What makes a good bikerafting trip?
Starting the Bikeraft Blog (BRlog) off with some general guidance on what to look for when planning a bikeraft adventure. Remember that you can always visit the routes page if you need some inspiration.
Scenery: Why step foot outdoors? For me it’s about observing nature, getting exercise and fresh air. Even if you are in the middle of the city there is something interesting to see outside. Keep an eye out and you may notice something new. The beauty of bikerafting is that you can gain two perspectives. One from land and one from the water. I lived in the Puget Sound region for several years and did quite a bit of outdoor activity (biking and running), but always on land. Once I started to get on the water, I was really amazed at the new perspective that I gained. I saw new wildlife and experienced amazing panoramas and stillness on the water.
Away from Busy Roads: People generally don’t like to ride bikes on busy roads. It can be dangerous especially on roads with little or no shoulder. When planning a bikeraft route I like to seek out areas that are off pavement (ideally trails) and away from cars. Sometimes it is not possible to avoid the pavement, but it’s something I try and minimize. Choose the backroads or better yet, seek out the singletrack.
Limited Access: This concept is related to the second point above. Some of the most rewarding bikeraft journeys are those that are not easily accessible by car. If you can use the water to access remote trails/roads or vice versa then that is where bikerafting really shines. The waterway can open up new trips that could not be accomplished previously.
Mellow Water: If you plan to strap your bike to your packraft for the paddle (One-Stop Adventure) then in general you may want to seek out lower class rivers. Since loading a packraft with a bike and gear significantly affects boat handling and safety, it’s wise to look for mellow water. For hard-core whitewater junkies, this may not be the thrill that you seek, but see the next point.
Don’t forget Lock-n-Paddle/Paddle-n-Unlock: Just because you are not strapping your bike to your packraft doesn’t mean it’s not a bikeraft trip. If the river class is too difficult for a loaded packraft then this type of trip may be an option. The paddle may be much more enjoyable without the load and you can still seek out cool places to ride between the take-out and put-in.
Get out there and enjoy the land and water. If you enjoy this site and want to contribute please consider a donation.