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:

Get a bike fit.
Dial in your kit early.
Match your terrain.
Hire a coach.
Pick up proper training tools.
Put in the time.
Build a community.
Start route research early.
Stretching and non-cycling activities.
Watch your diet.
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.