I've lost count of how many folks who have entrusted me to help them bikepack over the McKenzie pass and back again, but every year is special and amazing in its own way. From sticky humid weather to the kindness of strangers (and friends), this year was one for the books. It was a little bittersweet because this trip almost didn't happen... from the COVID 19 pandemic, to my business drowning in work, to the McKenzie pass opening to cars a week early, to not knowing if the campground I had reserved would be open, to last minute emergencies and gear borrowing... everything felt really uncertain. For any real tips, check out this trip from
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
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| The whole crew... my favorite hiking partner-in-crime Jess decided to take a leap of faith and try a bikepacking trip... and Nicole and Sarah had both attended my bike talk in years past, but were not able to make the trips those years. Better late than never! |
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| Nicole is in great spirits as we pull out of Windy Point. Which was soooo windy. Duh. |
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| Yaaaaaas. The summit. |
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| Hunkered down away from the wind behind the sign... and the crowds. |
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| The rhododendron and bear grass were in full bloom in the rainforest on the other side of the mountain. |
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| Thank you Rob and your most nice lady friend! You saved us from an afternoon of wandering around looking for firewood!!! Also, you are very good at firewood pannier Tetris. |
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| Jess is loaded up with wood and ready to head back to camp. |
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| Our awesome fire and awesome camp... if anyone cares, campsite #10 at Limberlost is really the best one. It has private stream access and is tucked away mostly out of sight from every other site. |
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| I still maintain that ladies who bikepack do the best happy hour. |
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| Sometimes, the stars and planets align and things work out just the way they are supposed to. Sarah had some stomach issues early on the second day and so I zip-tied her panniers to mine and managed to get us up to Proxy Falls... where our friend Bob just happened to be with his truck. A quick ride up the mountain and Sarah was able to let her tummy settle and rejoin us shortly before the summit to finish the ride in fine style. |
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| Even though Jess says she doesn't like to bike, she is looking pretty good here. |
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| Sarah makes it back to the summit in good spirits and ready for more. |
