"My wife and I completed our first bikepacking experience, and it was more challenging and rewarding than we anticipated!

We started at our front door in St. Paul, camped in William O'Brien State Park one night, and headed home. Along the way, our laden bikes spurred excellent chats with folks.

While packing, we were surprised that the gear we had (four panniers and rope, plus five water bottles) was all we needed to take our camping gear for one overnight. My wife showed off her food packing skills, which I appreciated.

We learned the value of padded bike shorts, planning routes with topographical information, and the value of having a compass and a detailed map ... after making the trek with only one pair of bike shorts (which I wear to commute), being surprised at what the St. Croix bluffs are like via bike, and having only a vague map.

We could barely walk when we got to the park, but we found out that bike campers are always allowed into Minnesota state parks, even if the campgrounds are full! A worthwhile trial experience, and one that we'll replicate to new destinations within the year." — Jess Landgraf and Katrina Nichols