Bringing the best in cycling to the head of the field
CALL UP Product / Tech / Trends / Know-How / from QBP and Friends
Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / april 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
Tech, Trends & Know-How 4 14 22 30
Camping: The Final Packlist The Long Road Cass Gilbert: Gotta Start Somewhere Last Stop
2 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel Product 8 16 18 24
NEMO: Stay the Night Clement: Pavement Ends Bellwether: Dress for Distance Bags: Get Packing
lead out / about this issue Making the Dream a Reality
M
y name is Leigh Carter, and I manage Q-Outdoor. Q-Outdoor lives at the intersection of Bike and Outdoor, and helps bike shops complete the bike camping experience for their customers. We provide the gear, apparel, merchandising, and expertise to help bike shops leverage great outdoor brands and products. This issue of Call Up highlights bike travel and gravel racing, activities which Q-Outdoor supports exceptionally well for the bike shop and the cycling consumer. Cyclists are naturally curious and adventurous. We ride to experience more of our communities, our countries, and our globe. Taking in the world at bike level is a fantastic feeling, knowing you carry on two wheels the means to sleep warmly, shelter safely, and feed yourself. In a world of conveniences, we don’t always get the opportunity to be fully self-sufficient. A sense of derring-do and curiosity ties together the worlds of Bike and of Outdoor. The bike provides the propulsion, and the tent, stove, and sleeping bag provide the means to rest and journey another day. It’s one thing to sell your customer their first touring, gravel racing, or bikepacking rig; it’s another to give your best effort to ensure they have a positive, safe experience. For a retailer, it’s not about “go ’til no.” Instead, it’s about each customer coming back with a story and never looking at the world quite the same again. The bike travel experience is as much about heading to the county park for a bike camping overnighter with the family as it is about ending a personal adventure in Goa, touching wheels to the Arabian Sea. It’s about the story each ride generates, and that’s what bike shops are so amazingly well positioned to help create with their customers. Dreams of bike travel have boomed with social media’s help. No longer is that loaded tour across America only shared in a slideshow over dinner. Now it’s shared in real time, on Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. Each picture and blog post inspires others, motivating them to see the world at bike level. Storytelling can help carry the day for bike shops. As cyclists, we love the dream and the journey. Retailers sell the dream—and we should, because it takes more than a dream to make these sorts of stories. It takes a great bike, the right gear, and more than a little grit. Bike retailers have the experience, products and motivation to make their customers’ dreams a reality. Combining Bike with Outdoor creates a more engaging retail experience. The combination invites new sales dollars, new brands, and new products for consumers to explore and create stories with. Beyond the numbers, you’re part of a partnership, helping complete the dream your customer started forming before he or she walked into your shop. Making that dream a reality brings a fantastic new world to your customer, and to your shop.
It takes more than a dream to make these sorts of stories. It takes a great bike, the right gear, and more than a little grit.
On this page: Cass Gilbert with “The Mighty One” and friends, Patagonia, 2014. Photo courtesy of Cass Gilbert www.whileoutriding.com
Cover: Descending Kemal-Egerek, one of the tallest peaks on the Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine. Photo courtesy of Nicholas Carman www.gypsybytrade.wordpress.com
CALL UP / Volume 1, Number 3 / April 2014 Published by Quality Bicycle Products 6400 West 105th Street Bloomington, Minnesota 55438 www.qbp.com Customer Service: 800.346.0004 customerservice@qbp.com If you’d like to stop receiving a paper version of Call Up, please contact Customer Service. All brands, trademarks and content in Call Up is the intellectual property of QBP or our vendor partners, all rights reserved. © Quality Bicycle Products, Inc. 2014
Carter with the Salsa El Mariachi she rode on a 5-day trip along the Montana section of the Continental Divide Trail.
Tune up / tech tips and info to boost your know-how
The Final Packlist Or is it…?
We’ve put together tips for tackling the never-ending question, “Do I have what I need?” Joe Benedict from Q-Outdoor gives us his recommendations for bike touring and bikepacking trips.
Q-Outdoor Q-Outdoor guides retailers at the intersection of the Bike and Outdoor categories. We consider bike camping to encompass traditional pavement touring, as well as the new growth categories of off-road, ultralight bikepacking and fat biking. Q-Outdoor supports shops with bike camping clinics for retail staff, in-store signage, seasonal gear guides and customized product assortments. Dealers can choose gear that supports their brand story and reflects their customer base, with leading bike camping accessory brands like NEMO Equipment, MSR, Black Diamond, Esbit, CRKT, Optimus, Sierra Designs, Outdoor Research, Jetboil, Vargo, Big Agnes, MoraKniv, Suunto, Granite Gear, Light My Fire, Backpacker’s Pantry, Katadyn, and many others. Learn more at q-outdoor.com.
4 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
How much stuff do I need? How much you needs is up to the you, but modern products will allow you to take more creature comforts with you since gear is more compact, lightweight and durable than it has ever been. Bring an insulated 2-inch thick air pad that packs down smaller than a Nalgene bottle; couple the pad with an uber-lighweight down quilt, and you’ve got a small package that is as comfy as any home mattress and down comforter. With all the changes in modern tents, there is no need to go to a tarp or bivy to be lightweight. You can find multiple options for full tents that weigh less than 2.5 pounds. There are essentials of course—a knife, a compass, water treatment, etc.—and Q-Outdoor stays on top of product trends and technologies to make sure that we always have the lightest and most durable premium product in stock at your disposal.
What about gear: frame bags or panniers? This is the leading question when it comes to bike camping. It depends on the type of trip and the amount of gear you have. If you are touring on pavement and want to maximize space, then panniers and racks are the way to go. But we’ve all had that moment when we are about to push that first pedal stroke and the bike just doesn’t want to move. And a pannier setup makes for a wide center of gravity that’s unstable on anything but pavement. This is where frame bags come in. When off-road touring or bikepacking, having a low and small center of gravity becomes essential. Frame bags are no wider than the bike itself, so your center of gravity isn’t compromised at all. Removing the racks also removes a fair amount of weight. Frame bags cannot handle the heavier weight that panniers can, nor do they have the endless space, but as we said before, gear is getting better, lighter and smaller, and so the need to have so much storage space just doesn’t exist anymore. The same gear that once needed 100 liters of space now only needs 50, and that can be split between two or three frame bags and a small backpack.
