Bikepacking News Roundup – October 2026
As the crisp autumn air settles in, the bikepacking community is abuzz with exciting developments, events, and innovations. Here’s a curated selection of noteworthy updates to keep you informed and inspired.
Upcoming Bikepacking Events
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Leaf Pile Pedal
Dates: October 9–11, 2026
Location: Lower Peninsula, Michigan
Hosted by the League of Michigan Bicyclists, this mixed-surface bikepacking weekend offers a lightly supported adventure designed to help cyclists build confidence and experience the joys of self-supported travel. Routes range from 40 to 60 miles on October 10 and 20 to 40 miles on October 11. Notably, participants aged 18 and under ride free when accompanied by an adult. (lmb.org) -
Coconino Stage Bikepack
Dates: October 9–12, 2026
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
This self-supported stage bikepacking event covers 250 miles of challenging terrain, featuring a mix of singletrack and dirt roads with approximately 28,000 feet of elevation gain. The route connects Flagstaff, Sedona, Mingus Mountain, Williams, and returns to Flagstaff. (granfondoguide.com) -
Mountaineer Monster
Date: October 24, 2026
Location: Bruceton Mills, West Virginia
Offered by Ohio Gravel Grinders, this self-supported bikepacking race/ride presents 110, 270, and 470-mile routes across the rugged terrains of West Virginia. The event combines epic riding with local culture, featuring a cryptid scavenger hunt that encourages team participation. (ohiogravelgrinders.com)
Innovations in Bikepacking Gear
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Apidura’s New Expedition Series
Celebrating a decade of innovation, Apidura has unveiled the all-new Expedition Series, a complete evolution of their benchmark bikepacking system. The series emphasizes stability, waterproofing, and durability, featuring a modular handlebar system with unique clamp-free attachment, integrated GPS and light mounts, and redesigned frame and saddle packs for improved fit and stability. (gravelcyclist.com) -
Trek Checkpoint+ SL E-Gravel Bike
Trek has introduced its first e-gravel bike, the Checkpoint+ SL, equipped with TQ’s HPR60 mid-drive motor. This model combines Trek’s expertise in e-mountain and e-road bikes, offering a comfortable frame suitable for long tours and bikepacking adventures. (ebike24.com)
New Bikepacking Routes
- Mon Forest Gravel and Bikepacking Route Network
West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest now boasts a network of 66 mapped bikepacking routes, connecting 12 towns across nearly one million acres of rugged Appalachian terrain. This network offers everything from family-friendly day rides to a 594-mile circuit with 55,000 feet of climbing, catering to a wide range of bikepacking enthusiasts. (singletracks.com)
Notable Bikepacking Races
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UCI Gravel World Series 2026
Serving as the qualification platform for the UCI Gravel World Championships, the 2026 GravelKing UCI Gravel World Series has seen global participation, with events held across Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Australia. The series culminates in the World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, on October 10–11, 2026. (cyclingnews.com) -
The Big Lonely Bikepacking
Date: October 9, 2026
Location: Deschutes County, Oregon
This unsupported bikepacking adventure explores Central Oregon’s diverse landscapes, including the Mrazek Trail in the Skyline Forest, Metolius and Crooked Rivers, Ochoco Mountains, and the high desert’s 30-mile singletrack. (granfondoguide.com)
Inspiration from the Community
- Highland Trail 550 Preparation
Graham shares insights into building a bikepacking bike tailored for the demanding Highland Trail 550, a 900 km ultra-endurance race through Scotland’s rugged Highlands. His setup emphasizes reliability, efficiency, and durability, featuring a titanium Gloria All Terrain hardtail frame, Enduro Bearings, Fox 32 Step Cast suspension fork, and Shimano XTR components. (cyclingnews.com)
As the bikepacking season unfolds, these events, innovations, and stories highlight the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the community. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or seeking inspiration, the world of bikepacking offers endless possibilities.
Highlights:
- UCI Gravel World Series 2026, Published on Sunday, May 24
- I built a bikepacking bike to race one of the most challenging ultra-endurance events out there, Published on Monday, May 11