January is long and I miss my bikes

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

January is 576 days long. I miss biking season, so I have determined to use this time to plan for more biking during bike season. A year ago, this was not a thought. I had no idea what I was missing; I was either a lone wolf riding around doing Leah Things or I was a club rider riding around with different groups in the club. And on those club rides people would say to me, “Got any bike trips planned?” and I never did. What’s that Hobbit line? “We [Petersons] are very respectable and never have any adventures at all.” 

Mostly their bike trips were fully supported rides with some theme or specific purpose, and I wasn’t all that interested. No one was talking touring or bike camping, and anyway, Leah Peterson doesn’t camp. I was pretty (self) limited, just riding around doing the same things most weeks.

Ok, well, summer of ‘25 my college boy wanted to try bike camping, and inept as we were, we got the gear, planned some routes, rode them, camped and toured and LOVED it. See here: https://groups.google.com/g/rbw-owners-bunch/c/lT31xPiKVKk/m/ENio65vuAQAJ

And now I’m hooked. I miss everything about bike touring; even the hard things, like rainstorms and hills and exhaustion. Must I really wait until spring? Like, April???

I had two amazing trips summer of ‘25. We saw gorgeous Lake Michigan shoreline. Niagara Falls. Fell asleep to waves lapping the shore of our campsites. My boy is a dream; he’s good for stimulating conversation or companionable silence. Sometimes we each had an audiobook going and we rode along with our books in our ears,, pedaling in rhythmic silence. The perfect bike touring companion, I had him, but he’s going to get a job and leave me. So now I’m in limbo; I want him as my bike partner but he is unsure where he will be this summer. I want to plan trips but I don’t want to do them alone. You would think the bike club might render me a pal. But their bikes do not haul like ours. I have one friend who did the GAP with me, but she could only carry her clothes; she had no capacity to carry a tent or panniers on her carbon bike, so we stayed at Warm Showers. And even if you find a pal, you need what I call RIDING CHEMISTRY. You cannot just go with any rando; you must be in similar shape, want to see the same sights, have similar disposable incomes, value gourmet coffee…

I’ve thought of setting off alone. But I wonder if that’s safe or will even be fun. Part of doing these trips is having someone to enjoy them and relive them with. Plus, how scared would I be alone in my tent at night when the animals come out? What if something happens like a mechanical or a crash? 

Ideally, one would do this with a spouse, but mine is not a cyclist. Where do you meet people you might like to travel with? I’m sure there are plenty on this forum who can at least empathize. And with the next winter storm barreling towards us, what else have we got to do?

Leah

SW Michigan

[Piaw Na]

Leah,

I actually wrote a whole book about bicycle touring, including companion selection which I agree is the most important factor that can make or break a trip: https://amzn.to/3Zq2vzI (kindle version: https://amzn.to/4bFG6G0). Since it's winter you'll have plenty of time to read. :-)  I myself am blessed with a plethora of friends who were brave enough (foolhardy enough?) to come on my trips over the years. Some even bought the entire package (cycling, sailing, backpacking), so to speak, coming on multiple trips of different types over the years. Back in the old days I would also respond to "call for companions" requests on the Adventure Cycling newsletter/magazine. One thing I always do (and mention in the book as well) is to do a "qualifier" trip with whoever wants to come with you. That's an overnight trip to a close location that simulates an actual trip. It lets you decide whether or not that person is compatible. Every time I've done a trip with a new companion without a qualifier I've learned to regret it. Sometimes I do the qualifier anyway just to shake down new equipment and make sure it works.

By the way, it's a myth that regular road/racing bikes cannot carry loads. My wife's Ritchey Road Logic saw 700+ miles in the alps last summer. Modern bikepacking bags are more than sufficient for credit card touring and even some light camping, and in many cases even eliminate the need to mount fenders on the bike as the long tail of the waterproof saddlebag doubles as a fender. It would be an ill-fitting bike that cannot use a modern bikepacking style saddlebag to carry a load.

[Leah Peterson]

Piaw, but how do you mount racks to a carbon frame? My friend said that is frowned upon and I believe it. This was as much stuff as she could carry without racks. You can see the seat post bag - there would be no room for a tent.

On Jan 21, 2026, at 4:49 PM, Piaw Na <pi...@gmail.com> wrote:

Leah,

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[Jim M.]

Tailfin has a system for attaching to axle and seatpost, so no need for eyelets. Very pricey, but I believe others have developed similar systems.

https://www.tailfin.cc/cargopack/?v=0b3b97fa6688#features

jim m

walnut creek

[matt miller]

Tailfin is quite nice. I bought one of the Kickstarter offerings NOS. The pannier's screw, which attached the mount to the internal frame, was stripped. I sent them an email and a short video. They sent me a replacement. Great customer service. It's a versatile system, but it's not intended for "French fit," but will work. I use it on my Black Mountain Cycles bike, then I also use the bags for commuting on my old Trek with Nitto racks.

They do pop up used every so often.

Matt in STL

[Piaw Na(藍俊彪)]

You do not need to mount a rack to carry a tent. For instance, on top of that saddlebag you could tie a tent. (it'll have to be an ultralight tent, but those exist). Alternatively, you could get fork bags, which can mount onto carbon forks as well as steel forks: https://amzn.to/4jR3rXt. Or you could do credit card touring, which is feasible in many places. My wife's Ritchey Road Logic, which is steel, does not have rack mounts either. Neither does her Ritchey Montebello, but that bike does have fork mount points which easily mount a fork bag, which we used on a recent bike camping trip: https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/tx58S65UQJmAMrWRagdo9A.oivpknolZZ4ONBfbktLb8C

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[ANDREW LETTON]

It is mid summer here in the Southern Hemisphere… lots of lovely riding around here… just sayin’… 😁

cheers,

Andrew in Sydney 

(Painstakingly pecked out on my iPhone; please pardon my brevity and tpyos.)

