Rack vs Rackless: How to Carry Your Stuff

The Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack

 Another "Guitar Ted Podcast" dropped yesterday (Link Here) and we were yakking about bikepacking. In that discussion the subject of "rack vs rackless" came up. If you don't understand, this describes the means by which you carry your essentials on a self-contained bicycle trip where overnight sleeping somewhere is part of the plan. 

You need clothes, you need food, you need water, you need toiletries, you need to bring a shelter, (optional) and/or a sleep system (again- optional), and how you plan on transporting that "stuff" on your bike (self-contained) is what this is about. 

Actually a lot of what you want to carry is maybe more of an option vs a "need", depending on who you plan on relying on. Credit card touring is one thing, a fully self-supported, self-contained tour is quite another. And there are all shades of those in between. 

Back to carrying the "stuff". Okay, there are various "strap-on" or maybe even bolt-on, bag solutions these days. But there are also bags that rely on metal, (or carbon sometimes) racks that bags either hang from or sit on. I've used all manner of bag systems and racks over my time in cycling and doing things in a more self-sufficient manner. I've got a lot of experience with front/rear rack/pannier type riding and with fully bagged out set ups too. 

Which is "best"? 

Well, to my way of thinking, neither way on their own is "best". The extremes are fine, but I think the savvy bike packer these days takes advantage of both ways. 

This is me with a rear pannier set up touring self-contained in 1995 somewhere in Nebraska.

 

I tested this bagged set up several years ago with 2.8" tires on my Gen I Fargo.

In my experience, there are a few things to think about here when it comes to using bags, racks, and being self-contained. in no particular order....

• Weight: The big concern, for several reasons, is weight. Weight of your racks, bags, cargo, and how that all affects wheels, racks, bags, and even how your bike will handle stopping, turning, and climbing.
• Wheels & Tires: You aren't going anywhere if your wheels and tires are not up for the challenge. Dealing with recurring issues like flat tires, broken spokes, or ill-handling wheels is a ride-killing thing.
• Comfort: You also are not going anywhere if you are not comfortable with the obvious things, (saddles, handle bars, overall positioning on the bike), but you also won't go far if you are not comfortable mentally with your set up. Dry runs, trying different things well before the trip, and just general tweaking is good to arrive at a place where you are going to be settled mentally with how you are approaching carrying the "stuff". 

My set up I tested for my proposed two day tour on gravel that I planned last year.

As I said earlier, I think the best way to go, in my opinion, is somewhere in between fully racked out and fully rackless. I used a combo of racks and bags in last years testing for a two-day gravel tour which didn't pan out. Hopefully I'll get that done this year, but for this article the point is that I mixed racks and rackless bag ideas to arrive at a really good place for carrying the "stuff" I wanted to take on this trip. 

If the two-day gravel tour happens, this Gryphon Mk3 will likely be the bike I use.

The pink BMC was a bit of a handful in terms of handling loose crushed rock under that load, so now that I have the Singular Gryphon Mk3, that bike with its more stable 700 X 2.8" tires will likely get the call for that trip. 

So, it all matters: The bike, the way you want to carry the stuff, and if you are okay with all of that and can just concentrate on riding. How that all works when actually loaded up and going is a test that needs to be done long before you leave on that trip. So, now that I plan on using the Gryphon, I have to get it set up with the actual load I plan on using and then I have to ride that set up. I'll make adjustments, if necessary, from that point. 

The "rack vs rackless" thing is the least of your concerns. Actually trying things out is better, and I am betting that if you do try things out that you may arrive at a completely unique set up that is custom-made for you, be that with some racks or just bags, or more likely, something in between.

Rack vs Rackless: How to Carry Your Stuff

The Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack

 Another "Guitar Ted Podcast" dropped yesterday (Link Here) and we were yakking about bikepacking. In that discussion the subject of "rack vs rackless" came up. If you don't understand, this describes the means by which you carry your essentials on a self-contained bicycle trip where overnight sleeping somewhere is part of the plan. 

You need clothes, you need food, you need water, you need toiletries, you need to bring a shelter, (optional) and/or a sleep system (again- optional), and how you plan on transporting that "stuff" on your bike (self-contained) is what this is about. 