MSR Micro Rocket Stove OS0020 / KS82B
Let’s get to the basics of shelter. What are some considerations? There are options out there for any and all environments and users. For the longest time, if you wanted to be crazy lightweight, you either slept under the stars, John Muir style, accepting whatever Mother Nature chose to throw at you, or you brought a tarp or a bivy. With a tarp, you are protected from rain but not from bugs and critters. And a bivy, although great in dry conditions, can be claustrophobic—and there is no place to keep your gear dry. With lightweight tents, you’ve got multiple full-shelter options below 2.5 pounds in one-person models and sub 3 pounds in two-person models. Who can argue with 1.5 pounds per person for a full double-wall shelter that just keeps making this category better and better? While traditional tents are a great option with their weight savings, other sleep systems like hammocks are taking off as well. The benefit of getting off the ground is that the cold earth doesn’t sap your body heat, and you’re guaranteed to not have to deal with a rock or a stick under your tent. Although wind is a consideration, and an under- and top-quilt that fits around your hammock makes it an option 365 days a year. The long and short of it is that options abound and you can find the right sleeping combo no matter the environment or how difficult of a sleeper you think you may be.
The 2.6 ounce MSR Micro Rocket does not sacrifice power for size; boils 1 liter of water in just 3.5 minutes. The included hard-shell case nests perfectly in MSR insulated mugs.
Modern products allow you to pack more creature comforts since gear is more compact, lightweight, and durable than it has ever been.
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 Platinum Tent OT1100 / JY610X
Full-featured, ultralight, and easy to pack, set up, and inhabit, this one-person shelter is 1 lb 11 oz.
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 5
MSR Quick Solo System Cook Set OC0100 / TI80L
Soon to become your go-to cook set for solo adventures. The insulated mug keeps morning coffee hot and your hands cool, and nests in the lightweight 1.3 liter aluminum pot with enough room left over for your spork.
Optimus Titanium Cutlery Set OC1003 / PQ36O
Bring a little bit of the civilized world with you on your travels. The Optimus three-piece Titanium Cutlery Set weighs only 52 grams, and the matte-finish handle blends in to a polished eating surface.
It’s time for the evening’s jam sesh— air, acoustic, or electric? Definitely electric. Why play an air guitar and whistle a tune when you can bring your tunes with you? With small, portable speakers, and rechargeable backup batteries, you can rock out to hours of tunes from your phone and know you’ve got battery left to make a call if need be.
Once you’ve set up camp, you’re going to be pretty hungry. What’s for dinner? Lightweight is the name of the game. Getting calories in at the end of the day is key, and dehydrated meals are the way to go. With a wide variety of meals available, everyone can find something they like. Dehydrated meals just require hot water poured right into the bag, so your cook systems end up lighter too. Modern alcohol stoves can be limiting at times since they don’t allow you to boil massive quantities of water, but if you want to maximize weight savings, there is no other way to go. They will save you time and give you a rolling boil fast so you can get your coffee and oatmeal—and most importantly yourself—up and at ‘em. Multifuel stoves are not to be forgotten, though. With their larger burners you can really get cookin’ in the backcountry and make anything from eggs and bacon in the morning to a pizza at night. In sub-zero temps there is nothing better, since white gas has no freezing point. The weight goes up but the meal options are endless.
6 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
Big Agnes Insulated Pad OB1142 / VN124W
Light and compact, this three-season pad will keep you comfortable. The Insulated Air Core has a layer of Primaloft to keep you warm on those cold nights. I-beam construction and larger outer chambers keep you cradled in the center of the pad.
Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed OB4225 / ZJ338B
Free from extraneous hardware, this lightweight bag lets you sleep like you would in a normal bed. Key features include an oversized comforter to seal out drafts, a sleeping pad sleeve to keep you on your pad, and insulated hand pockets that allow you to easily tuck in the sides.
What are some other favorite items you can’t live without on a getaway? There are always two things I want to do once I get to the campsite: have some fun moving around and sit in comfort. Bring a glow-in-thedark Frisbee because when it’s getting pitch black out there is nothing like throwing a disc under the stars and watching it glide through the air like a meteor. And small, compact folding chairs are great. They let your back rest and get your bum off the ground. They can pack as small as a Chipotle burrito and they’re well worth it for tired legs.
And finally! Time to sleep. What do I need for a good night’s rest? Know your environment and be prepared for the coldest temps. If the range is 35 to 60 degrees, take a 30-degree bag. We’re talking only a few more ounces in weight, but being warm is the difference between having a great trip and a lousy one. It used to be that if you were worried about your sleeping bag getting wet, you would go with synthetic bags that would still stay warm. The downside to synthetic bags is that they don’t compress as well as down and are heavier. However, technology and inventiveness have brought us hydrophobic down—down that still retains its loft and warmth even when wet. If you’re going on a trip and you know it will be humid or that you’ll be exposed to sea spray, hydrophobic down is a great solution. When it comes to sleeping pads, comfort for a better night’s sleep is the goal, so you’ll be ready for more miles in the morning. Remember that the back of your sleeping bag doesn’t provide much insulation, since it’s compressed. The cold ground will sap your body heat, so an insulated pad can make all the difference. Many pads have differently shaped baffles (air channels)—some vertical and some horizontal. Take time to try them out and see what your back likes best.
Let me know if you have any questions when purchasing camping products. I’m more than happy to listen and offer consultation so you’ll find the perfect product mix to get out there! Joe Benedict is one of the nicest guys you’d ever hope to meet. He puts his extensive outdoor experience and product knowledge to good use for Q-Outdoor, and can answer just about any question you have.
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 7
The folks at NEMO spend time outside, which fuels their commitment to gear that contributes to adventure for anyone, anywhere. From AirSupported Technology in their shelters to their Spoon Shape Series sleeping bags that allow for more natural sleep movement and better rest, NEMO puts their familiarity with adventure into everything they design. Helio Pressure Shower
Gogo Elite Tent
OT8970 / FJ140Q
OT8800 / NL606Q
The Helio Pressure Shower comes in a small, neatly nested kit and weighs less than a liter of water. Ideal for showering or cleaning dishes in camp, rinsing off gear after a muddy ride, or general cleanliness in the backcountry.
What sets Gogo Elite apart is NEMO’s unique AirSupported Technology and ultralight fabrics. It’s 9 feet long, 3 feet wide, 27 inches tall, takes less than 15 seconds to set up, packs to the size of a cantaloupe, and weighs only 1.4 pounds.