On 21 Jan 2026, at 1:24 pm, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

January is 576 days long. I miss biking season, so I have determined to use this time to plan for more biking during bike season. A year ago, this was not a thought. I had no idea what I was missing; I was either a lone wolf riding around doing Leah Things or I was a club rider riding around with different groups in the club. And on those club rides people would say to me, “Got any bike trips planned?” and I never did. What’s that Hobbit line? “We [Petersons] are very respectable and never have any adventures at all.” 

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<IMG_0315.jpeg>

[Piaw Na(藍俊彪)]

On Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 3:58 PM ANDREW LETTON <let...@flash.net> wrote:

It is mid summer here in the Southern Hemisphere… lots of lovely riding around here… just sayin’… 😁

cheers,

Andrew in Sydney 

Leah doesn't even have to go that far. We've had 3 weeks of sunny weather here in the Bay Area, with no sign of rain on the horizon. Plus, if Leah visits the Bay Area she gets to visit her favorite bike shop in Walnut Creek and might even get to try a new bike. :-)

 

[Ted Durant]

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 8:24:53 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

I’ve thought of setting off alone. But I wonder if that’s safe or will even be fun. Part of doing these trips is having someone to enjoy them and relive them with. Plus, how scared would I be alone in my tent at night when the animals come out? What if something happens like a mechanical or a crash? 

That's a big question, for sure. I've just spent 6 days in LA thinking about how much I enjoy biking and sailing, and how that means I'm stuck for fun for a few months. A natural winter activity is to start planning the fun that I'll have when the weather allows. Whether you'll enjoy a bike camping trip solo is a great question to ask. As Paul Fournel says in _Need For The Bike_, "Hell is the rhythm of others." And, yet, few people really enjoy being alone for extended periods. I am an introvert, sometimes cripplingly so, and yet the couple of times I have done solo bike trips I have cut them short. I was a lot younger, then, though, and I've been thinking about planning something. As I think about it, I think that the best approach will be to try some solo S24O's, and see whether I enjoy those. But, as I'm not as young as I used to be, I'm not sure I want to actually do a camping trip. We'll see!

Great winter topic, Leah! (apologies to those in warm climates and/or on the other side of the Equator).

Ted Durant

Milwaukee WI USA

[Jay]

Leah, January is about to get even longer up here in the northern hemisphere!  I'm trying to keep positive but...come on, 'feels like' -32C on Saturday morning, sheesh!

You seem like a real people person.  Not sure you would like touring alone, even though you would likely bump into many people and make new friends.  You have to convert that hubby of yours into a diehard cyclist.

[Piaw Na(藍俊彪)]

On Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 4:50 PM Ted Durant <tedd...@gmail.com> wrote:

As I think about it, I think that the best approach will be to try some solo S24O's, and see whether I enjoy those. But, as I'm not as young as I used to be, I'm not sure I want to actually do a camping trip. We'll see!

If you don't like camping,  or just don't like carrying a ton of stuff to go on tour, you may wish to consider a youth hostel. Here in the Bay Area, my favorite one is Pigeon Point Lighthouse: https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road. They're $40/night if you're going solo, which is very reasonable, but you should budget for more since you will want to pay the $8 to sit in the hot tub overlooking the Pacific Ocean and watch the sunset from there. (Pro tip: check sunset times and arrive early at the hostel so you can grab the sunset hot tub spot before anyone else)

And yes, I use Pigeon Point as my qualifier trip. Here's the 2025 edition trip report - https://blog.piaw.net/2025/05/pigeon-point-overnight-2025.html

[Gabe]

Hey all! 

Here's my REI bike set up for a one night excursion (not a multi-day adventure like you guys did!). It's obviously not a carbon racing bike but I fit what I needed (tent, 90s thermarest, sleeping bag, tyvek tarp) without using the rear rack. Naturally it depends on how compact (or bulky) the gear is, but lots of bikes work great for camping! 

As for racks on C bikes, I suppose you'd need the right fork/ rack combo. 

Party on! 

Gabe 

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[Kim H.]

Go now when you are young and able !  The road and pathways are calling you, turned on edges waiting for you. 

Unfortunately, I have not experienced bicycle camping nor have I been gone on a multiple day overnight bicycle camping adventure over hundreds of miles. I have done single day adventures ranging in mileage between 25 to 100 miles multiple times a weeks at a time for many years, when I was a younger man.

I have grown older, my body has slowly changed over the decades, losing its strength and the desire to be fast. My mind has become wiser and has learned to be more cautious. Those long distance rides have become shorter. My riding pace has become slower, in watching the world around looking and always listening for wildlife to add more colorful memories. 

I am grateful for all those thousands of miles I rode on my beloved road bike when I was a younger man. The memories are numerous and remain strong now as a seasoned senior cyclist. 

I will continue to ride solo to find the peace and calm within myself from this crazy and silly world until I unable to do so on my Clem. 

Ride as often as you can.

Kim Hetzel. 

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[alan lavine]

Well said, Kim. I'll drink to that !

Alan

NYC where 20 degrees ain't fun

[Kim H.]

@Alan,

Thank you. 

I will pull up a chair. I will have a toast with you. 

Kim Hetzel 

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[Leah Peterson]

I do think you’re right about this, Ted. I AM a people person and I think it might get pretty lonely out there alone. I would be the type to cut my trip short. I love looking back at my photos and video from the trips with my son; they were so special because HE was there. I need to find some new bike camping pals STAT. My buddy up in GR has a whole pile of these type of friends. Last summer he texted me from the road; he was riding around most of Lake Michigan and they were slogging it out doing 100+ mile days in 90 degree heat. I thought it was so cool he had several guys to do it with, also, please do not invite me to that. I do not want that kind of punishing itinerary; I want to see gorgeous things and stop for food and drink. 

