Idaho Hot Springs, Singletrack, & Map Giveaway
February 25, 2014
Adventure Cycling is excited to announce the release of the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route Maps!
Maps are now available for Adventure Cycling Association’s Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route (IHSMBR). The brand-new, two-map set guides cyclists through the breathtaking landscape of central Idaho along a spectacular 518-mile off-pavement route, offering four substantial singletrack options and featuring access to more than 50 hot springs in the Gem State.
The first IHSMBR map section features the main, off-pavement route — a looped route that primarily follows dirt roads for 518 miles, with a few stretches of pavement in the mix. Cyclists planning a trip on the main route need only to have a basic understanding of mountain-bike riding technique. However, cyclists attempting any of the four singletrack options, featured on the second, supplementary map section, should know their own ability and prepare for challenging conditions. Some sections of the singletrack are expert-only riding (or hike-a-biking for those who aren’t experts).
The Singletrack Options Map features 228 miles of singletrack, which is a departure from anything we’ve offered before. Riders who choose to ride any of the four unique singletrack sections should be prepared to face river fordings, unmanicured trails, downed trees, and plenty of hike-a-bikes. This can be daunting to some, but for those seeking a true backcountry experience with epic views, primitive camping, and mountain biking, it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Hike-a-biking on the singletrack options
We know you're as excited as we are to get out and ride the IHSMBR this summer. For those who have never bikepacked mountainous singletrack before and are thinking about attempting these sections, Adventure Cycling Cartographer Casey Greene, creator of the route, recommends 5 ways to prepare for the singletrack:
Do some off-bike training before your trip
This can include hiking, running, climbing, backcountry skiing, or upper body strength training. The point is to mix it up and get you body used to different scenarios so when it's late in the day and you're faced with a 1000-foot, off-camber hike-a-bike, you’ll be able to make it to your planned destination.
Lower your mileage expectations
First, figure out the mileage you’re accomplishing on dirt roads in a day. Then, to be safe, cut that mileage in half, or even a third to plan your mileage for these singletrack options. It all depends on the conditions you encounter on the trail — the conditions will dictate how fast you can move. For instance, one week a trail might have tons of downed trees, the next it may be cleared.
Take it easy
Don’t kill yourself out there. If you’re red-lining it up a climb early in the day, you may run out of juice before making it to your destination, which could be a sweet hot spring. Consider hike-a-biking to save some energy, and take lots of breaks if you need to — especially to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Go as lightweight as possible
It’s pretty simple: The less weight you carry, the easier it is to carry that weight up mountains.
Bring extra food
Trail conditions may force you to be out longer than expected. It will ease your mind to bring an extra half-day's worth of snacks.
Rough trails, river fordings, and downed trees are some of the obstacles riders will face
on the singletrack options.
At this point, I hope I haven’t scared everybody away from attempting these singletrack options. They are hard, I’ll give you that, but they also travel through some of the most spectacular country I’ve ever pulled a bike through. Some of the descents are world class, as are some of the hot springs. I could go on and on about an awesome view here, or a good fishing hole there, but at the end of the day, I think it’s best to let everyone pick up some maps and go discover central Idaho for themselves. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Post and photos by Casey Greene
To celebrate the release of our newest mountain-bike route, and our first-ever route featuring singletrack, we'll be giving away two complete IHSMBR mapsets this week. For a chance to win a mapset, simply comment on this blog post. We'll draw two winners at random on Friday. The winners will be contacted via email.
SPREAD THE NEWS:
Online press release: http://bit.ly/idahohotsprings
Tweet: New 518-mile off-pavement cycling route provides access to 50+ hot springs and beautiful wildlands in Idaho: http://bit.ly/idahohotsprings
Facebook/Newsletter: Maps are now available for Adventure Cycling Association’s Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route. The brand-new two-map set guides cyclists through the breathtaking landscape of central Idaho along a spectacular 518-mile off-pavement route, offering four substantial singletrack options, and featuring access to more than 50 hot springs in the Gem State. http://bit.ly/idahohotsprings
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BIKEPACKER is written by Casey Greene and Paul Hansbarger, Adventure Cycling staff, guest bloggers, part-time adventure seekers, and gear nerds alike.