®
8 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
Siren Sleeping Bag
Rhythm Synthetic Sleeping Bag
Cosmo Air Lite Pad
OB8867 / RZ492K
OB8860 / NT284C
OB8848 / MD198K
It’s easy to make things lightweight. The challenge is to make them as light as they can be without going too far. Siren takes away everything extra without taking away the promise of a warm and draft-free night’s sleep.
Unlike conventional mummy shapes, Nemo’s new Spoon Shape Series bags give you extra space where it matters most. This innovative bag profile offers true sleeping comfort in the backcountry. Winner of the 2012 Outside Magazine Gear of the Show, Outdoor Retailer Award.
These pads have a plush 3-inch thickness, durable fabrics, a raised portion at the head end to supplement your pillow, and best of all, a built-in foot pump for quick and easy inflation. The baffles in Cosmo pads run across their width, perpendicular to your arms and legs, making their contours barely noticeable.
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 9
The good stuff 2
1
3 4
5
6
10
1 Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight & Watertight 0.9 First Aid Kit TA8008 / RQ44N • The perfect kit for 1–4 people on a multi-sport adventure. The dry flex bag keeps dirt and water out, keeping supplies fresh for when you need them 2 ICEdot Crash Sensor EC0600 / WY170Y • Automatically sends an SMS text with your GPS coordinates via your Android or iOS device with Bluetooth 2.0 • The tracking feature on the app lets your contacts check in on your last whereabouts via the ICEdot website 3 ICEdot Wristband PG0200 / HZ22F • Wristband allows first responders to learn your allergies, medications and emergency contacts through SMS text if you’re unable to speak for yourself
7
8
11
4 UST Floating Lighter OA9230 / CK24U • The UST floating lighter utilizes a dual butane jet to provide reliable fire when you need it. The case is completely waterproof, and as the name implies, it floats 5 Dermatone SPF36 Sunscreen TA4020 / UC8M • A sunscreen that sits externally on top of skin, rather than being absorbed, for effective protection • Very water resistant (80 minutes), fragrance-free, and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays 6 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent TA7703 / AP10J • Ultrathon insect repellents feature time-released DEET for hours of protection
10 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
12
7 Kiss My Face SPF 50 Sunscreen TA0518 / EY20B • Rich in antioxidant green tea and licorice extracts to help fight damaging free radicals • Anti-aging peptides help reduce wrinkles, and a remarkably effective linoleic acid helps decrease sensitivity to sunscreens 8 Nathan Power Shower Wipes TA0003 / EN6C • A portable, durable, water-free cleaning solution for both body and equipment • Safe to use on the entire body, 10 wipes per package 9 Camillus Les Stroud SK Engage Multi-Tool OA0020 / KD50J • Packed with tools to get you out of any situation. Includes: pliers, scissors, flat/Phillips screwdriver, can opener, saw, knife blade; LED light and fire starter in the sheath
9
13
10 Light My Fire Swedish Fireknife Fixed Blade OA0101 / OF48F • The Swedish Fireknife can handle all camp needs, with a 4" high carbon stainless steel Mora blade, and a fire steel integrated in the handle 11 CRKT Zilla Multi-Tool OA0220 / KA54J • Contains all of the essentials: partially serrated knife blade, spring-loaded needle-nose pliers with wire cutter, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, and a bottle opener 12 CRKT Folts Minimalist Fixed Blade Knife OA0206 / QP40A • The small blade delivers cutting power with no excess 13 Birzman Feexman Aluminum 12 Mini-Tool TL3155 / KZ50B • Twelve tools for everything needed to get a bike back to home base: seven hex keys, two screwdrivers, T25, tire lever, and chain tool
Keep Your Camp Kitchen Stocked 1 Backpacker’s Pantry OF1005 / RH10G • Made up of a combination of high-quality spices, and freeze-dried and dehydrated ingredients • Many meals are all-natural or organic; none contain MSG
1
2 Oberto Beef Jerky EB0800 / QN68B • All natural jerky with great-tasting recipes. Several flavors and two size options. All come ready to display and sell 3 Kind Bar Healthy Grains Clusters EB8042 / RF10N • Contains healthful, whole grains like amaranth and quinoa; superfoods like blueberries and chia; and delicious ingredients like peanut butter and dark chocolate • Always gluten-free, all natural, and non-GMO
2 3
5 Honey Stinger Waffle EB5893 / QK28S • By sandwiching honey between two thin waffle wafers, Honey Stinger Organic Waffles make a great tasting snack
4
5
1
4 ProBar Meal Bar EB2332 / YT54W • Meal bars provide fruits, nuts, and seeds with fresh, tasty, satisfying nutrition • Rich in raw ingredients and the right nutrient-dense calories for lasting energy and nourishment
2
4
3
1 Ibex Arrivee Wool Bib Short AB8760 / TZ150F • With a newly updated wool face chamois, the Arrivee is your go-to bib for any adventure relying on durability, moisture transfer and odor control
2 Ibex OD Crosstown Jersey JT8292 / LN124B • Whether you are cruising across town or the Continental Divide, the new OD Crosstown Jersey combines a Merino polo with stash pockets and reflective details
3 Pearl Izumi ELITE Gel-Vent Full Finger Glove GL8130 / FX52Y • In-R-Cool mesh, Clarino palm and Gel-Vent provide the perfect combination of padding, coverage and ventilation
4 Smartwool Men’s Microweight Baselayer Crew Top BL4446 / ES76S • The comfort, moisture-wicking and warmth of wool with the proven Smartwool name
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 11
The good stuff 1 Vargo Titanium Hexagon Wood Stove OS2000 / BF80H • Uses easy-to-find, renewable fuel. Basic fire skills are needed 2 Jetboil SOL Ti Cooking System OS8000 / TK204Z • Ultra-compact and barely noticeable in your pack, while assuring you’re prepared for the toughest conditions 3 Optimus Crux Stove OS1000 / ON72T • Packs down to almost nothing. Folding burner head allows the Crux to be stored under the base of gas canisters
5 Esbit Pocket Stove w/Fuel OS0100 / BE14C • The Esbit Pocket Stove is light, compact, and holds six fuel cubes inside. Cubes provide safe, reliable flames in virtually any condition, including extreme cold 1
6 MSR WhisperLite International Stove OS0002 / UY136E • The light, stable, compact, multi-fuel burning, never-let-you-down stove. Burns white gas, kerosene, and unleaded auto fuel
4 Esbit Alcohol Burner Stove OA0140 / NQ28K • Ultralight and reliable, providing just what you need without any excess
2
3
4
5
6
TURN UP THE HEAT 2
1