Actually a lot of what you want to carry is maybe more of an option vs a "need", depending on who you plan on relying on. Credit card touring is one thing, a fully self-supported, self-contained tour is quite another. And there are all shades of those in between. 

Back to carrying the "stuff". Okay, there are various "strap-on" or maybe even bolt-on, bag solutions these days. But there are also bags that rely on metal, (or carbon sometimes) racks that bags either hang from or sit on. I've used all manner of bag systems and racks over my time in cycling and doing things in a more self-sufficient manner. I've got a lot of experience with front/rear rack/pannier type riding and with fully bagged out set ups too. 

Which is "best"? 

Well, to my way of thinking, neither way on their own is "best". The extremes are fine, but I think the savvy bike packer these days takes advantage of both ways. 

This is me with a rear pannier set up touring self-contained in 1995 somewhere in Nebraska.

 

I tested this bagged set up several years ago with 2.8" tires on my Gen I Fargo.

In my experience, there are a few things to think about here when it comes to using bags, racks, and being self-contained. in no particular order....

• Weight: The big concern, for several reasons, is weight. Weight of your racks, bags, cargo, and how that all affects wheels, racks, bags, and even how your bike will handle stopping, turning, and climbing.
• Wheels & Tires: You aren't going anywhere if your wheels and tires are not up for the challenge. Dealing with recurring issues like flat tires, broken spokes, or ill-handling wheels is a ride-killing thing.
• Comfort: You also are not going anywhere if you are not comfortable with the obvious things, (saddles, handle bars, overall positioning on the bike), but you also won't go far if you are not comfortable mentally with your set up. Dry runs, trying different things well before the trip, and just general tweaking is good to arrive at a place where you are going to be settled mentally with how you are approaching carrying the "stuff". 

My set up I tested for my proposed two day tour on gravel that I planned last year.

As I said earlier, I think the best way to go, in my opinion, is somewhere in between fully racked out and fully rackless. I used a combo of racks and bags in last years testing for a two-day gravel tour which didn't pan out. Hopefully I'll get that done this year, but for this article the point is that I mixed racks and rackless bag ideas to arrive at a really good place for carrying the "stuff" I wanted to take on this trip. 

If the two-day gravel tour happens, this Gryphon Mk3 will likely be the bike I use.

The pink BMC was a bit of a handful in terms of handling loose crushed rock under that load, so now that I have the Singular Gryphon Mk3, that bike with its more stable 700 X 2.8" tires will likely get the call for that trip. 

So, it all matters: The bike, the way you want to carry the stuff, and if you are okay with all of that and can just concentrate on riding. How that all works when actually loaded up and going is a test that needs to be done long before you leave on that trip. So, now that I plan on using the Gryphon, I have to get it set up with the actual load I plan on using and then I have to ride that set up. I'll make adjustments, if necessary, from that point. 

The "rack vs rackless" thing is the least of your concerns. Actually trying things out is better, and I am betting that if you do try things out that you may arrive at a completely unique set up that is custom-made for you, be that with some racks or just bags, or more likely, something in between.

The Closure Tour: Experimental Phase 3

The set-up was tested on gravel on Monday.

 I've gone through a complete tear-down/unpacking of my bags and re-packing them and remounting them on the bike. That part went pretty smoothly, but I still need to get a few items and place them in the bags properly. It is a close-to-a-full-load as I can get now. 

That is important since I wanted to ascertain how this all was going to ride like. Loaded bikes are a different animal to ride. If you've ever given a ride to another person, or carried something heavy on your bicycle, you already know that it radically changes how a bicycle handles. 

Testing my set-up then was a critical step to undertake before I blast off on this mini-tour. Especially so since gravel can vary so much. And while I have toured, I've never done it on gravel roads. So, I wanted to gain some experience before the tour date. 

I added a full water bottle to mimic some food weight I don't have on there, but this was pretty close to max load. I also wore some clothing I think I will use, which is important for other reasons I'll get to later on. I was a bit disappointed that the weather was so moderate Monday. I was hoping it would be hot and humid because the advance forecast for my dates for the ride are looking to be hot and humid.

