Episode 39 | Matt Mason on Bikepacking and Public Lands, Part I
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Summary
In today’s podcast, we are joined by Matt Mason. Matt is a multi-hyphenate adventurer and backpacker turned bikepacker. Our chat functions as kind of a Bikepacking 101 class, so if you’ve been thinking of taking up the sport but don’t know where to start, this is a great entry point. We also talk about Matt’s efforts at public land advocacy in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.
Outline
- the superiority of long beards
- from backpacking to bikepacking
- the similarities between the two sports
- bike riding is just fun!
- how to avoid feeling overwhelmed as you start bikepacking
- areas to put bags on your bike
- Voile straps are handy!
- Relevate Designs and Orltieb both make ready-to-go frame bags
- Rogue Panda makes custom frame bags
- try to avoid carrying a backpack
- don’t let your current bike stop you from bikepacking
- what types of bikes work for mountain biking
- gearing and drivetrains
- a general description of an ideal garage-sale bikepacking bike
- gears vs. single-speed
- bikepacking.com is a great resource
- Matt’s go-to bike brands for bikepacking – Surly and Salsa
- Where to buy a great used bike? Try Pinkbike!
- a little background on the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
- Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is a non-profit doing great work in the area
- Matt is hoping for a National Scenic Trail designation
- ranching on public lands
- timeline for future plans
- follow along with the Monumental Loop on Instagram and Facebook
- Matt’s advice to both backpackers and bikepackers
- footwear advice
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Credits
- Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
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Disclosure
- Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
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