1 Stanley Stainless Steel Adventure Vacuum Food Jar with Spork OC2636 / QR40Y • This stainless steel, vacuum-sealed food jar is perfect for a warm meal on an outdoor adventure or on a lunch break 2 Park Tool Spork TL8711 / VU8P • Stainless steel, spoon/fork utensil is vinyl-dipped in Park Tool blue • Made of 316 food grade stainless steel; dishwasher safe
3 CRKT Eat’N Tool OC0500 / AJ10K • A minimalist spork with extra tools built in. The Eat ‘N Tool also boasts a bottle opener, flat screwdriver head, and 6, 8, and 10mm box wrench cutouts 4 MSR Folding Spork OC0117 / VT6P • MSR’s folding utensils fold flat and are easily stored in MSR insulated mugs
12 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
3
5 Klean Kanteen Wide-Mouth Insulated Water Bottle WB4920 / JN34M • Double-walled construction and vacuum seal keep beverages hot up to six hours, cold for more than 24. Leakproof cap and stainless steel interior does not retain or impart flavors 6 CamelBak All Clear Purifier WB1350 / TD140F • Uses proven UV technology that turns any tap or clear natural water into potable drinking water in just 60 seconds
4
5
6
Photo courtesy of Clement & Donn Kellogg
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 13
digging deep / exploring the industry
Gravel racing is changing the face of cycling
S
lowly, steadily, gravel racing has been growing. Although modern, organized gravel racing has been around for less than a decade, the genre draws a wide variety of riders and has even begun driving product development. But while product developers are capitalizing on it, they are not driving it exactly. Rather, they are responding to demands of the market and to their own personal enthusiasm for such endeavors. That last part is noteworthy. Even for the people who design and make equipment geared toward this type of riding, its appeal is fueled by the challenge and personal experience they draw from it. There’s no faking a gravel race. It’s the real deal. Competing requires strength, skill, and determination, both physically and mentally. The appeal is not just in the personal obstacles such rides
present, though; it’s also in their inclusiveness and community feel. They are competitions, but they’re wide open to anyone who wants to take on the challenge, and the object is not necessarily winning, but doing it. It’s one more way to ride. One more way to test yourself. One more excuse to travel and step out of your day-to-day routine. Gravel events are not run by oversight administrations or well-funded corporations, so far anyway. They are created and run by individuals and small groups of volunteers, dedicated cyclists who spend huge chunks of time year ‘round researching courses, planning, organizing, getting the word out. Some are shop owners, some regular cyclists. They apply unusual talent with great dedication to every aspect of their project. These are more than races; they’re love letters to cycling from the riders who craft the events.
“ The next few years will see significant growth, fueled by new bikes and new products designed specifically for this type of riding. The events that will grow and prosper will be those that offer their participants quality, value and a unique experience.” —Jim Cummins, creator of the Dirty Kanza 200
The enthusiastic response from cyclists is undeniable. Gravel races put up impressive numbers. The Almanzo 100 saw 1,100 riders this year, and that number could reach 1,700 next year. Dirty Kanza has expanded to more than 1,000 riders. Even smaller events see dozens, if not hundreds, of riders. And it’s interesting, though not at all surprising, that gravel racing is not just an endurance event. It also requires substantial self-sufficiency. Almanzo is one hundred miles. Dirty Kanza two hundred. Trans Iowa is over three hundred. For most, riders must carry all they need to survive over the course of a day or two, during which time they will experience huge terrain and weather variations. They must carry food, water, repair and medical equipment, and know how to use it. There are no support vehicles sweeping the course. In fact, for many races the course is
“ The ride has created a context for a burgeoning scene of competitive, yet non-racing, cyclists to push each other. There is a community. It’s exciting for us to see other shops embrace our events—we are all rallying around this thing, instead of being divisive.” —Tobie DePauw, creator of the Gravel Metric and owner of North Central Cyclery
14 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
Race Report
Photo by Jason Boucher, courtesy of Salsa Cycles
really just a set of waypoints. Riders must use a map and compass or GPS to make their way, finding the best routes as they roll steadily along seemingly endless back roads. It’s one thing to drive two hundred miles. It’s another thing altogether to ride it on gravel, self supported. Mind-numbing exhaustion, mechanicals, and highly variable weather tax the body and mind, while the challenge, solitude, and front-row views of landscapes that encompass everything from dynamic vistas to desolate middles-of-nowhere feed the spirit. Gravel racing makes manifest the spirit that has always inhabited cycling. And that’s the point, isn’t it? The bicycle is, for every rider, a vehicle for exploration. Long, lonely rides resonate with two basic human characteristics: curiosity and a hunger not only to survive, but to prevail. Gravel racing is at the intersection of racing and
bikepacking, and the combination draws enough riders that companies making everything from bikes to bar tape have taken notice and have begun either marketing to or developing products for gravel riders. Riders have responded by asking for better options, and have bought and used them. The whole thing is an organic symbiosis. It’s cycling culture and business in balance. For this article, Call Up spoke to the organizers of four popular gravel races—Chris Skogen of Almanzo 100, Jim Cummins of Dirty Kanza, Mark “Guitar Ted” Stevenson of Trans Iowa, and Tobie DePauw of Gravel Metric—to take the pulse of gravel racing. All have full time jobs; in fact Tobie and Guitar Ted are both bike shop people, and all four continue to run events that helped set the stage for the state of gravel racing today. All provided a wealth of insight but Call Up could only dedicate a small portion of their answers to print. For the complete interview, go to www.qbp.com and click on the Call Up link.
Gravel races enjoy special popularity in the Midwest, but they’re not unique to that region. From farm roads to logging roads, if there are less-traveled back roads cyclists are probably riding them. New gravel races keep popping up around the country as the sport gains popularity, and while the distances and terrain may vary from race to race, one thing remains constant: these races aren’t for the faint of heart. Here are a few of our favorite gravel races you might want to check out for yourself.
