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 a semi-supported trip to learn the basic skills of bikepacking! No personal bikepacking equipment is required.
Intro to Bikepacking
August 9 - 11, 2024
When
Join us for a fun weekend of bikepacking on August 10th and 11th, 2024. Before we hit the trails, we'll gather for a (required) Pre-Trip Packing Party on August 9th from 6:00-8:00pm (location to be announced soon). This gathering is your chance to meet fellow participants, sort out gear arrangements, and get prepared for our journey ahead. On Saturday, August 10th, 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 3:00pm on Sunday, August 11th, 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 registration system to ensure accessibility for everyone, regardless of financial status. We encourage you to choose the registration tier that best fits your budget. 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 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!
Join the Adventure!
Registration Closes on July 31st
FAQs
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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.
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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. Saturday will be the more extensive day, covering approximately 20 miles with an elevation gain of 1200 feet. The route includes manageable singletrack sections to enhance the experience.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Accommodations will include camping at Larrabee 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Meet Your Team
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Katy Heriford
Bikepacking Leader
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Rebecca Agiewich
Bikepacking Support
Upcoming Programs
Select a date to learn more about specific programs and register to participate.