Thanks to all of you, we’ve received an overwhelming response to "RIDEALIVE."
We have received entries from so many people, and thanks to you, we have reached capacity. We sincerely apologize, but we are now closing registration.
I imagine our staff timeline will be buzzing with RIDEALIVE talk for a while, but for those participating, please use this as a reference for preparing your gear and how to enjoy the day.
Since it’s [Camping] & [Riding], some of you surely have your perfect setup waiting—tents, a change of clothes, racks to carry them, etc.—but I’m sure many of you are thinking you still need to get everything ready. Today’s entry is for those people.
The photo is an illustration from a wonderful Blackburn Look book.
Though it’s a rough outline, the things you’ll need for this camp ride are mostly the same.
There are many types of tents, including lightweight and compact ones (we’re expecting some at Circles soon). If you want to keep things as simple and light as possible, the key is how compactly you can pack your clothes and other gear.
The photo shows my Hunter, which has been active in our recent #mikawaoutback scouting trips.
I pack my change of clothes and supplies into a PorcelainRocket Booster Rocket Seatpack, and use a Revelate Designs Harness to secure my rinko bag to the handlebars. Valuables and snacks are carried in a Hunter/PR Fanny Pack.
It’s a bit of a lightweight, brevet-style setup, but if you keep your gear to the bare essentials, I think you’ll be fine participating with these items plus a frame bag, or a lightweight backpack like those from Truce or ACRE. By the way, my gear is likely to increase a bit, so I’m actually working on a secret plan... but that’s still a secret.
Taka, who joined me for the second-day route scouting on my last day off, is using the classic touring style of mounting Philosophy Bags panniers on the left and right of his Salsa Casseroll. If you have a bike with rack mounts, the rack + pannier method is the most secure option.
There is still plenty of time to prepare, so please feel free to ask us for advice.
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Blackburn carriers and panniers, which should be here in early August, so stay tuned!
Also, Blackburn has a concept for adventure touring called "OUT THERE," where they actually test the racks and panniers we are expecting to stock. Check out the various videos they’ve posted about "OUT THERE." As some of you sharp-eyed folks might have noticed, the young man in these videos is none other than Garrett from Strawfoot.
By the way, during our recent scouting trip, we aimed for the ocean from the campsite on the second day. It was a battle against the heat in the scorching sun, but...
The moment we saw the ocean, that fatigue just blew away.
I’m really looking forward to it!