ACT I - Frozen Toes - Bikepacking the Grand Staircase Loop

Rob and I traveled to Utah in Thanksgiving 2021 with the goal to ride three separate bikepacking routes over 8 days.
Act I is the first route of the trip, the Grand Staircase Loop.
Thanks to Jamie Mefford for contributing the route and Bikepacking.com for making that information accessible.
bikepacking.co...
Rob and I had a lot of fun doing this route! We chose to do the route in 3 days and i'd say the route difficulty of a 6 (according to bikepacking.com) feels about right. There are a lot of short punchy climbs on this ride. Doing this route at the end of November meant for cold temperatures and short days.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this route. If you are a beginner, I'd definitely opt for doing it in 4 days. I also can't imagine doing this route in the heat!
Videos from this series:
Teaser: • 2021 Utah Bikepacking ...
Act I: • ACT I - Frozen Toes - ...
Act II: • ACT II - Grandeur - Bi...
Act III: • ACT III - TREMORS - Bi...
Thanks for watching.
How to get in touch: [e-mail]

[@GeezerDust]

Got hooked on your videos a week or so ago. Watching every one I can find now. A lesson I learned was, if you want coffee in the morning, sleep with one bottle of water next to your body so it doesn't freeze. Again, appreciate the content and quality of the videos.

[@travispitcher3831]

I enjoyed that more than a salt-ass-sweaty Rob sippin' a shivery saloon sarsaparilla post splendid Staircase saunter!

[@pxymomma6026]

Hahaha! Robb looks like a great bike packing partner! Attitude is key

[@SaltyBeard_Adventures]

Hands down, best episode ~ ever. Not knowing what to expect, it just about pee’d myself through the opening sequences. Well shot, well paced, excellent narration and superb creative storyline. Kudos to both of you. It’s not often you find such a riding partner who plays the “desert fox” so well. Top on my list of MUST WATCH films.

[@pnwbikepacking]

As always, thanks for the kind words Salty!

[@SirBikesAlot]

#desertfoxcrew

[@al-du6lb]

Awesome. Desert fox is hilarious. You both should have grown big tombstone mustaches for this trip. Thanks for letting us tag along. Bikepackers have the best philosophy.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks Al! Glad you enjoyed the video. Also, wish I was capable of such a mustache!

[@al-du6lb]

@@pnwbikepacking Give it a go. I think you got it.

[@1luckyleppy]

Self proclaimed “desert fox”. I love it. 😁 Great tip boys. Thanks for sharing it with us 👍

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks Shawn!

[@SirBikesAlot]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥#Desertfoxcrew 🔥🔥🔥🔥. When Parker road by on the second day whispered desert fox, I almost fell of my couch laughing. On a serious note I really would like to get some riding in Utah.

[@slowwerthensnot]

First video of yours I’ve seen, love this part of the world

[@pnwbikepacking]

Hi David, welcome! Hope you enjoyed the video. Yeah this is an incredible part of the world... I can't wait to get back there!

[@ericsdigital]

great ride, why this channel does not have 100900 subscribers is a surprise. Out of my 75 channels this ones my fav! Love that route, like most out in that area...you ride for water and just enjoy the views.....!

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks Erik! Hah I Iike that, "You ride for water and enjoy the views", it really feels like that sometimes. Can't wait to get back to that part of Utah!

[@TrentSiggard]

Dude!! Your videos just feel soooooooo good! This episode was fun, the desert is a magical place.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks Trent! Yeah I want to go back to the desert!!!

[@gravelpack8536]

Loved it thanks for sharing being present is such a big deal and we miss it a lot.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks! Trying to stay present was a big part of this trip for me, glad you enjoyed it.

[@karlr6810]

Cool photography, sir... I did notice you guys have a propensity to ride in the...cold! It must be the PNW in you both! 😝 Thanks for sharing, Chris

[@davidscott6267]

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Some really beautiful videography here. I’ve watched some of your other vids. You eye for video keeps improving. : ) And loving the interspersed still photos. Nice work! Thanks for sharing your adventure! I love that area!!