Comments
sounds amazing!
Yeah! Finally! Thank you so much! As a youngin', I have been fortunate enough to hike to many of the places on this route. When I got my first Mt Bike, 33 years ago in Hailey Idaho, we use to ride way out Warm Springs to Frenchman's Bend, soak and ride back. I believe now that these areas will be protected by the members of our group and shared with love for many generations to come. I am so excited with the anticipation of ridding the route and having access to the correct information is the biggest bonus of all. Thank you for such a wonderful undertaking and then sharing it for all of us to enjoy.
I wanna go! I wanna go!
518 Awesome miles. Can't wait for summer to get here!
Great! I would love to do something like this one day.
The list just keeps getting longer! Another "must do" trip.
I love the hot springs in Idaho. This is a must do ride
Perfect place for Bike Packing! I wish the snow would melt tomorrow only because I can't get there today!
This looks amazing! Added to the list of trips I need to do in the near future.
I cannot wait to get my hand on a set of the maps. I've toured through Idaho several times and have long wished for an off road route, so this is now on the front burner of my summer plans! Please, please, pick me to give a set of maps to!!! Please!
Kudos to the ACA for adding a new MTB adventure! Bring us some more!
I have been looking forward to this route since ACA first told us about it.
Dang! I already bought a copy, but my wife might like having her own map. I'm in.
dirt roads, hot springs, and fishing? this is just crazy talk
for one bike route. Hope for good wx and no fires. Cheers!
Mountain biking and hot springs; two of my favorite things. Why did it take so long for someone to think of this?
Love to see the Hot Springs by bike!
Thanks. I'll join the hundreds of others already entering. You're right, nothing like biking/enjoying Idaho!
I've been wanting to ride Idaho. What a great way to do it.
Having enjoyed Jerry Johnson Hot Springs in Idaho during BC'76, I'm going to plan on doing at least part of this tour.
One for the bucket list.
Sounds fun, I'll make this my '14 ride!
This is awesome. I imagine it is some of the terrain that is typically accessed from the river. I love that Idaho is full of mountains, rivers, and hot springs.
Looking forward to another great bike packing adventure in Idaho. Bike packing the Great Allegheny mountain with my eleven year old son was the best vacation ive ever had. Can't wait to see the hot springs!
Looking soooo forward to the idaho loop with 50 hot springs. Another great adventure!
This sounds amazing!!
Hot springs + bikepacking = the perfect vacation!!!
IdaHOME!
This is exactly what I have been looking for. Thanks for all the hard work!
Now this is what it's all about...
This just sounds great! I would love some incentive to get me out there sooner than later! Thanks for putting in the hard work.
I am so excited for this ride in my home state! Looking forward to riding this one!
What a great idea.
A lot of work went into these maps and I look forward to checking out the route.
Count me in - can't wait till summer to whittle down my expanding to-do list!
This ... looks ... awesome.
Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
looks like a great route to take friends visiting from the UK in September!
Love that you're doing more and more off road routes and stories. The GDMBR is on my list for next summer at the latest, after that Idaho sounds great!
I spent 2 weeks biking through central Idaho in 1976. Incredible scenery. I'd love to do it again.
If the snow melts soon enough, I might even make it this year!
Epic route-- sign me up!
Sounds do cool! Idaho is so beautiful. What an awesome way to see it.
I like dirt
Awesome!! I've been talking about doing this for years--great idea AC!
I'm in!
I love it! Fat tires, single track, and no texting drivers.
Can't wait to check it out! Great job ACA!
We're moving to Idaho - can't wait to see what is on offer
Got to get to Idaho this summer! Thanks for the great overview.
Sounds amazing. Would love to get on all or part of this trail this summer!
HOT Florida summers, NO thanks. I'll take an amazing trip on the IHSMBR instead!!! Look out ID, this FL boy's making his way North :D
Looks and sounds like a lot of fun to be had on a mountain bike!
Looks and sounds like a lot of fun to be had on a mountain bike!
Awesome! Hot springs and biking, two of my favorite things!
We'll be sure to add this one to the list of trip at the Post-Car Travel Agency! http://postcartravelagency.tumblr.com/
Me and my riding buddies are just waiting to select a date. Sounds like a marvelous route!
