Weekend Project Ideas....a reconfigure?

I guess I might not have too many pictures of this bike on the blog.  It's a Raleigh 29er XXIX...my mountain bike.  I recently had a frame bag made for it by Rogue Panda Designs.  It hasn't even seen a trail in this configuration....but I'm planning.  Sooner or later, I'm going to be doing the Oregon Outback route (360ish miles of single track and gravel from Klamath Falls up towards Portland).  I'm still intending to riding the Fargo....but if I want some company....I'm now prepared to provide the ride, cargo system, and lighting for any sucker willing to have a go! 

S24O bike configurations....some thoughts.

I've been tinkering with different bag and rack configurations lately in preparation for our little s24o trip down to Davis Creek park.  Right now I'm running a frame bag, handlebar bag, and seat bag (all from Revelate designs).

This is my "minimalist" setup...meaning the configuration should limit me from bringing too much gear because the bags can only hold so much.  This is a good thing for me because I'm an over packer.  And I seriously am...for instance if I'm bringing a stove for a trip...my brain says...you've got two stoves....and they only weigh a few ounces each....bring a backup.  The reality being I probably won't even fire up one stove, let alone need a backup. 

With that in mind...you'll notice I still didn't take off the rear rack (which weights more than 2 pounds) even though I'm not using it.  You know...because if I leave it on and have stuff I have to bring at the last minute...I can throw in the two large rear panniers that go there!  Or, I could help someone out if they are over packed and struggle on the hill climbs...I'd have room to take some stuff from them.  Arghhhh!!!  See, my brain wants me to carry a lot of gear and just suffer!

So if you're planning on joining in on this little ride.  Start thinking about how you want to roll.  Fully packed or light weight!  If you're like me, it might take a while to beat your over packing instincts into line!

S24O planning....how to configure your bike.

Ok, if the S24O post a few days ago got your blood pumping and your googling under the topic of bikepacking to a frenzied pace....then this post is for you.  I'm planning a group ride from Wingfield Park down to Davis Creek Park....stay overnight (camping)....and ride back to Reno the following day.  You are invited!  And to be totally clear...I will be providing the route and the start time/meeting place, beyond this you are technically on your own.

Anyway, this post is basically going to be pictures I've found on the internet (mostly from the Oregon Outback ride) that will show bikes in various states of "camping mode".  So depending on your interest, budget, and commitment.  Find a bike that has a configuration you like....or one you think you can get your bike looking like.  If you can accomplish this....you're probably 90 percent of the way to joining us on the ride!

On to bike configurations!

A classic bikepacking configuration....handle bar bag, frame bag (bag custom made to fit the large triangle of your bike), and a seat bag.  Also....girls bikepack.  This is not just a boys club!

A nice mountain bike setup....small frame...so no frame bag.  Note the fairly small carrying capacity.  Keeping in mind bikepacking is often a minimalist pursuit.

Minimalist doesn't mean no coffee, hot food, or even what appears to be freshly butchered steak!

Here's a bike set up with a large (porter style) front rack and a seat bag.

Lots of configurations here....traditional rear rack and panniers with handle bar bags.  Front and rear pannier combos.  Mountain bikes...road bikes....they'll all get the job done!

How about just a front rack with a wire basket and a rear rack / large seat bag?

More examples that show almost any configuration and bike will do!

It takes all types!

Somewhere in what ever bag / bike combination you devise....there should be a celebration.  For these guys it was one bottle of beer.  Pick your reward for the campground!

Now...for the record, many of these are highly customized setups (and can cost $$$).  You can certainly get by with a simple rear rack (from your local bike shop or REI) and a well organized duffle bag strapped down to it.  Add a small back pack if you need additional room.  It might not be the pimped out setup you envision for your future trips...but this all about getting out the door in the near future and getting started with you bikepacking adventure.  So get the setup started and I'll get back to you in the near future with a post on exactly what to put in whatever bike/bag configuration you've got set up!

Current configurations.....

A bike is always a bit in flux for me.  Fenders added or removed, changing a stem to improve riding position, swapping out touring tires for something more aggressive, and of course modifying racks, bags, and touring gear.  Partially, this is because I have too many several bikes.  Part of it is because I actually like messing with things.

Lately, at least in my mind, I've been gearing up for some off road touring.  I guess the popular term is gravel grinding.....an extended ride 75% or better on back roads and trails with a relatively simple gear list.  The grand plan is a route like this between here and Bend, OR.  I'm working on it from this side and a friend of a friend is working on it from the Bend side.  I'd say right now about 65-70% of the route is mapped.  So with this in mind, I've been tweaking again on the Fargo.  Right now here's how it's looking.

Yes, the flask is definitely part of any bike touring set up I design!

Basically, it's a Salsa Wanderlust rear rack with some REI panniers (which are currently on loan from the Preacher), a Revelate designs frame bag, and the Revelate Sweet Roll handlebar bag.  The panniers and frame bag are pretty self explanatory.  The Sweet Roll bag is kinda unique and cool.  Basically it's a dry bag, open on both ends with roll type closures.  So depending on how much you put in it you can make it larger or smaller.  It's mounts easily and has quick release clips that make it a "snap" to take on and off.  It also has multiple lash points and tubular elastic cord to hold maps or any additional bags you might want to attach to it.

The only thing I'm toying with is the rear rack and panniers.  While a traditional touring setup and capable of holding quite a bit of gear, they may not be ideal for the rougher terrain.  This would be an alternate configuration with an additional Relevate bag called the Viscacha rather than the panniers.

It mounts on the seat/seatpost like this.

Here's a fargo with the bag partially full.

And another fargo with the bag maxed out.

As you can see it holds quite a bit....but not as much as the panniers.  So I guess its all about how mimimalist you can be.  Anyway, that's what I've been messing around with, so I thought I'd share.  Hopefully, you're enjoying the potential that spring brings to your bike configuring efforts.