Bikepacking!

[EasyRider]

Wonderful. What’s the most comparable ride close to home, besides the canal towpath? I’m looking for some longer off-pavement routes, non-technical. For scenery and to avoid riding paved country roads with cars. Some of the forest roads in GWNF qualify, but I haven’t gotten around to stringing several together into a day ride.

[KayakCyndi]

@EasyRider 158190 wrote:

Wonderful. What’s the most comparable ride close to home, besides the canal towpath? I’m looking for some longer off-pavement routes, non-technical. For scenery and to avoid riding paved country roads with cars. Some of the forest roads in GWNF qualify, but I haven’t gotten around to stringing several together into a day ride.

Loudoun County is where we go for gravel. If you are looking for an overnighter look for routes out to Sky Meadows. Dirt and I did that last year riding from and back to Falls Church. Here are our routes. While not technical there may be a wee little hill here or there though ….

https://www.strava.com/activities/605172021 and https://www.strava.com/activities/605172118

And here is one I have on tap for later this year. Note though that 1) this uses some C&O and 2) also includes more technical trails.

http://www.bikepacking.com/routes/moco-bikepacking-montgomery-county/

[dkel]

@drevil 158145 wrote:

The last reason I can think of using packs over racks is that you spread the load out more on the bike.

I mainly do my commute with small Ortliebs on my front rack, and my rear rack empty. I love that it feels balanced, and for the commute I actually enjoy the steadier steering, particularly for climbs. I hardly ever see anyone out there commuting with front panniers, and I have to wonder if it’s because most frames don’t come with forks that are compatible with front racks, rather than because people like rear bags better.

[Phatboing]

@dkel 158209 wrote:

I mainly do my commute with small Ortliebs on my front rack, and my rear rack empty. I love that it feels balanced, and for the commute I actually enjoy the steadier steering, particularly for climbs. I hardly ever see anyone out there commuting with front panniers, and I have to wonder if it’s because most frames don’t come with forks that are compatible with front racks, rather than because people like rear bags better.

In my case, my stuff used to fit in a single pannier, and if I’m to have an unbalanced load, I’d rather it be in the rear*.

I’ve done the GAP + C&O with lightly loaded rear panniers, and bags on the handlebar. I’ve also used the Fargo with a front rack, and my backpack strapped to the top. Also schlepped borrowed camping equipment on the front rack. I do like the balance, and the Fargo is gloriously stable even with heavy stuff up front.

*Is what she said.

[dkel]

@Phatboing 158212 wrote:

In my case, my stuff used to fit in a single pannier, and if I’m to have an unbalanced load, I’d rather it be in the rear.

If I only use one bag, I can put it on the rear rack. The little Ortlieb looks adorbs back there! 😮

[mstone]

@rcannon100 158164 wrote:

What would be your favorite bike for light touring? Like GAP + C&O?

The C&O/GAP is basically flat and graded, so you can tour on pretty much anything. (IOW, anyone reading, don’t let your bike stop you!)

[dkel]

@mstone 158309 wrote:

The C&O/GAP is basically flat and graded, so you can tour on pretty much anything. (IOW, anyone reading, don’t let your bike stop you!)

It was pretty swampy on my C&O ride to Harpers Ferry…I was glad for fatter, knobbier tires on that trip. I was glad for my fenders, too, except I kept having to stop and scrape the mud out of them (talk about rolling resistance!).

[drevil]

I got a whole mess of new stuff from Big Agnes, so I plan to do a S24O on the C&O tomorrow night. The sleeping bag might be overkill for tomorrow night’s temps, but I was tired of freezing while my buds laughed at me

Big Agnes Goodies by ricky d, on Flickr

Anyone know if the water pumps are turned on/have handles yet (or know who I can call/email to find out)?

[EasyRider]

I don’t think so.

“Water is expected to be turned back on the week of April 16th.”

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

[drevil]

@EasyRider 158524 wrote:

I don’t think so.

“Water is expected to be turned back on the week of April 16th.”

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Excellent, thanks!

[Sunyata]

@drevil 158517 wrote:

I got a whole mess of new stuff from Big Agnes, so I plan to do a S24O on the C&O tomorrow night. The sleeping bag might be overkill for tomorrow night’s temps, but I was tired of freezing while my buds laughed at me

Big Agnes Goodies by ricky d, on Flickr

Anyone know if the water pumps are turned on/have handles yet (or know who I can call/email to find out)?

Nice haul! That pro-deal with Big Agnes is pretty sweet, eh? I bought a new tent last year, but want to get a lighter sleeping bag this year.

[drevil]

@Sunyata 158571 wrote:

Nice haul! That pro-deal with Big Agnes is pretty sweet, eh? I bought a new tent last year, but want to get a lighter sleeping bag this year.

It’s craaaaaazy. I’ve been a member of MORE for at least the last 15 years, and even though the Experticity benefit is newer, I didn’t know about it until last year. I think this is the first time I’ve bought anything through it. Even if you aren’t a mountain biker, but want some new outdoor toys, joining IMBA/MORE is totes worth it. 😎

[ginacico]

@drevil 158517 wrote:

Anyone know if the water pumps are turned on/have handles yet (or know who I can call/email to find out)?

Peter and his kid did a mini-tour on the C&O Sun-Wed this week. Handles were on and water available from DC to Harpers Ferry, but above Antietam things were dry (he stopped in Williamsport). Seems like they’re in the process but haven’t gotten all the way yet.

Rimas is riding Pittsburgh to DC this week, so he may post updates.

[drevil]

@ginacico 158575 wrote:

Peter and his kid did a mini-tour on the C&O Sun-Wed this week. Handles were on and water available from DC to Harpers Ferry, but above Antietam things were dry (he stopped in Williamsport). Seems like they’re in the process but haven’t gotten all the way yet.

Rimas is riding Pittsburgh to DC this week, so he may post updates.

Most excellent, Ginacico! Unfortunately, a few things fell through (bum friend bailing and bum leg failing) and I won’t be going tonight anymore The good news is when I go next month, I won’t have to carry (as much) water!

[Sunyata]

@drevil 158572 wrote:

It’s craaaaaazy. I’ve been a member of MORE for at least the last 15 years, and even though the Experticity benefit is newer, I didn’t know about it until last year. I think this is the first time I’ve bought anything through it. Even if you aren’t a mountain biker, but want some new outdoor toys, joining IMBA/MORE is totes worth it. 😎

I have been a member of Pro-motive/Experticity for years through public safety contracts. It is SUCH an awesome thing and I was really happy to hear that IMBA struck a partnership with them to add even more benefits to their membership. I have seriously made out like a bandit on outdoor and tactical gear.

MORE/IMBA memberships are only $35/year and give you access to these discounts (and more), plus your yearly dues go to maintaining the amazing trails in the area, not only for mountain bikers, but runners and hikers, too!

(sorry for the plug, but… :cool:)

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