Cycling has gotten complicated with all the gear and training methods flying around. As someone with extensive cycling experience, I learned everything there is to know about this topic. Today, I will share it all with you.
Bikepacking Routes Worth the Effort
I’ve done maybe a dozen multi-day bikepacking trips across different continents. Some were incredible. Some were suffering with nice views. All of them taught me something.
If you’re looking for routes to put on your bucket list, here are the ones that deliver.
The Great Divide (North America)
2,700 miles from Canada to Mexico along the Rocky Mountains. It’s the big one. Most people take 6-8 weeks.
The terrain is mostly gravel roads and dirt tracks. Elevation gain is brutal – you’re constantly climbing or descending through mountain passes. Water can be scarce in New Mexico so plan your resupply carefully.
Best for experienced bikepackers who want a serious challenge. This isn’t a casual trip.
Tour Aotearoa (New Zealand)
1,800 miles from Cape Reinga to Bluff. New Zealand packed into one route – forests, coastlines, mountains, farmland.
Mix of trails and quiet roads. The Timber Trail section is beautiful. Weather changes fast – pack rain gear no matter what the forecast says.
More accessible than the Great Divide. Lots of towns along the way for resupply. Good first “big trip” option.
Carretera Austral (Chile)
Patagonia. 770 miles of gravel through some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Glaciers, fjords, snow-capped peaks.
Wind is the real challenge here. It never stops and it’s always in your face. Ferries required for some crossings – check schedules.
Remote but not technical. If you can handle the weather and isolation, the views are unmatched.
The Colorado Trail (USA)
485 miles from Denver to Durango. High-altitude singletrack through the Rockies. Tops out above 13,000 feet multiple times.
This is a mountain biker’s trail. Rocky, technical, lots of hike-a-bike. Not for road bikers or beginners. But if you ride MTB and want an adventure, it’s incredible.
Altitude sickness is real. Acclimate before attempting.
The Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)
1,500 miles along Ireland’s west coast. Cliffs, beaches, green hills, tiny villages with great pubs.
Mostly paved roads. Weather is wet – accept it. The dramatic coastline makes up for the rain.
Good for people who want a challenging route without technical terrain. Infrastructure is solid.
Choosing Your Route
Be honest about your fitness and experience. A 50-mile day on flat gravel is very different from a 50-mile day with 5,000 feet of climbing on rocky singletrack.
Consider resupply frequency. Some routes have towns every 30 miles. Others go 100+ miles between services. Plan your food and water capacity accordingly.
Start shorter than you think. A successful 3-day trip is better than an abandoned 3-week one.