Sign me up!
Would love, love,love to do this!
This sounds like a great ride! sign me up. The BOB Ibex hasn't seen dirt for a few years. I'll go dust it off.
bike packing is the confluence of everything i love to do to challenge myself to grow. ooooo pick me pick me!
Would love to win! We plan on taking on the lower loop this summer!
After 40+ years of road cycling, I've just started mountain biking and fat biking. I'm riding the UGRR route this year, but would love to see you provide maps for more dirt/off-road routes. And hot springs--yes!
Looks great...Thanks for your efforts with this Casey & ACA!
I have been super excited about this since I heard about it last fall!
Wuhooo!!! Hmmm... might be moving from BOB trailer to bike-packing set up! Can't wait!
Looks like fun! I love the face plant picture!
I'm doing this starting June 29th!!!!
This looks great, love the photos , the single track option looks great
My wife and I seek out unique cycling destinations: Tajikistan/Afghanistan, Greece, Tibet, Myanmar. Sign us up...we are on the way to Idaho. Should be great fun.
This is officially on my bucket list. I'm doing my first bikepacking trip on the White Rim in a month and planning other trips too. Can't wait to do this one.
This is right in my backyard, I cant wait and hope to win a set. :)
This is definitely on my bikepacking bucket list for next summer.
This easterner seeing his son in the Palouse for first time for mountain biking next month. Can't wait and this route looks like a "Gem" for the state!
Awesome! Can't wait to do this route.
I can't wait to check these maps out! Such world class biking so close to home!
Stunning scenery! Now on my (never ending) to ride list!
Adventure of a lifetime! Sounds epic.
Sweet!!!! I have just begun to know the beauty of that state. So far Lava Hot Springs is my favorite.
I'm so excited and all in my backyard!
I'm so excited and all in my backyard.
Great to see interest in Idaho (my backyard). Have looked at doing parts previously, so this will be a good resource.
Single track and hot springs? Adding this to my bucket list!
I am riding Coast 2 Coast in 10 days. This ride is next on my want to do list.
This is super exciting!
I'm ready!
If I will a set, it will cement my decision to upgrade to a 29'er
I can't wait to see these! I'm going this summer!
Sounds great! I'm planning short days, more beers and more relaxing on this one!
Looks like fun!
Looks like fun!
Looks spectacular. Another trip for the bucket list!
Looks like I will be needing that ECR after all.
We've been talking about doing this since we moved back to UT! Thank you for all the hard work you guys do so we can enjoy life!
Thanks Adventure Cycling for all the incredible work you do to make these rides possible!
Looks awesome!!!
This looks great!
Thanks for all the hard work and time it took to complete these maps. Can't wait to get out there and ride!
I want to ride all of that.
Can't wait to ride this! Those backcountry options look incredible; I might never come home!
Wow, looks superb!
Oh man best combo ever. Send me the maps and I promise to do this trip in the next 2 years and send pictures.
Finally -- the route is official! Can't wait to do this ride! :)
Summer 2015 just got a lot sweeter
Hey, I might actually get some use out of these soon! My re-entry into decent bike ownership is a rad little Haro Beasley SS (CroMoly, 650b, mech. disc brakes). Anyone wanna introduce a fella to singletrack?!
This sounds like a blast! I can't wait to try this one day!
I'll be heading up in August to do part of this route, and I am so excited! One hot spring every 10 miles, on average. :)
Have been looking forward to these maps for months!
Wow! This is awesome. I've been building my bike up for something just like this.
Gotta Love Idaho!!!
This couldn't have come out at a better time. Just when cabin fever is at its peak.
Sounds like alot of fun
My wife slapped me when I showed her this, "no more maps!" I of course replied, "there's always more maps!"
wash the dust of the ol Fargo and go North
This route is unreal! Great work routing this!
Another great bike route. Thanks for the pictures too
Wow! Hot springs and biking - yeah!
I already ordered a set . . . but you can't have too many maps!
Wow. That sounds like a lot of fun. Bicycles and hot springs all in Idaho. This will be a great two week vacation.