I did just plan a 3 day route in the upper peninsula that would take me from Sault St. Marie to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It’s got one 80 mile day in it and the area is pretty remote. I think I need a partner for that one. I find the planning also to be overwhelming. It’s hard to know what places are truly like just from the internet. My inaugural ride to Niagara Falls ended up on 55 mph roads with little to no shoulder and we swore never again. It was on the “Great Lakes Seaway Trail” and it was a misnomer, let me tell you…

On Jan 21, 2026, at 7:50 PM, Ted Durant <tedd...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[George Schick]

Kim - how did you steal that out of my brain!?  That's my exact same lifetime cycling experience up to the present time, almost verbatim.

George

[Sally Bidleman]

There are also some great bike touring companies with trips of different lengths and in different places!

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[Will Boericke]

Outsider perspective: winter is an excuse to own other bikes!  Find a bike that gets you outside in the cold.  For me, that's a mountain bike.  Totally fine to ride 2+ hours on trails at 8mph at 30F.  This winter in the northeast has been surprisingly fruitful for the fat bike as well; it normally just hangs in my basement for most of the year.

Will, commuting at whatever temperature nature throws at us (6F on Wednesday)

On Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 9:28:18 AM UTC-5 krhe...@gmail.com wrote:

@George,

Well.. I suggest you pull up a chair to this open table where Alan and I are sitting. Let's share a drink and toast to how far we have come and exchange our cycling stories of yesterday. 

Subsequently, I am glad to hear that I am not the only one. How ironic that your lifetime cycling experience up to the present time is almost verbatim as mine.

Kim Hetzel staying inside with mid 20 degree weather outside.

On Thu, Jan 22, 2026 at 5:54 AM George Schick <bhi...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Kim H.]

@George,

Well.. I suggest you pull up a chair to this open table where Alan and I are sitting. Let's share a drink and toast to how far we have come and exchange our cycling stories of yesterday. 

Subsequently, I am glad to hear that I am not the only one. How ironic that your lifetime cycling experience up to the present time is almost verbatim as mine.

Kim Hetzel staying inside with mid 20 degree weather outside here in Washington state.

On Thu, Jan 22, 2026 at 5:54 AM George Schick <bhi...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Piaw Na(藍俊彪)]

On Thu, Jan 22, 2026 at 4:47 AM Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

I do think you’re right about this, Ted. I AM a people person and I think it might get pretty lonely out there alone. I would be the type to cut my trip short. I love looking back at my photos and video from the trips with my son; they were so special because HE was there. I need to find some new bike camping pals STAT.

I didn't mention that one reason to stay at youth hostels instead of camping is that you meet a lot of people. I met one of my touring partners that way. 

[Piaw Na]

I mentioned my camping trip on New Year's Eve.  Here's the trip writeup: https://blog.piaw.net/2026/01/point-reyes-coast-campground.html

[Eric White]

Always nice to see a steel Safari loaded up for adventure!  

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[Roberta]

Sally,

Do you have any recommendations for companies in the Mid-Atlantic region that you especially liked?  I’ve never done any bike touring, but I did see tours of three or five days on Assateague Island. I’m also not a strong rider so can’t do multiple 40 mile day rides, although I’m hoping to change that this summer with some training 

Piaw,

That’s an interesting a cost-effective suggestion to stay at hostels. I tried camping this summer and it wasn’t too bad but I can’t imagine I would love bike riding all day and staying in a tent all night.

Roberta
Philadelphia

[Piaw Na(藍俊彪)]

On Thu, Jan 22, 2026 at 9:32 AM Roberta <rcha...@gmail.com> wrote:

Sally,

Do you have any recommendations for companies in the Mid-Atlantic region that you especially liked?  I’ve never done any bike touring, but I did see tours of three or five days on Assateague Island. I’m also not a strong rider so can’t do multiple 40 mile day rides, although I’m hoping to change that this summer with some training 

The most cost effective bike touring "companies" are actually the bike tours run by bicycle clubs. Those don't usually take a huge amount of profit (as opposed to backroads). One example is the Supertour (2025 flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bA65T6gABDLdzEaSjNmZGLKo1By-Ox0x/view) which prices in at around $150/person/day (unfortunately, it's camping based).

Surprisingly enough, when I organize my own trip I come in at around that price but get to stay in hotels.  If you're on the East Coast with easy access to Europe, one great option is biketours.com, which gets you tours run by European companies which charge around 1/5th the price of American companies like Trek Tours or Backroads or Santana Tours (those can run up to $800/night/person). One great option for those new to touring is the "bike and boat tours": https://www.biketours.com/bike-boat/. What you do is to get onto the riverboat boat and unpack. In the morning each day, the boat drops you off, and you bike downriver to where the boat meets you. On days you don't feel like riding you stay on the boat. You never have to pack/unpack each day, and usually breakfast and dinner is taken care of. American companies will charge $4000 for a week, but the locals run it for 1000 euros for a week: https://www.biketours.com/austria/danube-passau-budapest-passau/ (I have never taken one of these tours --- I just get a lot of brochures from backroads and various other touring companies --- I show them to my wife so she understands how much money we save by doing everything ourselves :-)

[meti...@gmail.com]

When I first began bike touring, Leah, before we had any idea what we were doing, we signed up with several bicycle touring companies and went on guided trips with groups…one trip through Vermont and another through Wisconsin…and they were so much fun! 

Benefits of riding with touring companies (in small groups of about 10 people): 

* someone with riding experience in each locale plans the routes honed over many seasons so that we had quiet rides on back roads (I recall your trip last summer along the shoulders of busy roads, which seemed harrowing); 

* no need to carry camping equipment because lodging and meals were prearranged; 

* the rides were “supported” with leaders who could also do most basic bike repairs and change tires (as I recall, you don’t like to change your own tires)

* there’s a van that can give you a lift if necessary…if your bike breaks down, if it rains cats and dogs, etc. The van can also carry your luggage so you wouldn’t need to carry it on your bike

* the leaders of the group don’t bring their partners or spouses along on the trips, so you know you’ve got a free friend 

* it’s almost certain you wouldn’t be the only partnerless rider…and you’ll make fast friends

* on each of our bike trips, we rode with the most wonderful people, some of whom we still keep in touch with…and if you get bored with anyone, just hang back or ride ahead

* people ride at their own paces, so you automatically ride with people who ride like you

Downsides (for me): 

* I don’t like to be told when to get up and meet at breakfast to review the day’s rides/iteneraries

* sometimes I just want to ride down unplanned roads or stop for a day if I like the town 

* after several supported trips in the US, we got the hang of trip planning and bike camping, and we got VERY quick at changing tires, so we decided we could handle all the minor repairs with just two or three of us. 