There was a good mix of deeper, fresh gravel, like this shown here, and smoother gravel.

I was pleased to find out that I could adapt yet to a very different feeling bike rather quickly. After about two miles I was settled in and riding smoothly. There were some pretty rough areas that had some fresh gravel dumped on them. That made for an interesting riding experience. I think that the 700 X 40 Ritchey Speedmax tires are a bit overwhelmed in the chunk, but not unrideable. I may swap out to a bigger tire before I leave, but on pavement and smoother gravel this tire is okay. 

It's the load that makes the tire act a bit skittish in the rougher stuff. Otherwise I wouldn't mind these tires at all. So, I may or I may not swap. It's going to have to be done soon, though, if I decide I am switching. I don't have a lot of time to waffle around with this. 

Other than that, the load stayed put, which was great to see. I stopped once to see how tight the toe straps were staying and I did not see anything untoward. So, I figure I'll be fine there. 

The ride was a short one, but I liked that I found some varied conditions. Loose, deep gravel, smoother gravel, and pavement helped me decide that I was on track here for a successful attempt at this tour. 

So, now all I really need to do to be ready, barring changing tires, are little details. I have to get some food to add to what I have. I need to decide on exactly what clothing to pack. I need that lighter, or matches. I need proper stove fuel yet. Logistically I need to get my cues written and find the sleeve I want to use to keep them safe. I need to finalize the exact time of departure, although as of now I have targeted the first two weeks of August to try to get this in, weather depending. 

The Redwing Blackbirds are fixing to leave. So, at least they won't be a bother!

It will be an interesting trip on gravel. I have not ridden many of the areas I am going to, although I have been on many roads around the loop I am taking in cars and trucks and on tractors. Climbing shouldn't be an issue, but winds might be. Anyway, it will be good. 

The Redwing Blackbirds are gathering now to leave, so that's a bonus. I won't have to do battle with them for a while now. I noticed many corn fields have not only tasseled out, but have grown ears and silked out as well! That was surprising. It will be good to see how things look North of here. 

Stay tuned....

The Closure Tour: Experimental Phase 3

The set-up was tested on gravel on Monday.

 I've gone through a complete tear-down/unpacking of my bags and re-packing them and remounting them on the bike. That part went pretty smoothly, but I still need to get a few items and place them in the bags properly. It is a close-to-a-full-load as I can get now. 

That is important since I wanted to ascertain how this all was going to ride like. Loaded bikes are a different animal to ride. If you've ever given a ride to another person, or carried something heavy on your bicycle, you already know that it radically changes how a bicycle handles. 

Testing my set-up then was a critical step to undertake before I blast off on this mini-tour. Especially so since gravel can vary so much. And while I have toured, I've never done it on gravel roads. So, I wanted to gain some experience before the tour date. 

I added a full water bottle to mimic some food weight I don't have on there, but this was pretty close to max load. I also wore some clothing I think I will use, which is important for other reasons I'll get to later on. I was a bit disappointed that the weather was so moderate Monday. I was hoping it would be hot and humid because the advance forecast for my dates for the ride are looking to be hot and humid.

There was a good mix of deeper, fresh gravel, like this shown here, and smoother gravel.

I was pleased to find out that I could adapt yet to a very different feeling bike rather quickly. After about two miles I was settled in and riding smoothly. There were some pretty rough areas that had some fresh gravel dumped on them. That made for an interesting riding experience. I think that the 700 X 40 Ritchey Speedmax tires are a bit overwhelmed in the chunk, but not unrideable. I may swap out to a bigger tire before I leave, but on pavement and smoother gravel this tire is okay. 

It's the load that makes the tire act a bit skittish in the rougher stuff. Otherwise I wouldn't mind these tires at all. So, I may or I may not swap. It's going to have to be done soon, though, if I decide I am switching. I don't have a lot of time to waffle around with this. 

Other than that, the load stayed put, which was great to see. I stopped once to see how tight the toe straps were staying and I did not see anything untoward. So, I figure I'll be fine there. 

