My friend suggested bike packing to me last year and I was really perplexed, but tried it anyway. I was like 45 miles into my trip and crossed paths with another bike packer and she told me that I'm supposed to ride the bike instead of carrying it strapped to the backpack. I'm so glad I met her, my trip was almost 300 miles and my back was really starting to hurt and riding the bike is so much more fun
Nope can't do, that's the cutest little upside down fire I've ever seen, and it's perfectly done. I build all mine like that too. What you said about catching the embers that fall, plus protecting the fire from the cold wet ground, and protecting the ground from scorching. In the rain it won't burn down well though, in that case just do the same and add more wood on top of it. I like these trips that don't go to plan, I actually prefer having no set route. Very adventurous and makes me want to go out asap.
I did a very similar thing last month. Thought I would go to bend to get away from the soggy conditions in the valley. The snow made parts of the ride miserable but it was still great to get out and do some riding! Great video, and keep it up!
Your upside-down fire is very similar to one of the methods to make charcoal and/or biochar. Besides burning hotter its also less smoky, since a lot of the smoke created by the lower logs gets burned up in the flames.
I really appreciate how you share the ‘fails’ and the real life experience! I completed the intended loop (reverse) two weekends ago and the riding conditions were great! The weather conditions between Bend and the Observatory were bonkers though; I experienced rain, hail, sleet, snow, lightning, gusting head winds, and exposed heat conditions. Luckily there was no longer any snow pack. This area is so much fun to ride though! The double track road descending from the Observatory was possibly the most fun riding I’ve ever had on my current bike! I was giddy with excitement bombing that hill!
Thanks for the comment Cameron and glad you enjoy the videos! Sheesh....I am thinking about what weather was like a few weekends ago... I probably looked at Bend area weather and said NOPE! haha good on you for getting out there! Did you end up camping on the top of pine mountain? If you're in the Bend area and haven't checked out this route, put it on your list this summer! bikepacking.com/routes/high-cascades-overnighter/ Cheers.
You’re a trooper awesome video, looks like the upside down fire kept you warm, i’ll give it a shot on my next camping trip. Have a great and glorious day
Another awesome video! I bought a bike summer 2021 and will receive it this april! Planning my first ever overnighter and cant wait to try this new activity! You (and Rob) have been a great inspiration!
Chris, we've been going through our whole library of videos recently and they are just absolutely top notch. Fantastic work! We cab totally relate to becoming dead set on completing a specific route too. Question, do you ever run a dropper post with your seat bag?
Thank you for your feedback on the videos, I really appreciate it! I have taken my Full Suspension (Ibis RipmoAF) out on a few bikepacking trips which has a dropper. I use the same revelate designs vole pack with a wolf tooth valais. It works fine, but with my seat dropped all the way I do get some rub. On my Karate monkey i've been tempted to try a dropper post and switch to something like the tumbleweed Track. Then I could get full extension of my dropper and packing would be easier. Just haven't had enough of a reason to do that though.
@@pnwbikepacking Thanks so much for the info man! Your setup looks so dialled. I've been building up a bikepacking hardtail and I have ordered a Revelate Terrapin 8l which is in the mail. I'm now super worried that it will create a bunch of issues with the tire clearance (Because it's bigger than the Vole) Time will tell!
That was fun to watch, but made me cold. My only advice...leg warmers. Your fire seemed to be a winner. I'll have to try that next time I'm in the woods canoeing or biking. Well done sir!
Great video, storytelling, and bikepacking trip ideas as always! I was actually looking at this trip and forecast yesterday to see when it was feasible to make it to Pine Mountain without the snow. When do you think it would be the most ideal time to go? Also, I like the idea of the fire but maybe put a couple of bigger logs on top as well. Thanks for the mid-week inspiration and good luck on the March trip! Cheers, Thaddeus.
Thanks for watching! I really think it varies year to year, I bet mid march you'd probably be able to get up there. The other consideration is if I pushed on, I may have only encountered 50 yards of snow, or I may have encountered a mile! Who knows!! If I had a little bit more time, I probably would have tried to keep going. Probably THE BEST time to head up there though is April/May ish on a warm day. Later season it gets too hot! Good luck!
