have a well-stocked repair kit that you know how to use. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere with a flat and no tools to fix it!

When it comes to a bag, you can use a simple, well-fitted daypack that you wear on your back. This is the best option for a first trip because most people have one already. A backpack can be a bit uncomfortable to wear for longer trips, but it should be fine for one or two nights. If you are considering buying bags that attach to your seat or handlebars, look for ones that fit tightly, so they won’t shift around and throw off your balance. The other thing to consider is weight. The lighter the better!

This is even more important when it comes to your camping gear. After a long day of riding, you want to get a good night’s rest, so investing in a high-quality sleeping bag is never a bad idea. You’ll also want a very light, high quality tent, especially if the weather conditions aren’t great. Look for one that packs up very small and can fit on your bike. When it comes to cooking, remember that small and simple is best. At the minimum, you’ll need a cup, a pot, and a small stove. Again, make use of what you have, and see what you use. Think of your first trip as a learning experience that will help you optimize your cooking gear.

Welcome to Bikepacking

Now, you’re ready to enter the amazing world of bikepacking! If you remember to enjoy every moment, learn from your mistakes, and treat the road with respect, you’ll be at the beginning of an amazing adventure, and your vacations are guaranteed to never be the same again!