Big South Fork Bike Packing Trip

**hangnout** · 10-21-2012, 18:13

I finally got a chance to take a mountain bike to the Big South Fork. We had planned on base camping at Bandy Creek Campground and riding the trails from there. We found out the day before that all the campsites and been booked so we had to scramble to set the bikes up for camping on the trail. This decision resulted in a kick butt trip, meaning ours got kicked

Riding mtb trails with gear was a challenge. Loss of momentum and high center of gravity makes those trails just a bit harder on the legs.

The video below shows some of the trip until we got on some of the real mtb trails and forgot about video as we tried to make miles. At the end of the video is a quick view of the Sawyer Squeeze filter and a Vargo Titanium Hex stove modified to actually work.

Lesson learned, leave the bike packing to the fire roads and hard pack trails. I will ride this again just not with camping gear

I can now say I have hiked, biked, and traveled the river in the Big South Fork.

**tdg** · 10-21-2012, 18:54

Look like a fun trip, that one bike trail that when off the ledge was crazy. How did "no name" like the hammock? Any more info on your Vargo Hex Stove mod, does it burn a lot better with the holes? I was look at those and did seem in stock form it could use some air vents.

**Les Rust** · 10-21-2012, 20:04

Thanks for taking us along, Hangnout. Yes, I'm curious about the new convert. Loved the Star Wars effect!

**hangnout** · 10-21-2012, 20:11

Originally Posted by tdg

Look like a fun trip, that one bike trail that when off the ledge was crazy. How did "no name" like the hammock? Any more info on your Vargo Hex Stove mod, does it burn a lot better with the holes? I was look at those and did seem in stock form it could use some air vents.

IMO the Vargo was about useless until I drilled the holes.

"No Name" makes fun of trail names so I just called him No Name.

Originally Posted by Les Rust

Thanks for taking us along, Hangnout. Yes, I'm curious about the new convert. Loved the Star Wars effect!

No Name was snoring about 5 minutes after I adjusted the UQ so I think it worked out fine

**Roche** · 10-21-2012, 21:03

Nice video hangnout. Now I know why last year's mountain biker was travelling light and was several years younger than us.

**hangnout** · 10-21-2012, 21:06

Originally Posted by Roche

Nice video hangnout. Now I know why last year's mountain biker was travelling light and was several years younger than us.

You got that right! BTW the campsite was where one of you left the HF message for the late arrivals (me) on last years BSF hike.

**Roche** · 10-21-2012, 21:11

Originally Posted by hangnout

You got that right! BTW the campsite was where one of you left the HF message in the dirt for the late arrivals (me) on last years BSF hike.

Yes sir - I recognized it as well as the "drop off" if you don't make the turn. I still need to do the Grand Gap loop - that could be a nice overnighter.

**BigLazy** · 10-21-2012, 21:22

Great video. Looks like it was a great trip. Thanks for sharing the video.

**MedicineMan** · 10-22-2012, 00:19

So you went down! Replace that helmet!
Loved the incredible view at 2:04
'Welcome to the other side' HA! I'll be borrowing that qote

Turkey sausage looks very smart-calories and protein; I'll copy that one too.
Mighty fine looking Leighlo UQ in coyote/green....is that a blend of m50 and another
material? If so very smart, m50 to save weight, uknown fabric to ease air eggress
when packing up=HNO at it again

There is another Vargo Hex and you've HNO'ed it, sweet. I simply cannot keep up with all the gear

and the renowned MSR Titan-the best post in the cosmos.
Bottom line-I need more vid's from you HNO!

**Bruciehi5** · 10-22-2012, 02:09

No Name, is a pretty good trail name! Nice bikes! The river looked good, I’d like to paddle down that. I liked the Star War thing! Yes, I think you had a convert all ready. lol How did the conversion go, do we have a new hammock hanger?