The ride was a short one, but I liked that I found some varied conditions. Loose, deep gravel, smoother gravel, and pavement helped me decide that I was on track here for a successful attempt at this tour. 

So, now all I really need to do to be ready, barring changing tires, are little details. I have to get some food to add to what I have. I need to decide on exactly what clothing to pack. I need that lighter, or matches. I need proper stove fuel yet. Logistically I need to get my cues written and find the sleeve I want to use to keep them safe. I need to finalize the exact time of departure, although as of now I have targeted the first two weeks of August to try to get this in, weather depending. 

The Redwing Blackbirds are fixing to leave. So, at least they won't be a bother!

It will be an interesting trip on gravel. I have not ridden many of the areas I am going to, although I have been on many roads around the loop I am taking in cars and trucks and on tractors. Climbing shouldn't be an issue, but winds might be. Anyway, it will be good. 

The Redwing Blackbirds are gathering now to leave, so that's a bonus. I won't have to do battle with them for a while now. I noticed many corn fields have not only tasseled out, but have grown ears and silked out as well! That was surprising. It will be good to see how things look North of here. 

Stay tuned....

The Closure Tour: Experimental Phase 2

With my bicycle set up mostly figured out I moved my focus to the important overnight accommodations and just how that would work. Logistically, I needed to identify a place where I could overnight. My initial thought was to do a 'bandit camp' in the woods adjacent to a cemetery along the route, but then I decided to check out camping opportunities in the area where I was riding through.

I found a good alternative in Charles City called "R Campground". I'm riding through Charles City, so I only had to tweak the route a small amount to make this work. 

It's a bit longer of a stretch to get there on my loop at about 84 miles in, but I think it shouldn't be a big concern if I get shoved off before Sunrise on the first day. Plus, that leaves a shorter distance on Day 2 for me to finish off the trip, and Charles City is a good point to resupply at, or source a meal from, so I think that's set in stone as my overnight spot. 

 Next on the agenda: How the heck do I set up my tent? This may seem like a silly question, but keep in mind, I haven't used this tent in many years. I'd forgotten what it even looked like. So, off to the back yard to do a dry run of set up and tear down.

Oh yeah....it's coming back to me now....

The Sierra Designs tent I have is a two-man, backpacking affair with a built in rain fly and shock-corded poles. It's free-standing, but I can stake down the fly and corners to keep it from becoming a man-made tumbleweed. 

Once I had it out of its cocoon that it had been in for years, I began to remember what it was about. I was timing myself on set up as well, so when I was able to have it completely ready to move into within fifteen minutes, I was pretty happy. 

And there it is! Ready to be slept in.

Once I had it set up I was also pleased to find that the interior was not musty or stinky at all. I let it air out for about an hour anyway. Then I decided to see how long it might take to pack it up. Ten minutes! I think it will all go smoother next time I try this out. 

So, that was a major hurdle which I cleared with no issues. Plus I have identified a good place to stop overnight on my route. Next up I need to refine what I am taking along with me. Staying in Charles City will modify my plans somewhat, as food and drink will be readily available to me there. That will put less of a burden on me as far as packing up stuff. I'll really only need to worry about snacks and food for the trip up,as I won't be going through any towns with a convenience store and there is only a gas station at Mile 62 which might have some refreshments. 

Water shouldn't be a problem there, so I can find a source to refill bottles at that point and make the final 20+ mile run into Charles City where I'll plan on chowing down. I only will then have to concern myself with water and nutrition to go about another 50+ to get home. 

Stay tuned......

The Closure Tour: Experimental Phase 2

With my bicycle set up mostly figured out I moved my focus to the important overnight accommodations and just how that would work. Logistically, I needed to identify a place where I could overnight. My initial thought was to do a 'bandit camp' in the woods adjacent to a cemetery along the route, but then I decided to check out camping opportunities in the area where I was riding through.

I found a good alternative in Charles City called "R Campground". I'm riding through Charles City, so I only had to tweak the route a small amount to make this work. 