Great video!! Interesting way to build a fire that's for sure! Looks like it works pretty good! I'll have to try it out!!🔥 I like riding alone, most of my trips have been solo!! guess you just have to find the right person to be around all the time!! I was thinking maybe a hippie chick!!! She can do my dishes!!🤣😂🤣🌲🚴
Oh man! I had a similar experience last year trying to do the Three Sisters Three Rivers route. Got shot down by snow and ended up rerouting to the Painted Hills. I like the reverse fire technique. I'll give it a shot.
Nice! I'd love to do that Three Sisters Three Rivers route! I bet even with your re-route it was a stunning trip! What time of year did you go? Seems like something you'd really need to do LATE season.
Nice! I remember driving that road down the backside from the observatory with my loaded cabover camper. Not really hard but a little nerve wracking wondering if the road was gonna get worse or traffic coming up. Come down to Nevada and we'll bikepack the s*** outa this place!
@@pnwbikepacking Observatory wasn't open. That was 2018 I think? Nevada is so wide open! I was on a short loop a couple days ago that included a beautiful riparian 'almost' slot canyon. Should have it on my blog soon. Finding water is key!
Hah it is definitely more comfortable. I schlep around so much stuff already that I rarely feel like it was worth it to carry around a camp chair! (even a small lightweight one). But I guess it depends on the trip!
"People in the comments tell me why I'm an idiot for doing it this way" 🤣🤣🤣you know those haters always do!!! Bro I live in McMinnville and just got a bikepacking rig....we need to hit some trails!
Hey Adi! I am using the Salsa Anything Cradle. I like it because it can accommodate a smaller or large dry bag, and it also gives me a little platform on the top where I can strop down my tripod! Instead of using the buckles that come with the cradle, I swapped to viole straps. I think it just keeps the load more secure, and the voile straps are more versatile.
Yeah, the wood ended up burning pretty quickly so it ended up turning into more of a sandwich fire like you're talking about haha. Thanks for watching!
You're exactly right! I slept with 1 liter in the footbox of my sleeping bag, but didn't want to go crazy and put 3 liters at the bottom of my footbox, especially the platypus!
My friend suggested bike packing to me last year and I was really perplexed, but tried it anyway. I was like 45 miles into my trip and crossed paths with another bike packer and she told me that I'm supposed to ride the bike instead of carrying it strapped to the backpack. I'm so glad I met her, my trip was almost 300 miles and my back was really starting to hurt and riding the bike is so much more fun
Nope can't do, that's the cutest little upside down fire I've ever seen, and it's perfectly done. I build all mine like that too. What you said about catching the embers that fall, plus protecting the fire from the cold wet ground, and protecting the ground from scorching. In the rain it won't burn down well though, in that case just do the same and add more wood on top of it. I like these trips that don't go to plan, I actually prefer having no set route. Very adventurous and makes me want to go out asap.
Beautiful ride. Love your tent. Which one is it if you don’t mind me asking? Ok youngster. Cover those knees. ❤️
Hey Liz, the tent is a Zpacks Duplex, it's been a great tent for me! Yeah.. next time it is this cold, i'll cover the knees 😁
a lot of bikepacking show following your channel here in southern Brazil hugs
Woo! Thanks for watching! Cheers!
I did a very similar thing last month. Thought I would go to bend to get away from the soggy conditions in the valley. The snow made parts of the ride miserable but it was still great to get out and do some riding! Great video, and keep it up!
Thanks Cody! Yeah sometimes we just need to escape the sog and embrace the snow pushing haha! Way to get out there!
Love them transitions dude 😆
Haha, thanks, when I chose the song it got me wanting to use funky transitions!
Your upside-down fire is very similar to one of the methods to make charcoal and/or biochar. Besides burning hotter its also less smoky, since a lot of the smoke created by the lower logs gets burned up in the flames.
