Planning and mapping a bikepacking adventure is all about letting your imagination run wild. You can use a map and compass, but it is all about balance. You need to walk the line between being prepared and having enough time to enjoy the experience
Bikepacking is one of those things that people who like to do it seem to love doing it for no reason at all. It's an activity that you can do with almost anybody in any place around the world, so there's no telling what kind of adventure you'll have until you get out there.
You've decided to embark on an adventure. What better way to do it than on two wheels?
Whether you're a long-time bike enthusiast or a newbie, there are plenty of tips and tricks out there for planning your first bike-packing adventure.
Plan your bike-packing adventure with these tips
The best way to plan your bike-packing adventure is by figuring out what kind of distance and terrain you want to cover while on your trip. Then, look up Google Maps or another map program online and find out where you can go!
If you're going somewhere that isn't too far away from home (say, a camping trip), make sure that your route has enough elevation gain/loss so that it won't be too hard on your body or lungs later on when biking downhill. You also want to avoid roads as much as possible because cars will slow down traffic even more than usual during peak hours—which means more cars hitting other cars and causing accidents!
But before you embark on your own bikepacking adventure, there are some things you should be aware of.
1. Decide your destination, then pick a route to take you there.
The first step in planning your backpacking adventure is deciding whether you want to go on an overnight or multi-day trip. If you're going on a multi-day trip, you'll need to prepare for that by doing some research into where exactly you'll be riding, what kind of accommodations (if any) are available, as well as how much time it will take to get there and back again.
2. Map out the terrain that you'll encounter, including elevation changes and other hazards to be aware of (e.g., rocks).
Once you've decided that a multi-day trip is right for you, it's time to start planning! Once you've got your route mapped out, it's important to make sure that there are no hazards along a route that could cause problems or injury if they were not planned for ahead of time. Some common hazards include uneven terrain, loose rocks or gravel, sharp objects like branches or roots hidden under thick vegetation (and they're often very difficult to see), and slippery surfaces like mud or wet leaves.
3. Research the weather forecast and adjust your gear accordingly, so that you're prepared for all conditions (rain, snow, cold).
Be prepared for rain and cool temperatures, since it often rains during bike-packing adventures. This way, if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate with you on your trip, you'll be able to cover your bases and enjoy the adventure anyway.
4. Gather supplies before leaving home—you'll need food in case something goes wrong or someone gets sick on the trail; water; and gear like repair kits and extra tubes for punctures and flat tires.
Once the potential hazards have been accounted for and mapped out on paper, start creating a list of everything else that might need to be carried along with your bikepack—food and water (especially during hot summer days).
Once you know where you're going and how far it is between points A and B, it's time to think about food—and lots of it! You don't want to end up stranded somewhere remote with no food in tow because you forgot snacks during your planning process. Make sure that every meal is accounted for: breakfast, lunchtime snacks, and dinner (if you are staying overnight).
5. Make sure everyone has been properly trained before setting out on an adventure like this!
Make sure every cyclist has been properly trained before setting out on an adventure like this! You'll need to be able to communicate with each other and know how to handle emergencies. This can be done with a class or even just by going on a ride with your friends and having them help you learn.
You also need to make sure that everyone knows what they are getting into—and what they should expect—before heading out into the wilderness.
Final Thoughts
Many adventurers don't plan their adventures, but they should! Planning is the key to success on any bike-packing adventure.
Your bike-packing adventure isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about planning how you'll get there. It's about thinking of everything that could go wrong and ensuring that when things go wrong, they go right.
When you're planning a bike-packing adventure, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of what gear you'll need. But think of it this way: if you're prepared for all conditions, then no matter what happens, you'll be comfortable and safe. That way, when your trip takes you somewhere unexpected, like a tropical island or into the mountains, you can enjoy yourself without having to worry about whether or not your gear will work.
About Spokeherd
Spokeherd is a cycling community founded for the cycling enthusiast who loves riding bikes and doesn’t want to just ride bikes, they want to help others enjoy cycling too. Our goal is simple: we want you to enjoy your bike ride so much that it feels like your first time ever picking up a bicycle. We've gears that fit the needs of cyclists of all skill levels, and bikes on rent for every type of terrain so whether you're starting out or riding like an expert, Spokeherd has something for you!