It's a bit longer of a stretch to get there on my loop at about 84 miles in, but I think it shouldn't be a big concern if I get shoved off before Sunrise on the first day. Plus, that leaves a shorter distance on Day 2 for me to finish off the trip, and Charles City is a good point to resupply at, or source a meal from, so I think that's set in stone as my overnight spot. 

 Next on the agenda: How the heck do I set up my tent? This may seem like a silly question, but keep in mind, I haven't used this tent in many years. I'd forgotten what it even looked like. So, off to the back yard to do a dry run of set up and tear down.

Oh yeah....it's coming back to me now....

The Sierra Designs tent I have is a two-man, backpacking affair with a built in rain fly and shock-corded poles. It's free-standing, but I can stake down the fly and corners to keep it from becoming a man-made tumbleweed. 

Once I had it out of its cocoon that it had been in for years, I began to remember what it was about. I was timing myself on set up as well, so when I was able to have it completely ready to move into within fifteen minutes, I was pretty happy. 

And there it is! Ready to be slept in.

Once I had it set up I was also pleased to find that the interior was not musty or stinky at all. I let it air out for about an hour anyway. Then I decided to see how long it might take to pack it up. Ten minutes! I think it will all go smoother next time I try this out. 

So, that was a major hurdle which I cleared with no issues. Plus I have identified a good place to stop overnight on my route. Next up I need to refine what I am taking along with me. Staying in Charles City will modify my plans somewhat, as food and drink will be readily available to me there. That will put less of a burden on me as far as packing up stuff. I'll really only need to worry about snacks and food for the trip up,as I won't be going through any towns with a convenience store and there is only a gas station at Mile 62 which might have some refreshments. 

Water shouldn't be a problem there, so I can find a source to refill bottles at that point and make the final 20+ mile run into Charles City where I'll plan on chowing down. I only will then have to concern myself with water and nutrition to go about another 50+ to get home. 

Stay tuned......

The Closure Tour: Experimental Phase 1

Experimenting with load and light placement.

Yesterday I mentioned this idea I have for an over-night tour and as you can see from today's title, I've tentatively named it "The Closure Tour". Hopefully, if this all goes well, you will learn why I chose that title for this endeavor. 

That said, I wanted to start delving into the experimental phase of the idea and show where I am at with regard to equipment, thoughts on loading, and other sundry details. 

Here to the left you can see the Elkhorn Rack* which is carrying two dry bags on Salsa Anything Cages attached to the Elkhorn's Three-Pack bosses. I've lashed the bags to the cages with old-school toe straps. Same goes for the Sierra Designs tent on the deck. While neither of these bags serve as 100% waterproof solutions in case of rain, (well- the Salsa bag, yes. That's probably okay here), I don't anticipate pulling the trigger on going if there is rain in the forecast. As I've said here before- We don't get rain in a kindly fashion, generally speaking. It usually comes with a fair amount of lightning and wind. So, if a storm is forecast, the "launch date" will be changed.

Oh yes! I have a window already chosen for this trip and it is the first week of August. So, there is some reason to be a bit intentional with regard to getting this figured out now,. That and a commitment to doing the trip is necessary. I've talked about doing something like this for years and have not gotten around to it. Hopefully this plan will see a fruitful ending. 

Anyway- I digress. Note that I have several tail lights affixed to this set up. I am leaning toward the strap mounted lights here as they are further toward the rear and out in better view than the single seat stay mounted light would be. The Ravemen tail lights have a really stout clip which fits on the toe-strap very tightly and I have that strapped to the bags quite firmly. I really don't foresee those hopping off the straps. I think this will be my set up there. I'll probably remove the seat stay mounted light for now.

Detail showing how I snapped the bag closure around the rack stay.

Inside the blue dry bag I have my sleeping bag. A 40° bag that is pretty light and packable. It has synthetic insulation, so I don't have to worry about moisture too much. I think I could get one of those compaction bags and make it smaller, but- well.....I don't have one of those, and honestly? This is okay. 

The black Salsa Expedition Dry Bag has my gear for a stove and camp cookware, personal items, food which is in a separate plastic jar, and some odds and ends I'll use in the tent at my campsite. I mocked a fuel canister up which has water in it now to mimic weight of fuel. That's in this bag also. I need to buy a lighter though, or confiscate one of my wife's long-nosed butane lighters we use for barbecuing and for the lighting of candles. 

