July 21, 2020: We're disappointed to announce that the 2020 Teton Valley event, to be put on in collaboration with Mountain Bike the Tetons, is cancelled due to the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic. We do not feel that it is responsible to bring together 40+ bikepackers from all across the country at a time when group activities clearly increase health risks. Instead, we encourage you to try something new on the bike the weekend of August 22nd - try a first overnighter with a friend, sleep outside alone for the first time, or ride a new trail!
Our Go Bikepacking! series will return for 2021 with an even better Teton Valley event and several others throughout the country. Stay tuned for more information . . .
Our Go Bikepacking! series will return for 2021 with an even better Teton Valley event and several others throughout the country. Stay tuned for more information . . .
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A 3-day, supported, community bikepacking adventure along the stunning Big Hole Crest Trail and into the heart of the Palisades
We're excited to host the Bikepacking Roots Teton Valley event, our first-ever bikepacker gathering! Mountain Bike the Tetons and Bikepacking Roots together invite y'all to Wydaho's Teton Valley for 3 days of bikepacking on world-class backcountry trails - August 20-22, 2020! This non-competitive gathering is focused on building community, learning about and connecting to the landscape, public lands stewardship, and of course, riding some truly amazing singletrack. Best of all, there's no registration fee! Join Kaitlyn Boyle and Kurt Refsnider of Bikepacking Roots and Tony Ferlisi of Mountain Bike the Tetons for this point-to-point ride. We'll take care of the shuttle, bikepacking bags will be available for folks who need them, and we've got our fingers crossed that the current pandemic will allow an event like this to responsibly happen. Read a bit more about the vision behind the gathering here. This event will utilize the backcountry trails of the Teton region. The riding is characteristic of typical backcountry riding on mountain trails - there are steep climbs, sections will be rocky, rooty, loose, rutted, and overgrown (by wildflowers), and descents can be challenging in places on a loaded bike. This is mountain bike territory - do not come with a gravel bike or a drop-bar setup inspired by Tour Divide. Tires at least 2.2” wide, low gearing, and at least front suspension are highly recommended. We don’t ask that you come with any bikepacking experience. We are excited to support your learning process in the ways of bikepacking. We do ask that you come with sound mountain biking skills, adequate fitness for 4-6+ hours of riding at altitude, and a positive attitude. The riding is slow up there, so please don’t underestimate the mileage! It is common to travel at 3-6 miles per hour on these trails. Click here to view a recommended gear list. Although the trip has some support, you will be responsible for carrying all your gear, carrying and preparing your own meals, and navigating each day's route (GPS tracks will be provided before the event). |
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The Tentative Teton Valley event plan
Day 1 (tentatively 27 miles + 4,500’ of climbing):
We’ll meet up and shuttle vehicles and bikes to our ride’s starting point (shuttle vehicles and trailers will be provided). The actual ride will begin with a steep climb into the Big Hole Mountains from Horseshoe Canyon, just west of Driggs, Idaho. Our route will traverse the Big Hole Crest Trail, a rugged moto singletrack following the prominent ridge of the Big Holes. For the majority of day one, massive views of the Teton Range will be over our left shoulders as we ride south toward Pine Creek Pass. We’ll camp near Pine Creek Pass where a vehicle will meet us to provide any gear support desired by participants.
Day 2 (tentatively 17 miles + 4,000’ of climbing):
On the second morning, we’ll pack our bikes and warm up on a dirt road spin to access the Palisades network of backcountry singletrack by way of an unrelentingly steep climb. This unavoidable hike-a-bike will bring us to great backcountry singletrack deep in the Palisades. There will be two route options from which to choose en route to the second night’s camp on a saddle in aspen grove. Here, a small team of horse-packers will meet us to provide water, and we’ll enjoy a truly backcountry camping experience.
Day 3 (tentatively 25 miles + 2,100’ of climbing):
On our final morning, we will continue traversing the Palisades to the east along a rolling ridge that offers massive views in all directions. Again, there will be two route choices from which to choose as we continue through the Palisades Range before wrapping up with a loooong descent back down to where your vehicle will be waiting.
Day 1 (tentatively 27 miles + 4,500’ of climbing):
We’ll meet up and shuttle vehicles and bikes to our ride’s starting point (shuttle vehicles and trailers will be provided). The actual ride will begin with a steep climb into the Big Hole Mountains from Horseshoe Canyon, just west of Driggs, Idaho. Our route will traverse the Big Hole Crest Trail, a rugged moto singletrack following the prominent ridge of the Big Holes. For the majority of day one, massive views of the Teton Range will be over our left shoulders as we ride south toward Pine Creek Pass. We’ll camp near Pine Creek Pass where a vehicle will meet us to provide any gear support desired by participants.
Day 2 (tentatively 17 miles + 4,000’ of climbing):
On the second morning, we’ll pack our bikes and warm up on a dirt road spin to access the Palisades network of backcountry singletrack by way of an unrelentingly steep climb. This unavoidable hike-a-bike will bring us to great backcountry singletrack deep in the Palisades. There will be two route options from which to choose en route to the second night’s camp on a saddle in aspen grove. Here, a small team of horse-packers will meet us to provide water, and we’ll enjoy a truly backcountry camping experience.
Day 3 (tentatively 25 miles + 2,100’ of climbing):
On our final morning, we will continue traversing the Palisades to the east along a rolling ridge that offers massive views in all directions. Again, there will be two route choices from which to choose as we continue through the Palisades Range before wrapping up with a loooong descent back down to where your vehicle will be waiting.
Event Registration
- As of June 22, registration has filled. But if you're still interested in participating, please fill out the waiting list form below. We anticipate at least a few spots opening up.
- Given the ever-evolving nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, we strongly recommend that you do not travel from outside the region to participate in this event. We also may need to cancel the event due to the pandemic should it not be safe to host such a gathering in late August.
Photo credits: Will Stubblefield (photos 2 and 4) and Kurt Refsnider (photos 1, 3, and 5)
