Bikepacking – the light version

Cycling tourism has been experiencing a real boom in recent years. The growing popularity of gravel bikes and the development of bikepacking undoubtedly contributed to this. Traditional trekking bikes with large panniers began to give way to off-road capable models with smaller bags attached directly to the frames. In this way, completely new opportunities have opened up for lovers of cycling adventures.

Three voivodeships, two days, one bike

There are many ways to be a bikepacker. Some people want to be self-sufficient and pack everything they need on their bike for a multi-day route. They must find a place for a tent or hammock, provisions or kitchen equipment. Others focus on minimalism and limit their luggage to a minimum. They pack lightly, sleep in roadside agritourism farms or hostels, and look for local restaurants at lunchtime.

The "bikepacking light" option offers many possibilities. It allows you to cover longer distances and choose a more technically difficult route. We ourselves are supporters of this form of cycling and we recently covered almost 400 km "lightly". I (Sebastian) went on a two-day trip from Puszczykowo to Jelenia Góra, which I will be happy to tell you about.

Lubuskie, I love you

I have been planning this trip for a long time. I am a great fan of the Lubusz and Lower Silesian Voivodeships. I love Lubuskie for its forests, spaces and small population. As a forester, I appreciate that the forest cover in this voivodeship is nearly 50%, and the bicycle routes run among pine forests, crossing oak forests and alder forests growing along rivers. The abundance of nature here is impressive, and a ride among meadows, wastelands and backwaters gives a sense of absolute freedom. It is also interesting to observe traces of ancient settlements, such as old orchards or a specific arrangement of trees indicating human habitations.

When planning your route, it is also worth taking into account the vineyards, which have recently become a great attraction of the region (there is a separate bicycle trail along the vineyards, which will be appreciated by true connoisseurs of Polish wine). And this way I reached Zielona Góra, ending the day by visiting the palm house and therestored old town.

Green hills

The second day started with a small rollercoaster in the park next to the Zielona Góra amphitheater. This city, as the name suggests, offers quite good hills that provide a lot of excitement. As we left the city, the route became absolutely premium: empty and decent asphalt roads, amazing gravel sections, new bike paths, some cobblestones and not much sand. The terrain begins to undulate and the landscape becomes idyllic.

With a view of the mountains

The entry into the Lower Silesian Voivodeship was almost unnoticed. Only from Bolesławiec does the landscape begin to change, and in the distance you can see the outline of the Karkonosze Mountains. The villages, towns and cities you pass become attractions, and your imagination is stimulated by old German farms, palaces, factories and tenement houses. Some buildings are decaying, although many of them have been restored to their former glory.

The ride through Szprotawa, Bolesławiec, Lwówek Śląski and Wleń was unforgettable. I also visited the Pilchowice dam on the Bóbr River and passed many railway viaducts, both active and abandoned (the historic Bóbr Valley Railway). The old market square in Jelenia Góra and Janowice Wielkie were attractions worthy of the finale. I only regret that there was no time for Stary Browar in Miedzance.

Expedition companion

I covered the route on a Koloride bike with a drive based on a Shimano Alfine Di2 hub with a Gates belt, which worked great. Thanks to the maintenance-free drive, I didn't have to worry about cleaning or lubrication, and the wide range of gear ratios was perfect for this type of trip. The drop handlebar and stiff fork turned out to be a hit.

To sum up, bikepacking in the "light" version is a perfect way to combine the love of nature and history with active recreation. Especially if the route runs through Lubuskie and Lower Silesia. Technically, it was not a big challenge, and greater difficulties appeared only closer to Jelenia Góra.

Below is a sample list of equipment for "light" bikepacking.
Don't take too much "just in case". During the ride, the most important things are full binyas and your favorite snacks to get you to the nearest store. That's why some people call this type of bikepacking - bikepacking with a credit card ;). It should be light and practical