Not to discount the awesomeness of this video or the PNW, but another desert trip? Woot!
Woohoo!! I love me some desert riding!
I really appreciate how you share the ‘fails’ and the real life experience!
I completed the intended loop (reverse) two weekends ago and the riding conditions were great! The weather conditions between Bend and the Observatory were bonkers though; I experienced rain, hail, sleet, snow, lightning, gusting head winds, and exposed heat conditions. Luckily there was no longer any snow pack.
This area is so much fun to ride though! The double track road descending from the Observatory was possibly the most fun riding I’ve ever had on my current bike! I was giddy with excitement bombing that hill!
Thanks for the comment Cameron and glad you enjoy the videos! Sheesh....I am thinking about what weather was like a few weekends ago... I probably looked at Bend area weather and said NOPE! haha good on you for getting out there! Did you end up camping on the top of pine mountain? If you're in the Bend area and haven't checked out this route, put it on your list this summer! bikepacking.com/routes/high-cascades-overnighter/
Cheers.
You’re a trooper awesome video, looks like the upside down fire kept you warm, i’ll give it a shot on my next camping trip. Have a great and glorious day
Thanks! Hope you like the upside down fire!!! The set up is key so don't rush that part!
Another awesome video! I bought a bike summer 2021 and will receive it this april! Planning my first ever overnighter and cant wait to try this new activity! You (and Rob) have been a great inspiration!
Stoked to hear that, I hope you have a great first trip!
Another great vid!
Excellent adventure. Nice video. Good luck on your future trip. Take care, Al
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Love the video, as always - nice new branding, as well!
Thanks Jamie!
Chris, we've been going through our whole library of videos recently and they are just absolutely top notch. Fantastic work! We cab totally relate to becoming dead set on completing a specific route too.
Question, do you ever run a dropper post with your seat bag?
Thank you for your feedback on the videos, I really appreciate it! I have taken my Full Suspension (Ibis RipmoAF) out on a few bikepacking trips which has a dropper. I use the same revelate designs vole pack with a wolf tooth valais. It works fine, but with my seat dropped all the way I do get some rub.
On my Karate monkey i've been tempted to try a dropper post and switch to something like the tumbleweed Track. Then I could get full extension of my dropper and packing would be easier. Just haven't had enough of a reason to do that though.
@@pnwbikepacking Thanks so much for the info man! Your setup looks so dialled.
I've been building up a bikepacking hardtail and I have ordered a Revelate Terrapin 8l which is in the mail. I'm now super worried that it will create a bunch of issues with the tire clearance (Because it's bigger than the Vole)
Time will tell!
The Arctic Fox would have kept ya warm!!! 😂😂 Another awesome trip.
Yes he would have! Don't worry, he keeps me warm on the next trip 😂
Fairly new subscriber, must say , I am really enjoying your videos, love your attitude and outlook on life !
Thanks for subscribing and watching Scott!
That was fun to watch, but made me cold. My only advice...leg warmers. Your fire seemed to be a winner. I'll have to try that next time I'm in the woods canoeing or biking. Well done sir!
I'll take a look at leg warmers! I see a lot of cyclists rocking those arm warmers... Thanks for watching and the suggestion!
@@pnwbikepacking No problem, I was cold just watching you. That's why I suggested it.
Always enjoy your vids. Makes me want to get out there
Thanks Curt, glad it gets you stoked!
Your videos inspire me to get out and see more places.
Stoked to get you inspired PJ!!
Excellent buddy thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching Tim!
Great video, storytelling, and bikepacking trip ideas as always! I was actually looking at this trip and forecast yesterday to see when it was feasible to make it to Pine Mountain without the snow. When do you think it would be the most ideal time to go? Also, I like the idea of the fire but maybe put a couple of bigger logs on top as well. Thanks for the mid-week inspiration and good luck on the March trip! Cheers, Thaddeus.
Thanks for watching! I really think it varies year to year, I bet mid march you'd probably be able to get up there. The other consideration is if I pushed on, I may have only encountered 50 yards of snow, or I may have encountered a mile! Who knows!! If I had a little bit more time, I probably would have tried to keep going.