Looks fantastic, cannot wait to check it out. Idaho rocks. Good luck to all in winning some maps of this great new route!
218 miles of singletrack. With hot springs! Wow!
Ride, Soak, Ride, Repeat!!!!!!!!
May have been the first to buy them last night! Already arranged a month off work instead of an annual pay raise and plan to add the Magruder Corridor route and a side trip to ACA HQ for a bit of an epic. I have a friend who is coming along in September too so we could definitely use another set. Thanks Adventure Cycling!
So want to try this soon. Idaho, biking, fishing, hot springs. Can't beat that!
Krampus.
The Sky Was Yellow And The Sun Was Blue
Still seeking what I sought when I was a boy.
This has got to be stunningly beautiful! Sign me up.
Sounds awesome! I have been looking for a good training bike packing trip for the Tour Divide and this isn't too far from me!
I'm in. This looks fantastic.
Looks awesome! I would love to do this soon!
We love Idaho and would love to win a chance to take a look at your bike route and plan a trip.
I posted this on facebook as soon as I heard about it. What a great way to spend a vacation, ride in beautiful country, then soak in a hot springs. Ahhh
Ray, this looks sweet.
it is sweet!
can't wait to get out there!
Right out my back door!
SLC bikepacking group is all over it, and we would love to have a set of maps for our trip planning. We have 160 people in a meet-up group focused on bikepacking and bicycle touring -- mostly overnights as group activities. We might be the largest *loaded / overnight* bicycle touring group in the country?
I heart hotsprings.and maps.and bikes!
Another great route from ACA. Thanks for all of your hard work!
Very excited to see this! I already had the lower loop mostly mapped out years ago and was planning to ride it soon, can't wait!
We rode the Great Divide Route from Mexico to Canada last year...this route looks equally fantastic. Thanks to Adventure Cycling for pursuing off-road routes that are not necessarily technical.
I SOOOO want to do this! I was lucky to visit a couple of Idaho's natural hot springs, several years ago, and they were amazing. I've wanted to go back,ever since. Bike touring, hot springs, ... throw in a few bottles of red wine and it has the makings of the perfect trip!!
I am going to need some extra vacation time this year! Idaho here we come!
very nice twist to the usual routes. thanks.
Love this. More dirt routes please!
Bikes, singletrack, & hot springs... what more is there to live for? Checkout my bike hot spring adventure, Utah style, albeit a lot less gnarly than anything found here - http://alexdeckard.com/fifth-water-hot-springs
I have to say I appreciate the last note at the bottom about being prepared. Frustrating when people don't respect the area by not being prepared. Great photos and great write up. It made me want to go today.....
You guys and all of the routes you map ,is one thing that makes you very badass! Thanks so much
This is exciting - what a perfect trip!
This looks awesome! Pick me.
Hot Springs and Bike Touring? Yes please.
YAY maps!! YAY new epic mountain bike dreams!! Thanks for all the hard work ACA!
As a result of my accident last July I've spent the last 7 months relatively sedentary. I'm chomping at the bit to get out and enjoy the outdoors again after my upcoming surgery. This would be a great way to do it!
Idaho is one of the remaining states I have yet to visit. This could make it more interesting...
can't wait to ride this route and read about other's experiences along this route! with the ride Adventure Cycling reported on that went through the Frank Church/River of No Return area, Idaho is shaping up to have some epic multi day gravel grinding routes!
Free maps, hot springs and bikepacking? what's not to like!
i will definitely be looking to incorporate some or all of this in a planned ride starting up north.
Nothing better than touring on dirt roads. Very glad the map set supports that option.
Exciting! Any recommendations for best time of year to ride this?
Nice work! I can't wait to see the maps.
Whoa. This just entered my bucket of must-do rides.
Hooray for Epic Rides!!!
Looks great, looking forward to some hot springs!
Pretty sure I could do the dirt road version on my LHT :) sounds amazing!
So exciting to see this new route and more bike packing opportunities! Thanks ACA!
I've been waiting impatiently since word of this route hit the press last year. Great to have it out!
Wow, Idaho looks beautiful! This looks like a good 2015 option, seeing as I am already getting ready for the GDMBR this summer. Always exciting to see new maps come out, keep up the good work!
