Trip Planning - Where to begin

I have every intention of really detailing this topic, as I think it is what causes the biggest issue for people wanting to go out on some form of Adventure, big or small.  Right now, I need to make it through Labor Day weekend and then I can really begin sharing some details on what I am doing and what my thought process is for the choices I make. 

However, I will start things off with this.  I start every trip with the following key items and then I begin the process of iterating each one on their own.  After each set is done, I then step back and look at where I can eliminate any redundancy in an effort to simplifly my kit and reduce the need to carry extraneous gear.  So, where do you begin? 

• Mode of Transport
• Shelter  
• Cook
• Sleep System
  
• Element Protection, including moving and stationary
  
• Tools
• Electronics

To me, these are the biggest components of a trip, and the most critical.  There are always outliers that must be considered, but starting with these will allow you to begin the process of choosing gear and making key tradeoff decisions. As a teaser for some of my decisions, here is a little gallery of past choices just to get the discussion going.  Next week, I will discuss Shelter and Cook as it applies to the Lost Coast Bikepacking trip. 

Alaska Slide Show

I have updated a large number of images to my Flickr account from my Alaska Winter tour.  Head on over to check out the show.  More images will come as the summer progresses along with a full write up on what I learned and what I will change for my next winter tour.

Spring Cleaning

Alaska, in the winter, by Fat Bike -- Yes, crazy and epic, that is for sure.  I have been back in the lower 48 for a week now, meandering, relaxing, and dealing with re-entry.  I now begin the process of collecting my thoughts, and sorting and editing thousands of images, throw in a couple of presentations and magazine articles, and yes, it will be quite the change from life on the trail.

This will take me a while, so please keep checking back, subscribe to the RSS feed, and even better, jump on the new Newsletter that will be coming on line next week.​

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Homer Fat Bike Festival

That Newsletter leads me into a number of changes that will be coming on line.  My Photo Archive site, and Portfolio sites will both be undergoing a facelift over the next 4 weeks.  I will also be tweaking this site to make it simpler and more efficient for those wishing to read my past travel stories as well as previous thoughts on gear and my ramblings on life.  The changes will take a bit, but I hope that in the end, they will make the experience better for both of us.​

I have a couple of workshops and presentations that I will be putting on this year and those details should be online by the beginning of May. I will post notices about them but you can always check the new Events page to see what is happening.  Lots of fun stuff coming down the pike including a number of small Micro-adventures and details on the next big trip.​

No trip would be possible without the support of friends, family, strangers that are no longer strangers and my Sponsors.  A special shout out to Salsa Cycles and Hyperlite Mountain Gear, two companies that produce amazing products but also actually live the life style that they promote.  Thanks to you both!!​