Nerstrand 4/22 Biking Overnight

**Vincethebutcher** · 04-23-2014, 10:51

So I biked down to Nerstrand big woods state park on Monday (about 26 miles). Did a little overnight camping and headed back to the cities on Tuesday (about 55 miles). The way back had head winds the whole way. Got pretty sun burnt! totally forgot to put on sunscreen. But that is the longest I've biked while fully packed up. I've updated my gear and will be reposting a new gear list soon. I think I'm a little lighter than the 35lbs I was at about 2 weeks ago. But really the big difference was getting everything balanced, makes a huge difference on how the bike handles. So I got some pictures for you to prove it.

I had a beautifully calm night. No moon so you could really take in the stars. Got to do a little walk-about on monday when I got there and found the first Ramps of the season. So I ate a couple of those with my wild rice soup dinner. It was a great trip and good to get away from the city for a couple days.

Thanks for looking

**Vincethebutcher** · 04-23-2014, 10:52

also I got to try out my new DIY 20* down UQ and it worked awesome!
IMGP0207.jpg

**2ply** · 04-23-2014, 11:24

Looks like you're getting the hang of bikepacking. So good to escape the city for a breath of fresh air.

**OutandBack** · 04-23-2014, 11:42

My kind of trip. Nice picts.
I do have one question on pict 12. Which pannier did you carry the grocery store wood in? haha

**Klaussinator** · 04-23-2014, 12:30

Originally Posted by OutandBack

... Which pannier did you carry the grocery store wood in? haha

Yeah, I was wondering about the slab in pic-1 also.

Vince... we gotta talk about this UL thing, buddy!

-Klauss

**Silverpalm2x** · 04-23-2014, 14:16

Originally Posted by Vincethebutcher

also I got to try out my new DIY 20* down UQ and it worked awesome!
IMGP0207.jpg

DId you make an UQ for the ridgerunner? would you make anymore? I am looking for one for my wife and her Ridgerunner.

**ofuros** · 04-23-2014, 16:06

Leaving behind a busy, bustling city life for a night, does nothing
but good things for the mind & soul.....good looking trip Vincethebutcher.

**Vincethebutcher** · 04-23-2014, 17:02

Ya its a little difficult riding with 2 bundles of wood. Granted I only had to ride from the office to the campsite. so not to far. I did bring one piece with me because I wasn't sure if I could buy dry wood once I got there. Probably didn't need to but we just got 2" of rain.

**kwpapke** · 04-26-2014, 16:29

Originally Posted by Vincethebutcher

I've updated my gear and will be reposting a new gear list soon.

Nice report and pics. I've had good intentions of doing bikepacking, but doing trails with a Mtn bike, not a road bike. Nonetheless, I'd love to see your gear list and any comments you have on the pros and cons of what you are using.

That's a beautiful area. Looks like the wildflowers haven't popped yet, but they can be spectacular at Nerstrand in the Spring. I may be a Tucsonan now, but lived in the Cities for 30+ years...

Happy trails!

**markglist** · 04-26-2014, 16:51

next few weeks i will be loading up my road bike for a hang in Illinois, should be fun. Im tryin to talk stormcrow into getting my new top quilt to me before i go, wish me luck. Last year i did a few bike trips and had the thinking, i have a bike i can drag more with, realized i dragged at least 10 pounds worth of crap i didnt use. We need to use the same thinking as a light weight backpacker, less is sometimes better.