When considering to take an overnight backpacking trip, start off by exploring your local parks.
This weekend Aaron and I packed up our bikes and rode to McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Roughly 46 miles and six hours later, we made it to camp.
The route from our home in North Phoenix took us along the Arizona Canal to Hwy 87 and down into Fountain Hills.
Six hours on a bike may seem like a lot to a beginner but with stops to rest, eat burritos, and take a 30-minute work call, our actual pedal time ended up being about 3.5 hours on the bike, something that is very doable for someone starting out and testing the bikepacking waters.
This was my first ride where I had to carry my own gear, clothes and water. With the food and work-related delays, along with a late start, our planned 50-mile ride was re-routed and cut to 46 miles because sometimes you have to make changes. It was getting colder and darker and we both were ready for a warm fire. As you learned in our first blog, things don't always go as planned and that's ok.
Here is what we packed for the one-night camping trip.
Sleeping bags and pads
3 bottles of water per person, you can refill at gas stations as you go
Tent
Small stove and fuel ( for tea or coffee)
Clothes to sleep in and change into after the ride. Layers are key!
Comfortable camp shoes to swap out of cycling shoes
Headlamp
Chapstick
Helmet
Snacks like nuts, popcorn, bars, fruit.
Tip for beginners: when you're starting out and considering bikepacking choose a local destination and drop your car off or have someone drive a car for you in case you need to go home. Aaron and I biked with all our gear except the firewood and my taco chair to sit by the fire with. Many campsites, however, do sell firewood so you don't HAVE to have a car and a chair is not necessary if you choose to cycle without a vehicle at the end. It's worth it to check with your campsite and familiarize yourself with the amenities they offer.
My first trip was a blast and we're already planning our next one in February!
Will you be joining us?
Got questions? Contact us!
