The first bikepacking overnighter

It was time for the first bikepacking overnighter for Tor, who turned eight in March. Though the boys haven't ridden that much singletrack yet, it seems like they are getting the hang of it this year. Still, it takes some practice, since the singletrack here around Turku contains lots of technical sections, which can be quite difficult for kids and beginners. In addition, bikes for kids are usually also quite heavy, probably mostly due to the price point. The boys have Kona Hula 24" bikes, which are fairly ok, but they still weigh as much as my XL sized fatbike (with the summer wheelset).

Anyway, this week I went out for a short overnighter pretty close to home with Tor. We started from our backyard and rode a short bit on the multiuse exercise trail...

... before entering the singletrack.

Stairs like these are more difficult for kids with their relatively heavy bikes.

Easy singletrack went well.

Going a bit off-trail...

... to erect the tent.

The dry pine forest doesn't contain that many colorful flowers. Most are small and dull, but there are some exceptions, like Melampyrum sylvaticum (couldn't find a name in English).

I wanted a hot brew and needed some twigs for the wood stove.

Tor then escaped the mosquitoes into the tent...

... while I had fairly bugproof clothing and had my hot beverage.

Some evening reading...

before going to sleep.

The night was pretty warm at 12°C. Tor had a new down summer sleeping bag, which he had half open, while I tried my new 600 g Enlightened Prodigy X quilt. At this temperature it was much more comfortable than my equally light, but warmer, summer sleeping bag.

The morning was nice and clear and the mosquitoes mostly gone.

Breakfast consisted of coffee and hot chocolate as well as Digestive bisquits.

I mostly recorded video during this outing and most pictures are just stills from the video stream, which is visible in the slightly lower quality. (The two really poor picture are stills from the GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition.)

Finding something to do while daddy takes down the tent.

And then we started riding again.

A little mishap.

Continuing home without problems.

A successful little outing again, according to the participants.

And finally, a little video from the trip: