Wildcat Mound Run – the South Platte River by Bike and Packraft
June biking and packrafting trip on the South Platte River
Biking and packrafting – self-supported trip on South Platte River
In my last visit to the South Platte River I used Alpacka Yukon packraft combined with inline skating between Kersey and Kuner. The river has a good flow again after heavy rains, so I did another packrafting trip (May 22, 2011) – a classic run from Evans to Kersey. This time I used my mountain …
Biking and packrafting – self-supported trip on South Platte River Read More »
Inline Skating and Packrafting – Road and River Test on the South Platte
Kuner, CO, April 16, 2011. Alpacka Yukon packraft in a backpack together with a life jacket, chota boots, Epic take apart paddle, water, and some other essentials, together about 24lb.
It took me about 40 minutes to ride 5.5 miles on inline skates to Kersey. I chose back roads (county roads 61 and 388) on the left shore of the South Platte River – light traffic and smooth asphalt. I was riding on the left side facing the traffic ready to jump to shoulder if necessary. Everybody gave me plenty of room including big farm trucks. The main road along the South Platte, highway 34, has a wide shoulder, but covered with sand and gravel. My route was almost avoiding the very busy county road 37 leading from Kersey to the river.
There was a lot of wild turkey around Kuner.
Kersey. Time to change gears. It took me only 5 minutes to inflate my packraft with an inflation bag. However, I used next 15 or 20 minutes to attach my backpack and launch the packraft. I need a better system …
The South Platte River was running very low during last month, but it got more water after a recent day of rain and snow. I caught a decreasing flow of 400 cfs at Kersey. My cruising speed downriver was between 4.5 and 5 mph, so after just 1 hour and 20 minutes I returned back to Kuner.
The river leg was quite relaxing while the road part was much more difficult and exhausting. I started too late (~10am) when it was getting pretty hot on the road and I didn’t have a hydration system accessible when skating. I have still original wheels on my new skates (K2 Mach 100) which are pretty soft. My old skates with smaller, but harder racing wheels are faster. So, there is some room for improvements in my road transport. I would like to extend my range up to 20 miles.
Paddling Alpacka Yukon packraft in high wind
My second test of Alpacka Yukon packraft took place still on lakes (April 9, 2011), but with high winds and some chop.
I used a heavier load on a bow of my pacraft – a drybag containing my photo geart inlcuding Canon DSLR camera, a tripod and flash. The packraft was tracking much better. And, it seems to be not a big problem to paddle against 20 mph wind with some stronger gusts.
I explored 3 of 3 7 lakes within Fort Collins’ Riverbend Ponds Natural Area covering about 3 miles. Because of wind I didn’t unpack my big camera. The above snapshot was made with Pentax Optio W30, a waterproof camera on duty in all my paddling.
Related post:
Speed Test of Alpacka Yukon Packraft
Some packrafting resources:
PACKRAFTING! An Introduction and How-To Guide by Roman Dial
Tips & Technique from Alpacka Raft
Tips for your first Packrafting trip by Alastair Humphreys
Entering packrafting world – speed test of Alpacka Yukon packraft
I am entering a new water sport activity: packrafting. Yesterday, I performed first test with Alpacka Yukon packraft in Fort Collins’ Riverbend Ponds Natural Area.
I am not thinking about any big expeditions with my packraft at this time. My plans are just to explore short river segments combined with land transportation by inline skates or a bike. And, more opportunities for photography.
First observations:
– A fully inflated Alpacka raft fits inside my Subaru Outback. So, it will be easy to explore some local small lakes and ponds where dragging my expedition canoe would be an overkill.
– This packraft tracts surprisingly well. It is a new 2011 model with an extended stern.
– A comfortable cruising speed on a calm lake was around 2.5 mph. I was able to reach 3 mph. However, an efficient paddle stroke may be restricted with a big backpack or bike placed across raft bow.
– Seating and foot room is pretty tight. Well, I like to have some foot support for paddling – probably not a typical position for river floating.
– I didn’t use a spray deck. It could be useful in that rainy evening.
I am ready for a river test.
Some packrafting resources:
PACKRAFTING! An Introduction and How-To Guide by Roman Dial
Tips & Technique from Alpacka Raft
Tips for your first Packrafting trip by Alastair Humphreys
10th Annual Spring Kickoff South Platte Paddling Trip
This is the 10th edition of the annual spring paddling trip on the South Platte River organized this year by 7 paddling clubs: Rocky Mountain Canoe Club, Poudre Paddlers Club, Rocky Mountain Sea Kayak Club, Canoe Colorado/Western Paddlers, High Country River Rafters, Pike Peak River Runners, and Colorado White Water Association.
Date: Saturday, March 19th, 2011 (snow/rain data: April 2nd).
Two trip choices:
– 9 miles from Evans to Kersey
– 14 miles from Evans to Kuner
Meeting at the put-in at Evans Riverside Park at 9:00 No membership is required. This is an easy, casual, flatwater trip, suitable for novices and families.
For a full information download this flyer.
Traditionally, I am joining this trip by launching at Kersey and paddling the 9 mile upstream river segment first instead of a shuttle. In previous years I tried to setup an informal race on this upstream course with participation varying from one to four paddlers. This year I don’t have any specific plans yet.
If there is any interest I would be happy to paddle from Kersey to Evans in a race mode. The start would be around 7am at sunrise (Mountain Daylight Time). Slower boats could start earlier. The idea is to arrive to Evans between 10 and 11 am and join the group for a relaxed downriver paddling.