Prepare for Bikepacking the Ochoco Overlander

Tips for a Multi-Day Bikepacking Adventure

So, you’ve committed to riding over 200 miles of gravel through some of Central Oregon’s most beautiful and rugged terrain. Step One accomplished. Don’t worry, it’s only 15,000 feet of climbing.

It may be hot. It may be cold. It may be cold and rainy. It’s all part of the fun. You’ll get there and have an amazing adventure along the way.

Training for Your Adventure

Other than having fun, Step Two is perhaps the most important step of the entire ride. And it happens well before day one when you show up at Good Bike Co.

Chances are that if you’ve registered for the Ochoco Overlander that you’re well aware of the adventuresome physical challenge it may entail. This isn’t a race. The only person you’re competing with is yourself and your own stamina. Some days we may ride near 80 miles and climb over 5000’ of elevation. If you’re not prepared, you’re going to be miserable – not fun.

One sure way to make the ride more enjoyable is to train well in advance of day one (see tip 6 below). Don’t wait. Start today.

Dial it in, Put in the Time, Prepare Mentally

Though we don’t have a specific training sequence we endorse for the Ochoco Overlander, bikepacking.com is a valuable resource and has produced a helpful video with Logan Watts discussing training tips for bikepacking. If you need a training practice, we highly recommend you take 15 minutes to check it out, summarized in the following 11 tips:

1. Get a bike fit.

2. Dial in your kit early.

3. Match your terrain.

4. Hire a coach.

5. Pick up proper training tools.

6. Put in the time.

7. Build a community.

8. Start route research early.

9. Stretching and non-cycling activities.

10. Watch your diet.

11. Prepare mentally.

Get Your Gear Together

If step two is about physical preparation then assessing and preparing your gear is Step Three. Proper bikepacking gear can make or break a trip.

Your days bikepacking will mostly be spent in the saddle. Though Good Bike Co. will provide some sag support, for the most part you are responsible for your gear. We don’t provide any gear or equipment.

Bikepacking Equipment Checklist

You don’t need the latest and greatest equipment for a successful bikepacking adventure. Small and lightweight is helpful. You mostly just need to know your gear and know what works for you. Be prepared for whatever might come your way.

We’ve put together a simple bikepacking gear checklist that has worked for us over the years. Look it over. Compare the equipment you currently have to that which you may need for your bikepacking trip. If you need a solid bikepacking tent, Six Moons Designs Lunar Solo reviewed by Ryan Wilson, is a tidy, light-weight solution.

Remember, you’ll be carrying your gear on your bike while riding on gravel through potentially cold and rainy conditions, then crashing out at night in a tent. Be prepared and enjoy the ride.

Good Bike Co. carries a variety of bikepacking and gravel riding gear. Contact us if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Look towards the Horizon

And there will be many beautiful horizons. We’ve witnessed some amazing sunsets over the Painted Hills of John Day National Fossil Beds National Monument and taken in the vistas and high desert air of the Ochoco National Forest. The Ochoco Overlander provides lots to look forward to.

The best way to make your bikepacking adventure the most enjoyable it can be is to start preparing for it now.

The point of this ride is to challenge yourself amidst beautiful scenery and in the company of friends – some old, and hopefully some new. Ultimately, have fun and make memories.

2021 Ochoco Overlander Update

COVID 19 VACCINATION REQUIRED TO RIDE

The 2021 Ochoco Overlander is quickly approaching, and frankly we couldn’t be more excited to get into some of the most beautiful country Central Oregon has to offer.

Following public health recommendations, a Covid 19 vaccination will be required to participate in this year's ride. Proof of vaccination must be received by Good Bike Co. NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1, 2021. All event staff and volunteers will be vaccinated. Thanks for your help in respecting our small Central Oregon communities.

Any rider who has not submitted proof of vaccination by September 1 will not be allowed to ride. Please email James, jgood@goodbikeco.com, if you have any questions or concerns.

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2021 Ochoco Overlander Route

Day 1

70 miles, 5,300ft

Enter the world class Ochoco National Forest as you embark on your FOUR day adventure; camp, swim, and fish along the John Day River

Day 2

25 miles, 2,000 ft

Take the morning easy, you deserve it!

Casually pedal through the breathtaking Painted Hills one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon. “When you travel to the Painted Hills, you can see millions of years of history revealed in the layers of mountains of earth, one color at a time. A journey to the hills is a journey through ancient and recent history”. (Travel Oregon)

Refuel in the small town of Mithcell, OR (pop: 124). Accommodations at Spoke’n Hostel. Be sure to check out Mitchell and enjoy a pint at Tiger Town Brewing Co.

Day 3

27 miles, 3,900 ft

Climb out of Mitchell and back into the Ochoco National Forest. Enjoy the summit of Mt. Pisgah and the vistas it and the Mill Creek Wilderness provides; Camp, swim, and fish at Walton Lake

Day 4

46 miles, 2,550 ft

As you cross over the Ochoco Divide on day Four you will traverse over the North edge of the Mill Creek Wilderness on a dirt two track road (read single track’ish). Roll down McKay Rd. back into Prineville where we will finish with a family-style dinner and bonfire on the outdoor patio at Good Bike Co.

BIG THANKS to our 2021 Ochoco Overlander Sponsors

Salsa Cycles, Burley, Backporch Coffee