Trans Iowa 300+ miles / April 26–27, 2014 Grinnell, IA / Free transiowa.blogspot.com
Almanzo 100, 162, 380 miles / May 17, 2014 Spring Valley, MN / Free almanzo.com
Gravel Metric 62+ miles / May 25, 2014 De Kalb, IL / Free gravelmetric.wordpress.com
Dirty Kanza 200 miles / May 31, 2014 Emporia, KS / $95 www.dirtykanza200.com
Crusher in the Tushar 70 miles / July 12, 2014 / Beaver, UT tusharcrusher.com
Oregon Outback
“ I have a ton of good stories. Heat exhaustion, hypothermia, being swept away by a rushing river only to be caught by a stranger and helped to shore, a 50-bike crash at mile 5, being kicked out of a city because our events had gotten too big ... only to be embraced and welcomed in by another, much smaller community.” —Chris Skogen, creator of SE Minnesota’s Almanzo 100
360 miles / May 23, 2014 Klamath Falls to Deschutes / Free velodirt.com/calendar
Iron Cross 68 Miles / October 5, 2014 Michaux State Forest, PA / $70 ironcrossrace.blogspot.com
Rouge Roubaix 106 miles / March 2015 St. Francisville, LA / $75 www.rougeroubaix.com
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 15
TOURING
GRAVEL
GRAVEL
STRADA LGG
X’PLOR USH
X’PLOR MSO
TR3254 / CR54R
TR3224 / RZ78G
TR3226 / PU82J
The Clement Strada LGG tire features a smooth center, chevron shoulders for cornering, and puncture protection. 120 tpi tires utilize dual rubber compounds for long life and cornering grip.
The USH 35mm features a smooth, fast-rolling center section, with progressive pyramid side lugs for cornering. 60 tpi tires feature a puncture protective belt under the tread; 120 tpi tires have bead-to-bead puncture protection and dual compound tread.
Specifically designed to provide optimal performance in all gravel conditions, the MSO features smooth-rolling center knobs and progressive shoulder lugs for secure cornering. Now available in 32mm and 40mm widths. 60 tpi tires feature a puncture protective belt under the tread; 120 tpi tires have bead-to-bead puncture protection and dual compound tread.
Smooth-rolling center tread for decreased rolling resistance
Progressive side tread for predictable handling
Large cornering lugs from the PDX cyclocross tire
Dual compound tread
PAVEMENT ENDS The name Clement is synonymous with the riders, bicycles, and races that helped define the sport of bicycle racing today.
Merckx, Anquetil, and Gimondi rose to prominence rolling on Clement tires. New stories of victory are emerging on backroads with Clement’s first-oftheir-kind line of gravel tires designed for where the pavement ends. Log into qbp.com to see special Clement pricing for April.
GRAVEL GRADES Choosing the right tires for the right road is crucial. Here are a few of the most commonly found gravel conditions:
From the studios of QBP Dave Cory dissects the details that make all the difference in Clement’s gravel tire line. Log in to qbp.com and search “Call Up.”
SUGAR SAND—This soft sand is usually a couple inches deep and takes a lot of power to push through. It does, however, make for some exciting drifting at higher speeds. Wider treads provide additional float to keep you on top of the surface, rather than cutting through it, while more aggressive knobs help provide traction. MICRO-PAVE—This hard, sunbaked limestone surface has a bone-rattling cover of various-sized rocks embedded into it. Hold on tight to your bars on this one. Smooth-rolling center sections help on this surface, and some more skilled riders push the limits by choosing larger road tires with reinforced casings. MARBLES—This is gravel with a fresh coat of rock ranging from pea-gravel to shooter-sized marbles and takes about as much power as sugar sand to push though. This is another surface where a wider footprint can help provide float and keep you moving forward, while small knobs are a necessity, especially for cornering. WHITE ROCK—White rock is similar to marbles but larger. It can be rough, but enough speed can allow you to get on top of it and really cruise. While a wider tread helps here, a durable casing is even more important—tires tend to take a lot of sharp impacts from the rocks, so having a durable tire is essential. APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 17
Dress for Distance Bellwether understands cyclists’ desire to seek out epic rides. Regardless of dirt, wind, hills or temperature, Bellwether makes technical apparel that eliminates excuses. This technical-yet-accessible clothing is for riding hard in comfort and getting serious about goals. Since 1973 Bellwether has relied on grass-roots teams, hard-core mountain bikers and pros to guide the design of apparel that will hold up anywhere, regardless of mileage or Mother Nature’s mood.
1
Women’s Criterium Pro Short
6
Criterium Hi-Vis Jersey
AB9144 / TA60F
JT9086 / EQ54U
Fit, performance and durability with an anatomical chamois and 8-panel design for superior comfort and value.
Classic 3-pocket design built with technical performance and value in mind.
2
Implant Baggy Short
AB9272 / DO100M
Durable and water repellent, the Implant has an abrasion-resistant shell engineered to excel in varied trail and weather conditions. 3
Women’s Impulse Jersey
JT9240 / VF70R
7
Edge Cycling Jersey
JT9365 / YH98U
Designed with warmer weather in mind. Open fabric on the chest and side panels allow for maximum air flow; stretchable back and shoulder panels. 8
Matrix Jersey
JT9373 / OF108S
Essential blend of breathability and moisture wicking. Elastic-free arm openings.
Combination of soft, highly elastic fabric with fine-gauge knit for speedy moisture transfer and freedom of movement.
4
9
Women’s Meadow Jersey
JT9260 / JM54R
Drop-tail design with elastic-free cuffs, hidden front 8-inch zipper and rear zippered pocket. 5
Women’s Silhouette Jersey
Sedona Jersey
JT9294 / HO56K
Hydrophobic polyester yarns that speed moisture transfer while remaining soft and durable in an understated look.
1
JT9244 / IU50Y
Lightweight and high-performance with soft, durable hydrophobic polyester yarns and drop-tail construction.
18 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
2
6
3
7
4
8
9
5
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 19
The good stuff
1
2
3
6
4
5
1 Solio Classic 2 Solar Charger EC3502 / DK130L Choose the Classic 2 for its large battery that provides power to multiple devices while on the go. Powers phones, e-readers, tablets and even bike lights, water purifiers, GPS watches, headlamps and other USB-powered electronics.
4 Mophie Powerstation Pro Charger EC5005 / VR136E For the traveler that needs to stay connected, the Mophie Powerstation Pro will keep a tablet or phone charged for days. The 6,000mAh Powerstation Pro will charge an iPhone three times. 2.5" wide by 1.03" deep by 4.52" tall.