Hurrah to ACA for publishing another Mtn Bike route! More please.
I already bought the set but since I am going in July with a buddy it is always useful to have two. See you all out there in July. Thanks to Casey and ACA for all the work on this route.
Truly gorgeous country. Looking forward to the cycle!
We are very excted about giving the route a try next summer. Thanks for all your work.
I've spent some time in a few Idaho hot springs, mostly ones accessible by car. I would love to give this trip a try.
Hmm route maps released just as I'm starting to plan my epic 30th summer bikepacking trip. Sweet coincidence!
Yeah, Idaho! Thanks Adventure Cycling!
I've been looking forward to this release for months! Can't wait to ride it!
Exciting! Suggestions for best time of year for doing this?
Nothing heals the body better after a day of dirt touring than HOT SPRINGS!!!!
That route looks spectacular! I'm hoping to check out at least part this summer....
We'll definitely be doing some or all of the singletrack route this summer.
Another reason this is the greatest state.
so excited! thanks ACA, can't wait to get back on my bike!
These pictures remind me of my home state. It is truly a gem and I look forward to finding out more about this route.
STOOOOOOKKKEEED! A friend and I will be doing this route in June. I'm buying the maps today and what the hell, if I win, I'll give the other set away.
Rad!
A great route complement to the Great Divide, and I hope a sign of further off-pavement adventure route mapping. Great job guys. I am thinking it would be a great relationship test for my lady and I.
Wayta go Idaho! Road trip!
This is great!
Wow! Looks so fun!
love it! out there as soon as possible....
This route has gone straight to the top of my list!
The hubby and I would love this
Don't tell anyone else about this!!
I could see me and the hubs doing this together
A buddy and I used to play on the fire roads and trails around Lake Pend Oreille during breaks at college in Spokane...Idaho is beautiful...
This is so cool! Thanks for all of the work you do.
Been looking for a reason to visit a friend who recently moved to McCall.....I guess this is it!
Great news!
This sounds pretty cool! Idaho has so many cool places.
Hrm, MTB's and Hot Springs my 2 favorite things, time to change my summer plans.
Riding through Idaho was my favorite part of my TransAm tour - I would love to do this one!!!!
Looks like a great ride!
This looks deluxe, chilling in hot spring after a long day of riding? Yes please!
I am amazed at the pictures and will try to ride this one day .Thanks for posting
I can't wait to get out there and give some (or all) of this route a try!
Can't wait to check this out!
Can't pass up a chance for free trail maps!
sign me up.
As an ex-east coaster, I'm awed by all the hot springs out West here, putting them on 1 route sounds like heaven.
Another great bike trip to look forward to!!
Thumps up from Denmark - Maybe I should do this route in 2022 - the 25th year of my trip on the divide ;-)
This is great, really enjoyed the springs on the Trans-Am route. Let's do this!
I would LOVE to win this! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Super stoked on the Idaho Hot Springs route! Going to ride it this summer, and I plan to bring my kids (elementary school age) on some of the easier terrain, then tackle a bit of single track on my own. Would be great to win a map... can't wait!
This is awesome! Another trip for the 'really want to do' list!
Looking forward to heading back to the States & bikepacking this summer 2015.
Idaho, My home state! Some of the most wonderful mountain bike trails, paths, and views anywhere in the United States. I am thrilled to see this trail, and look forward to riding it someday. Thanks ACA for publishing these maps and route information.
This is great news, I think Vik wants us to do this in 2015. Maybe with kids.
This bike route looks amazing! So excited for this!
It's fantastic to know that ASA has taken an effort to supply adventures to all types of cycling, can't wait to ride this. Thank you
This route looks like a beautiful dream. I hope one day I can do some part of this!
I am very excited about this and planned on buying it friday, but if there's a chance to win it, hey why not.
Gonna share this with every rider I know, this is in my back yard and a wonderful area.
Drat, first thing I did was buy the set!
I was watching Ride the Divide on Netflix-that lead me to the Adventure Cycling...I didn't know abt this group and am glad to have found you-this route sounds amazing!!
Mountain biking, trout fishing AND hot springs...sign me up!!!
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