Show Posts
Pages: [1]
1  Forums / Bikepacking / Re: Introduction Thread on: May 04, 2018, 07:03:39 AM
Bill Garlinghouse here. My chosen username, LDog is also my trail name in the backpacking community and on related forums. Did the AT in five sections in recent years.  Embraced the UL philosophy as I was gearing up for that, and refined my kit over the years ...  Been an avid cyclist since the early 70's.  Traded in my Schwinn Collegiate for a Juenet touring bike in my senior year in HS, and rode from Madison, WI to Michigan's Tip-o-the-Mit.  Worked summers on Mackinac Island, where I got into racing.  The Island's 8 miles around, so not much opportunity for touring.  I traded in my Juenet for a Mondia racing bike.  Joined the Navy, took my bike aboard ship, and rode wherever we pulled in.  Got married, sired two boys.  When the first was old enough to ride, I bought both of us MTBs.  Mine was a 1997 Gary Fischer Paragon 8 speed w/ Shimano Deore LX and a Indy SL Rock Shock. Pretty hot shit back then ...  Did a lot of single track riding.  Still have it, along with an old Trek 1200 aluminum racing bike, and an old 1984 Schwinn LeTour Luxe fixie conversion.

I always wanted to get back into touring. Dreamed of a trans-continental trek. The idea of riding forest roads, and camping along the way became a recurring dream. And in the last several years I watched as manufacturers began making bikes purpose-built for that dream, and the cottage industry began making "bikepacking bags."  It was like the world was changing to accommodate my dreams. Spent a lot of time on the Google, and became a bit obsessed with the Salsa Vaya.  It's been on my eBay wish list for a few years, and so those eBay notifications kept fueling the burn...

Recently an AT Hiking buddy posted his intention to ride the GAP/C&O Canal trails, and was looking for a partner. I agreed, knowing I didn't have a proper bike for the ride. I found a LBS that carried Salsa - Einstein Cycles in Traverse City. They ordered one for me and I picked it up a few days ago.  They did a great job fitting it to me and tolerating my geezer questions...

So now I'm looking at Revelate and Apidura bags, putting together a tool kit, and putting some miles on her.  Looking forward to learning from you all, and participating as I'm able.

LDog
Pages: [1]