The 'full monty' side view.

Of course, I have Bike Bag Dude bags on my bike at all times. The Garage Top Tube Bag and Chaff Bags will hold repair and food items. I'm not anticipating having a lot of spares along for this trip. The main issues will be tire related if I have anything go wrong, in my opinion, so I'm not going to do anything different than I would for an ordinary ride in this department. 

My third dry bag is an Outdoor Research handlebar bag which is out of production now. I have my Thermarest pad rolled up in there. I also will have changes of clothing in there. A spare jersey and short insert with socks is likely all I need there. I may stuff a small camp pillow in there as well. 

Note that light and mount under the dry bag.

My plan is to try to get off on this trip in the dark. That means I'll need lights, and if I have lights, I need a place to mount them. That OR dry bag takes up a LOT of real estate. My lights that mount off a handlebar would struggle with all that bag sticking out of the front of the bike. 

I could go with my steer tube hack to mount off the front fork boss. However; I don't really like a super-low light mount without a higher mounted light to compliment it. If I have just one light, I'd rather have it be higher than lower. And centered rather than off to one side, which is an issue for me when I mount the light off a fork leg. 

What to do? Well, I have had a Minoura Space Bar extension mount sitting around which was last used at Dirty Kanza about ten years ago or more now. I grabbed it and ditched the steel band mount. I found an extra-long threaded bolt and managed to mount the rest of the Space Bar off the fork crown. That places the light just above the front tire in a centered, more or less, position, and low enough to easily clear the OR dry bag. To run the light, I will use the Raveman remote button attached to the handle bar.

I may use a helmet mounted light, but I don't think I will. Chances are I won't be riding in the dark more than a few hours on two separate occasions during this trip with the oddball chance that I get caught out after dark on Day 1.  I'll take my chances there. I may also have a camp light which, if I really needed it, could be that extra light source for identifying signs and whatnot. 

I plan on using cue sheets for navigation. That cue sheet stack will go into a clear sleeve that I can attach to the OR dry bag. I do not plan on using a computer or a GPS device. 

So, I've done a little test ride to shake things down. I'll be doing an actual gravel ride soon to really put things to the test with this set up. I'll also be doing some practice setting up and packing back up for camp. Stay tuned for more soon......

The Closure Tour: Experimental Phase 1

Experimenting with load and light placement.

Yesterday I mentioned this idea I have for an over-night tour and as you can see from today's title, I've tentatively named it "The Closure Tour". Hopefully, if this all goes well, you will learn why I chose that title for this endeavor. 

That said, I wanted to start delving into the experimental phase of the idea and show where I am at with regard to equipment, thoughts on loading, and other sundry details. 

Here to the left you can see the Elkhorn Rack* which is carrying two dry bags on Salsa Anything Cages attached to the Elkhorn's Three-Pack bosses. I've lashed the bags to the cages with old-school toe straps. Same goes for the Sierra Designs tent on the deck. While neither of these bags serve as 100% waterproof solutions in case of rain, (well- the Salsa bag, yes. That's probably okay here), I don't anticipate pulling the trigger on going if there is rain in the forecast. As I've said here before- We don't get rain in a kindly fashion, generally speaking. It usually comes with a fair amount of lightning and wind. So, if a storm is forecast, the "launch date" will be changed.

Oh yes! I have a window already chosen for this trip and it is the first week of August. So, there is some reason to be a bit intentional with regard to getting this figured out now,. That and a commitment to doing the trip is necessary. I've talked about doing something like this for years and have not gotten around to it. Hopefully this plan will see a fruitful ending. 

Anyway- I digress. Note that I have several tail lights affixed to this set up. I am leaning toward the strap mounted lights here as they are further toward the rear and out in better view than the single seat stay mounted light would be. The Ravemen tail lights have a really stout clip which fits on the toe-strap very tightly and I have that strapped to the bags quite firmly. I really don't foresee those hopping off the straps. I think this will be my set up there. I'll probably remove the seat stay mounted light for now.

