Friday, February 27, 2015

What is Bikepacking?

Bikepacking is essentially cycle touring off road with camping in mind.



There is a strong emphasis on avoiding roads with cars. In a rural state, like Vermont, this is achieved fairly easily. We have more dirt roads than paved roads and an abundance of Class IV roads that connect us to the outdoors.

A Vermont rider, Calvin Decker who has done some very impressive rides, describes this growing segment of cycling very well. You can read about it here on the North Atlantic Dirt blog.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Surly ECR, an excellent bikepacking rig 

I have some .gpx data that needs to be cleaned up. A good friend of mine, Mike B (be sure to check out his write ups here), is practically my navigator and GPS tech guy. He has always proven reliable in getting the information to me that I need to make my way through this great State of ours. Before too long we will have the track ready. Stay tuned for some section by section description and discussion of "the long route".

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Vermont Bikerpackers now have their own VMBA Chapter!

2014 Route



Vermont Bikepackers is now a chapter of VMBA*!   We need board members.  We need logo ideas. We need a name for the Great Route.  We need route ideas that link VMBA Chapters together.  We need route explorers and route maintainers. We need someone to set a record riding end to end.  We need riders to join VMBA as Bikepackers!   

Vermont Bikepackers will work with VMBA to build a relationship with the GMNF; securing the route and getting permission for a group ride.  Vermont Bikepackers will maintain access and map the best places to bikepack in Vermont.

It's not all this flat! (WATA-bury, VT)


* You should be able to join Vermont Bikepackers online starting first week in March.  
Great things are coming this way!