ARRIVE PREPARED

THIS IS A REAL ADVENTURE  

Day 1: 24 miles (3900 vert)

Day 2: 35 miles (3400 vert)

Day 3: 0 miles (Layover day)

Day 4: 17 miles (900 vert)

  • that this is a TRUE, difficult, journey. It’s meant to be hard and you will end feeling like a badass bikepacker because… you did a hard thing and now you are one. No cell service, no civilization, no water sources, no nothing except you, your legs and the bike (and, well, us too… and we gotchu, but come prepared

  • 2 liters of water, your lunch, electrolytes, day-snacks, and a basic flat repair kit. We carry all the rest of your gear in the vehicle.

  • Yes. But we don’t call it training, we call it enjoying ourselves on the bike. You need to make sure you are confident, strong, and capable going into the adventure. We recommend you complete at least 3 rides of 30 miles each (2000 vertical feet) before joining the adventure.

  • The ideal bicycle is a hardtail mountain bike. Full suspension mountain bikes are great too. We have some people ride fully rigid gravel bikes but they are experienced riders seeking extra challenge. We recommend hardtail mtn bike because day 1 is bumpy, with some loose sections and days 2 and 4 are gravel.

  • We partner with the University of Utah outdoor rec for deals on high-quality, affordable 4 night rentals.

HOW WE RIDE

  • There are two ride groups you can self-select from for the day. The goal is to have both groups arrive at camp at roughly the same time.

  • This is the best group for newer riders looking to go “party pace”. There will be a few experienced ride leaders who can help change flats and fix things that break. No stress, just vibes. The cruisers will generally roll out of camp first to get a head start while the hamerheads pack up.

  • Will pack camp and (probably) add side exploration miles. Hammerheads generally become cruisers but they sometimes need to let the beast out first. Everyone in this group is expected to be self-sufficient in all regards, all day. 

Adventurers are expected to be able to say the following:

  • ride my bike on gravel roads (more difficult than pavement) for 30 miles (with 3,000 feet of vertical gain) for 2 consecutive days.

  • to riding 15 miles (2000 ft vertical gain) at least 4 times leading up to the adventure OR 30 miles (3000 ft vertical gain) at least 2 times

  • fix a flat tire (we’ll teach you if not, but this is an important skill to learn).

  • read through the recommended training program, tips, and how-to’s with long distance bikepacking. (CLICK here for how to’s and tips on training).

  • This resource gives some fun, explorational options for people looking to prepare for the adventure. If you don’t live in SLC, no worries, check out bikepacking.com for similar routes.

Maria, Unplugged Adventure, MT, 2024

“Before the adventure I was nervous and hesitant about my ability to complete the ride. But I was open and prepared to experience discomfort around acceptance and fitting in.

Now I feel capable, strong, grounded, loved, seen, held, supported, and valued. The adventure brought me back to an inner knowing that I am enough as I am; that my tribe can be attracted with ease; and that playfulness is never far away”