Bikepacking

Curious about multi-day/overnight biking trips? Bikepacking involves carrying some or all of your overnight camping gear on your bike. Join us for two summer overnight trips to learn the basic skills of bikepacking and bike touring! No personal bikepacking equipment is required.

Intro to Bikepacking

August 8 - 9, 2026
Larrabee State Park

When

Join us for a fun weekend of bikepacking on August 8 - 9, 2026. Before we hit the trails, we'll gather for a (required) Pre-Trip Packing Party on August 7th from 6:00-8:00pm at Lost Giants. This gathering is your chance to meet fellow participants, sort out gear arrangements, and get prepared for our journey ahead. On Saturday, August 8th, we'll convene at 9:00am at our meeting location to depart on our bikepacking adventure through scenic landscapes and natural beauty. We plan to return by 4:00pm on Sunday, August 9th, concluding our trip with unforgettable memories, a (hopefully) ignited passion for bikepacking, and new friends!

We will run the program rain or shine but cancel if conditions are unsafe!

Who

Organized by Shifting Gears in partnership with LOAM Equipment, this program welcomes participants of all experience levels who are eager to explore the world of bikepacking. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or new to multi-day biking adventures, our trip is designed to cater to everyone's interests and abilities.

Expect a weekend of continuous biking on both Saturday and Sunday, covering varied mileage and elevation. Any type of bike is welcome, though expect time spent on easy singletrack. We provide full support throughout, including assistance with equipment needs.

The program will include 10 participants, a Trip Leader, a Support Leader, and a Van Support.

Where

Our adventure will begin downtown Bellingham. From there, we'll pedal a 20-mile & 1,200ft elevation planned route that includes gravel trails, iconic spots like Whatcom Falls Park and Galbraith Mountain, and serene Lake Padden. We’ll take plenty of breaks to stretch, eat, hydrate, and relax. Finally, we’ll arrive at picturesque Larrabee State Park where our Van Support will be there with food and extra equipment and we'll set up camp for the night. The ride back to Bellingham on Sunday will be a fun and easy cruise along the interurban trail. Detailed directions and meeting point specifics will be communicated closer to the program date.

Cost

Shifting Gears provides a tiered, income based registration system to ensure accessibility for everyone, regardless of financial status. We encourage you to choose the registration tier that best fits your income. Our bikepacking programs cost $80 for the weekend, and your fees help cover essential logistics, experienced trip leaders, meals for Saturday night and Sunday breakfast, as well as permit and campground reservation fees.

Equipment Required

To participate in our Intro to Bikepacking program, each participant must have a bicycle and a helmet. Bikepacking gear is not required as Shifting Gears and LOAM Equipment will provide options for those in need. During registration, we'll ask participants about their current gear setup, including their bike type, to ensure everyone is properly equipped for the adventure. If you already have bikepacking gear, feel free to bring it along!

Intro to Bike Touring

September 12 - 13, 2026
San Juan Islands
Lopez Island

When

Join us for a fun weekend of Intro to Bike Touring on September 12–13, 2026. Before we set off, we’ll gather for a (required) Pre-Trip Packing Party on September 11th from 6:00–8:00pm at Lost Giants. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants, go over gear, and get everything dialed for the trip ahead. On Saturday, September 12th, we’ll meet early in Anacortes to begin our bike touring adventure, riding the ferry out and exploring the scenic beauty of Lopez Island at a relaxed, beginner-friendly pace. We plan to return Sunday evening September 13th, wrapping up the weekend with new skills, increased confidence, and a supportive community of fellow riders.

We will run the program rain or shine, but will cancel if conditions are unsafe!

Where

Our adventure will begin in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island, an hour south of Bellingham. We will take the Washington State Ferry out to Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands. From there, we’ll pedal a 30-40-mile route along quiet paved roads, taking in rolling farmland, peaceful forests, and sweeping coastal views. Along the way, we’ll pass through charming small towns, stop at local spots, and enjoy stretches of beautiful beach where the Salish Sea meets the shore. We’ll take plenty of breaks to stretch, eat, hydrate, and soak in the scenery at a relaxed, beginner-friendly pace. This ride is all about enjoying the journey, building confidence on the bike, and experiencing the unique beauty and calm of island riding. Detailed directions and meeting point specifics in Anacortes will be communicated closer to the program date.

FAQs

  • You will need a bike, helmet, and basic camping gear such as a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking utensils, lunch/snacks, water, and appropriate clothing. We’ll provide tents and cooking stoves.

    If you are missing any of the needed equipment, we’ll try to work with you and our partners on securing loaner equipment for you to use during the program.

  • All of our trips are for women (cis, queer, trans) ages 18+. Our bikepacking trips are designed for both newcomers and experienced riders alike. Whether you're just starting out or have some miles under your belt, we encourage anyone with a passion for outdoor adventure on two wheels to join us. Participants should be prepared to spend the entire day on Saturday and a substantial portion of Sunday outdoors and cycling.

  • Any type of bike is accepted for our bikepacking trips. Whether you have a mountain bike, gravel bike, or touring bike, as long as it's in good working condition, you're good to go.

  • No bikepacking gear is required. We have equipment available to borrow from LOAM Equipment. During registration, we'll ask about your equipment needs to ensure you have everything necessary for the trip.

  • Our trips are designed to accommodate a range of fitness levels. Expect to bike all day on both Saturday and Sunday, covering various terrains and distances. Participants should be prepared for moderate physical exertion.

  • Accommodations will include camping at Larrabee State Park or Spencer Spit State Park. Participants will need to bring their own camping gear (we'll provide tents) and we'll provide guidance on what to bring well in advance of the trip.

  • We ride rain or shine! Our trips are designed to be flexible, and we'll adjust the itinerary as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Please come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for changing weather conditions.

  • Yes, we will provide a packing list ahead of the trip. This list will include essentials like camping gear, clothing, bike repair tools, and personal items. We'll also discuss packing tips during the pre-trip packing party.

  • Participants will be provided with dinner on Saturday evening and breakfast on Sunday morning. Please plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, and sufficient water for the duration of the trip.

  • Full Refund Deadline: Participants are eligible for a full refund if they cancel their registration up to 4 weeks before the program start date.

    Partial Refund Option: After the full refund deadline, participants may cancel their registration up to 2 weeks before the program begins and receive a partial refund. The partial refund will cover a portion of the registration fee, determined by our administration.

    No Refunds Close to Start Date: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 2 weeks of the program start date. This policy helps us ensure adequate preparation and resources for the program.

Upcoming Programs

Select a date to learn more about specific programs and register to participate.