This is the most difficult 47 mile bikepacking loop I have ever done. Yes, you read correctly, it is only 47 miles. However, it has almost 10,000 feet of climbing and has six miles of very difficult hike-a-bike bushwhacking, and another five miles of stream crossings, and a bit milder, but still challenging bushwhacking terrain.
Then there’s the elevation gain. There is nothing slow and steady about the climbing. It ranges from barely doable climbing to so steep that a hike-a-bike is barely possible. One two mile stretch was 800 feet of climbing per mile (15% grade).
Overall, it was a rewarding challenge that I truly enjoyed. The ghost town of Belfort was interesting and scenic, as was the ride to the summit of Patterson. Day one’s journey was pure torture, as were the final three miles back to the start. I would refuse the riches beyond the dream of avarice to do this again.
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This is the most difficult 47 mile bikepacking loop I have ever done. Yes, you read correctly, it is only 47 miles. However, it has almost 10,000 feet of climbing and has six miles of very difficult hike-a-bike bushwhacking, and another five miles of stream crossings, and a bit milder, but still challenging bushwhacking terrain.
Then there’s the elevation gain. There is nothing slow and steady about the climbing. It ranges from barely doable climbing to so steep that a hike-a-bike is barely possible. One two mile stretch was 800 feet of climbing per mile (15% grade).
Overall, it was a rewarding challenge that I truly enjoyed. The ghost town of Belfort was interesting and scenic, as was the ride to the summit of Patterson. Day one’s journey was pure torture, as were the final three miles back to the start. I would refuse the riches beyond the dream of avarice to do this again.
For anyone interested … here’s the route (clockwise recommended): https://caltopo.com/m/0D00M video: https://youtu.be/J-hK9CDxHHQ
Enjoy!
Nothing wrong with a little hike-a-bike!!
I had to walk my bike last weekend on a much less intensive climb.
Thank you!