I had barely returned from my first bikepacking trip in the Alps and already wanted to leave again. I chose the Vosges for a 4-day adventure.
The first day went perfectly: Ballon d'Alsace, Col du Ménil, Col de la Schlucht, and Gérardmer.
Then came the night. I spent it freezing in my tent and slept maybe one hour.
The next morning, exhausted and completely demoralized, I packed everything up and rode the 160 km back home in a single push on my loaded MTB.
At that time, I wasn't very athletic yet, and I had never ridden more than 100 km. It was pure torture.🥵
At that moment, I genuinely wondered if bikepacking was for me.😭 Looking back now, I'm glad I didn't quit.
Feel free to share your worst bikepacking horror stories. I'd love to hear them. 🤣
by randon64619191
3 Comments
You were unprepared for the cold. I live in the mountains and whether you’re camping, snowboarding, hiking, or biking if you get too cold you’re going to have a bad time. Just learn from it and bring more down and wool layers.
Worst in hind sight was perhaps my favourite. New Zealand South Island… I started at St Arnaud with a plan to stay at springs junction (140ish kms)… but there was nowhere to stay and they were like just go over the pass and you’ll find lodging at hammer springs. I was 25 years old and just naive. All in its was 200+km day. I was very lightly loaded (staying at hostels) and 25 years younger, but I was done when that ride was over. Took the next day off and just soaked in the springs. I think about the day often. It was the first time in my touring days I had to walk a part of a climb. Love it
Three questions:
488W avg??
14740 kcal??
Col de la Schlucht??!! 😂