2014 posts

Bikepacking along the ODT, creating a parallel route

The ODT is ripe for bikepacking. There are stretches that will need bike alternates, but with some creativity and time investment I think we could have a Bend to Idaho (Snake River, or maybe even Boise) route that mostly parallels the current Oregon Desert Trail.

I’m gonna lay out my thoughts on the current ODT path & it’s viability for a bikepacking route. This is a bit freeform, I hope it’s not too confusing… Feel free to contact me for clarification, comments, or questions!
My ODT bikepacking route thoughts:
ONDA has released their ODT guidebook and maps. They are certainly hiker focused, but are a good resource and starting point. There are only two wilderness areas along the route, the Badlands & the Steens. Hart Mountain NWR has bike restrictions, and the rest of the off trail sections are mostly not bike-able. Alternates would need to be found for about half of the current Oregon Desert Trail in order to make a Oregon Desert bike route. This is a new trail and is far from perfect! It is still in it’s fledgling stage and there is a lot of room for us to make it into a great adventure for bikers and hikers alike. Maybe if we put some thought into it now we can avoid the hiker/biker adversity that seems to crop up on some multi-use trails.

The start of the ODT is pretty sandy, and might be more suitable for fat bikes or for seasons while the sand is wet & a little more consolidated (winter and spring). I was impressed with the Horse Ridge area trails and views. The off road vehicle area between Horse Ridge and Pine Mnt. was neat, but SUPER sandy in […]

The ODT wins runner up “Best Desert Trip”

By |March 9th, 2014|2014 posts, Current, ODT|0 Comments

Outside Magazine chooses the Oregon Desert Trail as runner up “Best Desert Trip” in their 2014 awards. Oregon Natural Desert Association just released their guidebook info on the trail. It’s an exciting time for this fledgling route!

I’m happy to share trail beta and thoughts anyone planning a thru-hike of the ODT this summer. Feel free to contact me via email or facebook.

Cat Food Can Stove

By |March 6th, 2014|2014 posts, Current|0 Comments

Check out my facebook page! This weekend I will be making a cat food can stove for the lucky winner of our “250 Like” contest, Heidi Roerdink. I will make a how to movie as I create it, so everyone can whip one up and add a functional, super light, and practically free piece of gear to their pack!