Detail showing how I snapped the bag closure around the rack stay.

Inside the blue dry bag I have my sleeping bag. A 40° bag that is pretty light and packable. It has synthetic insulation, so I don't have to worry about moisture too much. I think I could get one of those compaction bags and make it smaller, but- well.....I don't have one of those, and honestly? This is okay. 

The black Salsa Expedition Dry Bag has my gear for a stove and camp cookware, personal items, food which is in a separate plastic jar, and some odds and ends I'll use in the tent at my campsite. I mocked a fuel canister up which has water in it now to mimic weight of fuel. That's in this bag also. I need to buy a lighter though, or confiscate one of my wife's long-nosed butane lighters we use for barbecuing and for the lighting of candles. 

The 'full monty' side view.

Of course, I have Bike Bag Dude bags on my bike at all times. The Garage Top Tube Bag and Chaff Bags will hold repair and food items. I'm not anticipating having a lot of spares along for this trip. The main issues will be tire related if I have anything go wrong, in my opinion, so I'm not going to do anything different than I would for an ordinary ride in this department. 

My third dry bag is an Outdoor Research handlebar bag which is out of production now. I have my Thermarest pad rolled up in there. I also will have changes of clothing in there. A spare jersey and short insert with socks is likely all I need there. I may stuff a small camp pillow in there as well. 

Note that light and mount under the dry bag.

My plan is to try to get off on this trip in the dark. That means I'll need lights, and if I have lights, I need a place to mount them. That OR dry bag takes up a LOT of real estate. My lights that mount off a handlebar would struggle with all that bag sticking out of the front of the bike. 

I could go with my steer tube hack to mount off the front fork boss. However; I don't really like a super-low light mount without a higher mounted light to compliment it. If I have just one light, I'd rather have it be higher than lower. And centered rather than off to one side, which is an issue for me when I mount the light off a fork leg. 

What to do? Well, I have had a Minoura Space Bar extension mount sitting around which was last used at Dirty Kanza about ten years ago or more now. I grabbed it and ditched the steel band mount. I found an extra-long threaded bolt and managed to mount the rest of the Space Bar off the fork crown. That places the light just above the front tire in a centered, more or less, position, and low enough to easily clear the OR dry bag. To run the light, I will use the Raveman remote button attached to the handle bar.

I may use a helmet mounted light, but I don't think I will. Chances are I won't be riding in the dark more than a few hours on two separate occasions during this trip with the oddball chance that I get caught out after dark on Day 1.  I'll take my chances there. I may also have a camp light which, if I really needed it, could be that extra light source for identifying signs and whatnot. 

I plan on using cue sheets for navigation. That cue sheet stack will go into a clear sleeve that I can attach to the OR dry bag. I do not plan on using a computer or a GPS device. 

So, I've done a little test ride to shake things down. I'll be doing an actual gravel ride soon to really put things to the test with this set up. I'll also be doing some practice setting up and packing back up for camp. Stay tuned for more soon......

Rack Me! Update

The Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Rack as it came to me.

 Last week I ran a post entitled "Rack Me!" where I showed a few choices in minimalist racks for bicycles. I mentioned that I was getting in an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Rack for test/review for RidingGravel.com. Note: Standard Disclaimer applies.

I'm not going to focus too much on the details of the rack here, because I want you to read my Riding Gravel review for that. (It won't be out for a bit yet) 

This post will be more about what I am going to do with this rack. 

So, as of now I have fitted this rack to my Black Mountain Cycles MCD. I gave some thought as to which end of the bike I wanted to mount the thing to, as it works on either end. I chose to mount it as a rear rack, because I wanted to distribute the weight I will be carrying so that the front end of my bike doesn't get too slowed down by inertia induced from a heavier front load. Here's what the set up ended up looking like....

The OMM Elkhorn Rack set up with Salsa Cycles Anything Cage HD cages.

Okay, so as to 'why' I used the Anything Cage HD cages and why the rack is on the rear, I have a certain 'mission' in mind for this set up. I plan on doing a sub-24 over-nighter type trip. Actually, it probably would be better to call it a two day, one night trip. I don't think I'll be done in less than one day's time.

