Biking & Hiking
Two Wheels, Two Feet - Using them together
 It’s
a sunny summer day. The question arises for the active outdoor
enthusiast/motorcyclist. Shall I ride the motorcycle today, or go hiking? Heaven
knows we can’t mix the two because how are we going to get our hiking gear to
the point of entry and keep our motorcycle gear from getting stolen?
Pick the right location and you can do both. There are
plenty of safe spots you can ride to, lock up your gear, get several hours of
hiking in and then enjoy the ride home. But first let’s talk about what to wear.
Begin by slipping into your hiking shirt and shorts. Then
simply slide your riding gear over it. Most gear including leather, textile and
air gear will slip right over your hiking apparel. You’ll carry your hiking
shoes on the bike. Plan to wear motorcycle boots during your ride like any sane
rider would do.
Pack your hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, maps and trail
snacks into a good sized saddle bag, tail pack or day pack. It’s time to hop on
your bike and enjoy the ride.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, your going to
strip out of your riding gear and put on the hiking gear. Now…what to do with
all that riding gear:
Hard Bags: Hard bags are a great investment because
quality models provide good security allowing you to lock up your valuables and
leave them with your bike for the day. Look for bags that mount solidly to
your bike and are lockable
 Cable Locks:
PacSafe makes a series of cable locks that
range from 29 inches to eight feet long. One option is to run a cable lock
through the pant leg of your pants and the sleeve of your jacket. This will
allow you to lock the gear together either to your bike, or for storage in a
suitable location (which we will discuss in a moment). You can also use cable
locks to lock your helmet to the bike, or lock items like saddle, tank and tail
bags down to the bike.
Zipper Locks: PacSafe comes to the rescue again with a
series of zipper locks that allow you to lock zippers together to keep criminals
out and your gear intact. Of course these are moreso detourants as everyone
knows a true thief who wants something will get it. But in a public parking lot
during broad daylight – that’s probably not as likely.
PacSafe Mesh Storage: PacSafe makes cable mesh storage
units you can put items into from 55 to 120 liters in size. These can be closed
off and used for secure storage. Even better yet, there day packs use a
similar mesh unit internally.
Location, Location, Location – In the world of biking and
hiking, location is everything. If you choose to go to a desolate area you may
be robbed, no doubt. Select a popular destination with plenty of visitor
traffic. This will detour thieves from monkeying with the locked down gear on
your bike. Better yet, pick a hiking location with an open ranger station. If
you ask nicely most rangers will allow you to store your gear in the facility,
just be sure you understand their hours of operation and plan accordingly.
Here’s a list a few places that provide these attributes
Where to Go
Hurricane Ridge – Has a full service visitors center
on top with plenty of hiking trails for hours of outdoors fun. Stow your
gear with the ranger and enjoy the day.
Mt. Rainier – Similar to Hurricane Ridge, Mt. Rainier
has not only a full service ranger station at Paradise, but a hotel that’s
open 24 hours a day. Ask nicely and stow your gear there until you need it
on your return. Alternate hiking locations include the Ranger stations at
Sunrise on the east, or below Mowich Lake on the Northwest side.
Mt. St. Helens – Plenty of busy parking areas and
hiking trails no matter where you decide to launch your hike from.
Mt. Si/Little Mt. Si – Both these locations feature
well trafficked parking areas at the trail heads.
Elwa Hot Springs - Located on the Olympic Penninsula
you'll park in the designated lot and walk in about 7 miles each way.
Hot springs along the trail make for a nice treat at the end.
Hoh Rain Forest - Just east of LaPush on the Olympic
Penninsula, the Hoh features lots of trails and is the jumping off point for
those going up to Mt. Olympus
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