Limberlost in Idaho: Bikepacking the Idaho Hot Springs Route

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Üma Kleppinger, GoLocalPDX Contributor

biking-limberlost

Portland-based Limberlost shares the trials of tribulations of bikepacking the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route.

The latest and greatest thing in the bike scene since the invention of the wheel is here. Turn up tonight, October 29, for a new presentation of bikepacking from Portland-based adventure cycling group Limberlost, at Velo Cult.

Limberlost creators, Jason Britton and Gabriel Amadeus will be on hand presenting slides and stories from their recent bikepacking journey through Central Idaho. The presentation is titled Lost in Idaho: Pushwhacking Idaho's Hot Spring Mountain Bike Route.

So what is bikepacking, you ask? Bikepacking combines the outdoor adventure of backpacking and camping with biking. Typically, riders use mountain bikes or rugged road or cross bikes, adapted for off-road touring. Unlike the more visible and common form of bike touring on paved roads with rack and panniers, bikepackers often opt for ultra lightweight and minimal gear, packed in heavy duty bags designed to fit on and in the frame of the bike, minus the racks.

Although off-road touring has been around for ages, bikepacking's recent surge in popularity among outdoor adventurists can be largely attributed to several Portland-based bikepacking outfit, Velodirt, who mapped out the iconic Oregon Stampede gravel road tour.

Along with friends who joined for some of the tour, The Limberlost crew toured the Idaho Springs Mountain Bike Route, established by the Adventure Cycling Association in 2013. While the 40+ hot springs along the route may suggest something of a backcountry spa retreat, the ruggedness of the riding is no trifle; even experienced bikepackers will be tested on this extremely challenging off-road tour, as the Limberlost crew discovered.

Head to Velo Cult and grab a pint of local cider or craft brew, and sit back while Britton and Amadeus share the trials and tribulations of undertaking this rugged adventure. The two will also offer bikepacking advice, talk gear and answer questions from the public.

When: Wednesday October 29th, 8–11pm

Where: Velo Cult Bike Shop, 1969 NE 42nd Ave, Portland

Cost: Free; registration not required

uma-bio

Üma Kleppinger is a Portland-based copy writer, author and bike addict. A recovering sesquipedalian who writes about life in the saddle and outdoor adventure, she is also the author of BikeYoga, a yoga program for cyclists. When not writing, she can be found riding and racing her mountain bike throughout the Pacific Northwest.