Let's Go Bikepacking

What is bikepacking?

A lightweight form of bicycle touring, that includes camping, typically riding gravel roads or other form of mixed-terrain routes are included (gravel roads, singletrack, doubletrack, minimal maintenance roads). Camping gear and food is carried on your bike via light weight bags or rack and panniers.

What is a s24O?

Grant Petersen popularized the idea of a Sub 24 hour overnight (S24O) bike camping trip in the 90s as way to have a quick adventure that doesn't require lots of planning. Minimal planning is involved, as opposed to longer tours that require coordination.

Ride out to camp after work on a Friday night, camp, and return home the next day around noon. You'll have plenty of time for the rest of the weekend.

Your first few S24Os are great practice for longer rides, more days and nights. Get good at riding with gear and you'll be ready to start dreaming about multiple day bikepacking trips.

Why go bikepacking?

Palisades State Park

Bikepacking and S24Os are a great way to experience a microadventure close to home without having to take vacation time, leave your friends or family.

Escaping the grind for a day can reinvigorate the soul, ignite a passion, and unplug from the 24-7 interwebz data cycle.

Adventure is just around the corner. Adventure by bike is a great way to see the world, go camping, explore a new road, and eat at a local cafe.

What do I need for a bikepacking S240 trip?

1. Bike that can handle the route -- burly-fat tires for gravel, skinny-fat for pavement, medium-fat for both
2. Bike repair kit -- tube, patch, pump, tire levers, chain breaker, 4-5-6 hex wrenches, bike multi-tool/pocket knife
3. Camping gear -- tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, knife, tooth brush, toiletries kit, head light, book, deck of cards, extra set of clothing for camp, camp stove(s) for hot food and drinks
4. Food for dinner/lunch/2nd breakfast/1st lunch
5. Plenty of water (3 to 5 bottles) water bottles are needed for long rides

Lastly, you need a sense of humor and adventure. One night in the cold/heat/a rowdy camp site won't kill you, and will give you a great story to tell your Momma. You'll be home in a few hours ready for your comfortable bed or sofa.

What kind of bike do I need for bikepacking?

The best bikepacking bike is the bike you already have. A sturdy hardtail mountain bike will work, so will a bike path hybrid, or drop-bar road bike with big tires -- 32mm. As your riding progresses, your needs may change. If they do, then here's five considerations for a "bikepacking" bike:

1. What kind of handle bars do you like -- drop or flat?
2. Do you want to travel fast and light or do you want to roll over anything?
3. Do you want an all-rounder that's good at lots of things, but not perfect for some types of riding or bike perfect for some types of riding?
4. How long do you want to ride -- miles, hours, days?
5. How much weight do you need to carry?

Here's a few bikes I like for bikepacking

2018 Salsa Fargo 27.5+

1. Salsa Fargo - drop bar adventure
2. Salsa Cutthroat - lighter & nimble Fargo
3. Salsa Marrakesh - traditional pavement touring bike
4. Soma Juice -- hardtail mountain bike
5. Soma Saga - pavement-centric touring bike

How do I carry my camping gear on my bike?

Options are as diverse as a bikes. Here's a few options that work well:

• speciality velcro dry bags strapped to handlebars and seatposts aka Bikepacking bags
• Racks and panniers
• backpacks
• trailers

Work with what you have, maybe that will work for a few trips, before you decide to go bikepacking again as your riding changes.

Bikepacking bags

Salsa EXP Series Seatpack

Bikepacking bags are designed to fit to various points on the bike and not affect the bike's handling. This is useful when riding on challenging terrain or when it's spirited ride.
Frame bags, seat bags, and handle bar bags are the core setup for bikepacking.

Seatbags work great for storing clothing, sleeping bags, and soft items.

Heavy items like camp stove(s) should go in the frame bag, lighter items in the handlebar and seat bags.

Accessory bags are great for carrying snacks, tools, and random items that may need access while riding. Top tube, seat tube, and stem sacks are all great additions to any bike travel kit.