Once we got the hang of all of that, we took off for Europe with no plans whatsoever and rode wherever the winds blew us, and that became so thrilling that we never took another tour—-we just followed our noses…but I have to say that the tours got us to places I might never have gone and there’s a huge benefit to having an experienced tour leader who has tested out the routes to avoid heavy traffic and to include beautify local scenery, coffee shops, quirky places, etc. 

It’s a good way to ride with people but also have freedom to separate yourself when you need space…you’ll feel confident that you won’t run into trouble, and you don’t have to plan the trip yourself so it’s a pretty carefree comittment. And, as you said, if you don’t like it, you can just go on home. 

Liz

[alan lavine]

One other option to consider for winter riding: shorter rides but higher intensity using SS or fixed gear. 

I converted a couple of vintage frames to SS or fixed gear, and I ride to my workshop and back almost everyday. It's only a 30" minute ride, flat except for the last 2 blocks of climbing.  It's not much but it's something and it's outdoors. One other advantage is that because it's only 30" I can really bundle up to stay warm without fear of starting to sweat on the inner layers.

My wife asks why I insist on riding even in cold windy weather. My response: Because I can.

Best,

Alan 

[Jason Fuller]

When it comes to solo bike camping, I totally hear your concerns, but I would suggest just dipping your toes in solo travel with a single night trip. The S24O, sub-24h overnighter, was coined by Grant himself too, so you know it's Riv-appropriate. I try to do at least 3 or 4 a year, and despite being such short duration, because you're by yourself and alone with your thoughts, they feel much grander. There's also something really special about packing a proper adventure into such a small amount of time. 

I love going camping with friends too, but the solo trips are a good balance for me to just enjoy the tranquility of a secluded spot. I choose my destinations such that there are no overly scary animals around - deer and raccoons are OK, but I avoid cougars and bears for solo trips. 

[Patrick Moore]

I recall seeing one of those Amazon seatpost-clamp rear racks, clamped to the CF seatpost on a Di2 Trek Domane or Specialized Roubaix.

[R. Alexis]

Leah,

You have taken quite the leap in bicycle touring/adventuring the last couple years. The ride from Chicago along the Lake Michigan to Indiana/Michigan seemed like quite the ride a couple years ago. Your trips last year looked like an amazing time. Sounds like a RivSisters or Rivendell organized ride may be in order. 

I myself have never done an overnight ride. A friend want to do RAGBRAI. The ride you did from Chicago along Lake Michigan to Indiana/Michigan is appealing due to being from Chicago and having some familiarity with the area. I did the first day of RAGBRAI a couple years ago and enjoyed it up to the point where I bonked and had to throw in the towel and take a SAG. 

A have a bicycle shop friend that does a tour every year out east. The one last year ended in Pittsburg, PA or someplace in OH. They drove out, parked, rode several days and rented a van at the end to get back to the vehicles. Was thinking about seeing if they had room for me to go along. The Katy Trail in Missouri looks like a good option. This same shop friend and another friend have done this in the past. The other friend did it with another girlfriend on Electra e-bikes with, at max about 50 or 60 miles per day with hubby driving camper to each overnight location. 

The I&M Canal in Illinois looks good since it is close to Chicago. Have some friends that are in that area that may be game. Would have to get them out on bikes first since most of them are novices. 

As for getting out in this weather, It has not been particularly comfortable here in Eastern Nebraska. I had the day off and thought about at least going for a walk, but just ended up staying in all day. Somewhat out of my character. 

Reginald Alexis

[Leah Peterson]

Reginald, really? I had you in my mind as a months-long tourer! I suppose I decided that somewhere after seeing photos of your bike on social media. Well, my friend, you have got to get out there. I am such a novice. Bad at maps, bad at bike-fixing and if I can do it, YOU can do it. Half the battle is setting the date and planning the route. Once you do that, it’s pretty easy. You can cut your teeth on that Chicago ride - it’s so easy. Only a couple of days and your bags are taken to your campsite or hotel, so you just need to ride the bike. And if you have trouble, they have SAG support. It’s every June. I have done it twice and don’t need to do it again, but I highly recommend it for anyone has hasn’t tried such a ride. 

I’m off to a breakfast at one of the girls’ houses from my bike group. We can at least TALK bikes. I’m going to get some ideas from them. One woman and her husband set out from their front door and rode 360 miles, arriving back on their doorstep again after several days. She had a good route that I might try. Would be way more fun with a pal, but I bet I could do it alone. It’s in the lower peninsula, so not remote like the UP. Which I’m also aiming to try. But there are bears up there! 😱

On Jan 23, 2026, at 12:18 AM, R. Alexis <noj...@webtv.net> wrote:

Leah,

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[Sally Bidleman]

Such a lot of great information from everybody!

Leah, I've gone on trips with Backroads (camping, Icefield Parkway) and Gerhard's (mostly barthroom-down-the-hall B/B's, some hotels, New Zealand). They were both great experiences. It reminded me a bit of a college dorm, where you meet people of all different types but who all love to cycle and to explore. Wonderful company. Even the not-so-good makes for a memorable experience (my eyes were swollen shut after vicious mosquito attack since I was brazen enough to think I could go tentless for a night...and when we had to ride 90 miles after food-poisoning incident at a restaurant ...because the sag-wagon/van was reserved for the more severely afflicted!). Also, Mt. Sobek is outstanding but they do more hiking things. Bet you'll have fun anywhere you go and on any ride you do...and so will those in your company, I'm sure! Stay safe and get ready for Spring😀!

