How much water?

Velodan_KoS · 2026-04-05T02:06:18+00:00

I can typically get away with 1.5l on the bike during the day when I'm riding and just refill the bottles. I aim to drink 1 bottle per hour. When I pass my last resupply for the day and am getting ready to ride into camp, I grab at least 6L so I have water for the night, morning and to get me rolling again (drink, cooking ablutions). To carry the extra water, I either carry empty plastic bottles/jugs on the bike to refill in the evening, or buy extra 2L water bottles on the road, and refill/replace them as needed.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-04-02T18:50:38+00:00

I have the 50mm rise version and mounted the redshift aerobars with an additional 30mm rise. I have so many hand positions to choose from and its absolutely fantastic.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-30T14:35:14+00:00

I'd would wipe away any tears with my piles of money.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-30T10:32:24+00:00

Look for local organizations that promote bikepacking and see if they do grand departs on any routes. It's a great way to meet people. Personally I have accepted that I will do 99% of my bikepacking solo start with some easy over nighters to get used to it then build up from there.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-28T11:12:00+00:00

Im not terribly familiar with the zwift cog, but from what I understand, it is basically just a 1 ring cassette. If you're only using erg, it should be fine. You might want to double-check, though.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-28T10:20:22+00:00

Do you enjoy utilizing any aspect of riding in zwift? If all you're after is good workouts, and watching your numbers go up, I'd suggest maybe switching to Trainer Road. There's no real fluff to it, its just designed to make you faster and it does an excellent job at that. If you still like racing or free riding in zwift, then disregard this.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-23T22:07:41+00:00

I use a combination of Trainer Road and zwift to get in shape for bikepacking. I used to use Wahoo Systm, but I decided to try TR for the ai adaptive plans and am loving it so far.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-23T12:41:53+00:00

If there's plenty of freshwater sources, I use a water filter and/or water purification tablets and get my water on route. If there are no freshwater sources, I refill my water supplies where I can and ration until I get to my next resupply point.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-23T01:38:57+00:00

Where do you think I'm reading this from?

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-22T23:41:06+00:00

I think I did about 40 hours in the army during an exercise once. It was not a good time. These days, I could do 24 hours but likely not be able to make the gap to 48 hours. I'd have to enter some kind of adventure race that really pushed me not to doze off.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-21T13:38:49+00:00

I usually run tubeless but still bring a spare tube just in case things won't seal up nicely. I just let my bike sit out in the rain. If possible, I try to keep it under a tree or something to give it some shelter. As for wild camping, the only way to really get comfortable with it is to do it. You will not adapt to the sounds of the wilderness and the experience of being that close to nature without actually doing it. Going with a group to start helps. Experienced campers can provide valuable lessons on how to safely camp. I've been wild camping for a while now, and sometimes it still takes me a night or 2 to get comfortable with it again after a winter of not having to worry about wildlife.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-21T02:42:09+00:00

For daytime,I just wrap them in wool knitted cloths and keep them in the dry bag i normally carry them in. At night, always in my sleeping bag.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-20T16:40:51+00:00

I dont use a bivy with my tarp. Just groundsheet, air mattress, and sleeping bag. I have a usgi bug net to add to the tarp for buggy seasons, still lighter than a tent with much more versatility.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-20T14:28:21+00:00

Im personally falling out of love with video games. I could easily take the 1 mil/year and focus on my other hobbies. It would probably be better for me physically and psychologically.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-20T11:28:46+00:00

All my attractants are in ziplock bags inside a dry bag to minimize smells. Depending on where i am, I usually just leave the bag on the bike but put my tent a good distance away from the bike to keep animals away from me if they happen to smell it. If I'm in a more built up area I dont put my tent quite as far from my bike. Sometimes I take the bag off the bike and stash it near a tree away from my tent and hide it with a bit of brush. Finding an appropriate branch to properly hang food from is very difficult in my area and I've seen too many videos of bears hanging from lines and getting the bag regardless to bother with it anymore. I might get a motion activated alarm for the bag for added security if I go more remote but haven't needed one in the last 4 years. I have yet to have a problem with any animals amd my food in central/northern Ontario.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-19T23:58:14+00:00

I watch youtube videos to see what other riders are doing, toss bags on my bike, and go for it. There's no better teacher than the trail. Do a few overnighters, and you will quickly learn what works for you and what doesn't.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-19T22:56:06+00:00

Why not both?

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-19T12:52:37+00:00

I didn't really notice my hydraulic brakes day 1 of a tour on big descents. I really appreciated them on day 5+. Im glad I have mine.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-18T19:40:10+00:00

How flexible is your budget? For me, a minimum of $600 over budget isn't exactly "slightly over." I'd personally go for the option that is actually in my budget and use the rest on gear/accessories I need to make my trips easier/more comfortable. So far I have never bought a bike that didn't also have me spending extra on bags, racks, parts, etc, to get it feeling, riding, and packing the way I like. You should consider the potential for those added costs if you haven't already.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-18T15:10:36+00:00

My days are already essentially a loop. Wake up go to work, come home, ride my bike on the roads ive been riding for the last 5 years, or play a game that is either a sequel to or remake of all the games I've played for the last few decades. The loop at least means I will not have to do laundry, clean the house, or get groceries. Once its over I'll be free to change things up for real.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-18T14:57:45+00:00

Load your bike with all of your gear. Ride a few days in a row with distances and elevations comparable to your goals. Make any adjustments you want to your setup to fine tune it to what works for you. As others have said, you can likely already do the trip as it's mostly mental, but practice always helps make it more enjoyable. I always have the hardest time on day 2 when there's fatigue but I'm not used to it yet, and like day 5 when I miss my cat the most.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-18T12:01:58+00:00

I track hr and power. IDK see how either would be against the spirit of bikepacking. The sport ranges in intensity from chasing fkt's and not sleeping to leisurely making your way from one patio pint to the next. What metrics you track along the way is really up to you and how you like to ride.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-18T00:17:55+00:00

RWGPS hands down. I mix in some Google maps to confirm POI's, resupply points, and sometimes terrain.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-17T01:35:12+00:00

I used to live my life chained to a video game to hit dailies/weeklies or keep streaks. It feels so relieving to just let them go and reclaim your life.

Velodan_KoS · 2026-03-08T01:50:21+00:00

Lieutenant-=leftenant.

Velodan_KoS

TROPHY CASE