I took three 750ml bottles, two in the back wishbone and one in an handlebar feed bag. I found it to be a good amount for being able to ride pretty far between stops without needing to ration water.
Thanks for sharing this Tim. I first learned about the Mishigami about 2 weeks prior to this year’s race. I am going to join in the fun in 2025 and have already begun preparing. This whole series has been invaluable to me, as I am new to ultra distance. Fantastic effort by you this year!
Glad you're getting so much out of the reflections! Mishigami is great fun. Don't be afraid of an ultra if you've practiced bikepacking and/or randonneuring! It's just a more specific application of the same kind of prep and riding.
Hello again Tim. With next year’s Mishigami grand depart being announced, I have started to plan my adventure. Any recommendations or advice on camping would be greatly appreciated.
Where to camp. For instance, I was looking at Point Beach state park for night one and they claim to require a reservation, which cost 30 bucks a night plus a reservation fee of $25.
Michigan is the easiest because you can book online same day and then don’t need to check in with a camp host. So no matter when you roll in you have a specific spot.
Other state parks generally have some spots that can be reserved, some that are for first-come each day. So yes, you could be chancing whether or not there’s space. It’s a chance I’d be willing to take, though.
A list of all your possible camp spots (official or stealth) near the route is indispensable. That makes it easier to make decisions about whether to stop or keep going to the next spot on your list. Most of your options will be state parks, but there are also a number of local and private campgrounds along the way. Also a national forest in the UP.
Your mileage will vary on the idea of stealth camping, but that will meaningfully expand your options, especially in more rural areas.
As someone considering Mishigami next year this is so great and informative. Thank you!
Question, was your only hydration the two water bottles on your rear bag or did you have a bladder in your frame bag?
I took three 750ml bottles, two in the back wishbone and one in an handlebar feed bag. I found it to be a good amount for being able to ride pretty far between stops without needing to ration water.
Thanks for sharing this Tim. I first learned about the Mishigami about 2 weeks prior to this year’s race. I am going to join in the fun in 2025 and have already begun preparing. This whole series has been invaluable to me, as I am new to ultra distance. Fantastic effort by you this year!
Glad you're getting so much out of the reflections! Mishigami is great fun. Don't be afraid of an ultra if you've practiced bikepacking and/or randonneuring! It's just a more specific application of the same kind of prep and riding.
Hello again Tim. With next year’s Mishigami grand depart being announced, I have started to plan my adventure. Any recommendations or advice on camping would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
You talking gear? Where to camp? Both?
Where to camp. For instance, I was looking at Point Beach state park for night one and they claim to require a reservation, which cost 30 bucks a night plus a reservation fee of $25.
Michigan is the easiest because you can book online same day and then don’t need to check in with a camp host. So no matter when you roll in you have a specific spot.
Other state parks generally have some spots that can be reserved, some that are for first-come each day. So yes, you could be chancing whether or not there’s space. It’s a chance I’d be willing to take, though.
A list of all your possible camp spots (official or stealth) near the route is indispensable. That makes it easier to make decisions about whether to stop or keep going to the next spot on your list. Most of your options will be state parks, but there are also a number of local and private campgrounds along the way. Also a national forest in the UP.
Your mileage will vary on the idea of stealth camping, but that will meaningfully expand your options, especially in more rural areas.