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[Piaw Na]

On Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 2:41:06 PM UTC-8 meti...@gmail.com wrote:

* I don’t like to be told when to get up and meet at breakfast to review the day’s rides/iteneraries

* sometimes I just want to ride down unplanned roads or stop for a day if I like the town 

Mismatched preferences between cycling companions aren't restricted to guided trips! If you're a morning person, don't tour with a night owl. You'll make each other very unhappy. (I know this from first hand experience!) It's one of the reasons to run a qualifier before going on an extended trip. Some people trick themselves into thinking they can get up early just because they're on vacation. An overnight trip is the only way to find out before hand whether someone's idea of an early start is 3pm, which would give you 3 hours of total riding time in daylight if you were touring in the fall.

And yes, the flexibility to change your itinerary and destinations at the drop of the hat (or more frequently, at a glance on the weather forecasting app) is the main reason to do an independent tour. I've also on occasion asked locals "where's the best place to go next" and then followed their advice. (I've since stopped asking because I discovered that locals think that all cyclists like flat riding)

[Kesler Roberts]

Going back to the first sentence of this thread..... just saw this on RBW's IG:

[Jim Schultz]

As someone in Chicago (not too far from you!) around this time of the year is when I really start longing for those spring and summer days. 

I sold a wheel set to a guy here recently who said he has a group he bike packs with - so that would be cool if I could get in on that. My wife doesn't ride, so I know the feeling of doing most of my riding alone. I would love to ship a bike out to the bay area and ride all of those places the folks at Riv do, but I don't know if I am adventurous enough to do it by myself. 

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 8:24:53 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

January is 576 days long. I miss biking season, so I have determined to use this time to plan for more biking during bike season. A year ago, this was not a thought. I had no idea what I was missing; I was either a lone wolf riding around doing Leah Things or I was a club rider riding around with different groups in the club. And on those club rides people would say to me, “Got any bike trips planned?” and I never did. What’s that Hobbit line? “We [Petersons] are very respectable and never have any adventures at all.” 

Mostly their bike trips were fully supported rides with some theme or specific purpose, and I wasn’t all that interested. No one was talking touring or bike camping, and anyway, Leah Peterson doesn’t camp. I was pretty (self) limited, just riding around doing the same things most weeks.

Ok, well, summer of ‘25 my college boy wanted to try bike camping, and inept as we were, we got the gear, planned some routes, rode them, camped and toured and LOVED it. See here: https://groups.google.com/g/rbw-owners-bunch/c/lT31xPiKVKk/m/ENio65vuAQAJ

And now I’m hooked. I miss everything about bike touring; even the hard things, like rainstorms and hills and exhaustion. Must I really wait until spring? Like, April???

I had two amazing trips summer of ‘25. We saw gorgeous Lake Michigan shoreline. Niagara Falls. Fell asleep to waves lapping the shore of our campsites. My boy is a dream; he’s good for stimulating conversation or companionable silence. Sometimes we each had an audiobook going and we rode along with our books in our ears,, pedaling in rhythmic silence. The perfect bike touring companion, I had him, but he’s going to get a job and leave me. So now I’m in limbo; I want him as my bike partner but he is unsure where he will be this summer. I want to plan trips but I don’t want to do them alone. You would think the bike club might render me a pal. But their bikes do not haul like ours. I have one friend who did the GAP with me, but she could only carry her clothes; she had no capacity to carry a tent or panniers on her carbon bike, so we stayed at Warm Showers. And even if you find a pal, you need what I call RIDING CHEMISTRY. You cannot just go with any rando; you must be in similar shape, want to see the same sights, have similar disposable incomes, value gourmet coffee…

I’ve thought of setting off alone. But I wonder if that’s safe or will even be fun. Part of doing these trips is having someone to enjoy them and relive them with. Plus, how scared would I be alone in my tent at night when the animals come out? What if something happens like a mechanical or a crash? 

[Leah Peterson]

Yesterday my women’s bike group had breakfast together. We all brought a dish and then we sat and talked bikes, which was lovely. The woman next to me is having a hard time waiting for spring because she just bought a Trek gravel bike and a rack. She is going to try bike camping and touring! (We would not be compatible, so don’t get too excited.) The woman across the table said, “Did you get carbon?!” And the other said, “No, I got aluminum. I figure I’m just going to try it and see how I like it. I didn’t get electronic shifting, either, but my road bike doesn’t have it either…”  In sum, she was apologizing that she got a “low-end” bike. And then the woman across the table expressed disappointment and I interrupted and said, “You’re BIKE TOURING. What difference does a few ounces of frame weight make when you’re carrying a tent and sleeping bag and provisions?” And then that same woman said, “Really, it’s the wheelset where you can save the most weight.” And then I gave up.

On Jan 23, 2026, at 6:14 PM, Jim Schultz <jamessc...@gmail.com> wrote:

As someone in Chicago (not too far from you!) around this time of the year is when I really start longing for those spring and summer days. 

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[Julian Westerhout]

Leah, 

The weight-weenie questions aimed at your touring-aspirant club member made me chuckle. My wife and I tour a lot on our loaded Bilenky S&S steel coupled tandem with front panniers, big handlebar bag, and a trailer with all of our camping/cooking.etc. gear, and one of the most common questions we get is how much it all weighs, and when it's a cyclist my vague answer of it's not light, but it's what it needs to be" is often followed up with "advice" on changing frame or components to save bike weight. Har! 

We're also dreaming of possible summer trips -- dependent upon the health of my wife's father (fingers crossed), but dreaming and planning are always fun. 

Julian "it's 2 degrees F and 6+ inches of snow are on the way" Westerhout

Bloomington, Illinois 

[Ben R]

Eh. Sorry winter sucks for you.  Let me know if you want to come visit us out here in the Bay Area, this picture was from Thursday, 1/22.

Come out and we can ride to Riv.

Ben "Little Brother" R

[John Dewey]

That photo looks like Grant’s mountain taken from Black Point. 