Racks and Panniers

Racks and panniers work because you may already have a rack installed on your bike. Panniers can work for bike commuting, touring, shopping; however, racks may become loose on gravel roads. Applying blue locktite to the threads should keep the bolts from coming loose. Bringing a spare bolt or two is good insurance if a bolt shakes loose and your rack needs another bolt on the ride.

Salsa Wanderlust Rack

Panniers offer a lot of storage capacity, which allows you to pack everything in a few bags. Panniers are also great for riders with small frames, because they don't interfere with the rear tire. Pack the heavy items first in the bottom and then put lighter items like clothing towards the top of the panniers.
Some racks work better than others due to bicycle standards.

Salsa Touring Panniers

Check your bike and see what will offer the balance between load, fit, and capacity. Racks that attach at the wheels are very stout and are a great option for gravel riding. Plus, racks work great for carrying large bulky items -- like firewood, beer/cider, cast iron skillets. Racks that attach at the hub are the strongest and work great for single track.

Truck bags are a lot lighter option than panniers, but you may not have enough storage space to carry all of your gear. One solution is to use a trunk bag and panniers to carry everything you need maybe some gear you don't need.

Baskets are the newest trend in bikepacking with racks. Baskets on your bike work the same as your basket at HyVee. Dump everything in and sort it out when you get to camp.

Backpacks

Riding with a backpack is great way to get started bike adventures. Put your gear on your back and get riding. One drawback you might encounter is a sore back after a day of riding with weight on your back; personal fit, comfort, and fitness will tell you if you like weight on your back while riding.

Trailers

Using a bike trailer is a great option, because it doesn't require adding a rack on your bike to go camping. Attach your trailer to your bike and put your gear in the bin. While I don't have personal trailer experience, the general consensus is that a trailer does affect the bike's stopping and handling capabilities.

What don't I need for a bikepacking trip?

You don't need the following items, but I like to be comfortable after a day of riding. Here's a few luxuries:

1. Camp chair
2. Two sleeping pads (foam and air)
3. Camp sandals
4. Multiple camp stoves for different types of cooking
5. Speaker for music
6. Hot dog & S'more skewers
7. Multiple cooking pots and a titanium plate
8. Journal
9. Frisbee/flying disc
10. Fishing pole

Where should I go bikepacking?

S240 bikepacking adventures are close quick adventures that can be planned Wednesday over your lunch break and you'll be ready to ride Saturday morning.
Here's a few options:

1. Check local state parks for camp sites
2. Check local city parks for camp sites
3. Check local public nature areas for wild camping
4. Check rails to trails for routes away from traffic
5. Check the next town over for any bed and breakfasts or hotels to travel light

Use Google Maps to plan a route, web apps like Ride with GPS can help you share your route. Planning stops for water, food, and sightseeing is apart of the process. See what you want to see, if you can't fit it all in, plan another trip with a slightly different route.

Another option is to get a camp site and just go. Plan the route as you're riding. Stop when you need to stop, ride when you want to ride.

Try to see something new and not get too lost.

What every bikepacker really needs!

A burnt up sock is the most versatile camp gear you never knew you needed... until now. Behold, the best camp stove potholder known on the Big Sioux River.

The Legend, The Myth, the Burnt up Sock!!!

How do I get such an important camp accessory? 

Easy! Follow these 10 steps and you'll have your own legend ready for adventures.

1. Go bikepacking
2. Go bikepacking in the rain
3. Start a camp fire
4. Dry off your socks, wool cycling cap, goat leather gloves, etc over the fire
5. Leave items on the fire too long
6. Wait until items are smoking (visual conformation required if items are not on fire)
7. Extinguish any fires
8. Remove any ashes
9. Remove loose threads
10. Put in your outside coffee kit, camp cooking kit, camp stove

Repeat steps 3-9 as needed until sock is rendered useless as a sock, but perfect as a potholder.

What Are These "Brand Ambassadors" You Keep Talking About? Pt. 4

Imagine a long stretch of freshly groomed gravel road. The birds are chirping, the breeze is cooling, and the sun has been dancing in and out of fluffy white clouds all day. You are on your bike enjoying the wonders of the world by pedal power and you are a few miles away from your destination. What awaits you there are friends, food, laughs, campfire stories, and...dare I say it again...community!

