What is the Fitz-Barn Ride?

The 2014, 3rd Annual, Fitz-Barn is an unsupported ride/race from Fitzgerald's Bicycles in Victor, Idaho to Red Barn Bicycles in Hamilton, Montana.

Approximately 450 miles of dirt and gravel roads, two track, and rail trail. The terrain is varied and beautiful and will include mountain passes, sage brush highlands and everything in between.

Ride through the heart of the Yellowstone Ecosystem and large sections of the Tour Divide Mountain Bike Route.

You are responsible for your own safety, navigation and food throughout the ride. Riders must have the ability to ride long distances without assistance while carrying their own gear and food.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

The One Nighter


All you need is a few hours to have an adventure!
Last Thursday night I had a great night out with some Fitz-Barnriders and was reminded of how you don’t need to go for a multi-day epic to have a local Bike Packing experience.
We left the shop at 7pm and rode gorgeous gravel roads towards Tetonia while the sunset cast a golden light across at the Tetons.  In Tetonia we loaded up on last minute provisions (ie. Beer and Donuts) and turned East on a dirt road that connected us to South Leigh Creek.
Watching the Moon rise directly behind the Grand Teton was a highlight of the ride out to camp. Once at the South Leigh trailhead we laid out mats and bags, told a few stories over tall boys, and drifted off to sleep under a HUGE Moon.
The girls had to get to work early so they rolled out at 4:30am while a couple of us “slept in” until 6am to get back to Victor by 8am.  The morning Sunrise ride along Stateline Rd from Tetonia to Driggs was a great way to start the work day.  If you haven’t ridden that road, put it on your list!
I’m not sure that most local riders truly realize the gravel road riding potential around here, not to mention the one night adventures!
Here’s the ideal gear list for a one night Bike Pack:
  • Any sort of Bike but the 29er hardtails handle the rough roads best while loaded down.
  • A custom frame bag from Hamilton Threadworks
  • A Viscacha seat bag from Revelate Designs
  • Sleeping Bag (I’m using a light weight 40 degree bag right now)
  • Lightweight Bivy sack (I skipped this knowing the skies were clear)
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Long under wear top and bottom for sleeping (nice to get the clammy chamois off)
  • Hat and gloves
  • Thin down jacket
  • Headlamp and Bearspray
  • PBR and Donuts
With some simple straps you can hang a stuff sack with all your sleeping gear from the handlebar.  Clothes and extra food can go in the seat bag.  Water, emergency fix it stuff, beer, and bear spray in the frame bag.  Of course you’ll find your own system that works way better once you give it a go.
If you don’t want to shell out the dollars for the soft bags, go with a back pack to start with.  It won’t be long before you’re hooked on the journey!
Scott Fitzgerald


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