2017 - Expedition bikepacking trip - Do you fancy that?

[Richpips]

I've got somewhere in mind as a possible venue for a bikepacking trip in 2017 subject to a bit more research.

When I say bikepacking, think expedition where we'll carry all our stuff, there'll be no shops, in fact we'll be on our own.

Few people have been there.

It'll be quite an expensive trip.

3-4 weeks duration.

SPOT trackers needed? They don't work there.

Being the internet I'm not going to be more specific as to where for now.

Interested?

[Ian]

Interested?

Yes

(I take it we're going to the moon?)

[ianfitz]

Very possibly! I have a significant birthday around that year and have an extended pass out...

[voodoo_simon]

Interested? Yes

Will I get permission? Yes

Could I afford such a trip? Probably not (but keep me informed)

[Bearbonesnorm]

NO SPAR

[Ben98]

I might be (if a 19 yo would be even a little welcome) and if it doesn't clash with anything

[Dave Barter]

I'm in assuming we're riding through a rainforest or canyon

[Zippy]

Oh yeah, count me in! And if it encompasses beginning of November, it would also be a significant birthday for me too!

[Richpips]

Sorry Stu, no Spar.

Right as there is some interest, I'll do some more homework.

If anyone has their own ideas as to where we might go drop me a line richpips.stwATgmail.com in case my cunning plan turns out to be otherwise.

My only requirements are that some of it might require riding a bike (probably a fat one), and that it can only be done unsupported.

As to who can come along, if you're over 18 it's up to you. I shall outline all the ways you might die before you book your tickets.

[FLV]

Where did my reply go?

Sounds great rich. Plenty of notice to save up.

Do you have a destination on plan? Or looking generally still?
Greenland?

[Richpips]

Do you have a destination on plan? Or looking generally still?
Greenland?

I have a specific place and route in mind, oh and summer.

Greenland in summer, probably lots of slushy snow.

[rando nomad]

Looking at the spot map of coverage-
http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=108

quite interesting where Spot transmitters do not cover- southern Africa, a good part of India and Nepal and far southern South America.
Throw in the caveat that the transmitters don't work well in caves or dense woods and the options are numerous for adventure.

Makes me tempted to find out more.

[Karl]

I'd be interested if all things line up (date, cost, location etc).

Keep me updated. Might go and have a gander at some likely locations now

Cheers

Karl

[Mike]

Interested and intrigued!

[summittoppler]

Interested in the finer details but I think i know what she'd say

[FLV]

I mentioned it to my wife last night.

she said "GO, sounds ace. Try not to die though, I cant pay the bills without you"

[Bearbonesnorm]

Could it be the SE of England because they don't have much in the way of Spars either?

Does this mean that I should build some proper fat wheels for my fatbike?

[JohnClimber]

It will be around the time of my 50th birthday. She wouldn't say no.... would she?

[Richpips]

Does this mean that I should build some proper fat wheels for my fatbike?

I've never been able to justify a fat bike before.

I think one will be pretty useful though.

[Chew]

Definitely up for something like his Rich.

Commitment and cost (within reason) not an issue. More than 3 weeks of work will take a bit of persuading.

[ZeroDarkBivi]

Sounds intriguing and definitely gets my interest. Antarctica? Sadly my feet don't cope well with extreme cold these days...!

[Alpinum]

If it's up to the arctic or subarctic I'm on. No bother if it's to the magnetic north or Lena delta.
Summer... That'd mean winter in Patagonia. I'm on.
I'd rather visit Antarctica to work there. Not on.
Just to adress a few possibilities.

If there's any help needed give me a shout. I've planned and organised many wilderness trips, from 1-8 weeks duration.

Here's a great list of free online maps with which my plans often take an initial shape:
http://dzjow.com/2012/04/12/free-online ... or-hiking/

Good lecture that really helped me stay on track when I organized an alpine style expedition:
http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/Climbi ... -P260.aspx
I guess it's not much use if I send it to you - it'd probably cost more than the book...

I've Dave's going - I want to share a tent/tarp/shelter with him so he can look at my feet for 3-4 weeks

Any how, great idea. I'm sure it'd be fun in a group where more can go wrong than if traveling solo or in a group of two

[Alpinum]

Besides... my bike's all ready and waiting and saying pleeaaaase



really

edit: sorry, it's a bit big and well... I just started using a smart phone... guess it's too smart for me.

[Yorlin]

Guess fat bikes really DO have amazing grip!

[Alpinum]

If the rubber side's down... yes.

Well, not always. Imagine wet rocks and roots - it's no better, rather worse. I believe the higher contact pressure and better rubber compound on a regular bike can outweigh the huge contact area. Sharp turns in soft ground - narrow mud tires will win.

The really big difference and place where fat tires shine is their capability to float on top of soft underground. Riding steady paces they're also utterly comfy, but if the going gets rough and fast, they'll bounce all over the place (air sprung = no rebound, except for the rub during the displacement of tires/tubes).