Bikepacking Roots Northeast Summit

I atteneded the Backpacking Roots Northeast Summit this year for the 1st time. It was July 25th-28th. I got up there Sat. morning to set up our Velo Rags Merch on the base camp at Maitri Farm in Amenia NY which was a short 40 min drive from our West CT border.

There were workshops, speakers and expo. Bikepacking Roots supports & advances bikpacking, the growth of a diverse bikepacking community, They are a non-profit charitable organization that brings together people and also contribute to preserve and support the landscapes they ride throught.

With 2 short ride options Saturday late afternoon. One birdwatching and the other a ice cream ride. I opted for the ice cream. We got hit with rain on Saturday night and punched out at 9am Sunday for a bikepacking overnighter. There were 3 options for the overnighters with multiple routes to pick within those routes. I opted for the Copake Falls overnighter. 43 mi but after getting hit with more rain on the ride the group slit up . Some stayed on original route and I with some others opted for a diner stop in Millerton NY and a easier ride up the Harlem River Rail Trail.

When we got to Taconic State Park the Sun started to come out. Some took a dip in the pond. With a store right ouside the campground some did a snack stop. I opted for some ice cream again.

Sitting by a fire that night Mother Nature decided to dump more rain on us and the night was cut short and everone headed to their tents. Monday morning we woke up to soggy gear but managed to get a fire started and coffee made.

Bikingpacking Roots did such an amazing job planning and organizing this event. I can't thank all the people involved enough. Running into some people I know from other events and making some new freinds this was a great event.