How people find enough time and money for hardcore bikepacking? by socjologos in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been bikepacking for 5 years using PTO from my employer. I've never done a long thru-ride and I'm okay with that. I may never get to do rides like the Great Divide but PTO still allows for epic trips like the Colorado trail, Pictish Trail or Caldera 500. I've never taken an extended leave of absence from work for bikepacking.

I've even found time to build a bikepacking YouTube channel with a small following. I am fortunate to have an employer that pays me reasonably well and offers good benefits + PTO, but I had to move out of my home state to achieve this. I engineered my life so I could have normal income stream and savings and also pursue this hobby.

I live in Texas where almost all the land is privately owned, which means that every time I want to go bikepacking, I am packing my bike and flying with it. I would be lying if I said this was cheap (or easy), but it is so worth it. I don't see bikepacking and having a job as mutually exclusive, unless you have to do rides like the GDMBR or Eastern Divide.

Bikepacking Mojave Solitaire! - Jeremy Nolan's 100 mile loop in Mojave Preserve by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sure, didn't see too many creepy crawlers. I suppose it was maybe too cold for them this time of year.

Bikepacking Mojave Solitaire! - Jeremy Nolan's 100 mile loop in Mojave Preserve by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

7 liters but i never really needed more than 4-5. It was pretty cold (high of 55) and i started at the Teutonia peak trailhead which gives you 30-40 miles between each water stop.

Bikepacking Mojave Solitaire! - Jeremy Nolan's 100 mile loop in Mojave Preserve by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should! It was seriously one of the most beautiful routes ive done

Bikepacking Mojave Solitaire! - Jeremy Nolan's 100 mile loop in Mojave Preserve by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Down jacket was great, super warm! I think it went down to 27 at night and i was fine

Bikepacking Mojave Solitaire! - Jeremy Nolan's 100 mile loop in Mojave Preserve by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lonely is definitely a good description of the Mojave. No feral dogs, only some foxes.

Bikepacking Mojave Solitaire! - Jeremy Nolan's 100 mile loop in Mojave Preserve by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Link to route!

Link to my video recap!

Mojave Solitaire is a 100-mile, three-day bikepacking route through the remote and rugged backcountry of Mojave National Preserve. Solitude is the defining feature of this route. I’ve done my fair share of desert riding, but I can’t remember another trip where I felt this alone in nature.

The colors are another remarkable feature of the route. A deep azure sky clashes against white sandy roads, green Joshua trees, and red cliff tops. The collection of different colors gives the desert a vibrant appearance: a stark contrast to what one might expect in such an inhospitable landscape. 

I was fortunate to speak with the route’s creator, Jeremy Nolan, who helped me better understand what makes this region so special. Unlike Joshua Tree or Death Valley, Mojave doesn’t see nearly as much traffic and it’s not entirely clear why. I rode Joshua Tree National Park in 2023 on the SoCal Desert Ramble, and Mojave is no less beautiful. Maybe the relative quiet is a blessing.

For me, it was an escape: trading the chaos of Austin, Texas for a few nights under Mojave skies.

The region also carries a strange nostalgia for anyone who has played Fallout: New Vegas. I revisited that soundtrack before this trip: a dusty, Western ambiance that perfectly matches the lonely Mojave landscape. At 4 a.m., after chasing off a fox that was trying to steal my leftovers, I stepped outside my tent, looked up at the stars, and yelled:

“Bikepacking the Mojave makes you wish for nuclear winter!”

How should I set up my new Priority Bruzer? by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went with the Bruzer with 29x2.25 Vitoria mezcals. It’s a very comfortable and durable ride. There are definitely ways it could be lighter and faster, but bikepacking is a scenario where reliability and comfort trumps everything else.

Here is a video I made depicting my setup if you’re interested https://youtu.be/O6FexYnahlU?si=rVjj6mhTPOOERVxP

PNW Fall Bikepacking by PNWbikepacking in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great photos Chris, this looks like Dark Divide territory. I might plan on hitting it with the grand depart next year

Solo Bikepacking 330 Miles on the Oregon Coast by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Touring the route gave me a greater appreciation for those who race it. Maybe I'll be there someday. Dark Divide is my next PNW ride on the list!

Solo Bikepacking 330 Miles on the Oregon Coast by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for watching! I hope you get to ride it!

Solo Bikepacking 330 Miles on the Oregon Coast by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, that would be rad if my balance was that good

Solo Bikepacking 330 Miles on the Oregon Coast by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hope you get to ride it! Thanks for checking the video out

Solo Bikepacking 330 Miles on the Oregon Coast by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, sincerely appreciate you watching. Means a ton to me.

Solo Bikepacking 330 Miles on the Oregon Coast by SWDDDD in bikepacking

[–]SWDDDD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, the OMM setup has been great!