Probably THE BEST time to head up there though is April/May ish on a warm day. Later season it gets too hot! Good luck!
Great video!! Interesting way to build a fire that's for sure! Looks like it works pretty good! I'll have to try it out!!🔥 I like riding alone, most of my trips have been solo!! guess you just have to find the right person to be around all the time!! I was thinking maybe a hippie chick!!! She can do my dishes!!🤣😂🤣🌲🚴
Glad you enjoyed the video.
I like it when it's winter time, I get to my spot and sleep nice and warm. Unfortunately that is never the case...ever lol
Hah exactly. I need to start erring on the side of brining MORE warmer gear!!!
loving the disco music ! but i would think thats more robs style .
Hah! Thanks for the comment Ron!
Oh man! I had a similar experience last year trying to do the Three Sisters Three Rivers route. Got shot down by snow and ended up rerouting to the Painted Hills. I like the reverse fire technique. I'll give it a shot.
Nice! I'd love to do that Three Sisters Three Rivers route! I bet even with your re-route it was a stunning trip! What time of year did you go? Seems like something you'd really need to do LATE season.
@@pnwbikepacking Yup. We attempted the route in June and there was still snow at high elevations.
Nice! I remember driving that road down the backside from the observatory with my loaded cabover camper. Not really hard but a little nerve wracking wondering if the road was gonna get worse or traffic coming up. Come down to Nevada and we'll bikepack the s*** outa this place!
Nice Doug! Was the observatory open when you went? Tell us the good spots in Nevada!!!
@@pnwbikepacking Observatory wasn't open. That was 2018 I think? Nevada is so wide open! I was on a short loop a couple days ago that included a beautiful riparian 'almost' slot canyon. Should have it on my blog soon. Finding water is key!
Get yourself a small fold up camp chair, best thing ever, beats sitting on a log or a rock or the ground
Hah it is definitely more comfortable. I schlep around so much stuff already that I rarely feel like it was worth it to carry around a camp chair! (even a small lightweight one). But I guess it depends on the trip!
"People in the comments tell me why I'm an idiot for doing it this way" 🤣🤣🤣you know those haters always do!!! Bro I live in McMinnville and just got a bikepacking rig....we need to hit some trails!
Great video again, what bike do you ride?
Thanks! For bikepacking I predominately ride my Surly Karate Monkey with front suspension! It's worked out really great for me!
Hey Chris,
9:01 - What is that Handlebar Harness brand / model - if you don't mind asking :)
Hey Adi! I am using the Salsa Anything Cradle. I like it because it can accommodate a smaller or large dry bag, and it also gives me a little platform on the top where I can strop down my tripod! Instead of using the buckles that come with the cradle, I swapped to viole straps. I think it just keeps the load more secure, and the voile straps are more versatile.
@@pnwbikepacking That is amazing!
THAT'S why your narration sometimes sounds like Ira Glass, Chris--you listen to This American Life!
Woohoo! I love me some Ira Glass!!!
you rock!
Thanks for watching Brandon!
I build my fire 🔥 exactly the same way.
Woohoo!! Upside down fire represent!
Complaining about the cold, but still have shorts on. LOL
Haha yep. Unfortunately it won’t be the last time either! I’ll learn one of these days!
I think a sandwich fire would work well as long as the top bigger pieces weren't thick enough to smother the fire.
Yeah, the wood ended up burning pretty quickly so it ended up turning into more of a sandwich fire like you're talking about haha. Thanks for watching!
gotta sleep with your water, keep it from freezing
You're exactly right! I slept with 1 liter in the footbox of my sleeping bag, but didn't want to go crazy and put 3 liters at the bottom of my footbox, especially the platypus!
YOUR MUSIC IS TERRIBLE.
JUST BE YOURSELF, YOU DONT NEED THE BACKGROUND MUSIC.
Oh Dale I am so sorry you had to sit through some music you didn’t like. Great feedback.