[A Fitting Ride For The day…
Christel Malden
Each year a small but growing number of renegades start at Antelope Wells in the south and pedal north, like salmon swimming upstream. I was one of them, hoping to arrive at the Canadian border shortly after it opened to tourists for the first time in over a year.
During my original research, riding NOBO (northbound) sounded scary. Seasoned bikepackers noted that winds blow from north to south and climbs are steeper on the southern side. That sounded bad. Would I be fighting my way north against constant unrelenting headwinds and unrideable climbs?
Lest you assume this is a vote of no confidence in your abilities, let me clarify. Yes, having more time means you can ride slower, stop earlier, and rest more. No shame in any of that! There are also logistical benefits: you can wait out a storm, wait for the post office to open, or detour to fix a mechanical issue with (slightly) less stress.
One sunny and slightly smokey Wyoming afternoon, I crossed paths with two southbound riders in the space of a few hours. One sported an ultralight racing kit; I almost mistook him for a day rider. The other traveler rocked four fully loaded panniers. Both were, at the time, smiling. It seems you can ride the GDMBR with just about any gear setup.
The biggest benefit of a bikepacking-style gear setup might be the difficulty of fitting everything in. The argument for packing light makes itself on the steep climbs of the Gila, high passes of the San Juans, and challenging trails of Montana. Yet there are also many evenings to be enjoyed at camp, ideally in relative comfort. The elusive goal of the human-powered traveler is as obvious as ever: carry everything you need and need (or at least really enjoy) everything you carry.
On a fuzzier note, camping more often can make a big difference in the mood of your ride. For some of us, the bustle of towns can feel like a little much after so much open space. If you listen to your mind and body, you may be able to use camping as a tool to find your own rhythm. Town luxuries are even sweeter after a few nights out, and a quiet night under the stars can be even more rewarding after spending time in town.
Though changing conditions kept me on my toes, mentally speaking, there was something emotionally freeing about it too. The weather, terrain, and my own mood all ebbed and flowed from one day and one mountain pass to the next. As sure as a perfect easy day could turn challenging, a challenge always eventually resolved. The more I learned to just relax into the rhythm of the ride, the better I felt.
Keep up-to-date on route conditions. The GDMBR is a long stretch of wild land and things change fast out there. This Facebook group and this one are active sources of information on water sources, fire closures, trail magic, lost and found gear, and all kinds of other helpful things. Be sure to also check the Adventure Cycling addenda for route detours and updates to the services listed on the maps.
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You don't have to be super fit to ride a long way on your bike. It's only like doing your normal commute, then doing it again and again. The two most important factors in successfully completing a long bike ride are to be comfortable on your bike and to keep your energy levels topped up by eating and drinking.
It's nevertheless worth increasing your mileage in stages before the event, so you're not stepping up the distance by more than half as much again. If you've already ridden 40 miles, that 60-mile sportive will feel more achievable. Practice rides will also tell you whether you need to change anything in terms of your bike or equipment. A word of caution: change nothing on the day itself; use only tried-and-tested components, clothing and nutrition.
Your bike needs to be set up so that it's comfortable for you. Comfort comes from a combination of bike fit, which you can read about in issue 11 of Cycle Commuter and bike components, particularly the handlebar, stem, and saddle - see issue 14 of Cycle Commuter.
Many cyclists make the common mistake of setting the handlebar too low, resulting in aches and pains in your hands, lower back, shoulders, and neck as the mileage rises. Many riders also lack sufficiently low gears. If you find cycling up hills hard, ask your local shop to fit a wider-ratio cassette. Most road bike derailleurs will cope with cassettes up to 30 or 32 teeth, while mountain bike derailleurs will handle sprockets as large as 40.
Bib shorts. Padded Lycra shorts come into their own for a long ride. They're designed to be worn next to the skin, without pants. Bib shorts are more comfortable than waist shorts because the shoulder straps keep them snug against your body, and they don't dig into your belly. If you suffer chafing, apply a layer of Sudocrem to your nether regions before donning the shorts.
Jersey. Cycling jerseys are close fitting and stretchy so don't flap about, and they don't get clammy like cotton T-shirts. Three rear pockets will hold snacks and spare layers, while a front zip allows ventilation. On any but the warmest days, you'll probably want a short-sleeve base layer underneath.
Cycling shoes. Shoes for cycling have stiff soles for comfortable, efficient pedalling. Almost all are designed for clip-in pedals. It's possible to ride long distances in trainers, however.
Neckwarmer. Often known by the brand name Buff, this is a stretchy tube of material that can be worn as a scarf or head covering (it'll fit under a helmet) to keep the cold or sun at bay.
Patches. If you puncture after fitting your spare tube(s) you'll have to fix one. Self-sealing 'glueless' patches take up the least space in your seatpack but traditional glued patches will last longer.
Pump. Racer-types carry compressed air cartridges, but a pump is reusable. Mini-pumps are super portable but traditional, long frame-fit pumps are easier to use. Mini floor pumps are a good compromise.
Snacks. Take some snacks that will give you a sugar hit of instant energy when you need it. That could be energy gels or bars, flapjacks, cereal bars, bananas, a bag of Haribo - whatever you enjoy. If you get the chance, eat some 'real' food en route too. Sugary stuff gets sickening after a while.
Cash or plastic. You'll want this for a meal during or after the ride. It's handy to have if things go wrong too. Take just one card and/or a couple of 20 notes in a tiny plastic bag.
Navigation aid. If you take a wrong turn, you'll ride even further than you planned. The lightest navigation aid is a cue-card with instructions written on it. Other options include a page torn from an atlas, a smartphone, or a GPS cycle computer with mapping.
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