My obsession with riding my bike may be slightly obvious. Aside from hanging out with the kids, there’s really not much else I want to do other than ride my bike.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting at my desk at work on a cold rainy day, wallowing in self-pity. I opened up Google map just to look at potential trips I can plan. This is one of those escape-reality things I do. I don’t like shopping or porn. I look at maps.

I decided on Phoenix. And riding a bike. And camping.

In a few days, I will fly down to Phoenix for a 5-day bikepacking trip. It will start right from the airport, up into the Tonto National Forest, up to Mayer, down Black Canyon Trail, and back to Phoenix. It will be a mix of pavement in the city, forest service roads, and some mountain bike trails.

I’m taking my cross bike. 40mm tires. A frame bag. A seat bag. Savanna’s sleeping bag (to save weight). And let’s see how this goes.