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For 2-3 day mountain bike trips the trick is
to take the least amount of stuff that you can safely get away
with. This invariably means omitting a few "overnight" comforts
but is a worthy sacrifice ... tackling wonderful singletrack while
being loaded up like a packhorse is not my idea of a good time.
Play it Safe
If you get in the cactus while in the back
of beyond you've gotta yell pretty loud to get help. Travelling
light doesn't mean foregoing emergency stuff and you do need
to make conservative decisions that reflect your ability to deal
with the unexpected. Typically this involves researching the
area you're heading into, timing the trip with a decent weather
forecast, making sure your bike is fit and healthy, riding a
little less on-the-edge than usual, and having the "huevos" to
turn back if things aren't going to plan.
Bikes and baggage
I'm a crusty, died in the wool, hard tail kind
of chap. Compared to a dual suspension bike they're lighter,
less awkward to carry, have fewer bits to break and are more
straightforward to fix on the trail. I also have an aversion
to panniers. Great for off road touring, but they don't cut the
mustard on technical track, grovelling through the undergrowth
or during a few hours of carrying. So a lightweight pack is the
story - about 25-30 litres capacity. Choose one that is low slung
and stable on your back.
So what can you squeeze
into it?
Even in summer it can get cold and wet... and
I feel the cold so I pack a pair of Daddy
Long Legs tights, a
couple of fleece tops (Cadence or Baked
Alaska), perhaps a thermal base-layer, the Ristretto and Submerino
spring to mind, and a Storm Trooper shell to beat the wind 'n'
rain. Plus a Baked
Beanie for me noggin' and some lightweight polypro gloves
to wear under my cycling gloves. If venturing into more exposed
areas I play it safe with a pair of over-trou' and a lightweight
down jacket for stooging around the hut. I survive on just a
single riding top and one pair of cycle shorts but try to have
a wash in the evening to help avoid saddle sores.
I raved on about fuel last issue - you'll need a lot of space
for food. Pre-cooked avoids the need for a billy and stove. If
you're in a dodgy area, then a water filter is good insurance.
Capacity is everything and worth paying for. I recently scored
a First Need model for around $200. Tents and sleeping mats are
a millstone and to be avoided. I always plan a trip around huts
with mattresses - 'and can get away with a 150-300gm down sleeping
bag, eg. Macpac Epic. Not always a cozy pit, but good enough after
a hard day in the saddle.
Apart from the usual trail tools, it pays to pack a few spares.
Depending on the terrain I take a few spare spokes, a folding tyre
and rear derailleur. And don't forget first aid for yourself -
plaster, bandages, pain killers, etc.
If there's a stint on the road then chuck in a flashing tail light
as insurance against a late finish. And at the risk of stating
the obvious take a map, compass and the skills to use them.
Have fun and be careful out there.
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