Inaugural Shake Out Ride
We finally got our gear and bikes ready for a test run! We opted to give it a try some place closer to home JUST in case something goes wrong. Now both of us have a lot of experience in the outdoors but it is always a good idea do a trial run to see what works, what doesn't, what you forgot, what you do not need, and to just have some fun.
A little pre-text to this weekend. We would have done this much earlier but there were some bike complications (Kirk) that required many trips to TWO different dealerships. We finally have the bike back and we were ready to go camping...NOW!
We left to get Kirk's bike Saturday morning from Select Cycle (after a Waffle House stop), loaded up at dealership at 11am, home by a little after noon, packed, and were riding by 3pm. We decided to go camping in the Uwharrie National Forest.
Being a holiday weekend (July 4th), we were a bit concerned over finding a spot. We were going to try the West Morris primitive campground. We arrived about 4pm and the campground was basically empty (there were a few folks there). We picked out a nice shady spot and started to unpack/setup.
Things were going pretty smoothly. It was hot and VERY humid but it is summer in the South. We started to unpack and had our first mishap of the trip. Kirk left the keys to his panniers at home - he cannot get into his boxes. He got suited up (again) and drove all the way back home to get them (again, glad we were close to home). I stayed and setup my tent.
While setting up my tent, I had a few adult refreshments to help combat the heat (I did bring a cooler with ice). I setup slowly as the humidity was getting offensive. I was all setup and enjoying doing nothing when Kirk drove up. Then he began his setup. Frustrating? Very. Glad we did a trip closet to home? Very.
Tip - attach your pannier keys on the same key ring as your ignition key.
Once everything had calmed down, we decided to fix dinner. We finally get to try out our new Sea to Summit cooking gear. Our stoves use gas canisters...this is new to both of us since we have always used clear gas (think MSR Whisperlite). I must admit these are VERY easy to use and they heat things quickly. Kirk has a backpacking meal. I brought fresh veggies and a piece of chicken (remember, I have a cooler).
The skillet worked great. Both of us were VERY happy with our cooling purchases. After dinner, we just relaxed and talked around camp. It started to get dark, so we broke out the UCO (Original Candle Latern). We also got our headlamps out. Mishap number two...Kirks headlamp would not turn on and yes, we tried everything out before we left. Oh well, look at it when we get back home. Not catastrophic....more annoying as it was hard for him to see. Well we enjoyed the night and got to bed late (midnight).
Tip - Always try out all the gear at home to ensure it works before leaving.
The next day, after a good nights sleep...sort of...hard to sleep when it is hot, we ate breakfast (coffee and a egg backpack meal). We suited up and headed out for the trails. We are familiar with this area but not all the roads. We started out and found some fantastic roads and quite a number of technical trails to give our bikes a try. After riding around for a couple of hours, we went to the big campground and filled up with water. Once all filled up, out to find so more roads less traveled.
We started to follow this one section which took across the river. Great road. No traffic to speak up and it gave us some more time to practice on gravel, up and down hills, lots of pot holes and trying to find the best path. A lot of standing and sitting. Great fun.
This is where our trip essentially ends since the weather was to turn VERY foul. Some torrential storms were heading to us and our tarps we ordered had not come in yet. We use these tarps to setup a "dry" area in camp for cooking etc. We opted to pack up, go the local restaurant for lunch, and head home.
Overall the trip was a success. It was very warm but it allowed us to actually try out our gear AND get more experience on our bikes. We both agreed that it was a beneficial exercise. We learned more about our gear, what we liked, do not like, what we forgot, and what we need. So until our next trip, stay safe out there.