The Embodied Rider

The Embodied Rider

This page is for all things cycling. I enjoy many forms of riding, recently spending most of my time and money on bike packing. I am a registered “gear library” through Bikepacking Roots. This means I have a variety of mounts, bags, straps, and the like available for “check out” so that someone can try out different gear with minimal cost or commitment. When one considers all that goes into bike packing= bike gear + camping gear + survival gear. It’s easy to see how gear is one of the biggest hurdles to getting into bike packing.

A few stated details as I work to get this site up and presentable.

Gear can be checked out for a recommended donation of $20 per trip (not per bag or per day). This money goes towards the upkeep of the gear and my sanity in organizing everything.

This library is made up of gear I have personally purchased and used. I also accept gear donations from those that have made purchases that just didn’t work for their set up. Sadly, they weren’t as lucky as you to have found this gear library!

Bike packing is dangerous on many levels. Those of us that have done it, that enjoy “type 2 fun” like bike packing are a special breed of people willing to share the shirt off their back. Or their wheel, or food, or chamois butter. I’d love to hear about your trip plans and lend my expertise if I can! I frequently plan and ride my own routes as well as organized events throughout the US, particularly the south- central- mid- west. I am happy to lend route files for anyone who asks, so please ask!

Speaking of routes, here are a few bike packing routes I have created and plan to offer as an self- supported group ride! This is totally free and open to the bike packing curious. Just remember, we are all out here as self- supported riders. Make sure to have a contingency plan in the event you can’t continue for whatever reason. We’ve all been there, learn from it and get back out there!

I’d love to hear from you if you have the intention to join in for one of these rides! Keep in mind that life keeps on going and I may have to bail on my own plans. Reach me at hutch1208@gmail.com

April 24-26 Planned route: Ring around Hoosier, approx. 140 miles, 9k of vert.Off road, gravel, paved (Tipsaw SP to Ferdinand SF to Patoka Lake to Leavenworth to German Ridge to Tipsaw SP)

May 29-31 Planned route: River to River route across and back southern IL . Approx. 250 miles, 7,500k of vert. Mostly paved greenway and roads.

June 26-28 Planned location: Land Between the Lakes, approx. 120 miles, 7k of vert. Gravel, off road, maybe a little pavement, and lots of lakes to filter water and cool off in!

More information coming soon!