Jock

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[ascpgh]

My commuting is what keeps hope lit and my mind objectifying even the littlest return to conditions permitting recreational riding. 

This storm (forgive me for not recalling the NWS nomenclature) is just the latest of nature's "daily specials" . The snow fell with temperatures in the teens after several days of single digits. It sat on the pavement like snow on a frozen lake; with no physical force of connection to the underlying surface. Like riding on a gym floor covered in loose sheets of copier paper, frustrating starting, stoppinng and steering. Even the little directional adjustments you make discreetly to keep upright are challenged by the snow your tire is on, sticking to your tire but not the surface it's on. Still in the "OK" range for the trip to work yesterday since there were no vehicles on the road and I could ride through unbroken snow where it was only 3-4". It was 8°.

 

When released after 14 hours when appropriate staffing was verified, I bundled up and went out to meet the full 15"-ish accumulation of powder at 14°. It took four times longer but only put a foot down a couple of times.  You really have to square your turns at intersections, drivers trying to replicate normal weather arcs left or got stuck in deep tractionless ruts. I rode straight until in the actual crossing path of the cross street then made a 90° turn so I didn't go into the deep ruts of powdery snow. I first met the 15" for the first time when I reached my driveway and the hub deep walk to the back porch.

My mindless little commute resonates from this time of year to remind me of what better conditions are and how much I'll enjoy them, since I still find fun in my limited, practical riding at this time of year.

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

[Brady Smith]

My winter riding is mostly limited to Zwift in the garage and my regular e-cargo bike commutes. Even in this unseasonably spare Utah winter, though, I have found enough snow for nordic skiing, which is great prep for spring brevets, and thankfully includes my dog and occasionally child, pictured below. 

(A few days ago I encountered a few people riding this road on gravel bikes, which is both poor form, in that it damages the surface for skiers, and probably not a good idea, given that you do have to go down, having gone up).  

Brady, jealous of everyone's winter, in SLC. 

[George Schick]

This post about Nordic skiing (aka nowadays as either cross-country or alpine skiing) makes me harken back to the days when I used to do that during the Winter months while I was living in NE Indiana.  I no longer use those skis and associated equipment so anyone reading this in the Chicago area who might like them are welcome to them for the asking.  Bare in mind that these skis, etc. are not only "waxable" but are about 45 years old.  Anyway, here are the goods:

1 pair 205cm Fischer fiberglass skis w/ 3-pin toe bindings

1 pair bamboo ski poles

1 box w/ various waxes for differing snow conditions incl. glide wax

1 pair size 41 (metric) x-country ski shoes

2 pair heavy wool socks

1 pair battery heated socks

a couple of scrapers and wax spreaders

a wall mountable ski hanger

2 pair gators

Will be happy to deliver any or all of the above within a reasonable distance from a Western Chicago suburb

[DTL]

I have done two total solo overnighters. So no expert. I am yet to camp in a place where it is only me. Both times I have taken a popular rail trail to a Caravan and Camping park, surrounded by other holidayers. You can find someone to chat with, or keep to yourself. And feel safe(r). Hearing expected others milling about as you try to sleep is better than silence being broken by who knows what. That being said I am working myself up to do a solo camp out, in a free camp area that will be a gamble on company, and have no amenities like showers. 

[Jay]

Well, as of today there are 3 days left in January.  That may just feel like a month lol

Starting Sunday and through to next Saturday our highs are between -5C  and -9C, which is actually really warm compared to recently, so I may get out for a ride after all.  I'm now riding indoors and not complaining about it; I use Rouvy, and recent rides include Spain, France, New Zealand, Italy and this morning in Tenerife.

[Leah Peterson]

Hello, it’s me, Leah, coming to you on January 947th. We get done with one winter storm only to survive it and shovel out in time for the next one to arrive. My tenacious college boy is out there on his Clem with NO STUDDED TIRES, slipping and sliding and occasionally crashing, but he perseveres. He tells me, “There is no such thing as no bike day” and he worries me.

To make matters worse, the meteorologists inform me that the Great Lakes are freezing over and that means a cold, wet spring, which is the exact thing I was declaring cannot happen, because If we have a vicious winter, we are owed a gentle spring. Alas, nature is not taking input from Michiganders, or even pretend ones, and it will be a long time before I’m back in the saddle. I was supposed to be riding with Pam and Roberta in Charlotte today, but we were foiled again by the weather. Charlotte is in a winter storm watch, and that’s how you know the world has gone crazy.

Anyway, we do have Philly Bike coming up in March and I am hoping it will be somewhat reasonable so we can ride. 

On Jan 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM, Jay <jason....@gmail.com> wrote:

Well, as of today there are 3 days left in January.  That may just feel like a month lol

Starting Sunday and through to next Saturday our highs are between -5C  and -9C, which is actually really warm compared to recently, so I may get out for a ride after all.  I'm now riding indoors and not complaining about it; I use Rouvy, and recent rides include Spain, France, New Zealand, Italy and this morning in Tenerife.

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[Leah Peterson]

The date is Feb 7th. The time is before 8am. 

Things have reached an all-new low. I have been re-living my bike camping trips on Instagram. I was also looking at the new Big Agnes tents and noting that the tent poles are meant to be stored INSIDE the tent bag. Which I have never done. And now it is me and Chat GPT, who is trying to tell me that if I can just roll everything up into a rectangle, I can fit the whole thing in my bag. I have the entire contents spilled out on my living room floor and am on my 3rd attempt but no success. I have a nice, neat folded rectangle but it turns into this, when I begin to stuff it:

Also, I cannot figure out how to do that cool tie to keep the guy wires nice and neat. A capable outdoorswoman…this is who I want to be, and yet I just always come out looking like the above….

I’m not giving up. I WILL get those poles inside with that tent!

On Jan 29, 2026, at 11:16 AM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



[Eric Daume]

I have a few different tents, and IME they always claim it all can fit in the stuff sack but in practice it really isn’t worth trying to make this happen. I just leave the poles and stakes separate. For backpacking, this makes it easier to distribute or share the weight anyway. 

