Triple Crown of Bikepacking.
Ride 3 classic bikepacking routes in the USA.
Simple really - just ride a combined total of 4,080 miles off-road in remote locations, self-supported and you will have completed the triple crown of bikepacking!
A challenge that only a few have completed, distance and route for each off-road trail is roughly based off respective race events (you don’t have to compete in the race).
Colorado Trail Race - self supported mountain bike race following the Colorado Trail, detours in wilderness areas.
Arizona Trail Race 800 - unofficial mountain bike race following the Arizona Trail, detours in wilderness areas.
Tour Divide Race - annual self supported mountain bike race, largely following the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.
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What’s the difference between bikepacking and bicycle touring?
Both offer the freedom of a self-supported cycling trip in the USA, however you are bikepacking if you are riding on dirt roads in remote places.
Introducing the Triple Crown of bikepacking.
Colorado Trail.
>> 540 miles <<
To bike the Colorado Trail trail, follow the Colorado Trail Race route from Durango to Denver.
The only difference between hiking and cycling the Colorado Trail, is that cyclists have to take detours away from six wilderness areas where bikes aren’t permitted.
Detours are mapped by the Colorado Trail Foundation.
Elevation profile source: Schillingsworth
Arizona Trail
>> 800 miles <<
To bike the Arizona Trail, follow the Arizona Trail Race route from Mexico to Utah.
The Arizona Trail is set up well for cyclists, with selected segments built to IMBA specifications.
The only difference between hiking and cycling the AZT, is that cyclists have to take detours away from restricted wilderness areas.
Preferred detours are mapped by the Arizona Trail Association.
Elevation profile source: Schillingsworth
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
>> 2,745 miles <<
To bike this ultra mileage trail, follow the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) from Canada to Mexico.
Unlike the Colorado Trail and Arizona Trail, the GDMBR has been developed exclusively for off-road mountain bikers by the Adventure Cycling Association.
Elevation profile source: Schillingsworth
Crown please.
Whilst there isn’t a crowning ceremony, earn serious bragging rights if you complete all three bikepacking trails.
There aren’t loads of rules to follow, just a few guidelines:
Stick to the route
>> Ride at least 90% of the designated trail route
One direction, two legs
>> Ride in one continuous direction, using your own leg power only
Take as long as you like
>> It’s all good, there’s no time limit - complete all three in 1 year or 10 years
Self-supported
>> Carry everything you need on your bike, with limited (to no) support
Colorado Trail
- the ‘scenic’ one.
Popular with cyclists in the USA, the Colorado Trail is known for it’s high elevation and beautiful views.
Arizona Trail - the ‘rugged’ one.
Border to border trail from Mexico to Utah, mountain bike through remote and varied terrains.
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route -
the ‘long’ one!
Iconic, due to the fact that it is the longest off-pavement dedicated mountain bike route in the world.
