zeke
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Post by zeke on May 8, 2023 9:31:01 GMT -8
A mere 5 !/2 minutes of glorious scenery.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on May 8, 2023 12:07:21 GMT -8
Good stuff.
I'm thinking of bikepacking the GAP and C&O trails, Pittsburgh to DC. If I'm lucky I'll get to it this fall, but thats a big if.
If I like it the Badger Divide and others in Scotland may be on the list.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on May 8, 2023 12:34:16 GMT -8
reuben Badger Divide is above my skill level. 211 miles, 5 stages, 16700 ft elevation gain and loss. I think I could do the hours on the bike, but it's the Expert skill level it is rated at that bugs me.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on May 8, 2023 14:31:26 GMT -8
Yeah, the miles are fine, but the elevation changes are an obstacle for sure. I read one account which said that there were no hike a bike sections if you have proper gearing. Well, if I ever do the Badger I may put the lie to that.
I have no idea what the Expert skill level means.
I need the frame to get here (was estimated to be spring, now estimated to be July), build it up, and go on some short 1-3 day test trips before I try the GAP/C&O, much less the Badger.
It's all hypothetical at this point.
Only 17 work days until retirement, including one holiday, but who's counting?
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on May 8, 2023 17:37:28 GMT -8
I’d say “expert” means you’ll need to be capable of single-track riding. Me, I’m not really up for anything much gnarlier than what’s shown in that video. But that’s what I want to ride, for sure. Nice gravel/dirt roads.
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Post by Coolkat on May 9, 2023 3:39:23 GMT -8
Do the posters in this thread actively do bikepacking?
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zeke
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Post by zeke on May 9, 2023 5:24:03 GMT -8
Not yet. I BP, and adapted that for kayak camping. Since I have the gear, it seems like buying the proper bike and panniers is all I lack. I ride my road bike currently, and am good for 30-40 miles. I am aware that bikepacking would reduce my mph to 6-7, max. Especially on gravel and single track.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on May 9, 2023 5:33:34 GMT -8
Do the posters in this thread actively do bikepacking? That's the plan. We'll see what reality brings. Hopefully I'll get in a couple of short practice trips this fall. Not planning on panniers. Hoping/planning to use various bags without panniers. So in addition to weight, volume becomes a factor.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on May 9, 2023 5:52:47 GMT -8
I did some bikepacking back in my youth. My husband and I had some plans to do a trip or two, and I wouldn’t mind getting out on gravel, but admit my road biking has really fallen off, largely due to no longer being comfortable on the roads.
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Post by Coolkat on May 9, 2023 7:23:02 GMT -8
I don't have the bike for it "yet", unless I use my old 1996 Cannondale mountain bike. LOL But I have a dream of bikepacking across the UP of Michigan using only forest-service/fire roads. So I was just curious as to the experience of the people here. I think for my idea the biggest obstacle would to be to find maps that help me plan a route with water at appropriate distances.
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