There’s nothing new about touring with your bike, camping for overnights, and seeing the countryside. But over the last few years, as mountain biking has become more popular, a different form of bicycle touring has become more prevalent-bikepacking.
Traditional road bike tourers ride mostly on roads or bike paths while using panniers to carry their belongings. Bikepacking utilizes bikes that are designed for off-road cycling and that are comfortable over long distances. Riders use mostly dirt, gravel, and single-track trails to plan their adventures and typically carry their gear in frame packs to lessen issues when traveling over rough terrain.
Here is one of our favorite blogs about bikepacking in our area written a few years ago by Wisconsin Bike Fed’s Deputy Director Dave Schlabowske. It’s got some invaluable information about the sport as well as a look back at the plans for the inaugural Tour de Chequamegon Bikepacking Weekend.
If you’re feeling adventurous after reading the above article, check out the Tour de Chequamegon website and sign up for this year’s ride. And, stop by New Moon for a full bikepacking set-up including, accessories, gear, and even a cool, new Specialized Diverge perfect for discovering the trail!