Then again, yet another frigid day, weight as well give it a go. 

Eric

In Dublin OH with a freshly built bike with <1 mile on it 

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[Kesler Roberts]

Most of the time when I bike tour or backpack, I don't even roll up the tent - I just stuff it into a pannier or stuffsack away from any pointy objects.  On some trips, I've put my tent body and sleeping bag and as much other soft stuff as I can into the same big stuffsack (I like the sea-to-summit event ones) and carried the whole thing from the handlebar or on a front rack.  Everything else can fit in a frame bag and big Carradice.

We are getting more snow here in Mass.  I love snow but the streets in my neighborhood had just cleared enough as of yesterday to ride around a little.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8:57:20 AM UTC-5 Eric Daume wrote:

I have a few different tents, and IME they always claim it all can fit in the stuff sack but in practice it really isn’t worth trying to make this happen. I just leave the poles and stakes separate. For backpacking, this makes it easier to distribute or share the weight anyway. 

Then again, yet another frigid day, weight as well give it a go. 

Eric

In Dublin OH with a freshly built bike with <1 mile on it 

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

The date is Feb 7th. The time is before 8am. 

Things have reached an all-new low. I have been re-living my bike camping trips on Instagram. I was also looking at the new Big Agnes tents and noting that the tent poles are meant to be stored INSIDE the tent bag. Which I have never done. And now it is me and Chat GPT, who is trying to tell me that if I can just roll everything up into a rectangle, I can fit the whole thing in my bag. I have the entire contents spilled out on my living room floor and am on my 3rd attempt but no success. I have a nice, neat folded rectangle but it turns into this, when I begin to stuff it:

Also, I cannot figure out how to do that cool tie to keep the guy wires nice and neat. A capable outdoorswoman…this is who I want to be, and yet I just always come out looking like the above….

I’m not giving up. I WILL get those poles inside with that tent!

On Jan 29, 2026, at 11:16 AM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



Hello, it’s me, Leah, coming to you on January 947th. We get done with one winter storm only to survive it and shovel out in time for the next one to arrive. My tenacious college boy is out there on his Clem with NO STUDDED TIRES, slipping and sliding and occasionally crashing, but he perseveres. He tells me, “There is no such thing as no bike day” and he worries me.

To make matters worse, the meteorologists inform me that the Great Lakes are freezing over and that means a cold, wet spring, which is the exact thing I was declaring cannot happen, because If we have a vicious winter, we are owed a gentle spring. Alas, nature is not taking input from Michiganders, or even pretend ones, and it will be a long time before I’m back in the saddle. I was supposed to be riding with Pam and Roberta in Charlotte today, but we were foiled again by the weather. Charlotte is in a winter storm watch, and that’s how you know the world has gone crazy.

Anyway, we do have Philly Bike coming up in March and I am hoping it will be somewhat reasonable so we can ride. 

On Jan 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM, Jay <jason....@gmail.com> wrote:

Well, as of today there are 3 days left in January.  That may just feel like a month lol

Starting Sunday and through to next Saturday our highs are between -5C  and -9C, which is actually really warm compared to recently, so I may get out for a ride after all.  I'm now riding indoors and not complaining about it; I use Rouvy, and recent rides include Spain, France, New Zealand, Italy and this morning in Tenerife.

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[Piaw Na(藍俊彪)]

The trick is to fold the tent multiple times before rolling up the tent poles on the folded tent. I've done it on all my tents and it works out well that way. But you have to have meticulous technique. The word "stuff sack" is a misnomer for tents. It's not actually meant for you to stuff things in. You have to foldup the tent neatly and roll the poles tightly before you can insert everything back into the stuff sack.

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[Leah Peterson]

I’m going for a walk and then coming back in and practicing! I got it once and it was so tightly packed that I worried I’d tear it pulling it out again. There should be a better way!

L

On Feb 7, 2026, at 11:58 AM, Piaw Na <pi...@gmail.com> wrote:



The trick is to fold the tent multiple times before rolling up the tent poles on the folded tent. I've done it on all my tents and it works out well that way. But you have to have meticulous technique. The word "stuff sack" is a misnomer for tents. It's not actually meant for you to stuff things in. You have to foldup the tent neatly and roll the poles tightly before you can insert everything back into the stuff sack.

On Sat, Feb 7, 2026 at 5:05 AM Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

The date is Feb 7th. The time is before 8am. 

Things have reached an all-new low. I have been re-living my bike camping trips on Instagram. I was also looking at the new Big Agnes tents and noting that the tent poles are meant to be stored INSIDE the tent bag. Which I have never done. And now it is me and Chat GPT, who is trying to tell me that if I can just roll everything up into a rectangle, I can fit the whole thing in my bag. I have the entire contents spilled out on my living room floor and am on my 3rd attempt but no success. I have a nice, neat folded rectangle but it turns into this, when I begin to stuff it:

<image0.jpeg>

Also, I cannot figure out how to do that cool tie to keep the guy wires nice and neat. A capable outdoorswoman…this is who I want to be, and yet I just always come out looking like the above….

I’m not giving up. I WILL get those poles inside with that tent!

On Jan 29, 2026, at 11:16 AM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



Hello, it’s me, Leah, coming to you on January 947th. We get done with one winter storm only to survive it and shovel out in time for the next one to arrive. My tenacious college boy is out there on his Clem with NO STUDDED TIRES, slipping and sliding and occasionally crashing, but he perseveres. He tells me, “There is no such thing as no bike day” and he worries me.

To make matters worse, the meteorologists inform me that the Great Lakes are freezing over and that means a cold, wet spring, which is the exact thing I was declaring cannot happen, because If we have a vicious winter, we are owed a gentle spring. Alas, nature is not taking input from Michiganders, or even pretend ones, and it will be a long time before I’m back in the saddle. I was supposed to be riding with Pam and Roberta in Charlotte today, but we were foiled again by the weather. Charlotte is in a winter storm watch, and that’s how you know the world has gone crazy.

