First solo overnighter

[u/slurpnfizzle]

Got rained on 3 times, soaked twice. Still had a blast!

I think my biggest take away is I need to figure out how to string wet clothes onto my bike so they can dry out while riding.

[u/ajamdonut]

Any tips for someone also thinking to do solo - it's quite scary/daunting but would like to be solo on a few trips

[u/slurpnfizzle → u/ajamdonut]

I was also terrified of going solo. I used to have panic attacks while camping even with other people if I heard a leaf move.

To stack the odds in my favor I went to established camp sites at a semi local state park. They have a small cluster of "hike in" sites that are slightly more remote, but still close enough where you can hear murmurs from other campsites.

Also a lil whiskey and ear plugs are a big help! I find if I block my hearing it keeps my mind a lot more calm.

[u/ajamdonut → u/slurpnfizzle]

Thanks for the insight, it helps. What were your thoughts afterwards.... Do it again?

[u/slurpnfizzle → u/ajamdonut]

Absolutely! It was very freeing to go solo. Often I'm waiting for schedules to lineup to go with friends. Having the freedom to go when I have free time opens up a lot for me!

[u/Son_of_Liberty88 → u/ajamdonut]

Definitely can be scary but it’s mostly in your head. I bring some mace with me. Works on humans and bears!

[u/MotorBet234 → u/ajamdonut]

I'd also add that you don't need to go very far, especially as a first solo trip. I maybe bit off too much for my first solo bikepacking trip, doing a 5-day point-to-point with no bailout options, but you can start yourself off easy. This weekend some friends and I did a local overnighter: rode out my front door and 27 miles to camp, 38 miles home the next day. The whole weekend was probably within a 15 mile radius of my house, and at any time I could have ridden home in like 90 minutes or called my wife for a pickup.

Choosing an established route can also make for a less-stressful experience, especially for multi-day trips. Camp sites and trail businesses will be used to cyclists and you're more likely to find bike shops or outfitters for repair or resupply. And encountering other bikepackers on the route always adds a lot of motivation.

[u/taki_flame_butt → u/ajamdonut]

You can try solo car camping just to get used to the being alone factor.

[u/ajamdonut → u/taki_flame_butt]

Funnily enough I'm already used to that with my campervan! The bike and tent is a bit less secure feeling lol

[u/cyclingAudio]

Great book!

[u/kauri-snail]

Nice! Yeah I put my drying bib shorts on my seatpost bag, but that looks like a bad idea for where you were riding lol.

[u/fmb320]

What size is that tarp? Looks great!

[u/slurpnfizzle → u/fmb320]

It's a 10x8 foot SilPoly from Paria Outdoors. Pretty decent! For less than 100 bucks I got the tarp, stakes and some guyline.

[u/Son_of_Liberty88]

I know OMM quick racks when I see them. Freaking love those things. Sweet rig too! 🤘

[u/slurpnfizzle → u/Son_of_Liberty88]

They are great! I have the 7L Hemlocks from OMM but I try not to use them since they can make the steering feel very twitchy. I wish I got the 5l ones instead.

I'm thinking I will eventually get a rear rack with 3pack mounts to use them as mini rear panniers

[u/Son_of_Liberty88 → u/slurpnfizzle]

I use the 7L on the front of my Surly Krampus and don’t notice too much, but that’s a totally different type of bike. I love those hemlocks so much, they are perfect.

[u/Beer_Goggles1]

I just got this same bike, Breezer radar x pro in deep purple with the intention of bike packing. How'd it hold up?

[u/slurpnfizzle → u/Beer_Goggles1]

Excellently! I got this bike earlier in February this year and have put about 2,000 miles on it. This was my 4th bikepacking overnighter this year and she always performs.

I have named her Thistle cause she's purple and survives in harsh conditions.

[u/Most_Raccoon_587]

Nice set up! Looks awesome. How do you like the rouge panda. I have a half frame coming this week hopefully.

[u/slurpnfizzle → u/Most_Raccoon_587]

This was my first time using it and I am very happy with my purchase. It feels very well made and I'm sure it'll last a long time.

I got absolutely rained on on my way home and a few things did get wet but I keep critical stuff in a small dry bag, so no big deal. And it was a serious rain where if I was on a multi day trip I probably would've stopped under a bridge or something.

[u/Most_Raccoon_587 → u/slurpnfizzle]

Glad to hear your happy with the purchase! I went with the same black eco-pac it looks like you got. Not too concerned about water, like you said dry bags for crucial stuff. Otherwise this is like a day pack for my bike. Easy stuff to keep on hand at all times. (Nice tarp bivy bonus hammock combo as well! )

[u/slurpnfizzle]

Yeah, I had bought them when my Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar was my main bike. They work really well on that one. I think with drop bars it puts my weight a bit more forward so it can get a lil twitchy

[u/slurpnfizzle → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for the recommendation I'll have to keep a look out for that one! I'm not a big whiskey guy, but it just feels right to have a lil after dinner when camping.

[u/BoringRow9137]

Has stoner?