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks a lot Matt, comments like this get me excited to keep making more videos!

[@scottreno3848]

Great start to this series. I have been anxiously waiting for them to drop. Its always great living through your experience out there.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks Scott! More coming soon!

[@noahkagan]

Thanks for making the video. Glad you had a great trip (:

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks Noah! Glad you liked it!

[@gogorobandles]

We just discovered your channel and like someone else said ~ your videos just feel so good. Great storytelling, stunning scenery and a fun sense of adventure. Looking forward to act 3. Happy New Year.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks! Glad you you enjoyed the video!

[@bikesbrosandbrews5380]

Your videos are the true definition of adventure!

[@jessvarey2597]

This was hilarious and brilliant, Chris! You two have a wonderful rapport, and your filmmaking skills have really blossomed. I loved every second of it. Merry Christmas, mate. Looking forward to act 2.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thank you Jess, appreciate the comments as I am really trying to develop those filmmaking skills.

[@maxmachin4894]

Hey, been binging your videos. Great stuff. Would love to see some gear and packing videos on your setup. Thanks for sharing your enjoyment!

[@amineroadbikerider1504]

amazing video from you guys. waiting for more bikepacking adventures

[@pnwbikepacking]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wawerd]

Bravo! Inspiration, creative and very enjoyable

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks!

[@pascalbisch1620]

Was looking forward to it, nice job Chris and lovely pictures. Merry Christmas everyone

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@shayneb3327]

This is by far my new favorite channel. You and the desert fox are killing it. Can’t wait for ACT II.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Hah, thanks Shayne, appreciate it!

[@EndUser-yu7gg]

Desert Fox aye ... well it probably because Hugo Sassy W... was taken ... love these guys and happy i circled back to watch their XWA deal again only to find more videos here ... subscribed!

[@TapioBlue]

Another adventure by Desert Fox and Polar Bear. Awesome.

[@matthewpeters7958]

Thanks, Ira. Looking forward to Act II of This Bikepacking Life.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Haha! Perfect , that is what I should have called the channel! Thanks for watching!

[@kenkugel9487]

I had the pleasure of suporting ( chase truck ) a group of riders on that loop a few years back . I got some good stories that I rather keep to my self . That is a tough route riding and waterwise. You guys did great . Rob what hiking shoes are you wearing . I need some of those .

[@RobParker8]

Hey Ken, those are dzr s240 in Mustard. I bought those just before the ride. I thought they would work will because they are kinda a hiking boot and have spd clips. I was happy with them until day four on the White Rim trail. That’s when the top two inside lace hooks on my right shoe broke off. I reached out to dzr and they said to mail them back and they would fix them. I’m thinking if two broke off in four days when are the rest going to break? I’m going to drill all of the clips and just lace them up so I can use them worry free. Because how is the Desert Fox at 56 years old supposed to look so ridiculously hot in a pair of cycling shorts without a pair of yellow boots!?!? 🤣

[@sam6030]

The name desert fox shall spread far and wide as will the tales of his beauty. His arduous journeys on his wheeled steed will be eternally documented. Sought after as non can compare to the desert fox. Lol

[@bigmikeshooter]

Great job guys. Greetings from Greece...

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thank you Dimitrios, glad you enjoyed!

[@jessedebord4404]

Love these videos! I show them to everyone!

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks Jesse! I liked your youtube video on how to use the generator! Seriously!

[@mohammedbaloch4622]

Great video - @chris your narration has got some Ira Glass vibes to it! (Also wondering how I get Rob to be my best friend)

[@pnwbikepacking]

Hah, I LOVE This American Life and Ira Glass. It is what inspired me to break this trip into three acts! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@taknname]

Been looking forward to this since you put out the teaser! Can I guess that the Act III route is Hey Joe Safari? Thanks for another great video- they keep getting better and better!