Anyway, we do have Philly Bike coming up in March and I am hoping it will be somewhat reasonable so we can ride. 

On Jan 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM, Jay <jason....@gmail.com> wrote:

Well, as of today there are 3 days left in January.  That may just feel like a month lol

Starting Sunday and through to next Saturday our highs are between -5C  and -9C, which is actually really warm compared to recently, so I may get out for a ride after all.  I'm now riding indoors and not complaining about it; I use Rouvy, and recent rides include Spain, France, New Zealand, Italy and this morning in Tenerife.

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[Gabe]

Hi Leah, 

Why must the poles be stored inside the tent's stuff sack? 

I have a big Agnes tent and always store the poles elsewhere when actually camping, anyway. Or get a slightly bigger stuff sack! 

-gabe 

- gabe 

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[Brian Turner]

Leah, I’ve actually started separating the different parts of my tent and packing them in various places where it might make more sense, open up more space in my bags, or to distribute weight more evenly across the bike. No need to feel tied to the confines of your stuff sack!

For example, when I finally got my Nitto “hub area” lowrider rack, I use a pair of gorgeous Buckhorn waxed canvas mini panniers with it. To keep things light, I put the tent body and ground cloth in one pannier, and the rain fly, stakes and poles in the other. That also leaves room for a few other lighter items, like jackets or random clothing. Doing so opened a ton of extra room in my saddlebag for other stuff.

Brian
Lexington KY

[Leah Peterson]

I guess the reason I want to fit the tent in the bag is because it was supposed to go in that bag and other people have success at it. The bag is really cool and why can’t I figure this out? I’ve got a bad case of Imposter Syndrome for SURE and if I can’t put my gear in the provided sack then that is one more thing I’m bad at, you know?

> On Feb 7, 2026, at 1:22 PM, Brian Turner <brok...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Leah, I’ve actually started separating the different parts of my tent and packing them in various places where it might make more sense, open up more space in my bags, or to distribute weight more evenly across the bike. No need to feel tied to the confines of your stuff sack!

>
> For example, when I finally got my Nitto “hub area” lowrider rack, I use a pair of gorgeous Buckhorn waxed canvas mini panniers with it. To keep things light, I put the tent body and ground cloth in one pannier, and the rain fly, stakes and poles in the other. That also leaves room for a few other lighter items, like jackets or random clothing. Doing so opened a ton of extra room in my saddlebag for other stuff.
>
> Brian
> Lexington KY
>

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[George Schick]

There's one more advantage to doing what Brian recommends that I learned w-a-a-ay too many years ago and that's if it had rained.  Then you'd be mixing a wet tent in with other stuff that you don't necessarily want to get wet. 

Given the bizarre extremes in temperatures and unprecedented snow and ice accumulation in parts of the country it looks like cabin fever has taken over...

[Brian Turner]

I’m not sure which Big Agnes tent you have, Leah, but I assume it is one of the bikepacking-specific models with the short (12”) pole segment lengths? If so, as well as those are designed, they are a pain in the ass to get everything packed tight enough to fit back into the OEM stuff sack. Honestly, I think they were designed for a more minimalist packing setup, where the whole thing is meant to be lashed to your handlebars, or on the outside of a rack or bag. Add in a ground cloth, and the fit is even tighter.

Most of us here are probably a bit more maximalist; using more voluminous bags and panniers. This is why I’ve decided to ditch the BA stuff sack and find better ways to fit my own Big Agnes tent into my setup. Full disclosure, my tent is the Copper Spur HV UL1 bikepacking version.

Brian
Lexington KY

[J]

I have the Copper Spur HV UL2 bikepacking version and I've never store the tent in the included stuff sack nor with the tent poles. I bought it for the short poles and vestibule, not the abilityl to strap it to my handlebars. The provided stuff sack is heavy, strappy and overkill. Just stuffing the tent in a seat bag works best for me since its not something I need till I get to camp so out of the way all day. I never store tent poles with a tent anymore because I don't want the two to be rubbing against one another while I'm bumping down the road all day long. It only took wearing a hole in a tent on a short overnighter long ago to learn my lesson. 

[Leah Peterson]

Well, I managed it. But it is really, really tight and I fear with all the wrangling, I’m going to tear that tent. 

I did a brief search to see what you guys mean by “stuff sack” and the material looks pretty flimsy. I want something a little tougher that will keep water out, because I like to strap this to the rack. I have plenty of stuff in the panniers already. (I’m a woman!) 

If you’re using a sack that is sturdy and water-resistant, will you tell me what you got?

Thanks!

On Feb 7, 2026, at 4:18 PM, J <illum...@gmail.com> wrote:

I have the Copper Spur HV UL2 bikepacking version and I've never store the tent in the included stuff sack nor with the tent poles. I bought it for the short poles and vestibule, not the abilityl to strap it to my handlebars. The provided stuff sack is heavy, strappy and overkill. Just stuffing the tent in a seat bag works best for me since its not something I need till I get to camp so out of the way all day. I never store tent poles with a tent anymore because I don't want the two to be rubbing against one another while I'm bumping down the road all day long. It only took wearing a hole in a tent on a short overnighter long ago to learn my lesson. 

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[Richard Rose]

Hi Leah. I too separate my sleeping system & carry tent poles separately. Most often I stuff tent & fly in one of two Fifth Season Cache sacks strapped to “manything” cages. I may put ground cloth in there too. I arrange things so they come out in the order I need them. I stuff my quilt & pillow in the other Cache sack. The whole sleep system is very light and carries nicely low & up front. I simply tie my tent poles in their own sack to the outside of my saddle bag. Mine has loops that make this very easy & the poles are right where I need them when I arrive at camp. I do carry the original tent bag (Nemo Hornet) in case anything is wet. The Cache sacks are very water resistant but not water proof. This system has the great benefit of being fast. I fold nothing until I get home! :) Stuff & go.

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 7, 2026, at 4:47 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



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