Bikepacking is an amazing opportunity to experience the oh-so-familiar landscape of our local area in a whole new way and Andrew Robertson is our guide to that wide world. He will be leading a series of rides and classes teaching the in's and out's of a successful trip as well as give you the knowledge to head out on your own adventure!

"In the past seven years of bikepacking, my Salsa Fargo and I have gone-far and are ready to go-far on new adventures. I've learned a bit, went on a few trips, and have a few true bikepacking stories to share"

I didn't choose the SNS life, the SNS life chose me.

We couldn't not have Andrew leading these rides, he is an amazing teacher, he lives bikepacking, and has a great sense of humor. He has been supporting this shop for years and his drive for learning, sharing, and experiencing new things is everything a brand ambassador should be. We didn't force him to take the position (nervous laughter) he chose it willingly.

Why go bikepacking?

"Bikepacking is a great way to experience a microadventure close to home without having to take vacation time or be too far from friends and family. Escaping the grind for a day can reinvigorate the soul, ignite passion, and help unplug from the 24-7 interwebz data cycle. Adventure is just around the corner."

What do we do if we are interested in a bikepacking adventure?

1. Check local state parts for camp sites

2. Check local city parts for camp sites

3. Check rails to trails for any routes away from motor vehicle traffic

4. Using Google Maps to plan your route is a great option

5. Make sure your route includes stops for water, food, or rest if it is a long trek or your first time

Most importantly, try not to get too lost.

Andrew, adventure is out there. Thank you for taking us along for the ride!

And thank you reader for taking the time to get to know our ambassadors. You are the reason we are a business and without you we just wouldn't be. So again, thank you. If you are interested in more information about these events, group rides, and other community opportunities check out our rides and events page on spoke-n-sport.com and we will see you on the trails!

What Are These "Brand Ambassadors" You Keep Talking About? Pt. 3

Did you know that people like OTHER activities besides cycling?! (We couldn't believe it either). Did you know that cycling is actually amazing cross-training for runners and other athletes, or that the triathlete community is growing by laps and miles?! All if this is true and that made us rethink the way we do things at Spoke-N-Sport. Community is a unified body of individuals, a people with common interests living in a particular area. South Dakota is rather particular so what better way to do that than to introduce a brand new type of ride? This year we have added a series of Bike/Run/Bike rides to our calendar and we couldn't be more pumped about who will be leading them!

Coming from a strong swim background, Melissa McCauley's love for running and riding has grown significantly over the past few years and her devotion to an active community is contagious. During her interview she had so many empowering and positive things to say about Spoke-N-Sport and the cycling community you'd swear we were paying her to do this (we're not).

"I started riding when I began training for a few local sprint triathlons . I remember the first time I jumped on a road bike, I was nervous because I hadn't been on a bike in years. It was exactly like I remembered, except it was FAST. I fell in love with the openness of the trails and the feeling of the ride. As a part of training I found my love for running. Last year I finished the Chicago Marathon, my biggest accomplishment yet."

What brought you to Spoke-N-Sport?

"To be a part of an amazing community like Spoke-N-Sport is a big deal. I am excited to partner together to spread my love of this community and have others experience the joys of cycling and running."

What are you most excited for with this ambassadorship?

"Full inclusion. What I mean by that is that joining in on group activities can be intimidating. I want everyone to feel comfortable. If you’re not an elite cyclist that is ok, neither am I. That should not stand in the way of joining group rides or activities. I love bringing people together."

Thank you Melissa, we are excited for everything you are bringing to the table.

Last but not least, our bikepacking ambassador, Andrew Robertson...

What Are These "Brand Ambassadors" You Keep Talking About? Pt. 2

Living in the Midwest, with it's calm rolling hills and flat prairie lands doesn't necessarily scream MOUNTAIN BIKING but that hasn't seemed to stop the steam rolling single track community what-so-ever. With the fresh trail up in Brookings and plans for more miles in Sioux Falls, to the well worn Leaders and Yankton Trail Parks there is no doubt the urge to ride is there. That brings us to our next brand ambassador, Ken Kreger.

Ken has a passion for mountain biking, that is without question. He will be leading a series of Intro to Mountain Biking Classes for all skill levels this year to help spread the joys of riding on dirt as well as ways to be safe, keep our trails maintained, and feeling confident when riding with others.

What do you love about riding?

"I love cycling because of the freedom to explore miles of roads and trail without burning gasoline or spending anything other than time. Even when it is really hot or really cold outside it feels great to go somewhere on a bike. Especially with friends."

Why did you choose Spoke-N-Sport as your bike shop?

"Spoke-n-Sport makes it easy to get connect with other cyclists, find new areas to ride, participate in events, and learn more about the community."

What are you future cycling goals?

"Last year I focused mostly on local mountain bike trails, and that was a lot of fun because you can just grab your bike and go whenever you get the chance. This year will require more of a focused approach because I am planning to do some endurance rides, possibly in Nebraska and North Dakota."

We are looking forward to everything you have to teach us Ken and thank you for your passion and excitement for this growing community.

Melissa McCauley is our next ambassador so check back tomorrow for her story.

What Are These "Brand Ambassadors" You Keep Talking About? Pt. 1

Sooo, you keep reading the words "brand ambassador" ALL over our page and you are asking yourself, "what does that even mean?" Well we would be more than happy to explain it to you AND introduce just who they happen to be!

In short, a brand ambassador is someone that embodies the brand they are representing. To us, they are out on the trails when we as a store cannot be, providing honest, respectful, and legitimate promotion to Spoke-N-Sport through group rides, classes, and events. It involves being emotionally committed to the product and value we stand behind and offer to our customers. Their passion for cycling and community are key. They are strong leaders and teachers and want to grow a healthy and strong cycling community in our local area.

That being said, over the next week we want to introduce to you our ambassadors for 2018 and we cannot wait to see their events unfold!

Spoke-N-Sport is very proud to carry Liv, a brand created by women for women. With that brand comes an amazing ambassador named Jes Horton.

"As a kid, I rode my bike a lot because it was the only way I could get to my local pool or library. I didn’t get into biking seriously until I was 22 when a close friend asked me to do RAGBRAI. I said, “sure, why not?” and dove in head first. I bought a road bike, clips, pedals, and my first pair of bike shorts. I trained about 50 miles prior and I had no idea what I was getting myself into! Seven days and copious amounts of pie later - I was hooked! Since then, I have had the opportunity to bike throughout the U.S. and have met some of the most unique, wonderful, and inspiring humans as a result."

What are you most excited about with the Liv ambassadorship?

"I’m most excited about the opportunity to connect with so many fearless females in the Sioux Falls community and get more booties on bikes!"

What suggestions do you have to the women that want to start riding but don't know where to start?

1. Find a community of people who will both encourage you and challenge you. After all, the best things in life happen when you get out of your comfort zone! 
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I had very little experience when I first started biking. Heck, I didn’t even know how to pump my own tires! Once I learned some basic bike maintenance it became a lot more fun (and empowering)! 
3. Find a local bike shop and get to know the staff. They are there to help answer those questions and make sure you feel confident on your bike. Spoke-n-Sport has always been my go-to for anything bike related! 
4. Get fitted to your bike. Biking should be enjoyable and pain free and a good fit ensures both. 

Do you have any personal goals for 2018 bike riding or otherwise?

"Riding my bike in every state is on my bucket list. I’m about 1/3 of the way there, so I still have some work to do."

Jes, we are so excited to work with you to strengthen the women's cycling community, thank you so much for all of your hard work and we are grateful to have you on the team!

Check back tomorrow to meet our next ambassador, Ken Kreger!

Do you want to ride this winter?

The best part of riding in the winter may be the solitude found on the multi use trail that keeps the bulk of our city within its limits. Three inches of snow with more coming down makes for the best conditions. Pedaling the long way around town to my favorite downtown coffee shop is a highlight of my winter riding. The snow falling deadens the sound of traffic....it brings a quiet hush over the trail. It's something everyone should experience.  

I want to experience it as much as possible. That means keeping a few things in mind when taking care of my bike. The snow, ice, water and salt can be hard on bikes. Here are a few tips to help you and your bike get through the winter in one piece.

Bike storage is where this conversation is going to start. If your bike is lucky enough to have heated storage, you will want to set your bike outside for a few minutes before you take off on your ride. If your bike is warm and you start pedaling through snow, the snow will melt and then quickly freeze to your bike. It can build up enough to keep the wheels from spinning. In some cases it can melt and the water will run down the cables into the housings and cause bigger problems down the road. A completely frozen cable can turn into a broken shift lever. For this reason, take your bike outside a few minutes before your ride and let it cool off to the same temperature as the air. You will have less snow and ice build up.

Go ride, have fun and when you return home bounce the snow off your bike. You don't want it to melt on your bike and then freeze. Get as much off as you can by bouncing it.

Brush the snow off the tires. If snow is on the tires it will likely just drip to the floor. Brushing the snow off will reduce the puddle you have to clean up later.

Brush the snow off of the drivetrain. If you leave your bike outside, the snow can freeze and cause shifting problems on your next ride. If you go indoors, it can melt and run into the cables and causing shifting problems when you head out into the cold on your next ride.

If you do these simple steps you should be able to get more riding in over the winter. To prevent the freeze...thaw...freeze...thaw of going in and out with a bike, consider storing your bike in your garage instead of your heated house.

Some other things to help you along with your cycling journey....

• Have a winter bike. Find a good used mountain bike or fat bike to ride.
• Use fenders when you can. Full wrap fenders can keep snow and water from collecting on your bike.
• Use a good lube for wet conditions. Dry lubes have their place, but nothing works better in the winter than Finishline's Wet Lube.
• Switch to a 1x drivetrain. Get rid of that left shifter and front derailleur and have a system that has one chainring up front and a full range of gears in back. Similar to the Salsa Beargrease.

Last but not least, get out and have fun!

New Store in Brookings to Open Oct 7th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 26, 2017

Spoke-N-Sport
Chad Pickard, owner
605-275-2453 chad@spoke-n-sport.com

Spoke-N-Sport to open new location in Brookings, SD

Brookings, SD – Spoke-N-Sport Bikes of Sioux Falls is expanding to Brookings and excited to meet the needs of a growing community of bicyclists.

Staff are moving into the new location at 503 N. Main in downtown Brookings through September and will be open for service starting Friday, Oct 6^th 2017.

Brittany Kleinsasser and John Berry will manage Spoke-N-Sport’s second location. Both are well-known local bicyclists and heavily invested in the area bicycling community.

“We are thrilled to serve the Brookings community,” said owner Chad Pickard. “There is a lot of growth that surrounds cycling in the town and the area.”  

Pickard recognizes the momentum for bicycling in the community. The growth is evident in the new facilities and investment from the city of Brookings.

Within the last year, Brookings received a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists. Brookings Mountain Bike Association opened a new mountain bike singletrack trail in summer 2017, and the city of Brookings has enacted a new long-range bicycle master plan.

Spoke-N-Sport Brookings will be open 6 days a week and offer new bicycles and gear, custom bike fitting and service on all makes of bikes. Customers will find bikes and gear from Giant, Trek and Salsa.

For information about the new Brookings location, contact Brittany at (605) 679-7894. For service, call John at (605) 323-8261.

ABOUT SPOKE-N-SPORT

Spoke-N-Sport Sioux Falls has served the area for more than 30 years. Beyond sales and service, the shop and staff devote time and effort for cycling advocacy and events in Sioux Falls and throughout the state and region.

In 2017, the shop was selected as one of America’s Best Bike Stores and has maintained South Dakota’s only Gold level Bicycle Friendly Business designation from the League of American Bicyclists. Spoke-n-Sport is also the only Beginner Biking Alliance accredited bicycle retailer in South Dakota. Their New Year’s Day Bike Ride is one of South Dakota’s biggest one-day ride. Learn more at spoke-n-sport.com.