2 Suunto Ambit2 Sapphire Watch with HR Monitor CY0781 / UR890B This robust wrist unit is ready for any adventure with GPS, weather conditions, altitude, speed, distance, heart rate and thousands of Suunto apps available to add functionalities to your watch.
5 Delta Smartphone Caddy II EC9001 / YI32H Keep your phone safe and accessible with mounting options for both the stem and handlebar, and bumpers to fit most phones and cases. Fits phones up to 2.9" wide by 5/8" deep by 5.5" tall.
3 Suunto Core Sport Watch CY0780 / BQ410U Combining an altimeter, barometer and compass with weather information, Suunto Core provides essential features for adventures in the great outdoors.
20 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
6 Garmin Edge Touring Plus GPS EC3103 / OK446L The premium GPS navigator for cyclists, Edge Touring Plus comes preloaded with bike-specific maps and POIs, and works wirelessly with an optional heart rate monitor and compatible eBikes. 2.0" wide by 1.0" deep by 3.7" tall.
4 1
1 Paul Touring Cantilever Brake BR8869 / WD128O • The right balance of power and clearance for panniers and heels. Made of AL-6061 aluminum and stainless steel • Also available in silver and mirror polished silver finishes 2 Crank Brothers Speedier Lever Hang Tag Version TL1102 / IH8Q • Unique tire lever design is strong and provides superior leverage and knuckle protection
2
3
5
3 CygoLite Hotshot Taillight LT7902 / GW42E • 2W ultrabright LEDs will help you be seen on the darkest nights • Up to 500 hours of use on a single charge
6
4 Birzman Velocity RG Frame Pump w/Gauge PU0427 / TL52U • A venerable design, CNC-machined in the USA of AL-6061 aluminum and stainless steel, and built to add heel and pannier clearance
5 Crank Brothers Gem Frame Pump PU8150 / BE24K • Lightweight and durable with high-grade aluminum body and reversible internal head for Presta or Schrader valves. Fits in a jersey pocket
6 Birzman Infinite Pump w/CO2 Inflator PU0422 / IW50E • In-line gauge ensures you find your correct tire pressure. Slim 7.5" package can fit in a jersey pocket or bag
1 1 WTB Nano Folding Race Tire TR1752 / MD50U • Rounded profile and elevated centerline provide volume for lower tire pressures and smoother rides while reducing drag and rolling resistance 2
2 Challenge Almanzo Gravel Tire TR4433 / FC86Y • 300 tpi casing provides a smooth ride while the file tread gives great grip on dirt and gravel roads
3
3 Hutchinson Sector 28 Tubeless Tire TR2810 / UA110A • Provides larger volume combined with proven tubeless performance for flat-free riding
4
4 Challenge Strada Bianca Gravel Tire TR4434 / NU86C • 300 tpi casing provides a smooth ride while the chevron tread gives great grip on wet or unimproved roads
5
6
5 Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour Tire TR4874 / WY68L • SmartGuard puncture protection to resist thorns; Marathon Silica compound for easy rolling and longer life 6 Continental Touring Plus Tire TR9421 / XG30L • Plus tires utilize an extra-duty, highly elastic belt that is virtually impervious to thorns, glass and other road debris 7 Panaracer Gravel King Folding Tire TR6280 / DV54V • Features natural rubber compound, puncture protection belt and a special casing that minimizes rolling resistance at lower pressures
7
GIVE YOUR SHOP TRACTION APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 21
out there / biking the world
Gotta Start Somewhere When Cass Gilbert put foot to pedal 15 years ago, he couldn’t have imagined how many miles the ride would turn into.
C
ass Gilbert has cycling wanderlust, and he deals with it in big, big ways. Gilbert partly funds his trips by writing for bicycle magazines, and he’s contributed to Cycling Plus, What Mountain Bike, Singletrack, Mountain Flyer, Adventure Cycling, Boneshaker, Cycle and wired.co.uk. His website, While Out Riding, features a travel blog, gear reviews, packlists, Q&As, a gallery, route notes and wholesome recipes for hungry cyclists. And as one of Surly’s only sponsored riders, Gilbert brings a wealth of real-world product testing to our offices here in Minnesota, too. For a lot of people, the idea of living the life that Gilbert does seems impossible. But every large journey is comprised of many small parts, and with the right mindset and the right gear, you can easily squeeze small-part journeys into your regular cycling regimen. Step one is deciding to go.
Welcome Cass! Thanks for taking the time to share some of your wisdom. Where are you right now? I’m currently in Patagonia, having recently completed the Carretera Austral, a 1,200 kilometer dirt road flanked by lakes, glaciers and mountains that winds its way through southern Chile. Last night, I slept in an abandoned roadside hotel with three other cyclists. This morning, we awoke before sunrise to beat the ferocious winds. Tonight, I’ll be sampling a $12 all-you-can-eat Argentinian grill. My plan is to continue riding south, all the way to the most southerly point on the continent, Ushuaia, Argentina, following dirt roads where I can. En route, I hope to stop and hike in the Torres del Paine National Park, and see if there’s any bikepacking potential in the region.
How did you get started in this lifestyle? After leaving high school, a two-week bike tour across France fueled a desire to travel on two wheels. I loved both the sense of self-sufficiency and the physical challenge of bike touring—I’d never slept so well, or looked forward so much to the next day. It wasn’t until sometime later though, in 1998, that I hatched a plan to travel further afield. My hope was to ride from Sydney, Australia, back to my home city of London via Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Although I had no formal writing experience, I also approached a UK bike magazine in the hope they’d be interested in a diary from the road. I’d no idea that these two incredible years would change my life. I haven’t stopped pedaling since then, 22 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
whether it’s been overnight escapes with friends, commuting around the city, setting up my own guiding business in the Indian Himalaya, or traveling the length of the Americas.
