
Hi all, I was hoping for your advice for a trip I'm planning. For context, I have never bikepacked before, but have 3 weeks spare for an adventure and I'm keen to try it out. I'm also pretty fit, and keen for a proper physical challenge. I don’t own any specialist biking kit, but do have light camping stuff. My bike is a hybrid – a Trek 7200fx (picture in comments) which I’m aware is quite far from the ideal bikepacking bike. I have a couple panniers on the back too.
So I've explored the ~bikepacking.com~ website and got set on the Iberica Norte route (https://bikepacking.com/routes/iberica-norte/). It looks amazing, but also crucially the page says it could be done on a gravel bike (with 45mm tires) and there's also a shorter version I could divert onto if necessary (https://bikepacking.com/plog/bikepacking-the-rioja-alta-loop/). From the photos the route looks doable on my bike to my naive eyes…
I’d get the bike serviced beforehand, and get the larger tires. I like a challenge, but it’d be reassuring to get some input from those more experienced as to whether what I am considering is ok, advisable, irresponsible, dangerous… etc
Thanks everyone for any advice, much appreciated 🙂
by StillAccomplished749
2 Comments
Realised the image didnt upload, here’s the bike…
https://preview.redd.it/4acykg3sjhgd1.png?width=4630&format=png&auto=webp&s=036125ef2c69e18a59439b4133eaa5cb9829f7c9
You can do a lot on the ‘wrong’ bike if you don’t mind getting off and pushing when it gets too steep or bumpy or muddy. Just take your time and enjoy 🙂