Kinbacher, students explain proposed Biking USA trip

Demeranville explained that bikepacking is a combination of bike touring and light camping with no additional support vehicles. He described it a self-supported adventure, mostly on gravel roads or trails instead of highways and showed a video of experts and veterans who described the highs and lows of bikepacking.

The route will start in Chadron and go east to take advantage of prevailing west winds. The group will pass through Chicago, Columbus, Ohio, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC. Then, the riders will fly or take a train to Seattle where they will once again head east passing through Washington, Idaho, and Montana before returning to Chadron.

Geographic highlights on the trip will include the Nebraska Sandhills, the Missouri River, railway trails, Cascade Mountains, and Rocky Mountains, according to Kinbacher, who is offering a one-credit hour bike riding course on rural Dawes County roads this fall and next spring. The short rides are intended to be practice for the long ride, but do not involve a commitment for the cross-county ride.

The students also briefly outlined their Capstone projects tied to the trip. Demeranville said he plans to take photos and compile an album documenting places, people, and events along the route. Jones said he will study and analyze how law enforcement and regulations impact the trip by either helping or hindering the group’s movement. Gill said he will write an autobiographical account of the journey to creatively depict the experience.

Gill explained a crowdfunding web page established by the Chadron State Foundation where donors can provide financial support to Biking USA. The total cost for each participant will range between $3,800 and $4,100, including the bike, gear, food, and campsite fees. Kinbacher said he would be able to arrange sponsors to provide bikes for anyone who is interested and unable to purchase one.

—Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator