Day 1 – That feeling of hitting dirt

Tires roll onto soft dirt and pumice.  Almost instantly we relax, the trip has finally begun.  I think Eszter said it best, “sometimes the first mile is the hardest.”  Or, getting to the first mile, rather.

It does seem like we’ve been waiting a long time for this trip, though really it was only delayed a few days by the change of routes. 

Getting ready for a bikepack doesn’t take that much, but it does take some planning, packing and general futzing.  We kept the latter to a minimum, for us, but it still took a good part of the day to get ready in Bend.  Bounce box sent.  Car parked in a safe spot (thanks Steve!) and a few extra miles of pavement ridden.

It’s funny how little our setups and what we carry have evolved.  Same bikes, same tires, same lightweight setup.

Except for that!  A shiny new Big Agnes tent.  4 months on the CDT without one, but not in mega mosquito country.  Oh, and then there’s the running shoes, shorts and hat we both have.

It felt a little more awkward than normal first bikepack trail, with the extra weight.  Luckily the trail was mild… climbing gradually toward the Newberry Caldera, where hot springs #1 and #2 await.  A gentle introduction, with some fresh rain on the trail to keep the sand in check.

Onwards tomorrow, with all the futzing and silly gear decisions behind us.  Here’s to the beauty of traveling by bike!

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