20260603-9 BT 700 XL bikepacking trip

The BT 700 XL was one of the toughest and most enjoyable rides I’ve done. As I am 72 (and not in great shape due to some health issues) it took me 6 days and 10.5 hours to complete 933 kms with 8,023 metres of climbing, averaging 145 kpd. Certainly no FKT but pleased that I rode EFK ;-).

Here’s my trip photo album: photos.app.goo.gl/ga8TSD7vfLws7B9h6.

This is my combined ride activity record for the complete BT 700 XL ridewithgps.com/trips/389797886.

I used a copy of the official route (see www.bt700.ca/bt-700-xl.html) that I reversed (so counter clockwise) with the start changed from St Jacobs to Albion Hills (my route ridewithgps.com/routes/55447412).
). This was to get the hardest part of the route done first.

Special thanks to:

• My friend Ken Waring for this great reversed route idea, for hosting me before my ride, and for riding the first 45 kms through Albion Hills and Palgrave singletrack with me.
• Sally for allowing me to tent on her farm property instead of the misquito infested forest.
• For the several people that gave me water when I knocked on their door.
• For the owners of the Top Notch Motel and Restaurant in Wiarton, who after hours served me dinner and made me a take-away breakfast.
• For Matthew Kadey for creating the BT 700 XL (and many other bikepacking routes) — such a beautiful beast with so many kilometres of mountain bike trails.

The official route numbers are:
Distance: 890 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 8,500 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 85%/15%

I think the official route description is very accurate:
“Looking for the ultimate bikeapacking challenge in Ontario? The BT 700 XL delivers. This is a beefed-up version of the BT 700 route. Riders can expect even more trails and challenging terrain. A route that certainly should not be taken lightly. A beautiful beast, indeed. Beefy bike set-ups and a gung-ho attitude are needed.”

Thanks to my body and mind, and my bike and gear, for performing so well.

• My bike and gear spreadsheet with links and weights.
• Special mention…
• https://binarybicycles.com/product/kinetik-titanium-bikepacking-expedition-frame/
  • Titanium flat-bar expedition frame built for technical terrain and heavy self-supported travel.
• https://posedla.com/collections/custom-3d-printed-saddle
  • Joyseat: The World’s First Custom 3D-Printed Saddle. I’ve finally found a super comfortable saddle.
• The following gives my rigid titanium frame suspension with a fraction of the weight:
  • Suspension Seatpost: https://redshiftsports.com/products/shockstop-suspension-seatpost
  • Suspension Stem: https://www.vecnum.com/en/products/freeqence
• https://enlesce.com/
  • Premium Canadian Cycling Apparel. Based and Designed in Vancouver. Made in Europe.
  • The bib shorts are the best I have ever had and were still comfortable at the end of my BT XL bikepacking trip of 930 kms with 85% unpaved! The sleeveless base layer kept me warm and cool when needed. The jersey was so light and comfortable I didn’t know it was there.
• https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/
  • Philosophy: Provide ultra-high-quality gear for backpacking/bikepacking fast, light, and efficient.
  • Their bikepacking bags live up to their philosophy.

#gregbikingwithoutborders, #bikepacking, #canada, @binarybicycles, @enlesce, @mountainlaureldesigns, @posedla.cc, @torontobicyclingnetwork, @bt700bikepacking

Cheers…Greg
gregbikingwithoutborders.blog/
Subscribe for emailed new post notifications.