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Introduction to Bikepacking


We invite you to join us on an overnight Introduction to Bikepacking event led by the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance on April 1 and 2. We'll ride up the east side of the Deschutes River starting from the Columbia River on an easy gravel path (shown here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41351155). After riding about 11 miles we'll camp for the night and return the next day. There are options for even more miles of riding each day.

We define bikepacking as multi-day adventuring mostly on unpaved roads and trails.  The goal is to avoid the crowds and head off into places where the natural world is central.

Along the way we'll talk about how to plan and pull off a future bikepacking trip of your own. Topics include:

  • Carrying gear on a bike

  • Water quantity and treatment

  • Food and cooking

  • Flat tire repair

  • Other bicycle repairs

  • Riding comfort

  • Clothing

  • Camping gear

  • Selecting camping spots

  • Riding in the cold

  • Riding in the heat

  • First aid

  • Threatening wild and domestic animals

  • Bugs

  • Human waste disposal

  • GPS and map navigation

  • Dealing with other riders, hikers, and horseback riders

  • Biking photography

  • Attitude, adversity, and enjoyment

This trip is limited to 12 participants. We'll have three experienced bikepackers leading the event so the total group size will be no more than 15.

To be a part of this event, you should

  • Be 18 years of age or older

  • Be fit enough to ride at least 10 miles a day for two days in a row

  • Have some experience riding a bike on non-paved surfaces

  • Be able show up with a suitable bike (mountain bike or gravel bike; sorry, no e-bikes) and basic gear. We may be able to help you out with the loan of bags or panniers to carry gear on your bike.

After registering for the event, you'll receive a confirmation email within a week.  Those who register earliest will be given first preference to attend the event, although we’ll adjust this to have a representative mix of genders. We’ll let you know details about what to bring, where and when to meet, and information about your guides.

This event is full. Keep an eye out for more similar events in 2023

Earlier Event: September 15
Hood Tier Stewardship