I plan on possibly 'bandit-camping' or doing it 'official' at a campground, but either way- This requires a sleep system and shelter. Over the years, I have accumulated enough gear to make this all work. I have a Sierra Designs tent, some lightweight sleep-sack or another. I cannot recall the brand but it compresses down nicely for travel. I have an ancient Thermarest pad from my 1990's tours, (still works), and I have a few various dry bags to put stuff in. 

This Ti pot, stand, and folding spork along with my homemade stove are ready!

So, now I am mocking up loads and thinking through what I really need to take on this little trip. I have already strapped a few items to the Elkhorn using an old school device called a "toe strap". Some of you old cycling folks may know what those are. Yeah, there are those fancy new rubbery straps everyone is talking about, but this lil' trip is going to go off using as much 'stuff' as I have at hand. Keeping the purchases minimal and doing things "dirt-bag" if necessary. 

It's going to be a mish-mash of old and newer gear and things employed in different ways than intended will feature into my set up. Like the toe straps, which I have collected a bunch of through the years. They are so useful.... Anyway.... 

 The next post on this will focus on the trip and my experiments in loading. I will be test-riding with the full load once I have it all together. The route is pretty much figured out already. It isn't anything spectacular from an outside observer's viewpoint, but this trip will have deep meaning for me. You'll see why later as long as I actually get this done.... Nothing guaranteed. 

Okay- Any questions? Let me have 'em in the comments. Otherwise stay tuned for more soon....

Rack Me! Update

The Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Rack as it came to me.

 Last week I ran a post entitled "Rack Me!" where I showed a few choices in minimalist racks for bicycles. I mentioned that I was getting in an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Rack for test/review for RidingGravel.com. Note: Standard Disclaimer applies.

I'm not going to focus too much on the details of the rack here, because I want you to read my Riding Gravel review for that. (It won't be out for a bit yet) 

This post will be more about what I am going to do with this rack. 

So, as of now I have fitted this rack to my Black Mountain Cycles MCD. I gave some thought as to which end of the bike I wanted to mount the thing to, as it works on either end. I chose to mount it as a rear rack, because I wanted to distribute the weight I will be carrying so that the front end of my bike doesn't get too slowed down by inertia induced from a heavier front load. Here's what the set up ended up looking like....

The OMM Elkhorn Rack set up with Salsa Cycles Anything Cage HD cages.

Okay, so as to 'why' I used the Anything Cage HD cages and why the rack is on the rear, I have a certain 'mission' in mind for this set up. I plan on doing a sub-24 over-nighter type trip. Actually, it probably would be better to call it a two day, one night trip. I don't think I'll be done in less than one day's time.

I plan on possibly 'bandit-camping' or doing it 'official' at a campground, but either way- This requires a sleep system and shelter. Over the years, I have accumulated enough gear to make this all work. I have a Sierra Designs tent, some lightweight sleep-sack or another. I cannot recall the brand but it compresses down nicely for travel. I have an ancient Thermarest pad from my 1990's tours, (still works), and I have a few various dry bags to put stuff in. 

This Ti pot, stand, and folding spork along with my homemade stove are ready!

So, now I am mocking up loads and thinking through what I really need to take on this little trip. I have already strapped a few items to the Elkhorn using an old school device called a "toe strap". Some of you old cycling folks may know what those are. Yeah, there are those fancy new rubbery straps everyone is talking about, but this lil' trip is going to go off using as much 'stuff' as I have at hand. Keeping the purchases minimal and doing things "dirt-bag" if necessary. 

It's going to be a mish-mash of old and newer gear and things employed in different ways than intended will feature into my set up. Like the toe straps, which I have collected a bunch of through the years. They are so useful.... Anyway.... 

 The next post on this will focus on the trip and my experiments in loading. I will be test-riding with the full load once I have it all together. The route is pretty much figured out already. It isn't anything spectacular from an outside observer's viewpoint, but this trip will have deep meaning for me. You'll see why later as long as I actually get this done.... Nothing guaranteed. 

Okay- Any questions? Let me have 'em in the comments. Otherwise stay tuned for more soon....