We can credit/blame the coronavirus pandemic for all manner of secondary and downstream disruptions to humanity. While recreational activities are a relatively minor theme against the backdrop of everything else that is going on, for those of us who have the privilege to recreate, I'd argue that maintaining our physical and mental health helps us keep the vibe just a bit … [Read more...] about Gravel Cycling Infects the PNW
Bikepacking
Bikepacking: 2020 Virtual XWA w/ Bandók
This Sunday May 17 was scheduled to be the start ("Grand Depart") of the 2020 XWA. XWA (Cross-Washington) is a bikepacking race on the mostly gravel and singletrack Cross Washington Mountain Bike Route. The Route stretches from La Push to Tekoa, near the Idaho border. The 2020 edition was slated to cover 703 mi with 49,031 ft of climbing. Last year 37 folks started … [Read more...] about Bikepacking: 2020 Virtual XWA w/ Bandók
Women Gear Up for Bikepacking
Although pure speculation, based on the posts I'm seeing, women cyclists in the Northwest (and beyond?) have far greater enthusiasm for gravel riding than road riding. The rationale is simple: riding gravel feels safer than riding with automobiles. Add to that, within the bikepacking subdiscipline, women also seem to be strongly motivated to go on solo adventures. Here are … [Read more...] about Women Gear Up for Bikepacking
Gearing up for Bikepacking
As gravel cycling (re- ?) catches on with an increasingly wider group of riders, you may be among those toying with the idea of bikepacking. The terminology around bikepacking is a bit confusing. Northwest in Motion is using the working definition that bikepacking requires: a bike, an overnight stay, and a bias for routes on dirt and gravel. In contrast to the overlapping … [Read more...] about Gearing up for Bikepacking
Bikepacking: XWA 2019
XWA is a bikepacking race on the Cross Washington Mountain Bike Route. The 684 mile ~48,000' Route is comprised of singletrack, dirt roads, and a little pavement. Although the Route travels through remote areas, there are many resupply opportunities. The Route is physically and mentally challenging, and is also considered a test of the rider's bikepacking kit and gear. Troy … [Read more...] about Bikepacking: XWA 2019