Time again for the now famous James Bros Bikes Bikepacking weekend. Our annual fall trip travels through Lee and Chambers Co. Alabama over 3 days and 2 nights, utilizing some of the best dirt roads in our area. The route is a loop that begins and ends at my work, James Bros Bikes in Opelika. One could say this is more of a bike-glamping weekend, with the option to have your gear transported from one place to another, beer provided, and breakfast prepared on site. We want the event to be approachable to anyone that might be interested in bikepacking but would otherwise be intimidated to take on a trip without support.
Day #1
Or should I say night #1. Our group set off in the dark on our way to Chambers Co. Lake. If you have never ridden dirt roads in the dark you are truly missing out. The quiet stillness of night being suddenly disturbed by the clanking of a bicycle over small rocks and dirt is incredible. Headlights ablaze and bikes loaded down we made our 20 mile trek to the first camp quick and rather painless. As we arrived, the group that set out earlier in the evening already had a fire burning and coolers of beer ready. Now it was just time to set up our sleeping arrangements, fire up the stove and settle in for very cold the night.
Day #2
As the fog lifted from both our brains and the lake, and the ringing of “WE NEED MORE WOOD!!!” from our ears, one by one everyone climbed out of their tent hungry and ready to get on the road. We were created by a beautiful site that is Chambers Co. Lake. Sure it’s a public fishing lake but its quiet, peaceful and a sight to see.
Everyone fed, bikes packed and ready to roll we began our trek to camp #2, Shaefer Heard Campground on Westpoint Lake. The route would be roughly 30 miles along many dirt roads of East Alabama. We moved as a group, to make sure no one would get left behind. Everyone chatted and joked as we wound through the countryside.
Later that afternoon our group grew as some riders who were not able to make the first night joined us for the second. Campsite #50 in Shaefer Heard is prime time. Right on the water and a double site. We had numerous tents and hammocks, waterside chairs, and even a little fly fishing to unwind from the day. With higher temps than the night before, everyone seemed to be glowing from the trip thus far.
Day #3
Making our way back home! This route would be roughly 40 miles with a little more pavement than the days before. Groggy and a little sore everyone saddled ready to get on the road.
You could definitely see the effects of the mileage and beer has taken on most of the riders. Each stop got longer and the groans got louder. We were a loud, smelly group that reeked of campfire and stale beer, and it was glorious. The original plan was to include a bit more gravel and distance than what we actually travelled, but that turned out to be a wise decision. With this being a beginner friendly event, we didn’t want anyone to leave with the sense of the entire trip being a disaster due to the fact they were too tired to lift their bike back on their car rack.
As we arrived back at James Bros Bikes the group seemed satisfied, accomplished, and exhausted. We all piled inside the bike shop for one last beer. I couldn’t tell if it was because everyone was tired or if it was convenient, but one by one the group sat on the floor in a circle, sharing the experience of the previous days. You couldn’t help but smile seeing everyone excited for the ride, waiting for the next. Just wait until the spring trip!