If you had to try and summarize your experiences so far…? Cycling has offered a far deeper insight into countries I’ve visited than might otherwise be possible. So many people along the way have reached out and wanted to connect. Despite the way the world is so often portrayed by mass media, from my experience, it’s inherently an extremely welcoming place. I’ve also spent a good deal of time in New Mexico; bikepacking has introduced me to a community of riders there. We head out for the weekend and camp whenever we get the chance, riding all day and sleeping under the stars. In fact, bike travel has made me friends the world over. I’ve mountain biked with riders in China, Cambodia and Colombia, our love of singletrack transcending cultural or linguistic differences. I try and share my enthusiasm for bike touring—backcountry exploration especially—in my blog, as well as sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
How far do you have to go to from home to experience “real” bikepacking or touring? Although I love to travel to far-flung destinations, I’m a firm advocate that some of the best adventures can be enjoyed from your own front door, or at least just a train or bus ride away. Exploring your local surroundings is also a wonderful way to feel more in touch with where you live, and become more familiar with the very fabric and texture of the land. Bike touring has also taught me patience—literally, to slow down. There’s nothing like an overnight bikepack to help process what’s going on in your life, away from distractions. I tend to think clearest when I’m out on my bike for a few days. Paring down to the point where each item you carry has purpose is also a very liberating experience. Similarly, I believe that finding comfort outside of your comfort zone is a good thing. It can be a means of getting to get to know yourself better. If you journey alone—which I’d definitely recommend at some point—it can be a way of becoming more settled with who you are. Bike touring is also a good reminder that change is the only real known in this life. Whether it’s a headwind, a long climb, a storm ... everything changes. Enjoy it for what it is.
Patagonia, 2014 Courtesy of Cass Gilbert
Tell us a bit about your setups past and present. What’s some of your favorite gear? Over the years, I’ve whittled down my gear from four overstuffed panniers to a more streamlined, bikepacking-style setup, using a frame bag to spread weight more evenly across the bike. This kind of slimline setup makes pushing and carrying the bike more manageable. Racks and panniers still have their place, but if challenging singletrack is what you enjoy riding, there are better ways of doing it. Lightening up my setup has revealed a world of trails and rugged dirt roads that might otherwise go unridden. A friend of mine once said: Carrying less isn’t limiting. It opens possibilities. I’ve ridden a lot of great bikes over the years, and for one reason or the other, all have been steel frames. The bike I rode back from Australia to London, a Specialized Rockhopper from the late ’90s, is now contentedly retired from world travel, living on as a cargo bike, in the guise of an Xtracycle. But I have to say, I have a particular liking for all things Surly. I love their attitude and I admire their honest, nononsense approach to bike building. Right now, I’m riding a Pugsley, and I’m excited about the places it will be able to take me. Like many others, I find myself hankering for ever-fatter tires. In terms of a sweet spot, 29 x 2.4" Maxxis Ardents are a great choice—aggressive yet relatively fast rolling, and they seem to last forever. I’ve had a chance to experiment with the 29+ platform, which I think lends itself perfectly to bikepacking in terms of comfort, grip and simplicity. Although I prefer to ride a rigid bike, I embrace modern technology when I travel. For longer trips, the likes of a dynamo hub and a USB charger is the way to keep iPhones and other gadgets juiced up. I love my music around camp, so I also have a Boombotix Rex speaker, also dynamo-powered.
What are the essentials to get started bikepacking, in terms of product and knowledge? I think a seat pack makes an excellent first investment, followed closely by a handlebar bag system, both of which can be moved easily from one bike to another. Couple them with a light backpack—which I personally try and avoid on longer trips—and you already have multi-day rides in your scope. A framepack is a worthy investment once you’ve settled on a frame you want to use, whether it’s a custommade bag tailored to your exact requirements, something
you’ve sewn yourself, or one of Revelate’s models. Tweaks like adding water bottles to forks with simple hose clamps are easy and cheap to make, too. As for knowledge, I’d point to great resources like bikepacking.net, which is packed with established routes, ride descriptions and GPX files to go with them, with differing technical levels and lengths. Topofusion is the bikepacking yardstick in terms of GPS mapping software, and Google Earth is a game-changer for discovering new routes. If you use a smartphone, the Gaia app is recommended for navigation, though I still like to carry the likes of a national forest map, and my Benchmark state atlas is well thumbed too. Bikepacking lends itself to great storytelling and image-taking, so there are plenty of excellent blogs out there: gypsybytrade.wordpress.com and velodirt.com are excellent resources. Bunyan Velo is an online publication specializing in two wheeled travel and is never short on inspiration.
What suggestions would you give to a shop that wants to start promoting bikepacking? How do the staff become experts? Go out and do it. Load up your bike and spend a night under a tarp. There’s nothing like experience to understand the gear choices people are considering. S24Os (sub 24-hour overnighters) are easy, accessible and incredibly fulfilling, as well as being a great way to test gear. One of the great aspects of this new wave of bikepacking gear is that it works on most bikes, irrespective of whether it’s designed for touring or not. As a source of inspiration to potential bikepackers, a mountain bike on display—clad in full bikepacking gear— would be a great way to get people thinking and dreaming.
What does the future hold for you? Any big trips in the works? For sure, riding snowmobile tracks is high on the list, now that I’m a proud fat bike owner! There are several new bikepacking routes in the States I’d love to explore, like Adventure Cycling’s Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route, the 360mile Oregon Outback, and the California Sierra Trail Race. The epic Colorado Trail is high up on the list too. Further afield, Mongolia has long held a magnetic allure ... I’m sure it would make a great fat bike destination. The irony is that the more I travel, the more stones I feel I leave unturned. And the world’s a big place ...
Thanks for your time Cass! Best of luck and safe travels! APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 23
Get Packing 1
Banjo Brothers Frame Pack
BG8192 / WM36Y
A tough and affordable way to add carrying capacity to your bike. Designed to work with any size frame and tubes.
2
Axiom Modular GrandTour Pannier
BG6790 / AK262J
Designed for serious touring. GrandTour panniers feature Axiom’s waterproof Sonictech fabric, which is a lightweight and exceedingly durable premium polyester.
3
Revelate Designs Viscacha Seat Bag
BG2672 / SH162F
A big bag for big trips, the roll-down opening allows easy expansion or compression. A removable internal strap aids in packing and closure. High-density foam stiffens up the front and a flexible plastic bottom sheet gives support along the bag’s length.
3
1
2 24 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
Whether you’re doing an overnight camping trip or a loaded tour, keeping the weight off your back and on your bike is crucial. Luckily, there are now more options than ever to keep you comfortable, and QBP carries the best of them.
4
Jandd Handlebar Bag 2
5
BG2551 / AX110E
Extremely stable due to the HDPE stiffener plates and a diagonal rod stock stiffener. Equipped with a marine-grade vinyl zippered map compartment.
