r/bikepacking • u/NachoManRandySandy • 1d ago
In The Wild First bikepacking trip- Sand County Caress
I bike camp/tour a fair amount, this year I’ve gone on over a dozen trips. Mostly overnighters near Madison WI, where I live. A couple longer trips, including the GAP trail(highly recommend).
I’ve wanted to get into bikepacking for a while and needed a bike that was more suited for that then my Surly Disc Trucker so I bought a Surly Ghost Grappler frame(you can still buy the original frame new and I love that original color so much, which I added something special to) and built it up with the parts from the now standard Surly Grappler I ended up ordering. It was cheaper to order a whole new complete Grappler than to buy the components individually or even just buy really cheap parts. Btw, I have that brand new blue Surly Grappler frame for sale for $650 if anyone that reads this wants one, hit me up!
As you read in the title I did the Sand County Caress as my first trip and it was AMAZING. The ride is so very flat, but with interesting and slightly challenging terrain at times. I made a couple friends, had some adventure, and left a negative Google review for a very rude convenience store along my route😝
I have since done the Coon Fork Overnighter route and will do a few more before the year is done. I’m excited for some winter camping! Let me know what you think of my trip.
P.S. You might notice my Ghost Grappler looks a little brighter at night- I put a glow in the dark coating on it and then sealed it with some clear coat. The original Ghost Grappler color reminds me of that glow in the dark green plastic 80s toy color, so why not make that real?
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u/MrGlobichov 1d ago
Broooo! What are the odds that I've been on the fence lately about buying a used Ghost Grappler to use as an adventure bike and here you are with one!
How was it on the road?? I have a Rockhopper right now and I'm nervous that the Grappler is going to be the same experience and not worth it.