Handlebar bag tips

Everybody

Handlebar bags are a great tool to help you carry your stuff. There are a thousand different ways to mount and carry your stuff on the handlebars. In the tour I used a simple Bungee cord and a waterproof stuff sack. It worked OK, but the frame was rubbing on the bag, and i am sure it would have cut through by the end. The best setup that I saw on the tour was the Burrito style bag made by CDW. I saw Dave T. on the side of the road with his foot jammed in one side packing as much as he could into his. It looks heavy, but once rolling you don't notice the weight even on tight ST. It almost seems to help handling a bit, IMO. Just be sure to add equal weight to the butt bag or be prepared to go over you bars on a rock drop. In my homemade version 2.0 burrito bag I put my Big Angus Air core Mummy, REI Halo Long down 25 bag, heavy duty Cabelas Bivy sack, Mont Bell down jacket, Rain Jacket, Tarp, Rope, bug head net, and my spot tracker. Basically my entire night time kit. I like to put the jackets on the ends so I can get to them fast if i need to. On the tour I found that having my jackets in the Butt bag were not only hard to get at, but took up 50% of the space in that bag. Now that bag is free for other clothes, tubes, parts and food. The entire Kit including the bag itself and the spot with batteries weighs in at 8.2 lbs. It would be easy to take another 2+ lbs out of that if you went with a lighter bivy, sleep pad, and ditched one or more jackets. Depending on where i am going and the weather forecast always dictates bivy, and jacket choice. This may be for another topic, but i am leaning towards always taking my "good" Cabelas bivy over the emergency bivy. I am sure i would not want to sleep out a rainy night in the E- bivy. For more examples of bags check out the CDW link above.

Pictures... My homemade V2.0 bag. and everything i stuff inside it. Total weight for everything you see is 8.2 lbs. Pretty average, but this is a very comfy no compromise kit. If you are willing to sacrifice some comfort and risk some on weather you can get WAY lighter. I would say that this kit would keep you comfy and dry on something like the Tour Divide. ENJOY

Good luck

Flag to Sedona 110

November 13-14 we will attack the Flag to Sedona and back by way of Castner Mtn. Same route as the AES just over 2 days. more to follow. Check out the route.

Kokopelli trail 140

Everybody

September 25th/ 26th Moab Ut. We are going to attack the Kokopelli trail. 140 miles from Moab to Fruita Co. Plan on 2 days of riding. I am searching for a neutral sag/ camp point near the 70-80 mile mark. There is a shuttle available back to Moab. it is 175$ for up to 14 people and bikes, the cost can be split up. Mostly 2 track and fire road. 15-20k climbing. No water except the Colorado river that is very silty. Not an easy trail! More info to come.

SWBG

West valley midnight century

Everybody

August 7th ( sat night ) at 1100PM. the first annual West Valley Midnight Century. We will roll out of Buckeye ( location TBT ) on the RID canal to Goodyear. Route TBT but will include F.I.N.S. , Secret, S&M, Park Ave , and PIR. 100+ miles 3-4K climbing. Plan on 6-8 hours of riding with lights. Water can be had at a few spots along the route. You will need 5-6 hours of lights. More info to come. Please leave an interest comment to show your interest.

More info...

Sorry about the constant date swap, I recently got a new work schedule that I am trying to come to terms with..... So the OFFICIAL final date is sat. the 7th at 11pm.

We will all meet by the fire station in the westpark subdivision in Buckeye. It is located behind the Westpark elementary school. Major streets are Miller / Warner. Better directions to follow.

The ride.....

I have ben strongly advised by the powers that be to avoid the PIR loop after hours to avoid fines and or jail time. So in light of this new information the revised route will be....

RID canal into Goodyear

Up Estrella parkway to pick up the 50ers at the market

over to FINS, every stitch of it...

then over to S&M over to the park

Big loop around the park back to S&M

over the new trail into park ave

park ave back to the market

back the way we came on the RID

I am not sure the total miles without PIR, guessing 70-80+

sorry about all the confusion, still working all the bugs out, i am guessing the first year will be like this, please hang with me.

Directions to start....

from I 10 exit and go south on Miller rd

Turn Right at warner into westpark

first right at first round about

second right at second round about

Right at digital sign for school

Left on magnolia 1st street you can go L on

Fire station is 1/16 mile on L

please dont block the truck, spots are off to left

any questions call jim 623-210-6867

50 MILES

For those going for the 50, we should be hitting the Eliot Market in Estrella Mountain Ranch at about 12.30am. Directions I-10 south on Estrella parkway about 8 miles. Right at Eliot rd. market 1/4 mile on Right side. Closed after 9pm.

* Update 8/6/10 Everything is still on schedule rain or moonshine. There have ben a few others to throw in. Looking like 5-7 folks. Should be a great ride. Weather is looking like it could get wet, I myself am looking forward to foul weather as a welcome break from the heat. Any questions feel free to call. Jim T. *( kinda ) offered up a pancake breakfast at the finnish. See you all there.

Check out http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/estrella/pdf/2010/estrella-11x17-3d.pdf

The route will be from the south... S&M ( not shown) into the PD to GD to BU to the arena (water available) where we decide on PIR . then over a "secret trail" to TH back to PD and S&M.

Thanks- SWBG

Comments of interest list

Rhino is IN

Jimfab is IN

Matt is In for the 50

Jim T is IN

Thanks- SWBG

Welcome to the southwest bikepacking blog

Everybody...

Welcome to the southwest bikepacking group. The idea of this group is to introduce and expand the sport of bikepacking. We will try our best to put together overnight " bikepacking " trips across the southwest U.S. The idea is to arrange a medium distance trip that will allow sag for the people that are interested in the sport but don't yet have all the expensive gear required to go self supported, Of corse going self supported is always the goal. Emphasis will be on exploring off the beaten path routes, route finding, self reliance, photography, having a good time, and expanding the sport. There are no entry fees involved unless permits or campground fees are required, then it is up to you as an individual. This is a ride at your own risk group, We will simply provide a suggested route and tentative date, it is up to you to arrange for your safety and make good judgement to allow you to remain safe. Check back often to find out about the next trip.

Any questions, comments or ideas please e-mail jim at jim@jimfab.com