Ortlieb Back Roller City Rear Pannier
6
Louis Garneau Stream R-12 Elite Touring Rear Rack Bag
BG7009 / PA170Z
BG4703 / CU54M
PVC construction with roll top offers waterproof protection for all your gear; 3M Scotchlite reflective material provides additional visibility.
This 12-liter rear rack bag features an adjustable shoulder strap for easy transport, sealed inner storage, and reflective accents for added visibility.
Gone are the days of sore backs, DIY frame bags and homemade handlebar slings. 6
4
5
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 25
The good stuff
1
2
6
3
2 Ergon CF3 Carbon Seatpost ST3000 / QB312Y • More efficient than a traditional suspension post. The post keeps that “direct” road bike feel, but the VCLS leaf springs are sensitive to small variations in road surface 3 HED Belgium Plus Rim RM0183 / SV196E • With a 25mm width, the HED Belgium Plus is the perfect rim for those who want to run wider tires, but still go fast
5
7
9
1 Moots Cinch Ti Seatpost ST1823 / RX490P • Simple to adjust, durable and secure. Made in Steamboat Springs and available in two diameters and two offsets
4
8
10
11
12
4 Velocity Aileron Rim RM4582 / CS130G • The new Aileron from Velocity utilizes a wider 25mm profile and 28mm deep section to provide optimal tire performance and aerodynamics
7 Selle San Marco Smart Ass Fender FE6000 / WZ12I • Quick and easy fender solution. Clips on to any saddle rail in seconds; no tools necessary. Lightweight, compact
10 Brooks C17 Cambium Saddle SA0225 / GR190K • Vulcanized natural rubber base with organic cotton canvas top that has structural textile added for resilience and longevity • Flexible and waterproof top
5 Planet Bike Hardcore Fenders FE7046 / AO40P • Versatile fender with pre-installed, quick-adjusting stainless steel hardware. Easily fits tires up to 27 x 1-1/4" or 700c x 35mm
8 Salsa Woodchipper Handlebar HB8200 / TG80J • Salsa’s one drop for any dirt road bar. Multiple position options and a wide flare for control in rough stuff
11 Velo Orange Mod 3 Saddle SA7700 / YU96Q • Extra-long chrome-plated steel rails for more adjustability, and copperplated, peened rivets for comfort • Textured leather prevents unwanted shifting and tied aprons prevent midsection from splaying
6 Velo Orange Wheel Stabilizer KI2500 / VC12G • Allows easy loading of a front rack or basket. Connects via the brake hole in fork and fits any down tube 31.8mm or smaller
26 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
9 Selle San Marco Era Dynamic Protek Saddle SA6241 / VD80L • Biofoam technology offers a breathable, shock-absorbing, and comfortable saddle covering • Central channel cut-out design removes pressure during pedal stroke
12 Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube LU0500 / IJ14A • A blend of about 40% slack wax and water in a proprietary emulsion to create a thick, viscous dry lube that has exceptionally low friction and high longevity
1
2
Give in to Wanderlust 1 Salsa Down Under HD Front Rack RK8052 / JF120Z The Down Under HD Rack is Salsa’s heavy-duty front pannier rack. It is designed for the rigors of out-there touring, but works for any situation where dependability and strength are desired. 2 Salsa Anything Cage w/Straps RK8055 / YF30S This unconventional “bicycle rack”’ creates a flexible carrying system for attaching lightweight gear or larger bottles of water to your bicycle, allowing you to expand your range and diversify your cycling experiences. 3 Salsa Wanderlust HD Rear Rack RK8053 / YQ160C The Wanderlust Heavy Duty Rack is Salsa’s recommended rear rack for world touring. Sturdy and dependable, the steel construction lends itself well to field repairs should a worst-case scenario occur.
3
4
4 Salsa Post-Lock Rack Mount ST8006 / MN32Y Salsa’s Post-Lock is a rack attachment point that can be positioned anywhere on your seatpost to provide a mounting point. This is a great tool to have for those bikes that lack rack mounts on the seatstays.
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 27
The good stuff
2
3
1
4
1 Platypus GravityWorks 2L Reservoir Filter Kit OH0010 / VV144T Hands down the easiest filter you will ever use. No pumps, tablets or drops—gravity does all the work. Small, lightweight and fast; filters 1.5 liters of water per minute. 2 Axiom Modular GrandTour Toiletry Kit BG6793 / NL48J Hygiene essentials are easily at hand with the GrandTour Toiletry Kit mounted to your GrandTour panniers via the Clip‘N’Strap system.
28 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
3 Black Diamond Storm Headlamp OL2052 / OM68Q A powerful, all-conditions headlamp equipped with a fully waterproof construction and an incredibly bright 160 lumens. Features a bright, precise beam for after-dark route-finding, as well as proximity, strobe, dimming and red night vision modes. 4 BOB Ibex 28 Plus Suspension Trailer with Drysak BT1008 / YM606T For on- or off-road adventures, BOB trailers add a new level of hauling ability. Not the ultralite type? Haul up to 70 pounds, whether it is from the grocery store or from coast to coast.
5
6
Keep Your Camp Comfortable
7
8
5 Eagles Nest Outfitters Atlas Suspension Strap OC1222 / HA40V Constructed from poly-filament webbing with overlapping attachment whorls, the Atlas Strap is the ultimate in hammock suspension.
7 Axiom Modular GrandTour Tent Kit BG6792 / LY56S A premium touring bag designed specifically for carrying a tent. The kit mounts securely to GrandTour panniers via the Clip‘N’Strap system.
6 Eagles Nest Outfitter SingleNest Hammock OC2781 / HL78K The SingleNest is about the size of a softball when packed and allows bikepackers the luxury of hammock camping without the bulk and weight.
8 Black Diamond Bipod Bivy Shelter OT1011 / GA360T Single-pole design sheds weight but maximizes headroom. Made from waterproof, seam-taped ToddTex material.
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 29
Last stop
Adventure cyclists Lael and Przemek ascend a segment of the Red Trail in the Beskid Mountains of southern Poland. The Red Trail—simply signed by red and white blazes— is a long-distance footpath; increasingly, as bikepacking gains traction, bike-specific signage is also present. Read more about Lael’s and Przemek’s adventures at www.gypsybytrade.wordpress.com. Photo courtesy of Nicholas Carman
30 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
APRIL 2014 / Bikepacking, Touring & Gravel / 31
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
6400 West 105th Street Bloomington, MN 55438
Inside: Everything You Need to See the World on Two Wheels
PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT No. 27370