Coming to the June bikepacking trip? Remember to sign up by June 1st and consider attending the shake-out ride!
Think of a shakeout ride as a dress rehearsal for the actual trip. It’s a shorter, less demanding version of what you’ll be doing, designed to:
1. Test your gear: This is the big one. You get to load up your bike with (ideally) everything you plan to bring on your trip and actually ride with it. This helps you identify any comfort issues with your pack setup, discover if anything rattles or rubs, and ensure all your bags are securely attached.
2. Dial in your bike: You can check if your saddle height is right for longer days, make sure your brakes are working well under load, and confirm your gears are shifting smoothly.
3. Assess your physical readiness: While it won’t replicate four full days of riding, it gives you a sense of how your body feels with the extra weight and helps you identify any potential hot spots or areas of discomfort early.
4. Practice your systems: The group will be setting up our tents at City Park Jazz and enjoying the show. Here you can test stoves and other gear.
5. Build confidence: Knowing that your gear and body can handle a shorter version of the trip can ease any pre-trip jitters.
Ideally, the shakeout ride should involve carrying your full load (or as close as possible): Even though the group won’t actually be camping, load your bags with the weight you expect to carry. You can use water bottles or other items to simulate the weight of food and gear.
Doing a shakeout ride just a few days before your trip gives you enough time to make any necessary adjustments, like tweaking your gear setup, addressing any bike issues, or even reconsidering certain items if they proved problematic. It’s a fantastic way to head into your bikepacking adventure with more confidence and fewer surprises!