Got out and finally took my Krampus for its maiden voyage and tried my hand at bikepacking. Did the looking glass loop S24 overnighter off bikepacking.com. The climbs were absolutely bullshit and kicked my ass! Plenty of hike a bike for my out of shape self. One really tough part with a 16% grade uphill was wild. The downhill was outstanding and the single track was heavenly.
Lots of lessons learned and met some cool people on the route. Went the 17/18th of May and it was too hot for me. Lots of horse flies and poison ivy and some ticks. Saw and heard a rattle snake right off the trial about 6 inches off to the side. We both kept our respectable distances.
Camped around mile 24 next to the creek before the bridge. Large campsite, lots of widowmakers though. I wouldn’t recommend anything other than a mountain bike for some of those downhill drops, headache inducing. Some drop bar folks I passed had to carry their bikes. Ended at Oscar’s blues for brews and burger.
Would do again with less weigh, smaller panniers for just overnight, go when it’s cooler, and maybe throw front suspension on, and bring more food/electrolyte packets. The 4/10 rating on difficulty made me realize that preparation is needed for anything bikepacking related.
by Son_of_Liberty88