Bike + Backpacking = Bikepacking. This trip is designed to introduce campers to bikepacking which combines the skills of backpacking with the joys of mountain biking. This bikepacking trip will be completely self-supporting and not require any assistance for food drops or shelters. Like during backpacking trips, the campers will carry their own food, gear, clothes, shelter, and equipment. One benefit bikepacking has over normal backpacking is the ability to cover many more miles per day, it’s just important to slow down and take in the beauty of the trail.
This trip is designed for campers who have participated in some mountain biking or enjoy casual biking, but expert mountain biking skills are NOT required. The chosen route contains some difficult climbs and descents, but these can be easily negotiated by walking the bike. We refer to these as “hike-a-bike” sections. The North Country Trail (NCT) was chosen as a venue for this bikepacking trip because it offers a well organized route, almost 80 continuous miles of trail, and the pure beauty of the Manistee National Forest. Wilderness camping is permitted almost anywhere along the trail which gives flexibility to the trip’s schedule.

Labels:  Backpacking