Carrying Luggage on a Long Distance Ride (36)

MuniSano;1169331 wrote:

Let's change this up a bit. I'm planning (in the not too distant
future) to do a semi-self supported multi-day (actually multi-week)
almost totally off-road ride. By semi-self-supported I was aiming at
carrying enough food so that I could be met by crew support (probably my
wife) every couple or three days. Do you think one could go the Joe
Marshall route and do this on a small rucksack say large camelbak type
pack and be managable? I'm anticipating a fair portion of each day
would be split between hiking and riding so I'd be able to get frequent
breaks. Do to the nature of the terrain I'll be riding my KH24. This
trip will be at altitude and in the summer time so although I probably
won't need a full tent I'll still have to have enough to stay warm at
night... I imagine the total trip time will be between 2-3 weeks...



If you have to go for 3 days between re-supplies, that's short enough
to not need a change of clothes. If it is nice warm weather, then you
can always jump in a stream (note: don't jump in the sea - your body
won't like the whole salty clothes thing after a few miles). If it is
bad weather, then you'll be worrying about worse things than smelling a
little. Warm clothes (fleece etc.) in case the weather gets cold can
double up as clothes for sleeping in. Although be sure that you've got
enough clothes to get a proper nights sleep, lack of sleep is really bad
for your riding.

I'd plan where to camp so that you don't have to camp too high - I've
made the mistake of bivvying on high ridges several times, and you
always end up waking up cold, unless you brought tons of gear. I tend to
camp in valleys or a bit down the side of hills if possible.

Is it completely backcountry, or are there going to be any food buying
opportunities?

Will there be enough water in the area that you can just fill up from
streams? That's what I do on a long ride.

Can you light fires or do you need a stove? You could do this kind of
ride without hot meals - I've done a 3 dayer just on very lightweight,
high energy food, chocolate bars etc. before. Although it is jolly nice
to have a hot meal.

Savlon (antiseptic cream) is the best thing for soreness caused by
sweat and rubbing which can be a problem on long rides with luggage.

Don't forget to hang your camelbak on a tree if there's likely to be
any animals about. Avoids possums, squirrels or whatever trying to steal
your food.

Joe


--
joemarshall

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