[@pnwbikepacking]

Glad you enjoyed it the video. Well I just put out the White Rim video... and Hey Joe Safari is right next to that... so that is a pretty good guess :). Have you done that route before and recognized something?

[@Arman2Dito]

OMG is that the infamous Desert Fox? Great video, really like your style of filmmaking.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks Armando!

[@mikemazzantini6397]

You are definitely one of the most under subscribed channels on KZbin. I look forward to each adventure. Keep it up.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks Mike! Appreciate it!

[@dkmackie]

Awesome guys, great work 👍🦘

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks David! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@HurlgoatHiker]

Great Video!! Plan on riding it soon

[@pnwbikepacking]

Such a great ride, have fun and stay warm!

[@HunterTravels]

A great watch to start the day.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks!

[@balifuncycling]

Awesome.....hello from Bali 👋

[@pnwbikepacking]

Hey, thanks!

[@andybirdcafe]

Love your videos great chemistry You guys should buy some reusable water bottles

[@chasemyadventure9604]

Awesome video! Good job

[@kixb4632]

subscribed! this was dope.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks!

[@MichaelSAugust]

Is that a tarp tent hogback? Love that tent, and I've owned quite a few, 4 man at ~4lbs is nuts.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Hey Michael! It’s actually the smaller version, the scarp 2. It’s a great bomber tent with lots of room for 2 people! Happy to bring it when I need to schlep a lot of gear.

[@kenprice1047]

Nice narrating! :) 🚵🏼

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks Ken!

[@equilateralsquare]

Great video of my backyard! By the way, Grosvenor Arch is pronounced "Grove-nor". Gilvert Hovey Grosvenor [ grohv-ner ], 1875-1966.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Thanks for watching. It's hard to do your backyard any justice in these videos, it is such an amazing place. Thanks for the lesson on pronunciation. I think every time I tried to say Grosvenor I said it a little different because I had know idea how the hell to say it! Loved this trip!

[@chrisfyb]

Damn I wanna ride with you two.

[@shayneb3327]

What rear racks are you guys using? Been thinking of ditching the seat bag for a rack.

[@RobParker8]

Hey Shayne, let me start by saying I am the worst bike tech guy on two wheels. But....I know how to destroy gear and if it survives I’ll buy it again. The rear rack I have is a Tubus cargo evo +2cm and I cut the rods to fit my bike. It has held up great. I strap my Revelate saddle bag to it and it stays in place really well.

[@pnwbikepacking]

Hey Shayne, like Rob said, it has worked out great for him. This was actually my first time using a rack. I just bought an Axiom rack that fit from my local bike shop. I found it to be quite pleasant. For most of my over night or ultralight trips, I'd probably stick with a seat pack though, just because it allows me to keep things really light and simple. What would make me change my mind is if I got a dropper on my Karate Monkey!

[@shayneb3327]

Thanks Chris and desert fox. I will check them both out and see which one will fit the best. Thanks for responding, patiently waiting for ACT II

[@Jarrod_D]

More of the desert fox💯

[@helgarivers6281]

Desert Fox 😄

[@StarEssences]

Loose fitting, but also padded mtb shorts are better :)

[@mswarrior932]

Sorry man but it reminded me of that movie dumb and dumber!! 🤣😂🤣 but i enjoyed the video!!👍

[@RobParker8]

Oh no! Don’t be sorry! I’m leaning in on D&D! I even have the yellow boots. Hahaha Go to 3:40 in this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q366aXuciLN_fqc

[@mswarrior932]

@@RobParker8 that's awesome man I love it!!! 🚴 So much so that I subscribed!!!!👍

[@RobParker8]

Awesome! Thanks for watching! Chris and I have a lot of fun on these trips even we are suffering!

[@mswarrior932]

@@RobParker8 you're welcome, I enjoy good bike packing videos!! I'm coming out of retirement and ridding the Pacific coast this summer! And looking to ride from Southern California to Maine the following summer!! I'm just now starting to get into making videos, hope to have more subscribers by the summer!!