MTB Ben gets ready for a big bikepacking adventure with his oldest son Aidan by going out for a shakedown ride on his new 2023 Surly Krampus. 

Listen to Ben's adventure on Connecticut's Air Line State Park trail. Ben gets in just over 50 miles over the course of two days, fully loaded, and testing out his new bike, and a few new pieces of gear he picked up in preparation for his adventure in April. 

Ben has some insight as to the differences between day 1 of a bikepacking trip vs day 2 - the vibes, the overall feel, and drive. Learn a brief amount of history behind the Air Line SP Trail, and how enjoyable the ride overall was. Plus learn about some of Ben's misfortunes along the way, including getting lost for a bit and waking up to 28 degree temps with only a 55 degree rated sleeping bag. 

Thanks again to this episode's sponsor, S&W Sports. Stop in before July 1st, 2023 and mention NEDIRT23 to receive 10% off bike accessories and make sure to thank the team for supporting New England Dirt!

To learn more about the various gear and places mentioned in this episode, please visit the links below:

• The Adrennes Arbalete Route on Bikepacking.com
• The Air Line SP Trail
• 2023 Surly Krampus
• Surly Mokolo Bar
• Revelate Designs
• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System

For this episode MTB Ben is joined by one of his regular riding buddies, Josh Fleming.

Josh and Ben discuss their shared love for finding features out on the trail to session and build up their skills, helping them progress as riders. Josh shares his theory of mastering the 2-Cs, Control and Confidence and how only through practicing those is he ready to concure more difficult terrain.

They also discuss riding bikes with their boys and how their joy of continued practice and progression on the bike has helped them in their efforts to teach August and Elwood how to ride. They share in the joy their boys have when celebrating accomplisments on the bike. 

Finally, Josh and Ben discuss mixed surface riding and Ben's Wednesday Night RAFR's (Ras As F*#$ Rides) which will be making a come back this spring. Partially inspired by Endless Bike Co's sticker "I'd rather be rad than fast", the Wed Night RAFRs are a go anywhere, on anybike, with everyone and anyone style bike ride. 

We hope you enjoy this episode. 

Big thanks to S&W Sports for supporting this episode. Make sure to stop by their shop off of i-93 at 296 South Main Street in tax free Concord, NH. 

Plus - when you stop by, mention NEDIRT23 and get 10% off bike accessories. Also - make sure to thank them for supporting longform media like this podcast!  

MTB Ben is joined by his new bikepacking partner Kris Ivers on this episode, part 2 of Adventures in Bikepacking. 

Kris and Ben discuss their rides together and how they met eating tacos with Kris' partner in a classic tale of "You like bikes? I like bikes! Let's ride bikes".

Kris shares a bit about his background and traveling around the US and being inspired to start bikepacking while living out west. He shares with us his overall gear selection, bike, and desire to get out more.

Ben and Kris then recap their trips from last fall enjoying two routes (one highly modified) from Bikepacking.com.

List of resources: Roundabout Brattleboro Route

Wardsboro Loop Overnighter

Surly Mokolo Handlebar

Topeak Bikepacking Gear

MTB Ben takes some time with his youngest son August to discuss their year in bikes. They discuss August's bike fleet, the trips they went on, his overall progression riding at Highland, and the various trail rides and riding partners this year. 

To follow August and all his adventures, plus to see videos capturing his progression this season follow him on Instagram at @august.rides 

Interested in getting your own child more into bikes? Check our Highland Mountain Bike Park's camp program.  

Thanks to all our friends, coaches, and local bike shops who've helped make this year a memorable one for August!

MTB Ben has found new love in the form of strapping a whole bunch of gear to his bike, and riding in what he calls "snail mode" for a few days. 

Ben gives a brief overview of his love for the outdoors and maybe get's a bit philosphical about the joys of spending multiple nights - at least a full 24 hrs - outdoors. He then provides an indepth overview of his bikepacking setup from his beloved bike Ramona Dropbars, to his pack setup and gear. 

Episode 2, part 2 will be recorded at a later date with Ben's riding partner Kris as they discuss their two most recent adventures together in VT and NY.

Thanks again for listening, please feel free to connect directly with Ben at [email protected] or @ne_dirt_podcast on IG.

Show links:

Bikepacking.com

Salty Beard Bikepacking

It’s been a minute, but MTB Ben is finally back at it.

This episode is a “getting caught up with Ben” episode. What’s been going on since we last heard from him on New England Dirt - well for one, there is a slightly updated name - NE Dirt, and for two, the overall effort of NE Dirt has grown.

Listen now for updates on both what’s in store for NE Dirt, the rides Ben’s done this year, the events, and his ventures into bikepacking.