When it comes to electric bikes and planning the first bikepacking trip, there are lots of things to consider so that you can make it a successful one. Bikepacking sure is a wonderful and adventurous thing, but since you are taking your e-bike with you, it is best to do some research and preparations to get the most out of it. As an activity, bikepacking usually focuses on different, unexplored locations, that are worth the trip and that are worth exploring. So, no matter if you are going just for the weekend or a longer holiday, preparing for your first bikepacking trip can be a challenging trip.
Different people have different visions of how their bikepacking trip should look like. Some want to put the accent on the more adventurous side, while others prefer safer routes and the environment. Each bikepacking trip is different, and according to it, one should properly and suitable prepare for it.
Living in modern times has its perks, like advance planning of the routes, weather, pause breaks, etc. Since you are doing your backpacking with your E-bike, there are some important steps that you need to think up in advance such as destination, route, what to pack, and regular bike check.
So, before you head out on your first ever biking trip, be sure to cover the following steps:
Destination
A good, successful, and enjoyable bikepacking trip starts with choosing a destination. By doing that, you will more easily plan and adapt to the requirements of the journey as well as prepare for the road. Discovery and adventure will be guaranteed, by preparation also have a lot to do with it. The best way to pick a destination for your first bikepacking journey is to think of a place that is new and unseen for you. That puts the emphasis on the excitement. Bikepacking itself is a journey of exploration, so, going to the same place new will be a total hit.
The most common and usual picks for the first bikepacking trips are mountains, deserts, forests. All of these places are great for getting out of the city, of the noise of everyday life, of the hustle and bustle. They are also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature and the wilder, exploring a side of you. However, for the first-time bikepacking trip, don't go somewhere too far. Choose something closer to home, but make it a journey with an overnight stop. It will give you a whole new perspective of bikepacking and you will also have the chance to explore the benefits of your e-bike to the fullest
Route
As soon as you decide on your destination, the next step is designing a route. As you might know, good route planning starts with good research and clever organization. So, what you should do is to research the place. Start with general information. Look at the type of climate, the geography of the place, remoteness and connection to the bigger and closer places near it, road infrastructure. Don't forget to look for some of the public and well-known amenities since this bikepacking trip is an exploration and adventurous journey too. Getting to the final point should be a fun thing, and you should get to see some interesting places along the way. All of that can be predicted and incorporated into planning as well as preparation. Just the right dose of research will get you prepared for what to expect, and the rest is up to you to find out from your bikepacking trip. A good place to start your research are the following websites:
- Bikepacking.com– Here you can check all existing route information that will provide you with inspiration.
- Google Maps and Google Earth: These sites offer great information on the road conditions, distances, topography, etc.
- The National Forest Service Interactive Travel Map: Here you will find the forest roads you can ride.
Here you can find many other useful apps that will help you in designing the perfect route.
What to pack
When all the logistics are done and researched, comes the time for packing. Knowing your route and destination will make the packing choice much easier for you. So, if you are going to a desert or a place where there is a lot of such exposure and little or no shade, be sure to have plenty of water. You will need a water filter for replenishing, sunscreen to keep your skin protected, and sandals that will keep your feet cool and breathing. Don't forget the first aid kit, cooking kit, and plan the food reserves accordingly. For the sleeping part, be sure to pack a pad and quilt, and if you have the opportunity you can pack a tent. As for the clothes, don't forget to pack a rain jacket. For the colder weather, pack warmer and waterproof clothes.
Check Your E-Bike
The last step in the preparation for your bikepacking trip is to check and prepare your e-bike for the upcoming bikepacking trip. The regular check-up of your e-bike should include checking for flat tires, broken spokes, dropped chains, battery condition, and loosened derailleurs. There are many places where you can get the proper and the necessary information on how to properly fit and adjust the seat height, angle, and other important parts. Also, you should prepare and learn how to fix things if it comes to it. That means that you need to carry a toolkit with you.
If this is your first bikepacking trip with your e-bike, these 4 steps are very important to follow and they will most certainly help you in successful planning. When you master the art of bikepacking trips, you will see and enjoy your E-bike in an entirely new light and see its benefits to the fullest.
